A Perfect Gem

With its magnificently landscaped front yard and majestic design, this beautiful home creates a breathtakingly stunning façade. Encircled by a traditional wrought iron fence, with intermittent cast stone pedestals, the symmetrically-designed, Mediterranean-inspired Octavian model has “curb appeal” written all over it.

The double-access balustrade entryway is set back under a ledge of cast stone, which is enhanced by a pair of Corinthian columns flanking either side of the double mahogany doors. There are several decorative arched windows on both the first and second stories, as well as two sets of three small square windows on both sides of the octagonal-shaped, two-and-a-half story roof. Overall, the exterior design makes a powerful and memorable impression.

The abundance of architectural detailing doesn’t stop at the front door. Immediately upon entering the home, it is apparent that the space is ideal for entertaining. Interior designer, Lynn Nebel of Interiors-Interiors-Interiors of Marco Island, orchestrated the home’s elegant interior design, which highlights a cool palette of soft billowy beiges and robin’s egg blue.

Designed to mirror the octagonal-shaped ceiling and loft above, the immense living room is cordoned off by a series of arched openings and Corinthian columns. Twenty-inch, stone-like porcelain tile, laid on the diagonal, was used throughout all the common areas, which enhances the flow and openness of the home. The focal point of the living room is the expansive window wall of pocketing sliding glass doors, which open up onto the covered pool and spa deck. Framing the window wall are a steel blue valance and corresponding silk drapery panels that seem to spill into puddles on the floor.

The grand staircase is simply magnificent. It’s easy to imagine making a “red carpet entrance” down the steps. The intricately designed wrought iron banisters seen on the main staircase are repeated on the loft level, once again demonstrating the builder’s astute attention to detail.

The den is located to the left of the entryway. Extra wide floorboards, painted in a high gloss, draw attention to the sheen of the dark brown African Rosewood flooring. Bold, plaid-patterned drapery panels cascade to the floor from a series of oil-rubbed bronze rosettes above the room’s oversized, arched windows. Above, the highly glazed and backlit tray ceiling has been painted to mimic the patina of a well-worn leather jacket.

The kitchen is a stunning example of visual and functional design at its 4 best. Designed in varying heights and depths, the custom cabinet doors – shown in two distinctly different stains with custom glazing and an intricate beaded edge – complement one another, and bring the subtle nuances of the birchwood to life. The builder chose to use two noticeably different granites for the countertops – one dark and the other lighter – to create interest and draw the eye inward. Oil rubbed bronze cabinet knobs and a bronze faucet further enhance the kitchen’s design.

This home is all about entertaining and the floor plan is meant to encourage an easy, natural flow from one room to the next. In lieu of a formal dining room and separate, informal kitchen nook, the Octavian has one large dining area that is in full view of both the living room and kitchen. The kitchen high-bar acts to bring the open spaces together in a congenial manner. Adding to the setting is the large mitered bay window that looks out onto the pool and subsequent deep-water canal.

To the left of the dining room, the covered loggia is a delightful addition to the home. Designed to take advantage of the spectacular views through myriad openings, the room, with its well-equipped kitchen, extensive architectural detailing (including slate tile flooring, gas fireplace and cozy teak and raffia furniture arrangement) works as an extension of the interior entertaining space, as well as a separate indoor/outdoor room, onto itself.

Carefully selected, low-lying foliage enhances the rear of the home without blocking views of the dock and waterway. Passersby can also admire the striking home, with its multitude of architectural details, from their boats.

The first of two master suites is smartly tucked away behind the grand staircase. This room, a study in varying shades of shimmering gold, opens up onto the covered lanai and rectangular lap pool. The focal point of the master suite is the double-tiered tray ceiling, which has an abundance of crown moulding and an elegant faux finish.

In the master bath, the raised panel, stained and glazed cabinetry seen in the kitchen is repeated and topped with 4 deeply veined, russet and cinnabar-hued marble. An oval-shaped Jacuzzi tub sits in the center of the room, behind which is a double-entry, glassed-in shower, flanked on both sides by a pair of decorative columns.

Upstairs, the second master suite – a rhapsody in shades of chocolate brown and translucent aqua – takes up one entire side of the second floor. On the other side of the open loft, two delightful junior guest suites share a bath. An intimate sitting room was designed to tie the second floor rooms together. The high octagonal-shaped ceiling soars above the loft, creating a sensation of unending space.

The beauty of the home is its versatility. Large enough for a young couple planning a family, yet intimate enough for empty nesters who enjoy their privacy as much as visits from family and friends, the home is comfortable and inviting.

Built by Gulf Harbor Development of Southwest Florida, Inc., the Octavian can be replicated on the purchasers’ lot of choice anywhere in Southwest Florida. For more information, contact Marco Beach Realty Discount Brokers or visit the home seven days a week from 10am - 4pm.

Courtesy of Marco Beach Realty Discount Brokers
239 394-2300

www.marcobeachrealtydiscountbrokers.com

Written by Marla J. Ottenstein

Photography by Giovanni Photography