Casa Carlouel is a 3BR/2BA/2,000 sq ft home in the exclusive Carlouel section of north Clearwater Beach, situated about 90 yards from the Intracoastal and about 1,000 yards from the pristine white sands of Clearwater Beach.
Acquired in 2020 as a VRBO/AirBnB rental, it was an executive-style home with large rooms and a quiet, distinguished ambiance.
On the night of Sept 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene passed by offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, sending a tidal surge that engulfed Clearwater Beach and adjacent beach towns, flooding every ground-level structure, obliterating dunes and vegetation, and destroying many homes and businesses.
Based on neighbors who stayed in their homes, water entered Casa Carlouel starting around 9:30 pm and receded around 1:30 am on the morning of Sept 27.
Casa Carlouel was flooded with nearly three feet of water. The recovery has taken over two years, cost much more than the insurance covered, and taught many lessons. This website — originally a portal to view the property and make a reservation — tells the story: what happened, dealing with insurance, the good, bad & ugly of the demolition and renovations, preparing for future hurricanes, the stages of renovation and the end result.
It is our fervent hope that this website accurately tells the story, and provides guidance on what you can – and perhaps should – do if this ever happens to you.
