Gilded Ponte Vedra Boulevard has long been the province of regal mansions built during the enclave’s formative period many decades ago.
But an emerging breed of hyper-modern, newly constructed residences is slowly establishing a new niche along the famed oceanfront span.
One such property made its splashy debut on the market this week — a 6,800 square foot jewel perched directly on the Atlantic and priced at $19.75 million.
Designed by noted local architect Kevin Gray and constructed in 2023 by Architecture Classics, the home “perfectly combines modern coastal elegance with state-of-the-art construction,” according to the listing.
“New construction is still rare on Ponte Vedra Boulevard,” top local broker Lisa Barton said of the offering. “To be frank, a lot of what is on the market right now can be described as a little old, a little tired. A lot of new buyers are looking for something fresher.”
The residence, Barton said, was designed specifically to ameliorate the risks associated with oceanfront living — and offer potential buyers peace of mind.
“The sellers did everything they could to truly withstand the environment,” she said. “They were meticulous, and it shows in the design.”
The fortified home features cinderblock, rebar, insulated concrete forms, hurricane strapping, impact-resistant windows and a standing seam metal roof — a suite of protections that ensures “exceptional durability,” according to the listing.
In addition to sublime waterfront views, the property features a large pool with ocean vistas, along with a whimsical oversized chess set and putting green.
Demand for Ponte Vedra Beach waterfront real estate, Barton noted, continues to surge in the face of elevated interest rates and a slowing overall market.
Despite marked appreciation in recent years, the area’s blue chip properties are still considerably cheaper than their South Florida kin — and perceived as something of a bargain in higher end sectors.
“The buyers interested in these types of properties are primarily from out of state,” she said, noting that some suitors lost their homes in the recent California wildfires and want a change of venue. “We’re still growing here. And people recognize that compared to other waterfront areas in other parts of the state, it’s still more affordable.”
