39 Needlerush Drive

This elegant home is located in the coveted WaterColor community's northernmost border, immediately adjacent on one side to a state park and sturdy wire fence delineating the boundaries of the beautiful pine forest that is home to the herds of deer who quietly graze there. The home was designed some 10 years ago at the current owners' request by renowned local architect Dawn Thurber and accordingly, reflects several stylistic elements typical of her work, notably the home's 'eyebrow' windows and upper gallery overlooking the home's entrance hall. Nevertheless, other design features were specifically requested by the owners, such as the many discrete and enclosed rooms that generally reject today's popular open-plan design. The home's initial entrance hall provides entry to the formal livi This elegant home is located in the coveted WaterColor community's northernmost border, immediately adjacent on one side to a state park and sturdy wire fence delineating the boundaries of the beautiful pine forest that is home to the herds of deer who quietly graze there. The home was designed some 10 years ago at the current owners' request by renowned local architect Dawn Thurber and accordingly, reflects several stylistic elements typical of her work, notably the home's 'eyebrow' windows and upper gallery overlooking the home's entrance hall. Nevertheless, other design features were specifically requested by the owners, such as the many discrete and enclosed rooms that generally reject today's popular open-plan design. The home's initial entrance hall provides entry to the formal living room via large double doors of glass panels that may be left open or closed. The living room in turn provides access to an open front porch overlooking one of the many pocket parks within the community. The outside wall of the living room displays views of the state park forest, as do all the walls of the outer side of the house. A wide internal corridor exiting the entrance hall leads first to an enclosed but informal media room with a much-used wood-burning fireplace at the room's center. The built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace accommodate the enclosed storage cabinets below. The room further features an outsized window providing a close-up view of colorful foliage outside, perfect for bird-watching on a quiet afternoon or cozying up on a cool day next to the fire with a good book or hosting a good time with friends and family after a great day at the beach. At the back of the house sits a beautifully sunny and spacious professional kitchen with granite counters and tall cabinets soaring to the ceiling, replete with all necessary accouterments of people who cook and entertain. Dominating the space is a long central block of cabinets with butcher block tops and ample seating for guests and families who may wish to hassle the cook, eat breakfast or just read the newspaper. The home's formal dining room nestles between the kitchen and living room and offers amazing views of the state park that inevitably prompt comments on the beauty of the natural environment. The rear screened porch exiting the kitchen gives access to a fully-equipped summer kitchen with a built-in grill, outdoor fireplace and dining and sitting areas. Overlooking the state park, the space is ideal for cooler evenings, partying or congregating with friends and family. A small picket-fenced yard provides entry to a porch door, adjacent to a professional orchid house that could equally house tender plants of any kind. The perimeter of the large backyard provides parking for up to five cars and sports a 10-ft. magnolia hedge as a boundary to the house. The upper floor of this elegant house includes an incredibly spacious master bedroom with two walls of windows, a very large bathroom with a glassed-in shower, double sinks and mirrors and a separate toilet. The suite also contains fully-fitted and separate his-and-her fitted closets, ample air-conditioned storage, and a separate attic on the third floor. Off the upstairs gallery overlooking the entrance hallway are a laundry room and two further oversized bright and airy bedrooms (one currently in use as an owner's art studio), each with en suite bathrooms. This fabulous house located in a quiet neighborhood nevertheless provides easy access via a 15-minute walk to all the fabulous amenities of the WaterColor community, including Camp WaterColor, the Beach Club, Western Lake and all that 30A has to offer. The home's 3,452 square feet of glorious space has been a permanent and happy home of the current owners since it was built 10 years ago and has never been rented.