Rediscover a piece of Crescent Beach history with our elegant beachfront townhouse condo in the old Summerhaven area. Sweeping sea views occupy one entire side of Sea Matanzas 6, which boasts spacious rooms, natural landscaping, and a wonderful pool.

This condominium complex of only 8 units sits right behind the dunes at beachfront, 3 levels high with a private beach walkway. The beach is wide and very private here, in this area that used to be called Summer Haven, a colony of exclusive summer homes for the wealthy.

The Sea Matanzas complex was built in the 1980's, but it feels wonderfully vintage, with its attention to natural wood decks and walkways and its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors filling one whole side of each townhouse. The native vegetation is lush and verdant, so this complex looks far more natural and less manicured than most others. From dwarf palms to semi-tropical vines, it is a haven for birds and tired eyes.

Our townhouse occupies two levels. The first contains bedrooms, baths, and decks. The second is the living and dining area, with -- you guessed it -- more decks. The views are simply amazing.

Enter the living room and your first impression may be that it goes right out to the water, for the ocean and sky are framed in one panoramic "glass wall." Even when you realize that part of what you're seeing is the spacious front deck, the room is still enormous, even with our giant sectional sofa (part of which converts to a sleeper), a towering entertainment center complete with HDTV and DVD player, and a big square coffee table that has been known to host a game of Scrabble or two. There's enough space left over for the kids to roll around, parents to do their stretching exercises, or the whole gang to get up and dance!

The dining area is simply a round table for 4 in a patch of sunshine, just inside from yet another deck (this one with lovely garden views). Three more folks can occupy the stools at the breakfast bar, but who are we kidding? --you will all be outside on one deck or another, soaking in the salty sea breeze, listening to the murmur of the ocean, and warming your face in the sun! There's nothing like that first morning cup of coffee (or last evening glass of wine) in the fresh air.

There is nothing vintage about our kitchen, except perhaps the lovely striped wood countertop. Full-size modern appliances put everything at your fingertips, so stock up at the store and you can get it all put away out of sight here. We've got all the cookware, dishes, and utensils you will need too, plus time-saving devices from a microwave and icemaker to a blender and toaster. In and out of the kitchen is our motto --- but if you choose to linger, you'll find it a pleasure to work in. We have a washer and dryer at Sea Matanzas 6 as well, so you won't have to spoil the view with rows of towels drying in the sun!

The bed-and-bath level of our townhouse is just as picturesque and comfy as the living space. The master bedroom is a treat, with a queen-sized bed, LCD TV, large closet, and private oceanview balcony beyond a wall of windows. A table for two sets the mood on this deck, which looks out on palms, dunes, and beach with the sea beyond. And again, you won't ever feel cramped in this huge room. The en suite master bathroom includes both a tub and a shower.

The second bedroom offers an entire wall of windows as well, with two twin beds and a charming porch that overlooks the pool behind the complex. This is the best spot for enjoying the sunset! A second full bathroom is convenient to this bedroom.

Once you're settled into Sea Matanzas 6, you'll want to drop everything and get to the beach. Our wide wooden walkway carries you over the dunes and right down to the pure white sands, with lovely views every step of the way. Crescent Beach is family-friendly and inviting. Try a dip in our community pool as well, with natural shade provided by tall privacy hedges, and visit the nearby Intracoastal Waterway.