Santa Rosa Beach, nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, has emerged as a sought-after destination for vacation homes in the United States. Boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and easy access from the East Coast, the region has shed its “Redneck Riviera” moniker, transitioning into the more upscale haven known as the Emerald Coast.
The allure of Santa Rosa Beach, particularly among music and sports luminaries, has propelled property values to new heights, exemplified by the recent sale of a beachfront estate formerly owned by legendary soul singer Reverend Al Green. This remarkable residence commanded an impressive $13.25 million.
Reverend Al Green acquired the property in 1992 for a modest $178,000. In 2020, developers Cynthia and Alex Rice acquired the parcel from Green for $2.8 million, replacing the original structure with an exquisite new home. In a fitting tribute to Reverend Al Green’s iconic 1972 song, the new house was aptly christened “Love and Happiness.”
Designed as a four-story masterpiece, the residence features a vertical layout that capitalizes on the mesmerizing Gulf views. Spanning over 6,600 square feet of temperature-controlled living space, the home encompasses six generously proportioned bedrooms, each graced with its own en-suite bathroom, as well as three half baths. An elevator ensures effortless access to each floor, and in a remarkable feat, the house boasts not one, but two inviting swimming pools.
Nestled on approximately half an acre of land within a leisurely stroll of the picturesque New Urbanism town of Seaside, the home employs an inverted floor plan. The lower levels accommodate most of the bedrooms, while the upper floors host the primary living and entertaining spaces.
Artfully catering to extended family and guests, one of the guest bedrooms features built-in bunk beds designed with children in mind. The primary bedroom on the ground level offers direct access to a covered plunge pool, providing a tranquil escape even in inclement weather.
The heart of the home resides on the third floor, showcasing a whitewashed brick fireplace, a pecky cypress ceiling, and a covered porch boasting panoramic vistas. An expansive dining area, complete with a built-in banquette and a five-seat snack bar within the top-tier kitchen, ensures ample seating for gatherings. Large impact-rated windows frame captivating views of the Gulf of Mexico, elegantly marrying aesthetics with the resilience required to weather Florida’s occasional storms.
Ascending to the fourth floor reveals the residence’s pièce de résistance—a penthouse lounge that opens onto a sun-soaked rooftop deck, complete with a second pool and awe-inspiring panoramas. On the lower level, a new ipe wood boardwalk meanders through the dunes, guiding residents to the property’s 55 feet of pristine beachfront.
The listing for this extraordinary property was expertly handled by Jonathan Spears of Compass.
