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Contemporary with a splash of French influence is how architect Joe McHarris describes this Naples home. The expansive two-story home is designed to take advantage of an idyllic waterfront lot providing a space for entertaining family and friends. Quantum AV provided the home’s Control4 smart home automation for audio, video, climate control, lighting, pool control, irrigation, surveillance, and security

Nestled on the western edge of Naples’ Audubon Country Club community is a hidden gem—an enclave recently approved for development after being off-limits to protect nesting eagles. The owners of this one-of-a-kind residence selected a pie-shaped lot surrounded by nature preserve and spectacular water views to build their third and largest residence in a community they love. “When these lots became available we decided we would build one more home, with all of our desires and wishes,” note the homeowners. “The team we assembled and the home they created exceeds our expectations.”

That masterful team is comprised of architect Joe McHarris, who designed the couple’s previous home, luxury custom builder BCB Homes, and interior designer Sheryl Blake of Blake Design Limited.

A full two-story fireplace surround was built with metallic channels to segment the large, textured Italian plaster face with metallic waxes applied after the plaster dried by O’Guin Decorative Finishes. The neutral tones of the Natuzzi Italia sectional and side chairs are accented by soft lighting by Arteriors. Quantum AV installed full voice integration, giving the home owners the ability to walk in and tell the house to turn on the hot tub, evening lighting scene or play smooth jazz without having to touch any buttons.

Comfortable and luxurious, the living room benefits from a bi-directional fireplace designed by Blake to encourage the flow between living and dining spaces. O’Guin Decorative Finishes customized the fireplace with an applied imported Japanese plaster with a champagne metallic sheen. A console table with acrylic legs seemingly floats in the room. A large metallic cocktail table by Phillips Collection, set upon a contemporary rug from Designer’s Rug Center, divides twin Mr. & Mrs. Howard sofas by Sherrill Furniture. Lighted niches accent art from the clients’ collection.

On the opposite side of the floating fireplace wall twelve chairs surround a glass-topped Natuzzi Italia dining table with walnut, set upon a contemporary rug. Overhead an asymmetrical Hubbardton Forge pendant light adds a liveliness to the room. Walfab Mica wallcovering on the pop-up ceiling creates evening sparkle. Blake uses wood tones such as the Caracole console table to add warmth to the modern luxury.

The kitchen benefits from the natural light of the two-story family room. Off-white Ruffino Cabinetry with custom hood is complemented by darker tones in the dual islands. The entertaining island is topped with a deep gray limestone. Monark Premium Appliances equipped the space with Wolf/SubZero appliances. Decorative lighted shelves are flanked by integrated SubZero refrigerator/freezers. A custom pocket door with frosted glass inserts leads to a pass-through pantry and the bar area.

Drawing upon his love of architecture and her eye for interior design, the Michigan lake couple enlisted McHarris to design a home with stunning views in which to entertain. “They were looking to create something special and unique,” McHarris explains. “Often people try to modify an existing plan that doesn’t maximize the lot’s potential. Not in this case. We worked very hard to exploit the lots attributes, and by doing this we created much more value in the home.”

The opportunity for the entire team to work with the homeowners from the preliminary plans through the final interior touches allowed for a seamless, creative design, on-time construction process, and extremely pleased clients.

“The process of starting with each other from a blank sheet of paper is so invaluable. A lot of people think it will cost a lot more money to do it that way—it simply doesn’t—it is the only way to get to one-hundred percent satisfaction on a project,” says BCB Homes COO Scott Weidle. The homeowners were so impressed with the company’s hands-on approach that they hired BCB after just one meeting.

The owners sought out interior design Sheryl Blake after admiring another of her projects. She collaborated with McHarris from the outset on interior structural elements and refining custom ceiling details throughout the home. “I laid out all the ceiling details and Joe put my ceiling detail into the permit set. I was allowed to be very involved in the early details of the layout of the home. Our goal was to make it a soft modern home for entertaining.”

The small chevron tiled floating wall of the master bath is its focal point, adding a modern backdrop to the sculptural contemporary tub with floor standing faucet. Mirror-polished cabinets and acrylic hardware add to the room’s glamour. The stunning crystal Allegri LED chandelier brings in modern formality and is the room’s crown jewel.

The master bedroom is a peaceful respite of casually luxurious design. A Century Furniture Artefact king bed with linen headboard features aluminum posts resembling tree trunks, a nod to the clients’ Midwestern roots as is the Noir Furniture six-drawer dresser. A Vermont Modern pendant shimmers over the bedding custom -designed by Blake with Stroheim, Allure, and Kravet fabrics. Blinds with silver thread and textured silk Phillip Jeffries wallcovering add an evening shimmer to the lakefront room.

A stadium theater with 85-inch 4K TV and Kef speaker system controlled through an iPad and the Control4 automation system completes the owners’ wish list. When a movie is selected, the shades automatically go down and the lights turn off. Ten dove gray Italian leather recliners are from Naples Leather & Fine Furnishings. Positioned under the sound system and big screen is a media cabinet crafted by Ruffino Cabinetry.

Also on the wish list for the two-story home—a theater and game room for the grandkids and generous guest suites. The owners note that the team accomplished all of that desires and more, “It was a great experience. We have built two other homes from scratch and done several major remodels. We love the process and this team and Scott from BCB made it exceptionally fun.”

Interior designer Blake couldn’t agree more. “This team’s experience and depth of knowledge and enthusiasm collectively made this project enjoyable,” explains Blake, adding, “The homeowners were integral in that collaborative process and the end result is a home that brings them happiness and fulfillment in their daily living environment.”

The second-floor game room uses an industrial garage door window to bridge the connection to an outdoor entertainment area. “They wanted one space where you could enjoy the bar from both sides,” explains builder Weidle. “I threw the idea out of using a garage door and the owner and I visited a restaurant in town with a similar concept. We put it on paper and it really worked well, adding a unique feature to the family space.”

A family-centered modern firepit illuminates the lakeside lanai. Landscaper Hogan Inc., worked closely with landscape architect Christian Andrea, hand selecting each planting for a simple, elegant design in keeping with the home’s more contemporary appeal. A large covered outdoor living space with retractable screens features conversation seating and dining area from Zing Casual Living, perfect for taking in the western sunset view. 

Abbey Carpet & Floor 13250 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34110 239.596.5959 naples.abbeycarpet.com

BCB Homes 3696 Enterprise Avenue Naples, FL 34104 239.643.1004 www.bcbhomes.com

Blake Design Limited 11308 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Unit 102 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.777.3646 www.blakedesignlimited.com

Designers’ Rug Center 110 US 41 South Naples, FL 34102 239.434.9584 www.designersrugcenter.com

Hogan, Inc. 4001 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 319 Naples, FL 34104 239.734.0047

Monark Premium Appliance Co. 27180 Bay Landing Drive, Suite 1 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.495.8535 www.monarkhome.com

Naples Leather & Fine Furnishings 3333 N. Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34103 239.434.6339 www.naplesleather.com

O’Guin Decorative Finishes 1826 Trade Center Way, Suite F Naples, FL 34109 239.434.9999 www.Oguins.com

Quantum AV 28220 Old 41 Rd, Suite 403 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.908.8284 www.quantum-av.com

Real Wood Floors 2013 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.470.5827 www.realwoodfloors.com

Ruffino Cabinetry 291 Broad Avenue Naples, FL 34102 239.939.1313 www.ruffinocabinetry.com

Zing Patio 15495 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 107 Naples, FL 34110 239.431.5190 www.shopatzing.com

Written by Lisa Mishler Photography by Blaine Johnathan

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