Who Needs Hilton Head? Galveston’s Beachtown Brings a $3.5 Million Seaside Stunner That Competes With Dream Homes Anywhere

This is a Much Quieter Side of the Island Life

BY Shelby Hodge

photography TK Images

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Across a green stretch, the wide beach and Gulf Coast waves of Beachtown await salt water fans. (Photo by TK Images)

The view of the gulf is an enticing feature at 2657 E. Seaside, listed with John Daugherty Realtors, in Beachtown on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

Built in 2008, the 4,500 sq.ft. home in Beachtown overlooks a sandy beach and gulf waters (Photo by TK Images)

Built in 2008, the 4,500 sq.ft. home in Beachtown reflects Southern architectural charm. (Photo by TK Images)

The dwelling at 2657 E. Seaside in Beachtown was designed by Steve Mouzon. (Photo by TK Images)

The open plan facilitates large-scale entertaining at this Beachtown home on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

Light pours in from all sides at this residence in Beachtown on the east end of Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

A quiet place for reading, reflection and rejuvenating R&R at this residence in Beachtown on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

The pristine decor sets the stage for serene living in Beachtown on the east end of Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

The galley-style kitchen in this Beachtown residence is a home cook's dream. (Photo by TK Images)

The kitchen in this Beachtown home on Galveston Island opens to a greater living area. (Photo by TK Images)

Wide open spaces in this Beachtown home on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

Love the columned corridors that run through the main floor of this Beachtown home on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

A quiet corner in the Beachtown home, designed by Steve Mouzon. (Photo by TK Images)

The master suite in this Beachtown residence is worthy of a five-star hotel. (Photo by TK Images)

The master suite with high ceilings, hardwood floors and a gas fireplace beckons. (Photo by TK Images)

The master suite bath at this Beachtown residence rings regal. (Photo by TK Images)

Matching sinks flank the open tub in the Beachtown residence. (Photo by TK Images)

One of four bedrooms, complete with full baths, make this Beachtown home great for entertaining. (Photo by TK Images)

Twin beds make this room perfect for kids. (Photo by TK Images)

One of four guest bedrooms with en suite bath in the Beachtown home on Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

Another entertaining area on another floor in this Beachtown residence. (Photo by TK Images)

The waterfront view from this Beachtown residence listed with John Daugherty Realtors. (Photo by TK Images)

The loggia with swimming pool and view to the gulf is a special amenity at the Beachtown home. (Photo by TK Images)

Beachtown, designed by the famed Duany Platter-Zyberkon firm, is a quiet oasis on the east end of Galveston Island. (Photo by TK Images)

Across a green stretch, the wide beach and Gulf Coast waves of Beachtown await salt water fans. (Photo by TK Images)

No need to head for the Carolina coasts for a taste of gracious beachfront living as boasted by such places as Kiawah Island and Hilton Head. The Texas Gulf Coast harbors its own little strip of ocean view paradise with all the charm and grace that one finds in a resort such as Palmetto Bluff.

Hello, Beachtown, designed by Duany Platter-Zyberkon, on Galveston Island’s east end.

While it’s possible to rent one of the spectacular development’s grand residences, infused with architectural nuances of New Orleans as well as the Carolina Low Country, we’ve come across a beauty that is on the market and, oh, how this girl would like to call it home. Well, my second home. (The party commute could be a little rough.)

And I’m not even a beach person. But having grown up in Louisiana and enjoying a certain penchant for the architectural heritage of the plantation home, I find the Steve Mouzon designed dwelling an appealing reference to a gracious lifestyle. The home at 2657 E. Seaside Drive is a classic. The wide galleries (as we called the porches at my grandmother’s house in the country), the high ceilings, the columned facades, the soaring doors and light emanating from every angle — what’s not to like.

For the sea birds, the gulf is only steps away across a green lawn, over a few tiny sand hills and across a wide beach, no cars, no tourists. While only a few miles (or a bike ride) from Galveston proper, this charming, architecturally-controlled hamlet is eons removed from the neon hustle and bustle of Seawall Boulevard.

John Daugherty Realtors‘ rock star agent Laura Sweeney has the listing for the 4,500 square foot home, with an asking price of $3.5 million. That tidy sum includes an elevator, four bedrooms, five full baths, ocean views from multiple balconies, a loggia with summer kitchen, fireplace and pool with retractable cover, a home cook’s dream kitchen, and a master suite worthy of a five-star luxury hotel. Marble and hardwood floors, beautiful finishes and open spaces for entertaining add to the allure.