Dutch West Indies-Inspired Paradise On Rosemary Beach

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the phrase “paradise by the sea” most always evokes blissful images in the mind’s eye, but in this instance, it is quite literally a sublime neighborhood that meanders along on the gulf coast of the Florida Panhandle where residents live their dreams. Tucked in the heart of Florida’s scenic highway 30A — a unique stretch of azure waters and pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast — this sought-after secluded area hosts charming homesites with small-town appeal. One such home, towering above the windswept dunes, gleams like a jewel in the sparkling white sand.

“An all-white exterior blends seamlessly with the area’s sugar-white sand beaches,” says homeowner and jewelry designer Jean Basse, who resides in this idyllic dwelling along with her husband, Dan, when they’re not living in Chicago. “We developed the home around the water based on the unusual elevation of 42 feet above sea level, which allows majestic views of the Gulf of Mexico,” she says.

The couple worked meticulously with architects Darrell Russell and Jonathan Hampel to create a spectacular custom build that took its design influences from the Dutch West Indies as well as Bermuda. With 9,061 total square feet under roof, the property includes nearly 2,400 square feet of open-air porches that take full advantage of the coastal scenery.

“This stunning, waterfront site includes the highest natural sand dune that I have had the opportunity to work with,” Russell says. “Amazingly, the protective dune was more than 12 feet higher above sea level than the overall land elevation. With the buildable footprint area of the site being so much lower, it would be impossible for the lower floor of the house to have a water view. The beautiful dune was perfect for the design solution we needed,” he says.

Using a practice referred to as piano nobile that began during the Italian Renaissance, Russell and his team designed an elevated principal floor that allows extraordinary ocean views and a direct connection to the waterfront pool. The height of the dune provided the natural location for the pool, which aligns perfectly with the main floor. The facade of the house displays tall windows that complement the 20-foot-high ceilings and offer breathtaking views of the gulf.

“We positioned the entry foyer at a split-level position located a few feet above the interior garden-level floor that houses guest rooms, laundry, storage and garages, but several feet below the principal living area,” Russell says. “The third floor is dedicated completely to the owners’ private his-and-her quarters including their fitness gym centered with the trio of vertical windows.”

In complement to the grand architecture of their home, the Basses worked with interior designer Paige Schnell to coordinate all the furnishings, decorative lighting and artwork. Schnell created a neutral color scheme to befit the home’s natural beach landscape and then accented the spaces with extraordinary custom art pieces.

“The architecture has a relatively modern look and feel, so we carried that throughout the interior scheme,” Schnell says. “All the fabrics are luxurious velvets and linens to create sophisticated rooms that are still cozy for the family. Mirrored furnishings in the living room and sitting room help to reflect the water, even indirectly. If you are on the gulf, you should embrace it in every way,” she says.

“Nearly a third of the spaces in our home are decks and porches so that we always feel connected to nature and the sea,” the homeowner says. “The sunsets are the most spectacular in the world and not to be missed. Living in Chicago, our favorite memories were flying down on chilly winter weekends and being excited by the progress of our beautiful home,” she says. “There is no better feeling than to see your dreams come true.”

Story Credits:

Architecture by Darrell Russell and Jonathan Hampel, A BOHEME Design, Inlet Beach, FL

Interior Design by Paige Schnell, Tracery Interiors, Inlet Beach, FL

Builder Jodi Hamid, Arkon Group, Inc., Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Landscape Architecture by Adam Jones, Renovo Design Studio, Rosemary Beach, FL

Text by Jeanne De Lathouder

Photography by Jean Allsopp, Birmingham, AL

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