WATERCOLOR
General Overview
WaterColor is a coastal resort and master-planned residential community found along Scenic Highway 30A, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Western Lake, two state parks and the community of Seaside. WaterColor is approximately 25 miles east of Destin and 28 miles west of Panama City Beach in Northwest Florida. WaterColor is highly-acclaimed for its wide range of family-friendly amenities that service its 27 charming neighborhoods.
Architecture
WaterColor reflects the simple joys of a bygone era in its town planning and architectural style. Homes are inspired by the traditions of the South. Covered porches front pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets; deep roof eaves shade clapboard and shake-sided walls punctuated by crisply framed, divided-light windows; and carriage houses on quaint back alleys allow clumsy vehicles to be swapped with agile bicycles.
Amenities
The amenities of WaterColor are regarded as some of the best along Scenic Highway 30A. They cater equally to adults and children and include a vibrant Town Center, Gulf-front Beach Club, the Boat House on Western Lake, Tennis Center and Camp WaterColor, as well as four pool areas and multitudes of green park space.
Town Center is a defining feature of WaterColor. Live-work buildings are home to many unique shops and eateries, and disguise vacation condos to compliment the friendly, down-home atmosphere found in WaterColor.
The Gulf-front Beach Club is a part of Town Center and provides a pool-side setting to enjoy the visual wonders and soothing sensations of the Gulf of Mexico. Food and drink is served from the grill. Fish Out of Water restaurant is a staple in the local culinary community and is located between the Beach Club and the accoladed WaterColor Inn and Resort, recognized with a World’s Best Travel and Leisure Award in 2008.
The Boat House on Western Lake is one of the most unique features of WaterColor. Unlike many of the other resort communities found along the beaches of South Walton, WaterColor offers direct access to the rare coastal dune lake whose shoreline it shares. Western Lake is the largest of 11 coastal dune lakes along the beaches of South Walton, and one of 15 found along the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida. These bodies of water are found only in Northwest Florida and remote portions of Africa and Australia. The Boat House provides water-related concessions as well as boat and equipment rentals. Canoe, kayak, paddle board or fish the waters of Western Lake and afterwards, enjoy a meal at the BaitHouse Restaurant.
The WaterColor Tennis Center features a stadium court surrounded by a gallery of grassy terraces, five Har-Tru Hydro Courts including three that are lit for night play, as well as a pro shop that carries an assortment of gear.
Besides sprawling Wood Fern Park is Camp WaterColor, a children’s escape that offers activities that range from daily art, craft and nature lessons to games and beach excursions. Its other features include an outdoor amphitheater for movies, as well as a swimming pool with shallow wading area.
Special Amenities
WaterColor Crossing shopping plaza features everyday conveniences that include a Publix Supermarket and UPS Store, Pizza By The Sea, as well as a coffee shop, and home furnishings and accessory store.
Beyond the amenities found on-site in WaterColor, owners also enjoy membership opportunities at the Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club, located near WaterColor’s companion community of WaterSound Beach.
Real Estate
WaterColor consists of single family homes and home sites, as well as condo units, and has proven to be a popular community among buyers, especially among those with young children.