Cantilevered to seemingly float on its private spring-fed lake, this European-inspired architectural home breaks the boundaries of modern design. Under the leadership of Tara and James Bates, the Naples project encompasses groundbreaking products and furnishings sourced from around the globe.
“Our client in England, as well as myself and my husband, enjoy unique projects like this,” notes visionary and interior designer Tara Bates. “I like open spaces and our client wanted to have extensive glass with views from every room in the home.”
Architect Jerry Yurk conceptualized modules of development that line up along the lake with dual master suites at either end, and a central living area at the heart of the home. Every room has visual as well as physical access to the water. “The owner wanted as much floor to ceiling glass as possible. The living area has 30-foot ceilings with walls of glass, and we were able to get the required structural conditions and visual conditions to merge for a beautiful home,” says Yurk.
The Bates team, along with the owner, selected builder Pat Masters to execute the chic, sophisticated European design to the caliber and level of finish they envisioned. “All of us worked together with the owner to make it a very special project. Tara was researching new and innovative products that hadn’t been used before, as well as finishes that would be unique and make a statement,” explains Masters. “This was the hardest home we have ever built. Every detail became a high point and it had to be finished impeccably to accomplish the look.”
Details include floating walls with a laser-perfect ½-inch shadow line at the floor, suspended vanities, frameless interior doors, no-threshold LaCatina folding doors, and volcanic limestone floors throughout. “The seamlessness of design creates an airy appeal,” explains Bates. “You get the whole sense of openness. The light and the lake are the big wow factor. You can open the wide doors and bring nature into the house, creating a wonderful feeling of your own private sanctuary.”
From conception to completion, the 10,300-square-foot home took three years and the ultimate teamwork. “This home required us to collaborate to execute the vision to its fullest potential, resulting in an outstanding example of sophisticated contemporary living,” says Yurk. “I believe the project came out better than I could have ever imagined,” adds Bates. “It was thinking outside the box and very challenging. It is a different kind of home, a truly one-of-a kind, beautiful space.”
Set upon a double lot just blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, the home’s stunning contemporary exterior is punctuated by sophisticated lighting. The architectural driveway melds into a generous walkway leading to the Oikos Synua Italian-designed vertically-pivoting front door in brushed aluminum, available through Richlin International.
Set upon a double lot just blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, the home’s stunning contemporary exterior is punctuated by sophisticated lighting. The architectural driveway melds into a generous walkway leading to the Oikos Synua Italian-designed vertically pivoting front door in brushed aluminum, available through Richlin International.
The glass house desired by the client is achieved with a 30-foot window wall in the main living area. A dual-sided white Neolith textured fireplace wall delineates the gathering space and kitchen. A pair of Amy molded-shell accent chairs from Ligne Roset faces the grand windows. Two Ligne Roset Exclusif sofas and a slated wood coffee table create a distinct conversation area atop the Kravet rug. Beyond, positioned to maximize the water view, a quartet of Ligne Roset Andy arm chairs encircles a glass-topped solid-marble table from Roche Bobois.
Crisp white walls throughout the home showcase original contemporary art perfectly illuminated by a commercial lighting scheme. In this dual purpose space, seven individual pendants create the modern chandelier over the Bianco white lacquer Ligne Roset dining table and SO dining chairs. Ligne Roset Petrus bar stools add seating at the first of two oversized kitchen islands of Poggenpohl German engineered, high-gloss Pebble Gray lacquer cabinetry from Poggenpohl Florida West. Along the back wall, the Teak Quartz finish on the handleless cabinetry from Poggenpohl’s +SEGMENTO collection complements the whites, neutrals and silver tones of the islands. Concealed on this wall is a suite of fully-integrated appliances and folding doors which reveal a bar area complete with glass shelving and drawers.
Edgy, simplistic design in the first master suite is accented by a metallic 3D art wall from Clive Daniel Home and a boldly-colored abstract painting. The Italian designed Wing Suspended bed and night tables with leather headboard are from Casa Italia. Pops of color and the flood of light from the two story windows enliven the Walker Zanger imported volcanic limestone flooring from Francois & Co..
In keeping with the light, airy aesthetic, Bates designed the master bath with a Poggenpohl free-floating White Pine Wood décor vanity. The freestanding tub is Almond Krion and the textured wall tiles are Ona Blanco.
The second master suite is bright and lively. A favorite of Bates, the original oil painting is of an isle off Palm Beach. Seen to the left is a Viva VO flush-to-wall door, the style used throughout the home. Available through Richlin International, the door frames are finished like the walls, with invisible hinges and magnetic locks. The Italian Aqua 2 curved wood bed with suspended night tables and Wing dresser with wood accent fronts are from Casa Italia.
The volcanic limestone flooring carries into the second master bath which is designed with an oversized walk-in shower clad in textured tile. A free-standing tub with Graff faucet from Richlin International is set inside the shower, conserving space and adding function. The Madrague orange leather chair is designed by Francois Azambourg for Ligne Roset.
The folding interior doors and continuation of the volcanic limestone flooring allow a seamless flow to the expansive outdoor living area. A modern sectional is set in front of a linear gas fireplace wall. The Kwadra outdoor extension dining table, chairs, and sun loungers available through Casa Italia maintain the crisp, modern feel of the home’s interior. The floating summer kitchen cabinetry from Poggenpohl Florida West is made of stainless steel to withstand the elements.
A single pitch aluminum roof is designed to float over the rear of the home. Here a 50-foot lap pool with submerged spa is easily accommodated on the 200-foot expanse of glass-railed pool deck along the lake. The outer edge of the pool is finished with volcanic limestone which segues into Resysta decking made of organic, green rice husk, maintaining the look and grain of wood.
Written by Lisa Mishler Photography by Blaine Johnathan
Casa Italia 10800 Corkscrew Road, #296 Estero, FL 33928 239.494.1914 www.casaitaliaonline.com
Clive Daniel Home 2777 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34103 239.261.4663 www.clivedaniel.com
Francois & Co 950 1st Avenue North, Suite 100 Naples, FL 34102 239.307.5430 www.FRANCOISANDCO.com
Ligne Roset – I Empress Design LLC 99 9th Street South Naples, FL 34102 239.228.7846 www.ligne-roset-usa.com
Poggenpohl Florida West 10800 Corkscrew Road, Suite 105 Estero, FL 33927 239.948.9005 www.FloridaCabinets.com
Richlin International 10800 Corkscrew Road, Suite 182 Estero, FL 33928 239.659.3007 www.richlininteriors.com
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