The Florida Times-Union – BESTCON Homes/Paradise Key

It’s often said that beach life is unlike any other experience. Once you dig your toes in the sugar sand, you just can’t imagine living anywhere else. Beautiful sunsets, swaying palms, world-class recreation and architecturally distinct homes make Jacksonville Beach a paradise culture unto itself.

With BESTCON Homes’ unveiling of stunning Paradise Key, single-family homebuyers can enjoy a coastal retreat where daily life is an unparalleled vacation. Epitomizing the builder/developer’s deep respect for quality craftsmanship and environmental consciousness, Paradise Key is thoughtfully taking shape on the final 22 acres of undeveloped property in South Jacksonville Beach.

“Almost 10 years ago, I was having dinner with a colleague of mine, at one of the many fine restaurants found in Jacksonville Beach,” said Paul Nichols, president of BESTCON Homes. “He said to me, ‘Every evening, when I cross that “ditch” (Intracoastal Waterway), all my worries disappear. I am home; I’m at the Beach and I am on vacation’.”

Once inside Paradise Key, the hustle-and-bustle of the city is replaced by the tranquil sounds of indigenous wildlife playing amid a remarkably preserved natural setting. The lush landscape boasts a variety of beautiful foliage, which serves as the perfect backdrop for 62 casually sophisticated residences.

“I’ve been doing this for a very long time, and I’ve given tremendous thought to how houses should be built,” said Nichols. “We want to give our buyers an authentic custom-home experience. You’re guaranteed to say ‘Wow’ at least once.”

According to Nichols, Paradise Key’s traditional West Indies-style Coastal vernacular architecture begins a compilation of the very best of his 30-plus years in the homebuilding industry. Homes are reminiscent of those found along Florida’s Panhandle.

In keeping with BESTCON’s reputation for uncompromising quality, Paradise Key’s five distinct floorplans show an impressive combination of architectural brilliance, contemporary technology and world-class lifestyle amenities. Residences range from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet (total under roof), and are priced from $950,000 to $2 million. Picturesque nature, pond and creek views are available.

The grand High Tide model home boasts tremendous curb appeal with its breezy, covered front porches featuring Brazilian Walnut hardwood flooring; decorative columns, railings and screening; significant roof overhangs; signature fencing and much more.

This magnificent four-bedroom, five-baths home serves to spoil even the most discriminating tastes. A welcoming foyer offers a staircase and elevator. First-floor highlights include a flexible office/library; formal dining room; spacious living room with entertainment center; intimate breakfast nook and cozy fireplace.

The state-of-the-art kitchen is sure to reveal your inner chef. It features stainless steel appliances from the GE Monogram Collection™ and amenities such as; a center island with sink; granite countertops; glass-front cabinetry; GE Advantium oven with warming drawer; Miele Built-In Coffee System; and Kohler™ plumbing. Flanking the kitchen are a pass-through bar and a convenient laundry room with tech space.

The home’s second story offers a heart pine landing with tech space; two bedrooms; a central bath with claw foot tub and dual vanity; an exercise room; and a luxurious owner’s suite featuring a separate closet facility and laundry room.

A perfect retreat, the spacious owner’s suite leads to an enormous screened lanai with decadent fireplace. The indulgent master bath features a glass, six-valve shower; whirlpool tub; an LCD television within the mirror; and an octagon ceiling with exposed beams.

A charming spiral staircase leads to the third-floor tower housing the Ocean View Bar. It is fully equipped for intimate entertaining, and residents and their guests can stargaze from the private patio or the widow’s walk.

Outdoor amenities include a child-safe pool with decorative fountain wall; a summer kitchen with Monogram stainless steel appliances; an air-conditioned pool bath, and an outdoor living area with fireplace. A family suite is ideally situated over a detached, two-car garage.

Throughout the High Tide, style elements include recycled heart pine hardwood floors; nine-, 10- and 12-foot ceilings; coffered ceilings; decorative art niches; eight-foot doors; and transom light and double-hung Pella® windows. The High Tide is priced at $1,850,000 (as shown).

“This community harkens back to the good old days,” said Tim Cassidy, sales associate for BESTCON Homes. “We even have crawl spaces under the homes. Our painters called it ‘Old School’.”

The “Martini Trail” offers 2,600 feet of convenient access to neighborly social opportunities. Three ponds with fountains; brick paver-accented roads; traffic and walkover bridges; trail lighting, and four handcrafted gazebos provide additional aesthetic beauty. Coming soon is a beautiful butterfly garden.
Paradise Key’s landscape serves to promote low water usage. BESTCON planted indigenous foliage that requires virtually no irrigation. The developer also created a meandering stream throughout the community.

“Most buyers prefer to contribute to the responsible stewardship of our natural resources,” said Nichols. “It took us four months and 14 dumpster loads of trash to clean the waterway. We cleaned it by hand, so as not to destroy the natural growth and vegetation. Paradise Key is a pedestrian community. We made the stream an amenity.”

For diligently minimizing impacts on water sources, BESTCON’s Paradise Key residences are Florida Water StarSM certified. The company also used the Florida Green Building Coalition’s “Green Home Standard” as a guiding tool for building earth-friendly homes. All residences are ENERGY STAR compliant for maximized energy efficiency.

Not only will Paradise Key residents enjoy breathtaking homes in an enviable location, world-class local recreation also is nearby. The Atlantic Ocean is just six blocks away, with close proximity to The Ponte Vedra Inn & Spa, and the Cabana Club.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy play at many local championship courses, or watch their favorite golfers compete on the annual Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour hosted at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Sawgrass in North Ponte Vedra Beach.

In addition to being central to the area’s best boutique shopping, fine dining and recreational venues, residents also can explore nearby historic St. Augustine, Orlando, Savannah or Amelia Island.

With more than 80 years of combined industry experience, Paul Nichols and his partner William Walton are excited to bring Paradise Key to the Jacksonville Beach homebuyer. BESTCON Homes’ dedicated team of professionals provides the highest level of service to ensure your authentic custom-home experience.

Paradise Key is located at 3614 Paradise Way in Jacksonville Beach. For more information on this coastal community or Bestcon Homes’ current portfolio of projects, call (904) 246-3747 or visit www.bestconhomes.com.