This Memorial Day weekend I’m wishing we were in my favorite little hideaway, Boca Grande, Florida on tiny Gasparilla Island. Located about three hours northwest of Miami, Gasparilla Island is seven miles long, and just
one mile across at its widest. Boca Grande epitomizes “Old Florida”style, and it harkens to a bygone era full of Southern charm. There are no high-rises, no fast food restaurants, no chain stores, and no traffic lights.Billboards and other exterior advertising are banned by the Conservation District. And the thing I like most about Boca Grande is that it’s virtually unknown. Even most native Floridians have never heard of it, so Boca Grande is truly a place you can go to disappear… and leave all of your worries behind.
My husband and I fantasize about one day having a beach house in Boca Grande, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I saw this one, owned by interior designer JoAnn Barwick and her husband, Fred Berger.
Images and copy below via Traditional Home…

I love your blog and LOVED reading this post on JoAnn! When we moved from SF 16 years ago and bought a beach house in FL, we happened to purchase quite a few pieces of furniture that JoAnn had designed (set of Gustavian chairs and the scalloped-edge "piecrust" table you have photos of above with hydrangeas on top, as well as some assorted other pieces.) 16 years later, they are still in use, we love them just as much, and JoAnn's taste has proven to be timeless. I recall seeing her home featured in a magazine many, many years ago – blue and white, and loved her look. Thank you for reminding me of an extremely talented woman – I had frankly forgotten about her (I won't make that mistake again!). Again, love your blog – interesting, fun and very pretty! Keep up the good work, Beth
What a great story, Beth! Thank you for sharing and for the kind words! 🙂
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
I love Ms. Barwick's soft color palette–so inviting. Thank you for sharing! I hope to see photos of your Boca beach house one day soon! 😉
love the blue and white!
I need to find a map and see where exactly this place is. It sounds fabulous.
This is perfection. Wow!I I am ready to move right on in:)
Just found this from Pink Pagoda, although I love following you! Darling cottage and love the decor.
xo Nancy