A Place in the Sun May 2012 issue

MORE FLORIDA COASTAL PROPERTIES

Gulf Coast $149,000 (£93,700)

This home, built in 1981, has views of the Gulf of Mexico and access via its own private boat dock. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and an open-plan living area with “cathedral ceilings”. The kitchen units and appliances are new, and the covered veranda area adds more than 1,000 sq ft. The house is in Hernando Beach, next to the Weeki Wachee wildlife preserve and is just over two hours from Orlando.

Florida Luxury Realty: 001 727 862 4447, fl oridaluxury.com

WHAT NEXT?

We’ve shown Nigel and Louise four homes on both Floridian coasts. So what is their next move? Let’s fi nd out what they’re thinking now...

Nigel and Louise: We think we like the look of the Gulf coast more, especially the area north of Tampa Bay, maybe as far north as Hernando Beach and as far south as Palm Harbor. We didn’t have time to do the Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg last time, so there’s another reason to go back. The tricky bit will be to avoid the really touristy areas that may not have such a great community feel, while being far enough south to get warm winter weather. So we will probably rent to start off with. The architecture of the house is also crucial to us – since

this is our big extravagant expenditure for our retirement, we just don’t want a boring house. We liked what the Gulf coast realtor Gaye Vogel said about

the variety of properties in her patch, but are also intrigued by the fi rst property, and wonder if there are other models to choose from? If we’re going off-plan, why not get an architect to make us something even more special? The other benefi t of the coast, rather than the Orlando area, is being able to get into boating, which is something we’ve done a bit of in the UK – but with all the inlets, creeks and intracoastal waterways, kayaking and sailing here look much more interesting, and warmer. So, getting a property with a boat dock and access to the sea sounds brilliant.

New Smyrna Beach, Atlantic Coast

$299,000 (£188,100)

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on the sixth fl oor overlooks the Atlantic from its balcony. It is around 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach and 88 miles from Orlando. The condo complex has tennis courts, a pool and spa as well as the sandy beachfront. The company offering the property has special fi nancing options that allow buyers to put just 5 per cent down to start using the property, and to rent it out at a rate of up to $1,100 per week in high season. Immediate Property Solutions: 001 321 345 3555, IPSproperties.com

Hernando Beach, Gulf Coast $550,000 (£346,100)

WE NEED YOU!

Need help fi nding your place in the sun? If so, why not email liz.rowlinson@aplaceinthesun.com with details of where you’d like to buy, your budget and your preferred type of property. Please include a phone number and recent photo. Successful applicants will be contacted.

32 aplaceinthesun.com

Three-bedroom, two-bathroom waterside home built in 2009, with its own boat dock and ramp giving access to a waterway leading to the Gulf of Mexico. The house has a fl oorplan of 5,818 sq ft on a 9,120 sq ft plot. The interior is stylish and contemporary, with an attractive glossy wooden fl oor and a kitchen with a granite-topped island unit. Outside, there are a variety of places to eat, including by the private, in-ground pool.

Weaver Group Realty: 001 352 592 7576, theweavergrouprealty.com

FOR MORE FLORIDA PROPERTIES, GO TO www.aplaceinthesun.com/fl orida

PROPERTY HUNT

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