Paradise at The Retreat

The Art of Craftsmanship

By McKenna Mears | Photography by Layne Lillie Photography, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled within The Retreat, a serene Gulf-front community in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, this private residence is a testament to impeccable design and craftsmanship. With architectural expertise from Chris Stoyles of Archiscapes and construction by Gulfview Construction, this coastal dream home features custom millwork, including unique beam layouts and mahogany window casings and doors by E. F. San Juan, that truly sets it apart. E. F. San Juan, a fourth-generation custom moulding, millwork, and cabinetry shop based in Youngstown, Florida, played a pivotal role in turning this home into a true paradise.

E. F. San Juan has been a family-owned and operated business since 1976. Over the years, it has grown from modest beginnings to a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. The company’s ethos is centered on creating unique solutions that reflect the dreams and desires of their clients. Coupled with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, the company continues to set the standard for quality architectural millwork in the markets it serves in the Southeastern Coastal US and beyond.

The Retreat is a ninety-acre community off Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A, known for its pristine beachfront and lush green spaces. Comprising approximately forty-five acres of private homesites and forty-five acres of protected wetlands, The Retreat offers a tranquil escape with a kayak and paddleboard launch, a private beach club, and a guarded gated entry. When St. Joe Land Company first developed the Retreat in 1999, it was dubbed “the last perfect beach” and remains one of the most sought-after locations along the Emerald Coast.

E. F. San Juan’s custom millwork in this luxurious private residence was instrumental in achieving a distinctive nautical ambience that complements the stunning surroundings. The home’s vast size presented unique challenges, requiring extensive custom work to maintain a continuous aesthetic in each space. The E. F. San Juan team collaborated closely with Archiscapes and Gulfview Construction to ensure every detail aligned with the original owner’s vision.

The millwork creators’ expertise shines through in the custom beam layouts and rich mahogany elements that permeate the home. The great room, kitchen, gym area, and upper floor feature masterfully designed ceiling beams, adding warmth and dimension to the spaces while complementing the furnishings and custom cabinetry. The inclusion of mahogany window casings and tall mahogany doors throughout the house and entryway enhanced the nautical feel. A custom tongue-and-groove mahogany garage door measuring eighteen feet wide by nine feet tall tied the exterior facade together.

One of the standout features was the use of old-time restoration float glass for the interior transom windows. These specialized panes mimic the feel of looking through an old ship’s windows, further connecting the home to its coastal setting. The E. F. San Juan team’s attention to detail and craftsmanship brought the owner and architect’s vision to life, creating a home that feels as unique as its surroundings.

Unsurprisingly, this 6,080-square-foot abode has become one of The Retreat’s crown jewels. Its grandeur led to a record sale for the community in 2022 when broker Blake Morar of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty sold the home for $13.2 million.

This dream home at The Retreat is a prime testament to E. F. San Juan’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and remarkable ability to turn a vision into reality. Through its craftsmen’s exquisite custom millwork, E. F. San Juan helped elevate this property to a class of its own, setting it apart as a true masterpiece of coastal living.

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To explore more about E. F. San Juan and view additional examples of their custom architectural mouldings, millwork, cabinetry, and other projects, visit EFSanJuan.com or follow @E.F.sanjuan on Instagram.