Picture a morning that starts on a tree‑lined fairway and ends with a sunset walk along the bay. If you are drawn to golf, water views, and everyday outdoor time, Kelly Plantation offers a lifestyle that checks those boxes. In this guide, you will learn what life here feels like, what to verify about amenities, and which home features best match a bayside golf routine. Let’s dive in.
Why Kelly Plantation appeals
You get a community setting that blends golf, nature, and water access, along with the convenience of nearby beaches, dining, and marinas. The neighborhood is marketed as master planned and bayside, which shapes everything from the streetscape to the trail network. That mix attracts year‑round residents and second‑home owners who value activity, light, and low‑stress living.
A typical day can include an early tee time, an afternoon paddle or walk along the bay, and dinner on a screened porch. The vibe balances privacy with community energy, so you can keep things quiet or plug into group activities as you like.
Golf lifestyle, access and expectations
Membership and access basics
Kelly Plantation’s golf experience is a major draw, but membership structures and access policies can change. Before you buy or build, contact the club or HOA to confirm whether the course is private, semi‑private, or public, and what guest policies apply. Ask about joining timelines, initiation fees, dues, and any resident preferences.
Practice, dining and programs
Most resident‑centered clubs offer a practice range, short‑game areas, a pro shop, and a casual dining option. If you plan to hone your game or involve kids, ask about lessons, clinics, and junior programs. For social golfers, a tournament calendar and league play add easy ways to meet neighbors.
Bayside living and trails
Docks, launches and marinas
On the bay, owners often prioritize simple access to the water. Confirm whether the community provides docks, slips, a boat ramp, or kayak and paddleboard launch areas. If you are considering a private dock or lift, check county and state permitting, shoreline setbacks, and environmental requirements before you design your home.
Walking paths and nature time
Bayside paths and neighborhood trails are part of the everyday rhythm here. Expect a mix of paved routes for walking and biking and natural paths that highlight coastal habitats. Many residents enjoy casual birdwatching and sunset strolls that make daily life feel like vacation.
Design fit for golf and bay living
Build for coastal resilience
- Elevation strategy matched to your parcel’s flood‑zone designation
- Impact‑rated windows and doors or storm shutters
- Corrosion‑resistant exterior materials and hardware
- Composite decking, powder‑coated railings, and sealed finishes to lower maintenance
Garage and mudroom that work
- Dedicated golf bag racks and a club cleaning station with a hose or sink
- Wall or ceiling storage for boards, coolers, beach chairs and umbrellas
- A rinse area with floor drain, plus hooks, cubbies, and a bench for easy drop‑offs
- Outlet placement for a golf cart charger and space for a cart bay if allowed
- Ventilation or dehumidification to reduce rust and mold
Golf‑specific touches
- A covered cart bay with direct exterior access if permitted by community rules
- Padded club storage in a secure closet near the garage entry
- A mudroom drop zone for shoes, towels, rain gear and umbrellas
Light, flow and finishes that last
- Open kitchens and living areas oriented for natural light and bay or fairway views
- Large sliders to a screened porch for indoor‑outdoor entertaining
- Quartz or granite countertops, plus porcelain or luxury vinyl plank flooring that handles sand and humidity
- Durable, easy‑clean surfaces and a generous pantry for second‑home stocking
Outdoor living and water‑ready storage
- Covered porches and screened lanais sized for dining and lounging
- An outdoor shower for post‑beach or post‑round cleanup
- Lockable storage benches or racks for paddleboards and kayaks
- Non‑slip pavers and drainage designed for rinsing sandy gear
Comfort, energy and air quality
- Zoned HVAC sized for seasonal occupancy swings
- Whole‑home dehumidification and UV‑coated glazing to reduce heat and moisture load
- Insulation tuned to the coastal climate and solar‑ready infrastructure for future savings
Flexible rooms for real life
- A ground‑floor guest suite for multigenerational stays
- Spaces that flex as a home office, bunk room, or private suite when hosting
HOA, insurance and permitting basics
- HOA rules and dues. Confirm what fees cover, architectural review requirements, and any rental restrictions if you plan to host guests.
- Flood and wind risk. Verify FEMA flood‑zone designations and seek an elevation certificate for your lot or home. Ask insurers about wind mitigation credits and options for shutters or impact glazing.
- Dock and shoreline work. Dock, lift and shoreline projects often require county and state permits. Start conversations early so design, budget and timelines align.
- Financing. Second‑home or investment loans can have different down payment and documentation needs. Insurance and flood‑zone status may affect lender approval.
Buying or building with confidence
If you love the Kelly Plantation lifestyle, the right home will make it easy to live it. A locally grounded design‑build team can align orientation, storage, finishes and outdoor living with your routine while navigating HOA standards, floodplain details and permitting. You get one accountable partner for design, budgeting and construction, plus materials and details tuned for coastal longevity.
Ready to shape a home for golf mornings and bayside evenings? Explore a collaborative design process with Boswell Builders. Work With Us.
FAQs
Is golf membership required to live in Kelly Plantation?
- Policies vary by community and can change. Confirm current membership requirements, joining timelines and resident access directly with the golf club or HOA.
Are docks or a boat ramp available inside Kelly Plantation?
- Availability differs by phase and homesite. Review HOA amenity materials and plat maps, and verify any dock or lift plans with the county permitting office before you buy or build.
How does flood risk affect homes near Choctawhatchee Bay?
- Check the FEMA flood‑zone designation for your property and request an elevation certificate. Discuss wind and flood coverage with a local insurance agent before finalizing designs.
What home features reduce maintenance in a salt‑air environment?
- Choose impact‑rated openings, corrosion‑resistant hardware, composite decking, powder‑coated railings and sealed exterior finishes. Interior hard surfaces and dehumidification also help.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Kelly Plantation?
- Rental rules are community specific. Review HOA covenants for minimum stay and occupancy rules, and confirm any local registration or tax requirements.
What should a garage include for golf and beach gear?
- Plan for golf bag racks, a club cleaning station, paddleboard or kayak storage, overhead bins for beach items, a cart charging outlet, and ventilation or dehumidification.
Which schools serve Kelly Plantation homes?
- Attendance zones can change. Confirm current school assignments for a specific address with the local school district before you purchase.
