Our beachfront vacation home which was custom designed for us by a local architect is a 5000 plus square foot paradise with 1500 square feet of covered porches. Our home includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Also there are two sets of bunk beds in the game room on the first floor. The master bedroom, on the third floor, has a breathtaking view through ceiling to floor windows and french doors. Open the shades and feel as though you are floating in the Gulf! Each of the three guest rooms are furnished with queen beds and have access to covered verandas. There is an elevator providing easy access to the second and third floors. The living room on the middle floor also has ceiling to floor windows and french doors which offer an exceptional view of the Gulf.We also have a guest cottage on the property which has a bedroom(queen bed)bathroom,kitchen and living room. But why stay inside. Take advantage of the Gulf breeze and sip your wine on the veranda as you watch the sunset. Fix a gourmet meal in the chefs kitchen and serve it on the porch overlooking the Gulf. We dine outdoors as often as possible; breakfast, lunch and dinner. But for those times that you prefer to dine inside there is a large dining room with comfortable seating for eight. A bonus view through french doors captures the essence of the beach. The media room located on the ground floor features a large 5 foot by 9 foot front projection HDTV. There is a large library of DVD's, satellite TV and cable for your enjoyment. If you enjoy games there is a regulation pool table, a ping pong table, a foosball table, a pinball machine and an electronic dart board for your entertainment. Stereo speakers are located through the entire house.Also there is secured highspeed wireless internet throughout the house. Private beach loungers for four are always kept on the beach for ready use.We have never rented the house out but have decided to try home exchange as we love to travel and to experience a place more like locals than tourists.

Carillon Beach is a gated community of approximately 300 homes with on site security. It is located 20 miles West of Panama City and 30 miles east of Destin, Florida. Sidewalks encourage long walks through the tranquil community. There are three pools on site one is heated in the winter, all within easy walking distance.The closest pool is 200 feet to the east of our home right on the Gulf of Mexico. There are two tennis courts on site which have been resurfaced this year. You will often find groups enjoying bocce ball and/or croquet on the green between the West pool and the tennis courts. You can walk along the beach for as far as you wish enjoying the sights and sounds of the Gulf. We are located about 2 miles from 30A near Seaside,Rosemary Beach, and Watercolors in Walton County. we live in a bicycle friendly environment.Check out www.carillonbeach-fl.com and http://carillon-beach.com/

Florida's northern Gulf Coast is conveniently located for recreation and relaxation. Within walking distance to the west of our home along the beach you will find Camp Helen State Park. It is an unspoiled conservation area for wildlife. There are pilings in the water which were a pier that has endured many fierce hurricanes. You can follow a trail from the beach up to an old campsite which is part of the 180 acre park. It is a very interesting adventure.On the west side of our neighborhood is Lake Powell,one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida at 767 acres.It opens intermittently to the Gulf of Mexico.Its great for water skiing,tubing,fishing,kayaking and exploring.

There are many rivers, streams, creeks and springs located nearby which are ideal for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. There are businesses which provide the canoes, kayaks and tubes and arrange transportation up river for your adventure. The area is rich in nature and wildlife. Be prepared with your camera to capture some great pictures.

If you prefer boats with motors you can rent a pontoon boat on the Bay and take a relaxing trip out to Shell Island for a picnic. If you enjoy shelling this is the perfect location for some great finds. You might be fortunate enough to motor through a pod of dolphins. The fishing is often good either from shore or from a pontoon boat. If you are interested in deep sea fishing you can find a charter boat over near Captain Andersons at Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach or at one of "the most charming fishing villages in the world" in Destin at Harborwalk.

Scuba diving in Panama City Beach can be fascinating. Shore diving is great on the east end in St Andrews State Park along the jetty. There are lots of beautiful fish, crabs, urchins and the occasional turtle. There are also a number of sunken ships offshore. You would need to contact one of the local dive operations for reservations.

We are free to travel without the constraints of school schedules or jobs. As our beach home is our vacation home our exchanges do not need to be simultaneous.

Open to any dates

There are many places we would love to visit. We have already exchanged in places we might never have considered but discovered them to be wonderful locations. We love exploring new places and learning about the history and importance of each area. Make us an offer. We will consider any destination.

View Feedback About My Exchanges

I, Mark, am a retired physician and my wife, Pat, is a retired teacher. We have two adult sons who may on occasion accompany us on our travels. We generally travel with another adult couple. We have been enjoying our retirement and the many exchanges around our country and the world and are looking forward to many more!

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