A Thriving Community Nestled on the Bay

Churchill Oaks

By Morgan Power | Photography courtesy of Churchill Oaks

As a young man, Louisiana native Roy Sembera began his first career as a petroleum engineer and started his own company in the oil industry. After years of dedication and hard work, Sembera achieved remarkable success, allowing him to retire by age thirty-nine while continuing to provide for his family. Sembera and his wife, Wendy, moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with the plans to recreate a Southern paradise that resembled their home in Covington, Louisiana, and they have done just that. Beginning development along the scenic bends of Choctawhatchee Bay and Hogtown Bayou, the stunning Churchill Oaks community was born.

As a neighborhood of quiet luxury and true Southern elegance, Churchill Oaks boasts 46 percent of the development as green space. Preserving natural surroundings has been one of the developers’ top priorities throughout all expansion plans. Towering magnolias, majestic live oaks, and longleaf pines create a serene backdrop for walking trails throughout the area, promoting an active lifestyle for all residents. To further showcase the beauty of the landscape, most homesites in Churchill Oaks provide room for courtyard space, outdoor kitchens, and other amenities to complement indoor-outdoor living.

Roy and Wendy Sembera, the owners/developers of Churchill Oaks | Photo by Romona Robbins

With its charming Low Country-style architecture and meticulous craftsmanship, Churchill Oaks is the perfect place for those seeking respite from a busy life. Identified as a true community project, architect Matt Savoie, Chris Burch of Grand Bay Construction, and Tim O’Hara of Coastal Custom Builders have all graced this development with their expertise and vision, creating a neighborhood that blends modern comfort with classic Southern charm. Each homesite showcases thoughtful design by emphasizing open spaces, natural light, waterfront views, high-quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The developers incorporate their personal touches throughout the building process to ensure perfection throughout Churchill Oaks. Roy knows every homeowner and is excellent at connecting his owners and helping them become a genuine community. “It seems like every time we get someone new in the neighborhood, everyone wants to hang out,” he says.

Gorgeous custom homes in Churchill Oaks have been designed by architect Matt Savoie and built by Grand Bay Construction | Photo by Jack Gardner

The community boasts over two miles of walking trails, a bayfront clubhouse and infinity-edge pool, a private deepwater marina, and ample green spaces for extracurriculars, ensuring that everything you need is just a few steps away. Phase one of this development is nearing completion, and renovations to the clubhouse are ready to be enjoyed by all. With floors reclaimed from a historic train depot and magnificent exposed wood beams from a cotton mill in Alabama, this space is infused with a rich history that deepens the Low Country allure of the community.

It seems like every time we get someone new in the neighborhood, everyone wants to hang out

“It’s all starting to come together now, so I can ride around at night and see everything and gauge whether it’s coming together the way I thought it would,” Roy shares. “Having an engineering degree is like having a math degree—and a variable I never really counted on before was the people—the people we have here are all amazing, good people with great stories. Family and friendship is so important. I had that in South Louisiana, and now we have that here in Churchill Oaks.”

With Tim O’Hara overseeing construction, phase two will begin soon to further enhance the community by adding a high school-size basketball court, pickleball courts, an additional sixteen homesites, additional boat slips, and many more amenities aimed at fostering the growth of this sought-after neighborhood in South Walton. As a serene bayfront neighborhood with a deepwater marina, Churchill residents can enjoy all of the luxuries of waterfront living without being directly on the Gulf.

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To learn more about the Churchill Oaks Community, visit ChurchillOaksFlorida.com and follow @churchilloaksfl on Instagram.