Randall Mitchell Custom Homes’ Hemingway model is eloquently understated, yet makes a powerful presentation, as did the literary works of the home’s world-renowned namesake.
Ideally situated in the exclusive enclave of Sorrento at award-winning Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, the home is built to maximize views of the community’s pristine 700-acre freshwater lake. “This house is about celebrating being together as family and enjoying the outdoors,” explains residential building designer Dan Sater of the Sater Group. “It has one of the nicest water view lots in Miromar and we wanted to focus on taking advantage of that in as many of the rooms as possible.”
No detail overlooked, builder Randall Mitchell Custom Homes worked with Sater to create an impactful design that is impressive, timeless, and extremely livable. “I wanted to do something unique and enduring in terms of the aesthetics of the home. We created a casual contemporary, easy-living home and floorplan. I believe we hit our mark dead on,” notes Randall Mitchell co-founder and president Mitch Melheim.
Every decision from the architecture to accessories was made with the home’s future owners in mind. Interior designer Chrissie Porter Forbes of Accessories Etc. Design Group says the team envisioned a very social, dynamic lifestyle. “I saw the buyers as a couple with an extended family who love to entertain and live well. They’d be boating, water skiing or golfing and enjoying life. They’d want the home to be elegant and livable.” Forbes selected a color palette of cool grays accented with varying shades of blue inspired by the water beyond. “I think the lake is such a grand statement and such an integral part of the whole space,” she adds.
Rich architectural details accent the soaring 18-foot ceilings in the great room, dining room, and foyer, tying the indoors to the expansive outdoor living. Sater designed the home’s multiple living areas to be versatile to accommodate every stage of life and lifestyle. The second-story offers a morning bar, VIP suite, and clubroom with balcony to enjoy dramatic wide-water sunset views to the west. A cabana suite on the first floor, with pocketing sliding doors leading to the lanai, is currently furnished with two queen beds for guests, however, it could easily serve as an additional family gathering area, such as a game room or hobby room.
The solid foundation of both the home and the team is anchored in their respect for one another, and in what Melheim describes as Randall Mitchell’s unwavering dedication to not only building a beautiful home, but one of unparalleled quality in the things unseen. “We build every home like it is ours as far as the foundational elements to ensure that today’s visible beauty endures,” explains Melheim. “Our key focus is to ensure that everyone who has a Randall Mitchell Custom Home feels that they have something special.”
Strong vertical elements punctuate the grand estate home at Miromar Lakes. Massive columns provide a grand façade. A lushly landscaped courtyard with water and fire feature leads to 12-foot hand-forged iron entry doors designed by the home’s residential building designer Dan Sater. “We wanted a home that isn’t trendy—one with clean simple lines, a home that is casual yet elegant at the same time,” describes Sater. Custom garage doors mimic the home’s entry door design.
The great room is the centerpiece of the home, with an 18-foot cypress wood ceiling. A focal wall created to anchor the room features a linear gas fireplace with aqua blue glass embers from Grate Fireplace & Outdoor Living, surrounded by Dekton Kairos quartz in oversized horizontal panels with a custom designed floating-shelves on the left. Off-white custom sofas from Highland House and Century chairs create an intimate seating area, while a bar area serves both the living space and kitchen. Bella Cera Villa Borghese fine French oak wood flooring is used throughout the home. The home’s state-of-the-art technology includes a wireless entertainment system and iPad controlled online lighting and security systems.
Under the same soaring ceiling, the formal dining space is delineated by a geometric ceiling detail. Spheres of steel intertwine to form the orb Crystorama chandelier from Lighting First. The dining table and chairs are from Century Furniture. The buffet is flanked by modern silver sconces with polished stainless steel from Corbett.
An avid cook, Forbes gave great care to the layout and function of the chef’s kitchen. The perimeter cabinets in pure white are simple in style with glass upper doors adding visual interest. The cabinets of the large center island are a London Fog Cottage Gray and topped with Kashmir White granite with veins of grey and white to unify the space. A Visual Comfort linear lantern fixture in polished nickel illuminates the work area. The chef’s kitchen is equipped by Monark Premium Appliances with Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, a wine chiller, and walk-in pantry.
A staircase with open architectural railing features a lighted niche with a textured wood back panel and floating shelves, providing extra dimension to the kitchen’s cozy breakfast nook.
A modern twist on the traditional library, the study was designed to match the home’s state-of-the-art technology which includes a wireless entertainment system, online lighting control and security system which are all operational through an IPad. The Century floating desk allows for easy wireless connectivity and a wall mounted television keeps the room simple and clean. The built-in cabinetry offers maximum storage with display space. A custom painting behind the desk ties the room to the natural beauty outdoors.
Varying shades of blue give each room its own identity. The oversized master suite is the epitome of elegance and relaxation. The upholstered Century bed in steely grey complements the wall color while the rich wood floor and dresser add warmth. A comfortable reading chair and chaise situated at the window allow for views of the lake with a door leading to the outdoor loggia.
A Corbett Silver leaf and polished stainless ribbon chandelier adds drama to the simplicity of the freestanding master bathroom tub. A window-view freestanding wall allows natural light into the double-entry shower. Haisa marble covers floors and shower walls. Custom his-and-her vanities in creamy white provide ample storage and individual dressing areas. The suite includes dual water closets and three walk-in closets for clothing.
Designed as a gentleman’s retreat, the second-floor clubroom offers comfortable lounging and dual televisions for enjoying the game or an evening cocktail. A wrought-iron railing surrounds the outdoor balcony which serves the clubroom and VIP bedroom suite. A bar-height table and chairs elevate guests above the railing for clear views of the pool and Miromar’s lake.
The expansive covered area of the lanai is designed for entertaining with a full summer kitchen, bar area, dining table, and large, comfortable seating area of teak and outdoor wicker in neutral colors with accents of blue. Motorized screens allow for unobstructed views of the water when not in use. The L-shaped custom pool has an aqua glass pebble finish, with infinity edge spa, fire/water fountains and sun shelf. A natural stone deck and fire pit lounging area edge the pool and complete the Hemingway’s lakefront retreat.
Written by Lisa Mishler Photography by Tim Gibbons
Accessories Etc. Design Group 9696 Bonita Beach Road Suite 102 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.444.1400 www.accetc.net
Andersen Windows 100 4th Avenue Bayport, MN 55003
Grate Fireplace & Outdoor Living 7830 Drew Circle, Suites 1 & 2 Fort Myers, FL 33967 239.939.7187 www.gratefireplace.com
Lighting First 28001 South Tamiami Trail Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.949.2544 www.lightingfirst.us
Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club 10160 Miromar Lakes Boulevard Miromar Lakes, FL 33913 239.425.2340 www.MiromarLakes.com
Monark Premium Appliance Co. 27180 Bay Landing Drive, Suite 1 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.495.8535 www.monarkhome.com
Randall Mitchell Custom Homes 870 111th Ave North Suite 5 Naples, FL 34110 239.514.8382 www.randall-mitchell.com
Sater Design 25241 Elementary Way, Suite 102 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239.495.2106 www.satergroup.com
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