One of the most leisurely and scenic drives in the U.S. is the Gulf Coast route of the Panhandle, where the sand is the color of moondust and the crystalline, emerald-hued water looks like nectar poured by the gods.

In the late ’90s, when Loretta and Randy Roulier started getting serious about building their ideal home at The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA, they envisioned a combination of art gallery and comfortable living space. Long halls, arched niches and a grand foyer accoutered with high-tech lighting would showcase their extensive collection of paintings and art objects.

A true Southern belle, Savannah, GA has been luring visitors with her abundant charms for almost three centuries. General James Oglethorpe of England was the first to fall under her spell. In 1733, he journeyed to this halcyon, Spanish moss-draped spot on Georgia’s northern coast to establish what would become America’s first planned city.