Neapolitan Splendor

Encircled by a profusion of periwinkle plumbagos, cream-colored gardenias and bright red geraniums, this stunningly landscaped, two-story Mediterranean-inspired home commands attention. Perfectly sited on a corner Gulfshore Boulevard lot, the home, (which was built by a builder/developer from Yardley, Pennsylvania) comes with all the bells and whistles. The builder’s attention to detail is unsurpassed.

Entering through a pair of ten-foot tall, multi-paneled double mahogany doors, the home’s magnificence is immediately entrancing. The focal point of the foyer is a custom-designed and crafted, rectangular-shaped medallion made of miniature marble mosaic chips in vibrant shades of gold, green, rust and bone. Gorgeous vanilla-hued Travertine marble flooring travels through several of the first floor hallways and rooms and is enhanced by a wide, noche-hued marble border. A dramatic brass and alabaster chandelier is suspended from the 25-foot tall, delicately stenciled and double-blended faux painted ceiling.

Directly in front of the foyer and flanked by two marbleized columns is the intimate formal parlor. Painted the same goldenrod yellow as the rest of the first floor walls, this is a lovely room, with its double coffered ceiling and plenitude of cream-colored two-piece moulding, extensive wood trim and rich cherry stained floors. The covered lanai, outdoor fireplace area and summer kitchen are all easily accessible from the parlor, as well as from all of the first floor rooms.

Faux-painted with a coppery metallic application, the dining room’s beautifully detailed, double-tiered, backlit tray ceiling is enhanced by the soft profusion of light which enters the room through a series of heavily trimmed, arched windows, as well as through a pair of French doors that open up to incredible views of the Gulf. A pair of custom-designed built-ins adds balance to the already beautiful room.

On the opposite side of the room, a custom-designed, wrought iron gated-window leads into the completely equipped butler’s pantry, which was cleverly designed to be part of, yet separate from the kitchen. The pantry boasts an Asko dishwasher, an under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator and a tall Sub-Zero wine cooler.

The totally integrated kitchen, with its maple-stained and glazed Downsview cabinetry, omnipresent crown and valance detailing, display niches and abundance storage space, is the perfect haven for an aspiring chef.

Complete with two Fisher Paykel dishwashers, a 700-series Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, a professional style Wolf dual-fuel range and warming drawer, microwave and single oven, the kitchen is the hub of activity in the home. Beautiful Verde Marinace countertops wrap around from the butler’s pantry into the kitchen, which has a large center island for food preparation and entertaining. The tumbled marble backsplash, designed in a harlequin pattern is the icing on the cake.

To the left of the kitchen is the circular-shaped breakfast café, which has a wonderfully painted, round backlit-coffered ceiling. The covered lanai and pool and spa are visible 4 through the five-panel mitered bay window configuration. The lanai has both electronic screens, which go up and down with the touch of a button, and electronic storm shutters. The home also comes equipped with a generator to open and close the shutters in case the electricity goes out.

The comfortable and inviting family room is located in close proximity to the kitchen and breakfast area. The room, with its 12-foot high, metallic-painted boxed coffered ceiling, copious crown moulding and custom-built entertainment center, is ideal for casual get-togethers. A series of sliding glass doors lead to the outdoors. Built across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, the home is completely outfitted with impact-resistant Anderson windows that comply with Florida code.

Two delightfully designed first floor powder rooms, painted with interesting faux finishes, are conveniently located - one to the side of the foyer and one in close proximity to the kitchen area. Additionally, the second floor has a striking, eggplant hued and silver accented powder room.

Several different types of granite were used throughout the home to add interest and depth to all of the bathrooms, as well as to the kitchen, garage workstation and laundry room countertops.

The spacious first floor master suite is located on the other side of the foyer. A large steam-shower, intricately tiled in the same marble mosaic chips that were used in the foyer medallion, connects his-and-her bathrooms. Behind the oversized jetted tub, water gently spills down an organically themed, glass-fronted fountain.

The master bedroom has a large sloped ceiling with extensive architectural detailing. An exterior wall was built-out to create a roomy sitting area, as well as access to the outdoor pool area.

To the right of the foyer, and fit for an Oscar-winning “red carpet” entrance, is a winding wood staircase, which ascends to the second floor. A replicate of the foyer chandelier hangs from the cove ceiling, which has been painted with a lifelike mural of clouds against a Tiffany blue sky. An elevator is also included in the interior design of the home.
At the top of the staircase is the owner’s private study. Painted a luxurious shade of brown, the color and texture of the walls emulates the patina of a well-worn 4 leather jacket. Extensive wainscoting, double crown moulding and a plenitude of custom-built, mahogany-stained shelves and built-ins make this functional room a wonderful get-away.

With the exception of one of the three large second floor guest rooms, all of the upstairs rooms, including the study and home theater, have private terraces to take advantage of the Gulf breezes and awe-inspiring views.

Each of the well-appointed guest rooms has its own custom-designed walk-in closet, as well as exceptionally appointed bathrooms. The owners commissioned an Orlando-based artist to design shower doors for each of the bathrooms, which are evocative of cascading waterfalls or gently falling leaves.

The highlight of the second floor is the enormous, technologically sophisticated media room. Complete with a projector and screen, surround sound and the most comfortable leather chairs imaginable. This room, with its deep, rich purple walls and custom designed, hand-blown glass sconces, is sensuous and alluring. An extraordinarily creative glass counter top that was designed with variable under-counter lighting enhances the room’s beverage bar.

To the right of the media room is an expansive terrace, which overlooks the intimate pool and spa setting. Not only does the home come outfitted with a tiled, three-car garage, CAT-5 hard wiring, Lutron’s deluxe Elan Home System® and a security system that includes hidden cameras, but is entirely furnished with superior art, accessories, lighting and furnishings. This perfect slice of Paradise is available immediately for the homeowners who want it all, but who don’t want to do it all themselves. The home features 6,071 square feet under air (8,514 total square feet) with three-bedrooms/six full baths & three half baths and is priced at $6.9 million dollars. This extraordinary residence is being sold fully furnished.

For information or to arrange a private tour of this unique residence, please contact:

Peter Krakowski, Realtor
239 404.5539

Mickey Gifford, Realtor
239 248.4092

or

Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.
239 261.2244 (ext. 414)

Written by Marla J. Ottenstein

Photography by Giovanni Photography