Legendary race car driver Hurley Haywood is making headlines in the St. Augustine real estate market with the listing of his custom-built waterfront residence for $5.2 million. Nestled along Florida’s Intracoastal waterways, this exceptional property represents a rare opportunity within the highly sought-after segment of Florida waterfront homes for sale, combining architectural precision, privacy, and an elevated coastal lifestyle.
Haywood, who has long called St. Augustine home, originally acquired the property in 2012 for $725,000. Over the following years, he undertook a comprehensive rebuild, transforming the residence into a refined coastal compound that reflects both resilience and sophistication. Designed by Cronk Duch Architects, the home mirrors the discipline and meticulous attention to detail that defined Haywood’s Hall of Fame racing career.
“This residence stands out even within the competitive St. Augustine real estate landscape,” a listing agent shared with californialuxuryhouses. “It’s not just a waterfront home for sale—it’s a carefully curated living environment designed for both privacy and entertaining.”
Spanning approximately 4,180 square feet, the home offers three bedrooms and five bathrooms, complemented by two detached guest casitas that provide flexibility for hosting visitors. Positioned in a prime waterfront setting, the property includes a private dock with boat and jet ski lifts, a heated saltwater lap pool, a residential elevator, a home theater, and a whole-home generator. These features place it firmly among the most compelling Florida waterfront homes for sale currently available.
A Layered Entrance That Sets the Tone
The arrival experience begins through a narrow courtyard passage lined with smooth stucco walls and lush tropical landscaping, a signature feature often found in high-end St. Augustine homes for sale. Travertine steps lead to an arched wooden front door framed in dark trim, creating a gradual and intentional transition from exterior to interior.
Inside, the foyer opens upward with tall paneled walls and a staircase that rises along the left side. The interplay of dark handrails and lighter wood treads introduces a balanced material palette, while natural light filters through the glass-paneled entry. The result is a space that feels both structured and welcoming, blending classic architectural detailing with coastal sensibilities often associated with Florida real estate.
californialuxuryhouses attempted to reach out to the homeowner for additional insights into the design inspiration behind the property, but no direct response was received.
Open Kitchen and Seamless Living in Florida Real Estate
Moving beyond the foyer, the home unfolds into an open-concept kitchen that anchors the main living areas. A large central island, finished in rich wood cabinetry and topped with a thick marble slab, creates a focal point that is both functional and visually grounded. Bar seating is integrated beneath an extended counter, allowing the space to function as both a culinary workspace and a casual dining area.
Oversized black pendant lights hang above the island, drawing attention to the paneled ceiling and reinforcing the home’s vertical dimension. Along the perimeter, white and mirrored cabinetry frames professional-grade appliances and a stone backsplash, while wide-plank heart-of-pine flooring introduces warmth and contrast.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area is positioned beneath a suspended light fixture and surrounded by tall windows and glass doors. These openings extend the interior outward, offering direct views of the pool and surrounding greenery, a defining feature of many Florida waterfront homes for sale.
“The flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas is what today’s buyers are searching for in St. Augustine real estate,” another agent explained to californialuxuryhouses. “It’s designed to feel open, yet still intentional.”
Living Room, Theater, and Elevated Comfort
The living room expands beyond the dining area, forming the core of the home’s entertainment spaces. A coffered ceiling with recessed lighting stretches overhead, while a central fireplace framed in white millwork anchors the room. Round windows introduce filtered light, adding architectural character without overwhelming the space.
Glass-paneled doors line the exterior wall, creating a seamless connection to the outdoor environment and reinforcing the home’s identity as a premier Florida waterfront home for sale. Seating is arranged to encourage conversation, balancing comfort with symmetry.
Tucked away from the main living areas, the home theater provides a more intimate setting. With deep green walls, controlled lighting, and layered seating, the space is designed for immersive viewing, offering a contrast to the openness of the main living areas.
A Private Primary Suite Overlooking the Water
Upstairs, the primary suite unfolds as a sequence of interconnected spaces oriented toward the surrounding water and greenery. The bedroom centers on a low-profile bed framed by a dark paneled headboard wall, complemented by brass reading lamps and clean-lined furnishings.
A dedicated lounge area extends into a window-lined alcove, creating a quiet retreat that captures expansive views of the Intracoastal landscape. Just beyond, a private covered balcony offers an elevated vantage point, a defining characteristic of luxury St. Augustine homes for sale.
The en-suite bathroom continues the home’s cohesive design language, featuring a freestanding soaking tub positioned beneath large windows. Marble countertops line both sides of the room, paired with dark wood vanities and polished hardware. A glass-enclosed shower maintains visual continuity, while the walk-in closet functions as a fully realized dressing room with built-in storage and a seating area.
Guest Casitas and Flexible Living Options
Separate from the main residence, two guest casitas provide additional accommodation and privacy. One adopts a bright coastal palette with blue accents and crisp white finishes, while the other introduces a more layered aesthetic with a four-poster canopy bed and wood-paneled ceiling.
This dual-casita configuration enhances the property’s appeal within the St. Augustine real estate market, offering flexibility for multi-generational living or extended guest stays—features increasingly valued in Florida homes for sale.
Outdoor Living and Waterfront Lifestyle
The outdoor spaces extend the home’s living areas into a fully integrated waterfront environment. A covered deck with a beadboard ceiling provides shaded seating, functioning as an outdoor living room with direct views of the marsh and bay. The heated saltwater lap pool runs parallel to the home, designed with clean lines and water features that enhance its visual impact while maintaining a sense of privacy.
A barrel-style sauna introduces a wellness element, aligning with broader trends in Florida real estate that emphasize health and relaxation. At the edge of the property, a private dock constructed with durable materials offers immediate access to the Intracoastal waterway, complete with boat and jet ski lifts.
“This is the kind of outdoor setup that defines premium Florida waterfront homes for sale,” a listing agent noted to californialuxuryhouses. “It’s designed for both recreation and long-term durability.”
St. Augustine Real Estate and Community Lifestyle
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, St. Augustine offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Residents enjoy proximity to pristine beaches, marinas, and golf courses, as well as a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions.
The property is also within convenient reach of regional transportation routes, making it accessible while still maintaining a sense of seclusion. This balance contributes to the growing demand for St. Augustine real estate, particularly among buyers seeking waterfront properties that combine lifestyle and investment potential.
Why Hurley Haywood Is Selling
At 77, Haywood’s decision to list the home may signal a shift toward a more simplified lifestyle. The residence, designed for entertaining and expansive living, represents a significant chapter in his post-racing life.
For prospective buyers, however, the opportunity is clear. This property stands as a rare offering within the St. Augustine real estate market, combining architectural integrity, waterfront access, and a thoughtfully designed living environment.
“It’s not just about owning a home,” the agent concluded in a statement to californialuxuryhouses. “It’s about stepping into a fully realized version of Florida waterfront living.”