Gulfshore Homes sets a new standard in elegance

Located in Bonita Springs on the idyllic Southwest Florida coast, Gulfshore Homes (Gulfshore) has been making homeowners’ dreams come true for over 30 years. Founded in 1993 by President, Steven Watt, Gulfshore is well-recognized across the region for its close-knit company values, personable approach and premium quality. Indeed, with customer feedback that praises its efforts and some customers returning to the business to build second homes, Gulfshore’s reputation for excellence sets it apart in the industry.  

Last year, Modern Home Builders sat down with Matthew Shull, Executive Vice President at Gulfshore, to learn more about the company’s history and growth. Since then, the business has continued to bloom, maintaining its position as one of Southwest Florida’s top homebuilders and keeping its local clients at the heart of operations. Matthew joins us again, in June 2025, to offer an update on how Gulfshore Homes has developed and to discuss the company’s priorities for the year ahead.

“In the last year, we’ve completed four projects in addition to those we previously spoke about, and we currently have seven new projects underway, most of which are 75-to-80 percent complete,” Matthew begins. “We’ve taken one of the smaller modern homes that we built a couple of years ago and have duplicated its size, kept the elevation the same but introduced some different materials, both natural and synthetic. Within the interior design side of the business, we’ve started to incorporate some of the outside features and materials into the interior of the house. 

“All in all, it’s been a pretty good year. We’re working on several projects that are in design now, but we stepped back a little to allow us to work solely within this area in Southwest Florida.” 

With decades of experience and expertise under its belt, Gulfshore is committed to doing whatever it takes to build the perfect home for its clients. From custom design-build projects to renovations, remodeling and interior design, the company provides a fully comprehensive service for its customers, and no challenge is too tough for its talented team. A large portion of Gulfshore’s portfolio features modern homes that incorporate elements such as large windows, flat roofs and aluminum finishes, but its capabilities cover a plethora of different styles, from Mediterranean to contemporary coastal. 

Further bolstering Gulfshore’s stylistic prowess are its in-house renovation and interior design divisions, which allow the company to maintain the personality of its homes both inside and out. 

“Our interior design business is three years old; we started out with two designers and now have five. We started the business so that we could have a little more involvement in the interior and bring our visions to life, and our revenue has since tripled. From kitchenware to towels and toothbrushes, we take every detail into account,” Matthew explains. 

When it comes to interior design, Gulfshore strikes the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. The company is always on the hunt for new, exciting materials and innovations, many of which have included smart home technology integrations. 

“Smart home technology is something we’ve included in many of our projects, but it’s always really about what our clients are looking for – some people don’t want touchpads everywhere!” Matthew says. “Tech providers are always coming out with new and improved options, but we do tend to keep it ‘middle of the road’. Technology is comparatively easy nowadays with the integration of phones; there are lots of good apps out there, so you don’t really need a lot of complicated equipment. Lighting control, for example, is currently popular, particularly in larger homes. It’s all customizable with different window shades and automations. 

“Another big trend is golf simulators – recently, I don’t think we’ve built a house without one. We create an air-conditioned entertaining space inside that integrates some fun golf equipment, and it’s pretty cool. 

“Additionally, our renovation division currently has around five to seven million dollars’ worth of renovation work ongoing. Renovation is a valuable element of our business in the current market, as property values are expensive. Renovation means clients can enjoy a new-look home without the associated costs of a new build. It is a great market to get into because it’s a lot easier to forecast budgets and we can get to know our customers a little more. 

“We’ve even renovated several homes that we’ve built to give them a new look,” he adds. “I still talk to all our past clients to check in and see where they’re at, and they call us if they have any questions or maintenance concerns. Repeat business is the best marketing tool ever.” 

With 2025 set to be another successful year for the business, it’s clear that Gulfshore Homes will continue to thrive despite current industry challenges. Whilst its competitors may seek ambitious growth, Gulfshore is keen to keep its circle small to maintain the same level of quality control for all its customers – both old and new – in the Southwest Florida region. In five years, Matthew hopes the company will be as stable as it currently is, focusing on five to seven homes per year. Most importantly, however, Gulfshore will keep its customer-centric ethos close to heart, as it continues to deliver dreams for many more years to come.   

www.gulfshorehomes.com