With 110 feet of beach front property, captivating views of the Gulf of Mexico, and limitless opportunities to connect with nature, this lifestyle is unsurpassed.
An impressionistic seascape by Christos Koutsouras serves as enticement to the stunning panoramas that span the entire back wall. “With an ocean front view like this, I try to simply and quietly work with it as the true focal point of the interior,” adds Mary Ann Williams, interior designer and owner of Landmark Design of Sanibel.
Custom-made double-front mahogany doors with etched glass inserts in the shape of palm trees make for a distinctive entry. The foyer is spectacular featuring a coffered cathedral ceiling and impressive three story staircase that functions as the architectural centerpiece of the home. “It was a combined effort that included the architect, designer, owner and myself, resulting in a traditional staircase with personal elements that make a statement,” says Tim Pharr, co-owner, Trimcraft of Fort Myers, Inc.
“It’s stylized Old Florida-Key West without all the Victorian embellishment,” says Ray Fenton, owner, Fenton Associates Architects, Inc. “The roof is a metal shingle that’s quite special with a wonderful texture.”
Chestnut-stained maple hardwoods lead into the living room and dining room where an expansive covered lanai extends the living space. The division of the two rooms, created by a free-standing dual-facing gas fireplace and pair of square columns, adds a custom touch that is satisfyingly original. “We wanted the rooms to be separate, but still maintain a feeling of one open space,” says Williams.
Eight chairs in metallic washed cotton are paired with a large ebony-finished dining table making it a perfect setting for entertaining. An oversized Venezuelan black-horn framed mirror, oil painting by artist Ken Otsuka, and chrome and glass chandelier all contribute to the room’s sleek lines. “We chose sophisticated furnishings, colors and textures that are somewhat dressed down in certain areas to achieve the casual elegance that the client was after,” added Williams.
An extraordinary hand-knotted Peshawar wool rug in pale earth tones transforms the floor into its own masterpiece. “These rugs are one of a kind, woven, using hand-spun wool from sheep that graze in the high Ghazni mountains in Afghanistan,” describes Chris Smith of Designers’ Rug Center of Naples. “Because of the altitude, the wool is extremely rich in lanolin oil which gives these rugs their high sheen and luster.”
The gourmet kitchen is elegantly styled with efficiency in mind. Custom made cream-colored birch wood cabinets, a chestnut-finished cherry wood island, Golden Beach and Absolute Black granite countertops, and a backsplash showcasing hand-painted subway tiles creates an atmosphere that is both comfortably functional and exquisitely attired.
The den, which also serves as a guest bedroom, is the perfect place for settling in with a good book. A Henredon Maitland Smith sailboat art piece, hemp rug woven in Nepal, and buttery soft leather sleeper sofa work together to create a room that is warm, welcoming and full of character.
The first floor master suite is open, airy and private. A pair of handsome Henredon bedside chests adds an elegant touch while a four-poster Venetian bed in ebony with a silver leaf finish dazzles in a metallic washed cotton. A luxurious dressing stool with delicate beaded trim, covered in the same material, completes the look. “Custom touches are so important,” says Angela Lossia of Angela Fine Furnishings, who supplied the stool and other items.
The ensuite illuminates with walls wrapped in a Maya Romanoff mother-of-pearl mica-shell covering, floors in French limestone, and a solid onyx vessel sink sitting atop a floating rough hewn walnut counter. Altogether, it produces an amazing effect while providing an excellent example of dynamic design.
Heading up to the second floor master suite, one is awed by breath-taking views and beautiful embellishments. An upholstered bed in gray suede, leather ottoman, charming pair of Henredon chairs, and Barbara Barry table with a black granite top set the tone for refined sophistication. The area rug, constructed out of strips of dyed cowhides, adds a hint of Hollywood glamour.
The accompanying ensuite continues in the same vein with walls, countertops and flooring in a gorgeous Calacatta Gold marble, and wheat-colored custom-made cabinetry aged with rubbed black accents. The double shower includes epic views and fixtures fit for a king. “We used Kohler water tiles including a water tile rain head from the ceiling for a unique showering experience,” adds Sara Clark of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
The backyard features a lagoon-style pool/spa surrounded by exquisite Dominican Coral stone decking. The furnishings, in an all-weather teak, have been allowed to patina naturally for a look that is in keeping with the surf located just footsteps away. Between immediate beach and ocean access, phenomenal views, exceptionally creative design, and masterful attention to detail, this is a home that is second to none.
Written by Marcia Carroll Burzair Photography by Giovanni Photography
Landmark Design of Sanibel 2515 Key Lime Place Sanibel, FL 33957 239.472.2797
Designer’s Rug Center 110 9th Street S. Naples, FL 34102 239.434.9584 www.designersrugcenter.com
Angela Fine Furnishings 10800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928 239.390.2300 www.angelafinefurnishings.com
Trimcraft of Fort Myers, Inc. 5719 Zip Drive, Unit 2 Fort Myers, FL 33995 239.437.9937 www.trimcraftstairs.com
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 3406 Domestic Avenue Naples, FL 34104 239.643.0070 www.ferguson.com
United Materials, Inc. 1615 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 239.593.6995 www.umistone.com
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