Recall what a 1930s southern town may look like; the houses in pale shades with great large wraparound porches and the streets filled with families out for afternoon walks. Surprisingly enough, you don’t have to imagine because this town exists today on the northwest coast of florida. Watercolor is a 499-acre southern resort and residential community planned by Cooper, Robertson, & Partners. Under the direction of The St. Joe Company, the town was constructed near Seagrove Beach in Walton County in the late 1990’s. The homes are designed based on the vernacular architecture of southern style wood homes. The design aesthetic includes wraparound and often screened in porches, wood columns and hardiplank siding, metal roofs and deep overhangs. The deep porches offer a great place for a pleasant afternoon of reading or just hanging out with friends and family.
Today, the community includes a 6 swimming pools, a boat house, fitness center, tennis courts, parks, shopping, and restaurants (See Watercolor Video Below). One of the more famous buildings in town is the Watercolor Inn, a 60 room beachfront property designed by David Rockwell. Travel and Leisure magazine rated this the number one family friendly resort in North America in 2006, in fact, it is the only four diamond hotel in all of Northwest Florida. Not only is Watercolor located near the pristine beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast, it is also situated on the edges of Western Lake offering the adventurous waters of the gulf as well as the restful waters of the lakeshore. Nearby activities include kayaking, fishing, surfing, and hiking eco-tours for the active sorts, as well as a spa offering body scrubs, massages, manicures and pedicures for those looking to slow down.
Watercolor is a destination for events of all types from the local farmer’s markets to paddle board yoga classes and book lovers’ clubs to the upcoming IT’S YOUR TURN! Women’s Retreat weekend (starting Sep 19th). Whether you are in search of an exciting getaway or a peaceful retreat, Watercolor is the town for you, a step back in time to the less stressful ways of the past, brought straight to your present.
Watercolor, Florida has grown to be a thriving community here along scenic hwy 30a. A St Joe planned community founded in 1999, encompasses 500 acres stretching from the Gulf of Mexico. North to one of our many state parks and attaches to the largest coastal dune lake in the area at 220 acres. It is the only community on Scenic Hwy 30a that offers a Gulf Front Beach club pool as part of their homeowners association and offers visitors an award winning Gulf Front Inn. Town Center sits on the South and North side of Scenic Hwy 30a and offers a variety of small shops, a wine shop /restaurant, a fitness center and a Private Residence Club (fractional ownership). The amenities of Watercolor are unparalleled here along hwy 30a and bring families from all areas together for many beach memories.
One of the most sought after communities located on 30A, WaterColor offers homeowners and guests the ultimate in beach lifestyle and amenities to include just a few:
- Beach Club – Gulf views and spectacular sunsets from the Beach Club balcony. Great poolside food and drinks, showers and changing rooms with lockers.
- Town Center – Local shops and boutiques, this town center is a blast to the past in shopping, having a glass of wine, relaxation, and more. Make sure you look for the WaterColor branded souvenirs!
- Tennis Center – The WaterColor tennis center Boasts five Har-Tru Hydro Courts and a pro shop for all of your tennis gear needs. The lush Tennis Court Stadium features a grass stepped terrace, surrounded by native landscape. Need lessons? Private lessons are available year round.
- Camp WaterColor – The kids favorite place to go. No holds barred here for family fun! Featuring Streaming Water, Pool with showers and lockers, a Fort for play and a large green area to run, play and burn off energy.