A husband and wife from Washington, D.C. were ready for a change of scenery three years ago. Upon discovering Talis Park, a premier, family-oriented community in Naples that offered numerous luxury amenities–including an exceptional golf course perfect for their four sons who love the sport–they decided to relocate. While they were delighted by their new Southwest Florida lifestyle, they quickly realized that they required more space than their first Talis Park home provided. The children were growing up, so it was time for the parents to enjoy life and build a home-base that would suit every member of the family for many years to come.
The homeowners, who have built several homes together during their 22 years of marriage, collaborated with residential designer Greg Weber, corporate executive of South Florida Architecture, to create the spacious new home of their dreams. Their new 11,248-square-foot property is just that, and unlike relocating from D.C. this move only required them to move a few holes down the Talis Park golf course.
“Their lot afforded us plenty of space to sprawl the design and introduce great views from virtually every room in the home,” says Weber.
But, the views from the house are not the only thing to marvel at. The homeowners spared no expense in the home’s interior design, and they pulled it all together on their own. “We did the design and interiors ourselves for every home we’ve built, and all were sold fully-furnished,” says the wife. “I’d describe our style as elegant and contemporary, which I think has a timeless appeal.”
After careful consideration and research, the homeowners chose BUILD, an award-winning builder, to execute the project. Safe to say, it was one of the best decisions of the many they made throughout the process. BUILD firmly grasped the upscale, transitional aesthetic they craved and adeptly brought it to life.
“The interiors offer elegant features with intricate woodworking, gorgeous stonework, European oak flooring throughout and unique lighting,” says Brian Mayotte, vice president of BUILD.
The owners were thrilled with the outcome. “I have to say it was the most successful building experience we’ve ever had,” declares the husband.
Though striking in size, the home’s front elevation is welcoming. The brightness of the whitewashed exterior is on par with the fresh, modern aesthetic of today’s design, while the warm wood accents impart a comforting Old World charm. “We designed a clear space built into the trusses over the garages and added dormers,” explains residential designer Greg Weber of South Florida Design. “Besides achieving the massing balance that we were looking for, this move afforded us some very interesting spaces with vaulted volume ceilings and added much interest to the facade.” The stately royal palms that beautify the landscaping designed by Architectural Land Design are among the countless details hand-selected by the owners.
This scene depicts the expansive heart of the home. The ceilings’ driftwood beams create continuity, first drawing the eyes upward and then prompting them to meander through this open-concept area. “The open space establishes the perfect environment for entertaining family and friends,” says Brian Mayotte, vice president of BUILD. The great room’s inviting furniture arrangement is conducive to family gatherings, and is comprised of a pale blue sofa and pair of lofty chairs, both from Vanguard. Two streamlined white leather ottomans from Bernhardt persuade other members to join. The stylish Bernhardt cocktail table and console resemble cracked ice, but there’s nothing cold about them. Apropos of a waterfront residence, ocean references include a Curry & Company chandelier with pale turquoise “bubbles” and a teal abalone shell “sunburst” art piece from WJC Design Art of Jacksonville.
Dynamic truss beams that decorate the kitchen’s vaulted ceiling are truly its highlight. They are augmented by a pair of oversized glass Harrow 3-light pendants by Feiss. The inclusion of two separate islands lends itself to togetherness; the cook preps at one while the guests congregate at the other. Opal white quartzite, an attractive yet resilient material, is used for the outer island’s top, and the gorgeous, grayish-taupe glaze applied to its base complements the Carmel Bay White Engret oak planks. The square-backed counter stools from Vanguard are as stylish as they are functional.
To attain the desired “clean and uncluttered, bright and beautiful” look for her study, the lady of the house chose a pale, understated and lightly-distressed Vanguard desk. Decidedly feminine, the ribbon-like Currey & Company chandelier boasts a refined champagne finish. A wheat-colored Stanton rug treats “barefooting”, which frequently occurs inside the home, to a pleasant softness.
The wet bar is great for entertaining. Its countertop-to-ceiling mosaic backsplash uses fragments of glass blended with portions of marble to beget iridescence. The Currey & Company chandelier, with its tiers of hanging shell, imparts a soft glow. Backless Bernhardt stools flanking the island flaunt chic, translucent acrylic legs. The walk-in wine cellar tucked beneath the staircase includes pegs, racks, and insulated glass to keep the owners’ collection on glorious display while carefully preserving it.
Understandably one of the owners’ favorite rooms, the master bath showcases high-gloss lacquered wood floors and a dynamic feature wall where seamless, slab-like horizontal tile is juxtaposed with a Carrara marble mosaic installed on the diagonal. An architectural Kallista tub by Kohler from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery adds impact and a layered acrylic Collage chandelier, by Louise Campbell for Louis Poulsen, softens the room’s tall ceilings with warm, cream-colored tones. “It’s fabulous, and large enough to share,” comments the husband about the space they co-created.
The light and airy master bedroom is indicative of how the wife defines her personal style: simple, uncluttered, and elegant. The monochromatic cream palette calms and soothes. A bone-colored Bernhardt bed features a polished nickel canopy. Whimsy and elegance are fused by the lighting: a coiled Currey & Company chandelier and two Crystorama Carson pendants hung above the Vanguard nightstands. A delicately textured wool and silk Stanton rug, shaded with ivory and the subtlest pale gray, quietly underscores the space.
A purposeful showpiece, the wooden and upholstered porch swing that the couple had handmade by Low Country Originals in North Carolina is hung on wrought iron chains and detailed with nickel matte rings. “It creates that Southern feel,” says the wife who enjoys napping in it, reading a book, or sipping a glass of wine while gazing out onto the golf course.
Contrary to the darker woods Floridians tend to prefer for lanai ceilings, this couple instead chose a driftwood tone to tie in with the millwork inside the home. Woven Kingsley Bate furnishings are set atop organic, natural shellstone floors. The outdoor kitchen displays a backsplash of hexagonal glass tile from Design Works, cedar-toned to match the wooden hood and teak furnishings, bonded with a crushed-glass effect grout that adds a touch of sparkle.
“I feel it epitomizes my favorite way to enjoy summer outdoor living,” says the wife, referring to the pool area, which consists of an elongated lap pool, shellstone decking, Kingsley Bate loungers with welted cushions, and vinca flowerbeds with a pop of pink. In the distance, eight Adirondack chairs surround a fire pit. “We love to hang out there with the kids. It’s a peaceful and lovely way to spend time together,” she says.
Written by Robin Hodes
Photography by Amber Fredericksen
Architect
South Florida Design
9990 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.777.0616
sfdesigninc.com
Luxury Home Builder
BUILD
950 1st Avenue North, Suite 200
Naples, FL 34102
239.594.9984
build-gh.com
Landscape Architect
Architectural Land Design
2780 South Horseshoe Drive, Suite 5
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.1661
aldinc.net
Resources:
Design Works
2082 Trade Center Way
Naples, FL 34109
239.643.3023
floridadesignworks.com
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
38 Goodlette-Frank Road South
Naples, FL 34102
239.963.0087
fergusonshowrooms.com
Mullet’s Appliances
2194 Trade Center Way
Naples, FL 34109
239.592.1008
mullets.com
Real Wood Floors
2013 Trade Center Way
Naples, FL 34109
239.592.4572
realwoodfloors.com
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