Building a Life Rooted in Family, Creativity, and Community

For Cathy and Troy, choosing to call Belleair home was about much more than relocating—it was about creating the kind of life they had always envisioned for their family. Originally from the Boston area, they were drawn to Florida by its coastal lifestyle, year-round sunshine, and the opportunity to raise their children in a community where outdoor living, family, and friendships are part of everyday life. While they still own a home in Hull, Massachusetts, a picturesque beach town just south of Boston, Belleair has become the place where their family has truly put down roots.

At the center of Cathy's world is her family. She and her husband, Troy, are the proud parents of Whitney, 6, and Gunner, 5. Born just 19 days apart in February, the siblings are affectionately referred to as the family's "Irish twins." Their personalities couldn't be more different, yet they perfectly complement one another. Whitney is creative, caring, and imaginative, with a love for dance, gymnastics, and discovering new things. Gunner is adventurous, energetic, and happiest when he's running, swimming, or trying a new sport. Together, they fill every day with laughter, curiosity, and unforgettable memories.
As a family, they embrace everything Florida has to offer. Beach days, afternoons by the pool, traveling, and outdoor adventures are favorite pastimes, and the children have grown up immersed in many of Cathy's home renovation and design projects. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, Whitney and Gunner have had a front-row seat to the creativity, teamwork, and hard work that go into transforming a house into a home. Cathy hopes those experiences will inspire them to appreciate craftsmanship, perseverance, and the value of building something meaningful.

While Cathy has become well known for her work in real estate investment, renovation, and interior design, her professional journey began in a very different field. She earned her bachelor's degree in Pre-Medical Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences before dedicating three years to serving as a 911 EMT with Brewster Ambulance Service in Quincy, Massachusetts. Working in emergency medicine taught her to remain calm under pressure, think critically, solve problems quickly, and lead with compassion—qualities that continue to guide both her personal and professional life today.

After welcoming Whitney into the world in 2020, Cathy decided to focus on raising her growing family while pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities that offered greater flexibility. That decision eventually led her to establish Sand & Stoned Properties and Sand & Stoned Design & Remodeling, businesses specializing in real estate investment, vacation rental management, home renovations, and interior design throughout Florida's Gulf Coast, as well as vacation rental properties in the Boston area.

Today, Cathy is passionate about helping homeowners and investors unlock the full potential of their properties. Her philosophy is simple: beautiful design should be both functional and financially smart. She works closely with homeowners, contractors, and skilled tradespeople from the earliest planning stages through the final details, ensuring every project reflects her clients' vision while remaining on budget. Rather than encouraging unnecessary upgrades, Cathy believes in investing where it matters most and finding thoughtful ways to maximize value without sacrificing quality.

That client-first mindset has earned Cathy a reputation for honesty, creativity, and integrity. She genuinely enjoys transforming outdated spaces into homes that families love living in and vacation guests never want to leave. Every renovation presents a new opportunity to solve problems, create something beautiful, and leave a lasting positive impact on both homeowners and the community.

Of course, work isn't everything. Family time remains the priority, and some of Cathy's favorite memories have been made right here in Belleair. Halloween has quickly become a favorite tradition, with golf cart rides through beautifully decorated neighborhoods, visiting neighbors, and watching Whitney and Gunner experience the excitement of trick-or-treating. It's those simple moments—sharing laughter, seeing familiar faces, and enjoying the sense of togetherness—that have made Belleair feel so special.

The family also enjoys celebrating milestones around town with dinners at local favorites like Seaweed Steaks, Seafood & Sushi and E&E Stakeout Grill. Whether they're gathering around the table with friends or heading back to Massachusetts to reconnect with lifelong family and friends, Cathy and Troy place a high value on creating traditions that keep everyone connected across generations.

Their beloved cat, Cody, has been part of the family for 13 years and has witnessed every major milestone along the way. From cross-country moves and career changes to welcoming Whitney and Gunner, Cody has remained a constant source of comfort and companionship. Though considered a senior cat these days, he still enjoys soaking up the Florida sunshine in his favorite sunny spot around the house while quietly supervising the family's daily activities.

One of Cathy's favorite ways to enjoy the community is by running around Pelican Golf Club. The scenic route offers beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and occasionally the unique opportunity to catch glimpses of professional golfers practicing during tournament season. It's one of the many reminders of what makes Belleair such an exceptional place to live—a community where natural beauty, recreation, and neighborhood pride come together so effortlessly.

For Cathy, success isn't measured solely by completed renovations or thriving businesses. It's measured by the memories her family creates, the relationships they build, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether she's helping a homeowner reimagine a property, managing a vacation rental, cheering on Whitney and Gunner at gymnastics or dance, or simply enjoying a sunset after a day at the beach, she approaches every day with gratitude and purpose.

As the family continues building both their businesses and their life in Belleair, they remain thankful for the warm welcome they've received from neighbors and friends. They've found exactly what they were hoping for—a close-knit community where families support one another, children can grow up surrounded by opportunity, and every day offers another reason to appreciate the beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast.