Designing the Modern Southern Coastal Home: Where Tradition Meets Innovation on the Gulf Coast

Designing the Modern Southern Coastal Home: Where Tradition Meets Innovation on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Folger Amon — Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon

When I walk through a newly built home on Ono Island or along the bays of Orange Beach, I can always tell when a builder has truly understood what it means to live on the Gulf Coast. It’s more than architecture — it’s the art of blending Southern heritage with modern craftsmanship. Our homes must be both beautiful and brave, built to welcome a salty breeze and withstand the strongest storm. That’s the balance of coastal living, and it’s what defines the modern Southern home today.

Preserving the…

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Gulf Coast Stucco Homes: What to Look For, Maintain, and Prevent

GULF COAST STUCCO HOMES: WHAT TO LOOK FOR, MAINTAIN, AND PREVENT

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.

Stucco can perform beautifully on the Gulf Coast when it’s installed and detailed correctly. The biggest lesson I share with buyers and sellers is this: it’s rarely about “stucco vs. EIFS.” It’s about the details—how the system terminates at grade, how roof-to-wall joints are flashed, how windows and doors are sealed, and how water is managed over time. If you’re buying or selling a stucco home in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or on Ono Island, a professional stucco inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make.

The number-one red…

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New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Why I Recommend ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

Living on the Gulf Coast, especially on Ono Island, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Key, means building with resilience and longevity in mind. ICF, or Insulated Concrete Form construction, offers exactly that—and more. After helping buyers and builders evaluate options for coastal durability and modern design, ICF consistently rises to the top for new home construction.

I work closely with builders and engineers who specialize in ICF and…

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Celebrating Community, Conservation, and Coastal Living at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Celebrating Community, Conservation, and Coastal Living at the Orange Beach Billfish Classic

By Meredith Amon | Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

There’s something truly special about living and working in Orange Beach. Beyond the beauty of the Gulf and the charm of our waterfront neighborhoods, it’s the way our coastal lifestyle brings people together—through boating, conservation, and shared traditions. One event that exemplifies this harmony is the Orange Beach Billfish Classic.

It’s more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of what makes Orange Beach feel like home. From the excitement of the weigh-ins to the stories shared at the docks, there’s an…

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The Bluffs & Summerchase: Two Distinct Paths to Paradise in the Heart of Orange Beach

The Bluffs & Summerchase: Two Distinct Paths to Paradise in the Heart of Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Tucked along the sugar-white sands of Perdido Beach Boulevard, just west of Perdido Pass, sit two extraordinary communities that offer very different but equally compelling versions of coastal living in Orange Beach: The Bluffs at Orange Beach and Summerchase Condominiums. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of a luxurious beachside cottage with a private pool or a turnkey Gulf-front condo with panoramic views, both of these properties promise the ultimate in comfort, style, and walkability.

 Beachside Cottages at The…

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How I Grow Lush Pampas Grass on the Gulf Coast

HOW I GROW LUSH PAMPAS GRASS ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

One of the most striking landscape features I see on Ono Island and throughout the Gulf Coast is pampas grass. Its tall, feathery plumes bring movement and drama to a garden—and when it's thriving, it feels wild, elegant, and wonderfully coastal.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on the island, I’ve learned exactly what pampas grass needs to look full, strong, and sculptural year-round. If you’re trying to encourage faster growth, or just want those big, showy plumes, I’d love to share a few of my favorite tips from experience.

 Why I Love Pampas…

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Why Orange Beach, Alabama Stands Out for Vacation Rental Investors

Why Orange Beach, Alabama Stands Out for Vacation Rental Investors

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

As a real estate advisor with experience in both the Florida Panhandle and the Alabama Gulf Coast, I often help buyers and sellers navigate markets like, Orange Beach, and Destin Florida. Each of these destinations offers something truly special—but from a purely investment-minded perspective, I see Orange Beach as uniquely advantageous.

Let me explain why—and offer a few insights about property management fees, taxes, and commissions that can directly impact your bottom line.

Vacation Rental Performance Comparison

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Timeless Elegance on the Gulf Coast: Design Details That Left Me Speechless

Timeless Elegance on the Gulf Coast: Design Details That Left Me Speechless

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Every now and then, I walk into a home that doesn’t just impress—it moves me. This week, during a private showing on the Gulf Coast, I experienced a property so beautifully designed, so intentional in its finishes and flow, that I left inspired, energized, and dreaming about the details long after I pulled away.

I didn’t take photos. But I can still see each room clearly in my mind. The layers of texture, the restraint in palette, the boldness in the right places. It was timeless, architectural, coastal luxury—crafted with precision.

Let…

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The Hidden Perks of Owning a Hot Tub on the Gulf Coast

THE HIDDEN PERKS OF OWNING A HOT TUB ON THE GULF COAST 

By Meredith Amon, Expert Real Estate Marketer & Advisor

Living along the Gulf Coast comes with endless rewards — beautiful sunsets, salt-kissed breezes, and that laid-back lifestyle we all crave. But one thing I often recommend to both locals and new homeowners in the area? Consider investing in a hot tub.

I know what you’re thinking. A hot tub… in this climate? Hear me out.

Hot tubs have become more than just a luxury item or a winter-weather indulgence. Down here on the coast, they offer real, year-round benefits that complement the lifestyle we love — and even promote better health.

Health Benefits That Make a Difference

As someone who works closely with homebuyers every…

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Your Guide to Fishing for Inshore and Coastal Fish on the Gulf Coast of Alabama

Your Guide to Fishing for Inshore and Coastal Fish on the Gulf Coast of Alabama

The Gulf Coast of Alabama offers a treasure trove of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With abundant inshore and coastal fish species, there’s something for everyone, whether you're fishing from the shore, a dock, or out on a boat. Below, we’ll explore commonly caught species, the best fishing boats (with specific recommendations), seasonal tips, the hardest fish to catch, and insights on regulations and cooking your catch.

Commonly Caught Fish on the Gulf Coast

• King Mackerel: A favorite among game fishers, this species can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh 80 pounds.
• Florida Pompano: Known for its delicate flavor, this fish…

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