Text by Holly Seng
As a child, Suzanne Jones would accompany her grandparents to Panama City Beach, Florida, where they’d embrace the tranquil escape of a quiet, slow pace of life. So, one night in 2021, when sleep evaded the former real estate agent, she took to Zillow and came across a fixer-upper in the same seaside community.
Just a block from the beach and nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, the home—which needed major work—offered charm and a nostalgic nod to Old Florida while still remaining just a short drive away from the bustling communities along Scenic Highway 30A. “It’s so fun, because you can dip your toes into all the shopping and boutiques and then go back to the quiet pace of life,” Suzanne says.
Transforming the home into her family of six’s Sunnyside retreat, which she also rents out as an Airbnb, began with a full-scale renovation—down to the studs. To maximize curb appeal, the Joneses reconfigured the porch so that stairs would lead up the front. The front door, ceiling, and scallop shingles were all painted a welcoming sky blue shade.
Inside, a cozy and collected take on coastal style takes prominence. “The house is completely furnished with antiques and thrift store finds,” notes Suzanne. A comfortable white sofa coordinates with two armchairs, while an oversized woven basket doubles as storage and a coffee table. The gallery wall with paintings and prints collected from Florida to Chicago imparts a nautical touch. Warming up the design are block print pillows and an area rug featuring a rich rusty hue.
The living room opens up into both the dining area and kitchen. Natural light floods the eating nook, making it the ideal locale to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or spend a leisurely dinner reminiscing over the day’s delights as the sun begins to set. Painted white chairs with rattan seats enhance the casual, coastal vibes of the space.
In the kitchen, Suzanne drew inspiration from designer Erika Powell, painting the cabinets a subtle salmon pink. Butcher block counters in a light natural wood finish and vertical paneling painted white play up the airy ambience as rattan barstools ground the space. A pair of pendant lights lends contemporary flair.
As the property was previously a one-bedroom cottage, Suzanne and her husband split what was a large primary bedroom into two separate sleeping quarters, creating a bunkroom for their four children. Washed in a breathtaking blue complemented by green-and-white bedding, the room makes the most of every square inch of space—even including built-in storage to the left of the beds.
The primary bedroom takes on a sunny scheme with yellow accessories paired with crisp white linens. On the opposite wall, a duo of cane chairs painted aqua blue flanks a small end table for a peaceful reading corner.
Whether Suzanne is spending time at the beach with her family or renting the property for guests to enjoy, this charming cottage promises to be a relaxing seaside retreat. “It’s just like when I would go with my grandparents,” says Suzanne. “Just that same feel of that quiet, slow pace of life.”
For more information, visit @sunnysideairbnb on Instagram.
