Style & Design Throughout the Neighborhood

Rooted in a west indies aesthetic, The Retreat is iconic in both its stature and it’s unity with the natural surroundings. The Caribbean influence is seen far beyond the exterior of the homes, but also in the effortless but intentional design of the greenspaces, entryway, beach walk-overs, and Draper Lake access points. 

“Creating opportunities for all property owners to get to the water as easy as possible is one of the aspects that makes The Retreat so desirable,” says Blake Morar. “Whether you own one of the 24 Gulf-front homes, 23-lake front homes, or a conservation home, beach access is only a few yards away.”

This community’s emphasis on experience is carried out with respect to every homeowner in the community with diligent rules regarding property set-backs and interior sizes, as well the Design Review Board’s adherence to strict rules regarding both continuity in the architecture and uniqueness in overall home design. 

Stylistically, The Retreat is made up of homes built over the past 20+ years, yet the home designs continue to feel contemporary and cohesive. Quality construction such as deep pilings anchoring concrete block homes create fortified canvases to showcase the intricate work of the 17 approved architects for the community. Smooth stucco accented with lap siding in earthen and coastal tones, and elegant curved entryways and robust rooflines are all constant themes seen across the completed design builds in the neighborhood. 

Jeff Dungan, who designed many of the foundational homes within The Retreat said, “Being attuned to nature is more than being natural—it is thinking in terms of blending in with rather than standing out—but in so doing I believe we actually make a greater impact. To me that is what The Retreat is all about, and why I love working in such a place of natural splendor.”

Aside from expansive balconies and elevated deck spaces design to enhance the coastal experience and the enjoyment of ownership, ground level outdoor spaces are also one of the consistent characteristics of each home within the community. 

“Private outdoor living areas are one of the most desirable features of the homes within The Retreat,” continues Morar. Compound style exterior walls and natural buffers such as the Gulf of Mexico allow these spaces to be creative utilizations of space, and truly unique to the designer and client the spaces are being created for.” 

Staying true to the West Indies influences, Brazilian hardwoods are showcased throughout the homes, everywhere from on water facing decks, garage doors and second floor bump-outs, to parapet detailing and fencing. Marrying the crisp and modern feel of the plaster exteriors to the intentionally indigenous landscaping, these uses of hardwoods provide a connection to nature not seen abundantly in coastal communities. 

According to Morar, “my favorite aspect of a home in The Retreat is to see how the client and architects were able to capture southern views. You can tell how someone will enjoy their home by experiencing the view from the window of their kitchen, their living room, or even a seating room. There is an immediate understanding of what was most important for the client, and a showcase on the creativity each and every home within the community showcases.”