C
hildhood friends Katherine Hill and Michele Poole have always shared a passion for the Florida Panhandle and real estate. In summer 2020, they decided to build their dream beach house on Scenic Highway 30A, a favorite area of theirs. The friends had taken many vacations together, including spring breaks in high school, but never visited the Emerald Coast as a group.

    Katherine Hill's husband, Scott, is a professional contractor, and they had built five homes together. They wanted to buy a property to build their dream beach house. Michele Poole's husband also trusted Scott, which made the project less daunting. The friends decided to split costs down the middle and each put down a 10% deposit.

    The couples had prior experience hiring contractors, which gave them confidence in building their home together. They shared a vision for a clean, coastal design, but did have some disagreements on details like wallpaper and furniture. Finding furniture during the pandemic was challenging, but they worked together to make decisions.

    After two years of construction, the friends moved into their new home in June 2022. The five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house had taken exactly two years from closing to move in. Initially, they listed the house for $5,541,000, but it failed to sell. They now short-term rent the home for 25 weeks of the year, earning $12,000 a week during peak season.

    The friends are happy with their decision and enjoy spending time together at the beach house. Building the dream house was a positive experience that strengthened their friendship. Katherine Hill and her husband even started their own bespoke design and construction firm, Dwellings 30A, after moving to Santa Rosa. The friends say it's not just about finances; it's about making memories and strengthening their bond.