The Evolution of The Retreat | Under Construction, May of 2024

Founded in 1999 by the St. Joe Company, The Retreat has been the crown jewel of private living along 30A ever since the first homes finished construction. Comprising 90 total homesites, the community showcases 74 complete homes (as of April 2024), an organic blend of style and construction type that has evolved tastefully throughout the past 25 years. 

Currently, four expansive homes are under construction, all of which prove to be future icons of the community thanks to their design, location and lifestyle they will provide their future residents. 

Just having traded hands in a remarkable transaction closing prior to final punch out, Lot 71, designed by Tom Christ & Associates and built by Borges Brooks Construction marks a welcome addition to the classic styling of the community. Effortless styling is achieved through mixed exterior materials showcasing concrete stylized arches, natural wood doors, lap siding and painted brick. The aesthetic bridges the gap between the foundational West Indies designs that created so much initial demand for The Retreat and the modern styling that new buyers desire. Trading for $8,400,000 and brokered by Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty representing both parties, this sale sets a new benchmark for the value of new builds in the neighborhood. 

Lot 71

Expecting approximately just a few more months of construction before certificate of occupancy can be issued, Lot 90 represents a beautiful modern Bahamian design with plentiful contemporary influence. Rich wood accents, smooth plaster parapet walls and casement windows bring together quality and style, while the three story Tim McNamara design will truly stand the test of time in terms of aesthetics and inspiration. Built by Aqua Builders, this quality new construction home features multiple stories of covered balconies, ground level storage, and an elevated pool area will surely be used for generations of happy residents within The Retreat. 

Lot 90

Lot 36 is an expansive lake-front homesite offering a heighted point of view spread across a three story all concrete design, crafted by Domin Bock Architects. Masters of concrete design, and able to provide both an expansive yet comforting interior layout, this property showcases a lake-front pool with transitioning indoor and outdoor living spaces, easy access to the community boardwalk to the dunes for beach access and mesmerizing Grecian design with arches and parapet walls for a modern take of european coastal design. Being built by Davis Dunn Construction, we expect this home to be finished in the next 8 to 10 months, and will be looking forward to seeing how the inspiring design comes together once the landscape plan is completed. 

Lot 36

Lot 72/73 is a rare combined parcel homesite, allowing flexibility of the overall square footage of heated and cooled space, creating an opportunity for a truly irreplaceable living experience. Located footsteps from the beach club, and one of the first homes that you will see upon entering the community due to its central southern placement along the main entryway. The property itself was designed by Tom Christ & Associates and features an elaborate courtyard style design, allowing two separate two-car garages to be showcased, plentiful covered patio space in the courtyard, and an expansive pool in the center. This fully concrete build is being constructed by Borges Brooks Builders, and is set to be complete in the next 8-10 months. This two level home will truly be one of the largest in the community and a beautiful example of the architecture showcased in The Retreat for all who drive down Retreat Drive. 

Lot 72/73

Sitting on the far eastern end of the community, one row off the Gulf of Mexico, Lot 81 has just been cleared and foundation will be set in the coming days. The spacious home will feature a contemporary variant of the community’s West Indies architectural theme, designed by town-architect Tim McNamara and being constructed by Aqua Home Builders, the home will feature multiple levels of covered balconies, Gulf views, a private swimming pool and a chef’s kitchen. 

To learn more about properties that are in the planning, or DRB review process, please contact Blake Morar and learn how The Retreat continues to evolve.