Galveston Beach Drama
Move over wildlife — the millionaires are here! New luxury beach town to spring up by Galveston refuge
Herds of construction workers will join the egrets, herons and terns of Follet's Island in November as an Arizona time share company breaks ground on a luxury beach community along the scenic Bluewater Highway.
Located just below Galveston across from the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, the narrow barrier island has long been a hotspot for birders and dolphin watchers alike. Developers with the Star Resort Group hope to lure (or appease) nature lovers by dedicating nearly a third of the 100-acre project to a special wetlands preserve.
Located just below Galveston across from the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, the narrow barrier island has long been a hotspot for birders and dolphin watchers.
The high-end enclave — dubbed the Seahorse Beach Club and Residences — will include a 9,000-square-foot club house featuring resort-style pools, a fully-equipped spa and several dining options, according to the Business Journal. Building costs are estimated at close to $30 million (minus land values). Developers hope the project will be built by the second half of 2014.
Those interested in a slice of the island life can chose between full or partial ownership of one of 36 homes drawn up by Houston architecture firm Kent & Kent.
“We designed Seahorse specifically to meet the needs of residents of Houston and south Texas," development partner John Howton said in a statement.
"They want a spacious and luxurious family home; an easy-drive location to an uncrowded destination; the services and amenities of a top-notch resort or fine hotel; genuine real-estate value; and most important, fully managed and hassle-free ownership, whether they’re in residence or not. And that’s Seahorse in a nutshell.”
As of this summer, beachfront homes with 3,000 square feet and unobstructed views of the Gulf are priced above $1.1 million, with fractional options beginning at $300,000. Slightly smaller homes with views of Drum Bay start at $1 million with time-share ownership running around $170,000.