This snowbird moved into a Florida retirement community, then bought a ‘crazier’ $1.2M compound — here’s how she did it
When artist Margo Brewer moved to Florida, she initially settled in a common snowbird destination: The Villages, about an hour northwest of Orlando, one of the Sunshine State's most popular retirement communities.
Brewer didn't want to just live the typical retiree life, though. She and her husband, Hank, went on a quest for acreage with the hope of finding a place for goats, chickens and horses. What they found instead was a $1.2-million compound on 13 acres featuring "swamp shacks," a 10-person hot tub, rock-lined bathrooms and even an aviary and lighthouse.
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"I went, ‘OMG’ when I saw it," Brewer told Realtor.com. “At first, I wasn’t sure if they were out of their minds, or if I was. There was so much odd-style stuff everywhere."
She was committed to making it hers — despite the large cost and the fact that she'd purchased a home just a short time ago — and she ended up succeeding.
Here's how, along with some tips on whether you could indulge your own retirement dreams like Brewer did.
The quirky home that captured Brewer's heart
Brewer's new abode was no cookie-cutter home, and it wasn't necessarily one that would appeal to everyone.
"The artistic touches blew me away, like the shells and Mexican tiles that border the walkways," she said. "Apparently, the previous owner broke those tiles by hand to create this stunning mosaic effect. It’s wild, but somehow, it works.”
While she acknowledges that some of its quirky touches "could’ve easily been tacky," she thinks the layout and design were so well done that "the previous owners really nailed the balance between fun and tasteful.”
Brewer told Realtor that she had reviewed the listing numerous times online, which didn't do it justice, before finally visiting in person. After physically seeing the property, she was ready to make it hers.
"I said to my husband, ‘I’ll sell my houses in Canada if I have to. I’ll do whatever it takes.’ I could see the potential immediately."
Although initially reluctant, her husband did get on board and they now have big plans for their new dream home.
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How Brewer made the home her own
Brewer isn't relying on just her existing financial resources to afford the costly home. White she said she had properties in Canada she could sell to help pay for the new compound, she also has some future plans for it that could bring in some extra income to help with the bills.
Her ideas include creating an event space and marketing the property as a short-term vacation rental, with the lighthouse, summer kitchen, and poolside cabanas as a draw. The swamp shacks have themed guest rooms, air conditioning, and sound systems so she believes they can be rented. They're also adding some RV sites and even considering tent camping.
Since she and her family have yet to open their Airbnb rental business, it's not clear if those efforts will be a success — but because she was already in a financial position to make the purchase, any extra income they bring in will be a nice bonus.
Of course, not everyone can just go out and buy a $1.2 million compound in retirement. You can, however, set yourself up to make more reasonable retirement dreams come true by preparing and planning for your future.
Whether it's investing in properties, as Brewer did, putting money into the stock market, or using a combination of strategies, going into retirement with a good-sized pot of money can help you to live out whatever your retirement fantasies are — just as Brewer is doing, as she shops for luxury bedding for her new dream home.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
