Splendor
in the Sky
Overlooking the mystic beauty of the Ten Thousand
Islands, Gulf of Mexico and McIlvane Bay, this four bedroom, five and
one-half bath, 6,000 square foot penthouse residence is situated in a
special place where land and water blend seamlessly. Gazing at the mesmerizing
views from any of the three terraces or the spacious living areas of this
luxurious Hammock Bay residence, the owner’s reasons for selecting
this peninsula of undisturbed beauty for a Southwest Florida nesting site
become evident.
Setting the stage for the remarkable Old World splendors of the residence
is Aversana’s welcoming Grand Salon. An elevator ride to the 21st
floor for arrival at the private elevator entry is richly rewarded. Silently
awaiting discovery in the elevator foyer are the tromp l’oeil murals
of Old World ruins such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and those found
on the island of Delos.
The remarkable illusions created by local artist Christine Moore aren’t
only meant for captivating the attention and pleasing the eye. “Intended
to acquaint visitors with the far off lands that provided the inspiration
for much of the home’s interior, the art also whispers of the owner’s
love of travel, beauty, art and antiquities,” said interior designer
Rita Francisco of Rita’s Interiors in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The theme, a collaborative effort by Rita’s Interiors, the owner
and the general contractor, Paul Widhalm of 41 West Developers, continues
throughout the residence in elaborately carved solid mahogany crown moulding
and cabinetry as well as in elegant fabrics and tapestries.
Introducing the home’s Mystery White Italian marble flooring, is
a single four-foot-wide mahogany entry door. The door swings wide to reveal
a warm welcome offered by a foyer with a spectacular dome ceiling accented
with acanthus leaf corbels. “This is one of my favorite elements,”
says Rita, who advises a miniature crane was required to raise the dome
that was built by 41 West.
The solid wood corbels, columns and decorative carved elements, such as
the elegant wood cherub columns residing on either side of the dining
room fireplace, are the calling card of Enkeboll Designs. “For consistency,
all wood in the home, totaling more than 15,000 board feet of raw mahogany
lumber, was supplied by one source. The lumber was fabricated at multiple
locations into 26,000 lineal feet of moulding alone in addition to columns,
capitals, pilasters and doors. All mouldings that did not feature carvings
were milled locally by Hardwoods International in Naples. The cabinetry
and architectural accents were fabricated in 41 West’s local woodworking
facility,” advises Widhalm. Planning and commitment to excellence
made possible such features as the framed mirror in the formal dining
room. “The mirror had to be built on site,” continues Widhalm.
“It wasn’t possible to bring in a framed mirror of that size
to showcase the dining room, due to elevator constraints.”
Beyond the foyer is the grand salon with floor to ceiling windows that
give way to spectacular views. Intentionally not competing with the view,
red velvet side panels provide drama and color. The fireplace adds a touch
of warmth, as does the Dakota Jackson Limited Edition Steinway baby grand
piano.
Mystery white marble, cut for the project in Italy, covers 4,500 square
feet of flooring. Black Galaxy granite was selected for the flooring and
shower material used in the master bathrooms and also the countertops
throughout the unit. As a surprise to Widhalm, green onyx was purchased
for the library floor and countertop. The material was a local treasure
found on a Naples shopping expedition by Rita and the owner. Both the
flooring and countertops for the library were fabricated from book-matched
slab material, creating uninterrupted veining throughout the entire room.
For flawless fabrication and installation, Widhalm chose JLC Marble &
Granite of Naples.
The residence has an Old World feel, with modern convenience. A Lutron
home automation system controls lighting scenes, and silent motorized
widow shades. The extensive full house audio/video system is integrated
into every room and includes LCD TV’s in both master bathrooms,
three different flat screens in the study, and a 70” flat screen
in the family room. Control of the system is accomplished with in-wall
control pads in each and every room, right down to the laundry. Exceptional
Entertainment Experience of Naples provided the high-tech equipment and
installation for the wireless network, audio/video, security and controls
systems.
An open floor plan that inspires a sense of living as free as the Ospreys
that soar past the windows required a significant investment of planning
time on the front end of the project. “Planning time was allowed
for approval of architectural drawings, detailing and special selections,”
says Widhalm. “The woodwork, stonework, sprinkler system, and mechanical
aspects had to interlock. The only path to perfection for this type of
a project involves extensive planning. Countless hours were logged before
any construction commenced.” “We understood the commitment
of time required to assure this level of excellence and impeccability,”
agrees Rita.
Breathing in each room’s classic beauty, it’s challenging
to imagine the demolition was required to start the onsite work. “We
removed dry wall, framing and made adjustments to the original electrical,
plumbing and air conditioning plans,” advises Widhalm. Changes in
the floor plan were also necessary to accommodate the cabinet designs
and mouldings that were impeccably tailored to the owner’s personal
taste. For instance, the smiling carved lions found in the library and
his master bath were frowning before the owner’s request for the
regal beasts to smile.
Unleashing the level of imagination that it takes to make this residence
immeasurably unique is a regular exercise for Rita, whom takes great pleasure
in giving attention to the smallest details. For instance, a wet bar in
the butler’s pantry reveals the owner’s love of wine. Highlighted
by a brick barrel ceiling in a basket weave pattern, elaborately carved
cabinet door panels tell the story of wine. Columns flanking the Black
Galaxy granite countertop display graceful grapevines. “This takes
teamwork,” adds Rita whom discovered the recovered bricks forming
the barrel ceiling in Fort Myers while on a buying expedition with Widhalm.
Unforgettable and opulent, the dual bathrooms in the master suite have
two distinctive things in common: faucets and handles accented with Swarovski
Crystals and original artwork that make each room a personal sumptuous
sanctuary.
The place for respite that makes possible the renewal of spirit is the
master bedroom where a Marge Carson four-poster bed, purchased from the
Betty M. Collection in Chicago, is flanked by two mahogany night chests
accented with antique brass.
Overall, this sumptuous sky-top haven that exudes Old World ambiance was
made possible only through the imaginative efforts of an interior designer
committed to understanding a client’s true desires and needs, the
knowledge and expertise of a general contractor experienced in high-end
construction, and a precision-like collaboration between top-of-the-line
suppliers and highly skilled craftsmen.
Courtesy of 41 West Developers, Inc.
239 649-5455
www.41West.com
Interior
Design by Rita’s Interiors
602 363-5760
Written by Linda Sechrist
Photography by Giovanni Photography
