For home and garden enthusiasts, it’s the equivalent to winning the Gold Medal. HGTV has cast the spotlight and accolades on a local development and builder right here on the First Coast. Paradise Key South Beach in Jacksonville Beach and has been chosen as the location, and NEFBA member Glenn Layton Homes as the builder. Layton is a former NEFBA president, having served the association in that capacity in 2009.
After traveling the country in search of the latest and greatest in smart home qualities, efficiencies and environmentally friendly practices, HGTV has chosen Paradise Key as the site for the first HGTV SMART HOME.
“The exposure and attention this project will bring to Paradise Key and the Jacksonville Beach area will be very significant and exciting. We are honored and look forward to the project ahead,” said Lon Walton, developer of Paradise Key South Beach.
Paradise Key is a pedestrian and bicycle friendly neighborhood with footpaths and wooden walking bridges. The distinctive beach community is surrounded by natural vegetation of live oaks, pines and palmettos. The architecture is a coastal vernacular with gracious front porches, a mix of clapboard, shingles and stucco exteriors, metal roofs, and white picket fences that enliven the enchanting designs. Traditional styles and indigenous building techniques have influenced Paradise Key.
“The architectural design of the HGTV SMART HOME is a true throw back to the traditional old Florida style homes originally built along Jacksonville’s beaches. We’ve added some modern elements, making the home unique in style and function,” said Layton.
HGTV house planner Jack Thomasson will be visiting Paradise Key throughout the one-year project and HGTV.com/smarthome will document the building process, interior decorating, and highlighting SMART HOME functions provided in the house. Additionally, HGTV’s sister channel DIY Network will capture the construction process in a televised special, Behind the Build: HGTV Smart Home 2013, to air early next year. HGTV will produce a separate HGTV Smart Home 2013 television special. In July of 2013, the keys to the HGTV Smart Home 2013 will be presented to the winner of the HGTV Smart Home 2013 Giveaway, making a dream come true for a lucky HGTV viewer.
For more information about Paradise Key South Beach, smart living along the coast, visit on-line at www.paradisekeysouthbeach.com or on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/paradisekeysouthbeach.