Choosing a place to call home is more than just finding a house; it's about discovering a community that values family and shared experiences. For the Chauvin family, Sandestin became more than just a residence; it became the heart of their memories and laughter-filled moments.

 

Angele and Ray started visiting here in the 1990s and would come once or twice a year. “We bought a condo in Baypine and had it for four years before we decided to move here,” Angele said. During the pandemic, they came for five months and then decided it was time to make the move. Wanting a residence that felt like a neighborhood more than a resort, the Chauvins found Baytowne. It fulfilled all their needs, including a crucial one - a garage- a simple yet significant request of the family.

For Angele and Ray, Sandestin is not just an address; it's a lifestyle. The convenience of having everything within arm's reach, from music and food to shopping and movies without getting on 98, is important to them. 

 

Angele and Ray have been married for 40 years. “We met very young and it was a challenge because I was still in college and my Ray was busy creating businesses and a life for us,” she recalled. “I wanted children, but God did not see it the way we had planned. We prayed and finally, 19 years later, we had a son, Andre.” Now he is 22 years old. His journey into the world of medicine is a source of immense pride. A senior in Pre-med, Andre will likely move to Sandestin while applying to PA schools.

A recent addition to the family is Emmi, a Sheepadoodle and delightful companion that brings smiles wherever they go. Their furry friend attracts attention from everyone they meet.

 

Angele, a Surgical First Assistant to heart surgeons, embodies a commitment to her profession. “If I were to do it all over again, I would have become a surgeon,” Angele shared. She also loves cooking up a storm, pickleball, and shopping.

Meanwhile, Ray, a skilled diesel mechanic turned successful entrepreneur, has left a mark on the community through his four businesses: Commercial Lawn Care, Chevron service station, Club Car dealership, and the Children's Play Center. “There is almost nothing my Ray can't do, just ask the community.” He also has a knack for fixing golf carts on the spot at people’s homes.

  

In the absence of extended family, the Chauvins have turned their home into a welcoming place for others. Inviting members of the community during holidays, they transform each gathering into a celebration of togetherness. Their inclusive spirit and culinary expertise create an atmosphere of warmth and laughter. “We have so many lovely friends here.”

 

For this family, every moment spent together is a potential funny story. Their mishaps and adventures create a story that defines their unique bond. In the heart of Sandestin, the Chauvins have found not just a home, but a place where their story continues to unfold each day. Their presence enriches the community, making Sandestin more than a neighborhood.

“We have so many lovely friends here.”

If you are looking for a home-cooked authentic Cajun meal Angele says to "look her up." She stirs up Cajun delicacies almost every day, delighting the palates of family and friends alike. According to Angele, “You cannot beat Cajun food.”