"What a beautiful place to renew one's spirit and love."
Guest Book - L. and S.

“More Than A Destination”

  My arm didn’t have to be twisted when asked to write a review about 542 Caplen Shores Circle.  Having stayed at this ocean front address before, I welcome any excuse to return.  The only problem was describing how a locale can create such a warm and welcoming ambiance.   In the next few paragraphs I hope my descriptions will help you view this treasure as I do.

            A thirty-year nautical collection is tastefully displayed throughout the house.  It is truly unique.  Oil paintings and prints of the seaside and ships grace the walls.  Every nook is an adventure.  There are glass treasures filled with sand dollars, shark’s teeth, seabeans and other finds from previous walks along the shore.  There are early 19th Century authentic copper and brass diving helmets, authentic museum quality ship models; including The USS Constitution, The HMS Victory and The Soleil Royal, each incredibly detailed and taking hundreds of man hours to build. And, of course, many ship’s clocks.

          The relaxed, informal mood is further enhanced by a fully functional antique Rowe juke box standing ready with over a hundred 45’s ready to delight any musical taste, from the 50s to today's hits.

            Picture perfect sunrises and sunsets are yours from this entertainment oriented home.

            Its informal floor plan boasts nearly 3,000 square feet including four private bedrooms with their own full baths.  Up the winding staircase, the sleeping quarters features four full size beds plus ten built-in bunks.  The house comfortably sleeps twenty-eight, and that’s not on couches!

            The five-ton air conditioner keeps the temperature on the Mexican tile floors cool to the toes.  Find yourself curled up in front of the wood-burning fireplace with your favorite book.  And, at bedtime close the electric shutters, blocking out all sights and sounds.  Or, beach lovers can leave them open and let the waves softly sing them to sleep.

            There are televisions in each room with a large screen High Definition plasma TV in the living room complete with HD satellite receiver, DVR, DVD and VCR, plus a fully THX certified Onkyo Audio/Video Receiver and 6 Definitive Surround Sound Speakers for a true home theatre experience.  There is a "magic" Harmony 1000 Remote Control that actually asks you whether you want to "Watch TV", "Listen to FM", "Watch a DVD" or numerous other options, making your home theatre experience easy.  The master bedroom has a large screen plasma HDTV as well, plus two 37 inch flat panel LCD HDTVs in guest room one and guest room two.  The kids can bring their Playstations in case of bad weather, and they will have their own 47 inch LCD HDTV to plug into in the loft bedroom.  However, with the 100 plus melodies floating from the old Rowe juke box no one seems to have an inclination for electronic intrusion.          

            In every bathroom there are open oak cabinets, purposefully without doors.  All Nautica towels, linens, even bathroom tissue and Kleenex are in full view.  There is never a strangeness or an uncomfortable search for anything.

            Now to the kitchen, one of the most welcoming rooms in the house.  It was obviously built for the gourmet.  Hanging utensils line the wall.  There is even a spoodle.  For those of us without culinary vocabularies, that’s a combination ladle and spoon.  Adequate pots, pans and casserole dishes is an understatement, any size or dimension.  All modern appliances including a trash compactor.  A nautical motif patterned china with service for thirty, shelved in the glass see-through cabinets.  If you want to watch The Food Channel while you're cooking, there's also a 32 inch flat panel LCD HDTV in the kitchen!

            Off the kitchen is a large laundry room with full size washer and dryer complete with laundry detergent, and a half-bath if the other four should be occupied.

            In the garage there is a full size freezer, barbecue grill, and outside shower.  A giant Coleman Event Grill is available for your use.  Including the garage, there is covered parking for six other large vehicles.  If you've got your own helicopter, (or charter one), this residence has it's own private heliport!

            Up on the wrap around 1,400 square foot deck, watch for porpoises from the deck chairs, as brown and white pelicans, blue herons, long-billed sandpipers and sea gulls fly by.  Even the decks attest to the thought that went into this home.  Some covered and others open for the sun lover. 

            Still need more sleeping capacity?  The cabin directly across from 542 Caplen Shores Circle, at 541 Caplen Shores Circle that sleeps 8-14 is owned by Dan Jacobs as well, and you'll get a 10% discount on it, if you rent both. 

Oh, don’t forget your rod and reel!  Bring in red fish, speckled trout, flounder and an occasional Spanish Mackeral to give a new meaning to the words “fresh fish.”

            For a company meeting, family gathering or a romantic getaway 542 Caplen Shores Circle is just perfect.  This Gulf of Mexico beauty can be yours for a week or a month, but beware or like me you’ll never want to leave.    

                                                                    M.J. Fogal

M.J. Fogal is an award winning freelance writer. Her autobiography, Mean Mary Jean, is available at Amazon.com under the author's maiden name, Mary Jean Fielder.  Ms. Fogal is a member of the Alabama Writer's Conclave and the National League of American Pen Women, Inc.  She has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and literary reviews.  She is married to Robert W. Fogal and lives in Houston, Texas

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