Where is The Retreat located?

Santa Rosa Beach, FL within the beach community of Blue Mountain Beach.

How many acres are contained within The Retreat boundaries?

The Retreat is comprised of 90 acres, approximately half of which is designated green space.

How large is the Beach at The Retreat?

The Retreat enjoys a total of approximately 3,000 feet of pristine beach front. Although the 24 home sites fronting the beach own to the “Mean High Water Line”, an easement for use is granted to every home or lot owner in The Retreat. Approximately 1,000 feet of the Beach is preserved and will never be built on.

What properties abut The Retreat?

North: Wetlands green space preserve South: The Gulf of Mexico East: The Inn at Blue Mountain Beach West: Draper Lake Coastal Dune Lake

Who developed The Retreat?

St. Joe Land Company developed The Retreat on or about 1999. This was St. Joe’s first beach front development.

How many home sites are in The Retreat?

There are 90 home sites in The Retreat. Currently (2020), there are 62 homes built or under construction.

What neighborhood amenities are found in The Retreat?

Natural amenities include:

• Draper Lake, 28 Acre Coastal Dune Lake
• 3,000 feet of beach frontage
  
  

Can I have a golf cart or electric car in The Retreat?

Yes, but the operation of golf carts is limited to persons with valid drivers’ licenses.

Is there a guard at the entrance? If so, when?

A security officer is on duty from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM every day of the year.

Is there a homeowner’s association?

Yes. The HOA is comprised of a 7-member Board of Directors and a separate, 7-member Design Review Board (DRB).

What does the homeowner’s association control?

Since there is no developer associated with The Retreat, the Board of Directors upholds and maintains standards in the community. This includes by-laws, and revisions thereto, common area upkeep and maintenance, etc. The ARB (Architectural Review Board) reviews, approves, and oversees all aspects of home construction and remodeling.

What does the cost of the annual dues include?

Currently, annual dues are $5,000 per year payable in January. Dues apply to owned lots as well as owned homes. Revenues approximate $500,000 per year. Principal expenses include:

• Guard Gate
• Virtuous Management Group (VMG), the property management firm
• The Beach Club and Pool
• Property Insurance
• Landscape Maintenance for the Common Area
• Other Cost to Keep Common Areas
• The Annual Payment into the Reserve Account Currently, the annual dues provide an operating surplus at year’s end.
  
  

What company manages the association?

Virtuous Management Group (VMG), the property management firm, manages the financial, maintenance, and security of The Retreat. For major projects, VMG coordinates with one or more of the Board members.

Is it expensive to insure a home in The Retreat?

Insurance in The Retreat varies according to home value, years since a damaging hurricane, and preferred insurance options. Currently, typical annual insurance costs vary from $10,000 to $25,000.

May the homes in The Retreat be rented?

Long term Rentals are allowed of no less than 1 year. This single feature has led many homeowners to relocate from one of many more active communities along 30-A to The Retreat.

Does The Retreat allow owners to have pets?

Yes. However, owners are frequently reminded of leash and poop pick up rules.

Can I walk my dog on the beach?

Yes, property owners may walk dogs on the beach. The county requires an annual license fee and a tag for the pet, and the county has set certain times of day for such activity. Learn about obtaining a Dog Permit and application HERE.

If I buy a home site and build a home, how do I go about selecting an architect?

The builders have been qualified to build in The Retreat. The Retreat Approved Architects List

What is involved in getting approval on my architectural plans?

The by-laws of The Retreat specify many aspects of home design, color, and height, construction procedures, time frame, etc. Preliminary and final plans must be submitted to the DRB for approval prior to project start. At certain milestones during construction the DRB will review and approve construction material, colors, and the like.

How large of a home can I build in The Retreat?

The size of homes in The Retreat varies depending on the lot. Gulf Front Lots – No larger than 7,000 square feet Lake Front Lots - No larger than 7,000 square feet Interior Lots – No larger than 6,000 square feet Conservation Lots – No larger than 5,000 square feet Where two lots are joined for a single home, the side setbacks shall be doubled with allowable area increased by 50%.

Can I have my own pool?

Yes, pools are allowed, subject to lot size and lot boundary limitations.

If I buy a home site, which builder should we consider?

The builders have been qualified to build in The Retreat. The Retreat Approved Contractors List

How long does it take to build a home in The Retreat?

Construction times vary according to home size and complexity, and indeed the selected builder. There is one common denominator. Given the density of homeowners. The Board and the DRB have ruled that no home construction may last longer than 20 months. Violators will incur a fine.
3: https://www.retreatflorida.com/architecture/

If I buy a home site, how long do I have before I am required to start building?

There is no required start date.

How would you describe the architectural style in The Retreat?

With thoughtful design and preservation in mind, the neighborhood style is rooted in the Caribbean with simple forms and materials adorned with rich detail and color that heeds the natural environment. The elegantly understated style of the neighborhood includes soaring archways, intricate struts supporting large roof overhangs, oversized dormers on display from fascinating roof lines and the exquisite outdoor spaces. These and the other elements are the thread that ties the unprecedented architectural style of The Retreat together.

What is the building height restriction in The Retreat?

Maximum building height of residences is 42’ measured from the first floor elevation to the highest point of the roof excluding chimneys, weather-vanes, etc. or 46’ above the average grade of the lot within the building envelope. Where homes are elevated above existing grade due to topography sloping away from the street or are cut into the existing topography, the maximum height of the structure will be determined in consultation with the owner and/or their architect during the initial review.

What transfer fees apply at closing?

There is a capital contribution fee due to the The Retreat HOA by the buyer in the amount equal to the the annual homeowners dues. There is also a .5% of the purchase price buyer transfer fee due to The St. Joe Community Foundation, Inc., for every sale in The Retreat. The St. Joe Community Foundation, Inc., provides grants for as these are the areas that provide the greatest long-term returns for those that live, work and play in Bay and Walton Counties.
More Information here on the St. Joe Community Fund

Is there any sort of beach service available for owners and my guest?

Exclusive arrangements have been made with The Retreat offering residents an exclusive beach chair service. Whenever residents wish to spend the day out on the beach enjoying the front row view of the Emerald Coast, they simply notify the beach chair concierge and the service will be provided. To Contact the beach chair services call 850-420-8062 or email chris@excelbeachservice.com.