Alys Beach: The Marriage of Beauty and Forethought

By Michelle Meagher December 13, 2007 Issue

If you’ve taken a leisurely drive along Walton County’s Scenic Highway 30A, you’ve most likely encountered the community of Alys Beach. Like most people (myself included), you probably noted the unique architecture, the white stucco houses with the matching roofs, and the rows of perfectly aligned palm trees that border the narrow road you’re navigating. You’re intrigued, yet you continue on your way, heading either west to Seaside or further east to Rosemary Beach. Next time you’re in the area, do yourself a favor: stop, get out of your car, and walk around this beautiful community. The portion visible from the road is simply the tip of the iceberg, a limited view of the magnificent whole. Let the natural surroundings be your guide as you explore the remainder—and be prepared for fascination to join the feeling of intrigue.

No details have been overlooked and no corners have been cut in the development of Alys Beach. Named for the matriarch of the town’s founder, Alys Beach is perhaps the world’s most extraordinary example of an architectural movement known as New Urbanism. Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ) is the mastermind behind this inclusive community, which encompasses 158 pristine acres. Mike Ragsdale, a public relations consultant for Alys Beach, explains: “The community is young; we’re only three years into a fifteen-to twenty-year master plan. When complete, it will be larger than Rosemary Beach and twice the size of Seaside.”

At the very heart of this community is the notion that “being green” doesn’t have to interfere with aesthetics. “Most people associate ‘being green’ with bulky solar panels attached to roofs, or unsightly windmills on otherwise attractive landscapes,” adds Ragsdale. “Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to imply sacrifices in terms of appearance and comfort.”

The founding philosophy—the marriage of appealing architecture and environmental sustainability—is an awe-inspiring concept to both visitors and homeowners. Exterior walls and rooftops are white, not only to mimic those of Bermuda’s islands, but also to reflect sunlight. Streets are specifically oriented to not only lead pedestrians to the water, but to capture and enjoy the steady Gulf breezes. A passive approach to cooling is just one of many detail-oriented features of this forward-thinking community. Streets and parking lots are constructed of road pavers handset in gravel to minimize storm water runoff. Native flora fill planters; the landscaping is meticulously managed, thereby eliminating the need for pesticides. Even the exterior lighting is carefully planned to avoid unnecessary energy loss.

Alys Beach is also the first identifying itself as a “fortified” community. This essentially means that through use of the latest disaster-resistant enhancements and construction technologies, the homes of Alys Beach will last for centuries. “Alys Beach is an amazing place where families will gather and flourish for generations,” says Jason Comer, the town’s founder. In fact, the newly opened resource center, an exhibit featuring a self-guided tour and touch-screen tutorial, is a place for guests to learn about the town’s natural habitat and appreciate its noteworthy nuances.

Another way to learn—an essential way really—to get a feel for Alys Beach is to tour it on foot. Start at the sales center and view the master plan map, just to wrap your mind around the extent of the development. Six hundred villas, row houses, courtyard homes, and family compound retreats are in the works. Peppered throughout the residences are some impressive amenities—the town center, the amphitheater, the chapel, the fitness center, the beach club, the Caliza Pool, the 20-plus acre nature preserve, and so forth.

The Caliza Pool (Caliza is Spanish for limestone) features more than just one pool, it offers a variety of bathing options. There is a 50-foot by 100-foot saltwater pool, a separate family pool, a 75-foot lap pool (equipped with underwater speakers to ward off boredom, and a spa whirlpool. The gated area also features a full bar and restaurant, several private cabanas, unique fountains, and exquisite tropical palms and gardens.

The Village at Alys Beach, a retail and residential subsection, will offer residents and guests a myriad of seaside shops and restaurants. “The Village is designed to be a pedestrian-only courtyard, adjacent to the sugary white sand beach,” explains Ragsdale. “There will even be a large fire pit just off the beach for everyone to enjoy.”

Fonville Press, the community’s coffee shop and newsstand, is currently open and sells everything from gourmet coffee and pastries to world-renowned wines. “Fonville Press was named for a local gentleman, John Fonville,” says Ragsdale. “It’s a casual place for community members to gather and enjoy good food and drink, especially on Friday evenings when they offer live entertainment.”

If heaven were a place on earth, then Alys Beach would be a strong contender for the title. Evolving from a family member’s inspiration, this picturesque community now embodies a family legacy. The holistic approach to the town’s development encapsulates the very best of what was, what is, and what will be. The striking beauty of the architecture set against the natural beauty of the surroundings makes it easy to forget just where you are in this great, big world.

Be sure to stop by and experience the work in progress and see the harmony of creativity, ingenuity, and forethought that is Alys Beach. For more info, visit www.alysbeach.com.