From Sand to Snow

Seamless Living Between Shorelines and Summits

Vacation Living: A New Chapter

The vision of a traditional vacation home is changing. No longer tied to a single setting, today’s most coveted retreats are shaped by lifestyle with design and location woven together to reflect rest, adventure, and refinement. For Coastal Custom Builders of NWFL (Northwest Florida), headquartered in Santa Rosa Beach, this idea materialized in a high-altitude destination far from the Gulf: the mountain village of Crested Butte, Colorado.

What began as a collaboration between two seasoned builders, Josh Jimenez and Tim O’Hara, became a tangible expression of their Sand to Snow ethos. The result? A rare opportunity now available for sale. A private ski-in, ski-out residence designed in harmony with its surroundings with a clear architectural point of view.

A Vision Framed by the Mountains

Positioned beside the Prospect Lift, 18 Walking Deer is an alpine retreat with rugged sophistication. With 5,000 square feet of strategically designed interiors, the home reflects refined mountain living by merging durable materials with unique architectural elements.

Crafted by Sunlit Architecture and executed by Double Top Frame and Finish, the layout maximizes light and connection to the outdoors. Instead of relying on traditional forms that are usually heavy and rustic, this design integrates modern touches like layered textures, natural stone, rich wood tones, and clean lines. These details speak to both its alpine environment and the builder’s coastal roots.

Housed by expansive glass and precise architectural lines, the living room captures unobstructed views of Whiterock Mountain, Gothic Mountain, and the East River Valley; an intentional composition of structure and landscape elevates daily living into a more artful experience.

Place and Design: A Distinctive Approach

The project’s mountain setting introduced challenges like short building seasons, limited trades, and complex regional codes. What might have intimidated others, only invigorated Josh and Tim, who were closely involved the entire process by coordinating design decisions, collaborating with local crews, and ensuring every detail aligned with the high standards clients expect from Coastal Custom Builders of NWFL.

“We didn’t want to build something overly modern or traditional,” Josh explained during our interview. “We wanted a home that felt lasting, yet fresh, and complemented the landscape, while still reflecting our perspective as coastal builders.”

This balance is evident in the fireplace. Wrapped in hammered steel and natural finishes, this featured centerpiece bridges the kitchen and great room with more than just physical warmth, but a cozy atmosphere only achieved from a good fire. It’s a traditional element with a contemporary twist, and is one of many details defining this home’s overall style.

Supporting the vision was a coastal designer originally from Bend, Oregon, whose expertise in both seaside and alpine aesthetics helped bring cohesion to every material and space.

From Gulf Breezes to Alpine Heights

The Sand to Snow philosophy isn’t about replicating design across regions. It’s about honoring the unique characteristics of each setting while delivering craftsmanship, elegance, and purpose. “Whether we’re managing wind codes on the Gulf, or elevation constraints in the Rockies, our process doesn’t change,” Josh said. “We design homes that live well, feel intentional, and create a lasting connection to where they are.”

With Coastal Custom Builders of NWFL, clients are supported by a fully integrated team of designers, architects, contractors, and advisors, who work in unison to deliver not just a home, but an unparalleled customer experience.

Designing Distinctive Retreats Across Every Landscape

This mountain residence is more than a getaway, but a thoughtfully curated destination for those who appreciate quality, design, and environment. Whether your ideal escape unfolds along Florida’s sugar-white coast, or above the tree line in Crested Butte, Coastal Custom Builders of NWFL brings the experience, precision, and vision to deliver something extraordinary.