One Waters Place is Destin's newest condo

DESTIN — When it comes to One Water Place, homeowners might start feeling like they’re on vacation.

The new luxury condominium development in Kelly Plantation combines upscale accommodations with above and beyond amenities unique to non-rental properties.

“This is the first residential resort that we’ve had in the Destin/Fort Walton (Beach) area where the condominiums are large and designed as primary residences, or even as vacation homes, yet there are the amenities you find at a vacation resort,” said Donna Jonsson, sales manager for the Sterling Companies, developer of the property.

One Water Place, which hosted its grand opening in October, has 161 units, including nine penthouses, spread over three connecting high-rise buildings. Residences start at $825,000, with penthouses starting at $1.5 million. The Sterling Companies have already closed more than $100 million in sales, Jonsson said.

For Betty and Gary Lazarini, it was size of the homes as well as the fairways that prompted them to move to One Water Place.

“We used to be on the gulf at Hidden Dunes, but we’re golfers,” said Betty Lazarini. “While we loved the other place, this is larger. We have the bay view, the gulf view and the golf course.”

The five different floor plans run from 2,500 to 3,400 square feet, ranging from two bedrooms to three bedrooms plus study. The nine penthouses are bigger, measuring as large as 6,000 square feet. The largest penthouses are completely customized, with buyers able to make interior selections.

The condominiums feature Viking appliances, hardwood and travertine flooring, fireplaces, built-in shelving and summer kitchens. Each unit opens to a shared area with utility access, a garbage shoot and additional storage.

All have both north- and south-facing balconies with Choctawhatchee Bay and golf course views. Units above the seventh floor can also see the Gulf of Mexico.

The Lazarinis bought their unit prior to construction, and while they were originally unsure about the promised view, the condominium more than met their expectations when they moved in June. “I’ve not been disappointed at all. We’ve used the spa and fitness center, and it’s all first class,” said Betty Lazarini.

The Lazarinis split their time between homes in Destin and Memphis. Jonsson said that many residents also have a home elsewhere, as One Water Place appeals to former single-family homeowners looking to transition to a “lock-and-leave lifestyle.”

“The people that this property appeals to don’t want the maintenance and upkeep of a single-family home,” she said. “They want to be able to travel and know their home will be fine.”

The property has a live-in manager, as well as on-site staff, which provide residents peace of mind when they are out of town. In addition to the security from Kelly Plantation’s gated, staffed entrances, One Water Place has electronically controlled access points, with private elevator entry. Parking is on two underground levels, with golf cart parking also available.

Each of the three buildings offers different amenities. One building caters to golfers, with practice cages, a putting green and a high-tech golf simulator.

Building one features a large bi-level pool area and a 5,000-square-foot fitness and spa, managed by a full-time amenities manager. The workout area features individual screens on cardio equipment, a steam room and a variety of exercise classes.

Other specialty rooms include a casual club room with billiards, a screening room with a big screen television, a game room, a more formal club room with a catering kitchen, a library, a hobby shop and gardeners’ room. There are also temperature-controlled wine rooms with storage lockers available.

In addition to the amenities of the project, residents can also enjoy the features of Kelly Plantation, including the golf course, tennis courts, walking trails and playgrounds. Jonsson said the subdivision’s full-time activities director and on-going events are a plus for newcomers to the Northwest Florida area.

“There’s much more sense of community with Kelly Plantation,” she said. “It’s really easy to become absorbed in this community.”

Although the development does have a vacation feel to it, there are no short-term rentals. Each building does include a guest suite, available upon request by residents.

Jonsson said the new development appeals to buyers who want the resort lifestyle while still having a “home” feeling.

“For people who haven’t made Destin their full-time home, this is a good step, because it just feels like a real home,” she said. “The spaces are just beautiful – it’s just a lovely place to be. You have more than just your home to enjoy.”

Source : http://www.nwfdailynews.com/