Unlike some of the other new urbanist beach towns which dot the Florida panhandle, the beaches of Seaside are graciously open to the non-Seaside public.
Not only are they free and open but each beach access point is marked with a different architectural folly.
Designed by different architects in numerous styles, a common question in Seaside may be which folly is your favorite. The good thing about these is that you can always find your way closest to home on the beach without disturbing the dunes and wildlife.
Pensacola Street was the beach access point closest to my cottage,
The Angel in the Dunes, about 1 block away.
Designed by
Tony Atkin, the top of the post modernist folly (seen above) was lit at night so I could find my way home after sunset each evening.
The West Ruskin Street Pavilion by
Michael McDonough was also in postmodern style and perhaps a bit dated but I loved the playfulness of it.
Just another reason I loved Seaside so much, this attention to detail. Who doesn't love an architectural folly?
Clearly Seaside was a wonderful vision, and even more wonderful is that it was realized. It's all about details, those little things that we might not recognize consciously, and yet we do recognize that the whole is better for having them. One detail that intrigues me is the illusion of stonework in Tony Atkin's clever siding.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to provide environmentally sensitive public access to the shore. Sadly lacking in Maine and a sore spot for many. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteStefan a Folly is such an enjoyable and intriguing bit of architecture, which in of itself can attain very special stature. I love them.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thank you for this tour of Seaside. I have been interested in visiting this community for many years, and your posts have only heightened that wish. Perhaps now I shall act upon it! RD
ReplyDeleteA fantastic idea.
ReplyDeleteBut now I have some questions. Since each beach access point is marked with one architectural folly, and since the individual home owners presumably don't own the follies, who engaged each architect? Who paid the costs of materials and tradesmen for each folly? Who looks after the follies now?
I love me a good folly. These are sweet!
ReplyDeleteStefan - All of those are wonderful. I love pavilions, gazebos, follies, etc. And, I've only seen them in garden and park settings. Thank you for sharing! Loi
ReplyDeleteStefan - All of those are wonderful. I love pavilions, gazebos, follies, etc. And, I've only seen them in garden and park settings. Thank you for sharing! Loi
ReplyDeleteNice post. These structures look really balanced. Simple, but visually interesting. I especially like the second photo. I am planing vacation in this area so hopefully in few months I will be able to see it on my own.
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