Tampa Bay METRO

AT HOME

Living On The Sea By Ronda M. Parag | Photos by Alicia Johnson Photography

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ollowing their hearts and dreams, Shaun and Shona Carcary created their dream home that might seem to some, unconventional. While homes come in many shapes and sizes, the Carcary’s home just so happens to float. Rather than wait for that perfect time to retire and plan their future, the seed was planted more than 23 years ago when they were visiting in Pass-a-Grille and spotted a Trawler. Shona said to Shaun, “That’s exactly the kind of boat I wish for one day.” Shona grew up in South Africa and has been happily married to Shaun for 35 years. In 1997, the couple moved their family of two girls, two dogs and a cat to Tampa. Together, they have built several successful family businesses including Realty Buy Design and Hey Vacay. After gifting their home on the bay, along with all the furnishings to their children, they followed their passion to live on the ocean. A small 500 sq. ft. condo that was already part of their retirement plans, allows them to continue to work part time with their children and grandchildren, while having a land base. “This freed us up to move around and still work part time from our boat or the condo,” said Shona. “Less is truly more...in fact it’s the secret to happiness.” Shaun named the boat Happy Wife and the tender Happy Life, and he let Shona choose the boat saying, “As long as we are together and on the water, I don’t care what we live in.” The couple transformed their home by doing all the work themselves with the exception of the granite installation and some engine work. The initial refurbishment took seven weeks with Shaun and Shona working 12 hour days.

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“Less is truly more... in fact it’s the secret to happiness.” —Shaun and Shona Carcary