Curb
Appeal Exemplified
Perfectly sited to take advantage of the beautiful
lake views, the St. Augustine VI takes on an ethereal glow as the sunlight
kisses its multi-gabled roofs. Painted in shades of sand and soft beige,
the home has a series of repetitive arched windows, a corbel-enhanced
soffit and several decorative columns, all which draw the eye toward the
entry’s intricate, custom-designed glass doors and corresponding
arched transom.
Built on a large parcel of land in the Bonita Bay Group community of Verandah
in Eastern Lee County, the home’s three-car garage faces the side
lot line, rather than the street.
Upon entering the home, the foyer dances with light and rainbow images,
as the sun comes through the fanciful glass and wrought iron doors. Two
Moroccan-inspired pendant lights and a decorative, rectangular-shaped
floor medallion enhance the scene, setting the tone for the rest of the
home.
Tiled in realistic stone-like porcelain, the ashlar-patterned flooring
was used in the foyer, living and dining rooms, kitchen, great room and
hallways, creating a seamless flow from room to room. Although designed
as an open floor plan, each room has its own purpose and individual personality.
In front of the foyer, the living room, with its decoratively carved,
cast stone fireplace, octagonal-shaped, coffered ceiling and stunning
view of the pool and ensuing lake, is simply spectacular.
The rectangular-shaped pool extends out from the living room, which has
an expansive window wall of sliding glass doors, drawing the viewer’s
gaze outdoors. On the right side of the pool, a pair of planters flanks
either side of the spa, which has a gently cascading, sheer descent water
feature.
Throughout the home, traditional furnishings, carved in dark woods with
light colored fabrics, reveal a hint of a British West Indies flavor,
without being too trendy and tropical.
To the right of the foyer is the den, which is designed as a home office.
The entire home has structured wiring for cable and phone lines, as well
as being wired for surround sound and security.
To the left of the foyer, three columns and two arched entryways lead
into the intimate dining room. A fully paneled “window pane”
wall is one of two key architectural elements in the dramatic room. The
other is the single-tray, crossbeam - coffered ceiling from which a large
brass and inverted pendant chandelier is suspended.
The understated celery-hued ceiling enhances the diamond patterned flooring
details – a repetition of the design seen in the foyer medallion
– once again demonstrating the builder’s astute attention
to detail.
Connecting the dining room to the kitchen and family room is a beautiful
wet bar, which also faces out into the living room.
The fully-integrated, professional-style kitchen comes with a GE Profile™
stainless appliance package, including a four-burner gas cook top and
oversized side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, as well a large center island
and vegetable sink. Deliciously rich Golden Beach granite countertops
and gently glazed maple cabinets complete the picture. The kitchen is
a wonderful example of when form and function are in perfect harmony.
Adjacent to the kitchen is the breakfast café, which looks out
onto the pool and spa area through a mitered bay window. The space is
large enough to seat six at a rectangular - shaped table, and is separated
from the living room by a knee wall and three columns, further enhancing
the open and airy ambiance of the home.
Just beyond the kitchen is the comfortable family room. The two focal
points of the room are the extensively detailed coffered ceiling and the
custom designed entertainment center, which was painted to match the room’s
cappuccino-hued walls. The built-in is enhanced with myriad architectural
detailing, including numerous arched niches, deeply glazed maple cabinet
doors, (to match the kitchen’s), and several interesting touches
that were skillfully applied using crown and ornamental trim.
The family room opens up to the covered lanai, summer kitchen, outdoor
fireplace and subsequent pool and spa, through a right-angle pair of sliding
glass doors, totaling more than 24 linear feet.
Adjacent to the family room are two guest rooms with an adjoining bath,
the bonus room and cabana bath. The builder chose to turn the bonus room,
which could easily double as a fourth bedroom, into a sophisticated billiards
room, which also has a wet bar.
As with most Arthur Rutenberg homes, the master suite is separated from
the rest of the home, creating a completely private enclave, and this
home is no exception. The master bedroom manages to be both spacious and
intimate at the same time. The room has an elongated single-tray and coffered
ceiling, designed to mirror the shape of the room, including the bay window
that overlooks the pool and spa.
A long hallway leads from the bedroom to the spectacular master bath.
On either side of the hall are two equally large walk-in closets. A large,
arched window sits above the pillow-cushioned, jetted tub allowing the
sunlight to shine through and naturally light the bath and hallway. Gorgeous
alabaster Travertine, applied to the countertops, tub deck and shower,
complements the beautiful, raised panel, maple cabinets that are enhanced
with a subtle glaze and applied mouldings.
With the St. Augustine VI model, the experienced architectural designers
at Arthur Rutenberg Homes have perfected what is commonly known as the
“traditional Arthur Rutenberg floor plan”, taking the design
to the next level and proving that you can improve upon perfection.
For information or to arrange a private tour of the Arthur Rutenberg Homes’
collection of properties, please contact Joan Osborne at:
ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES
239 693-7007
www.ARHomes.com
Written by Marla J. Ottenstein
Photography by Bart Springer
