The Kingston: A Casually Elegant Estate

   The Kingston, an Arthur Rutenberg Homes residence, offers wonderful areas for family living yet maintains a casual, Florida-style elegance for entertaining.
   From its architecture to building craftsmanship and interior design, the home is a masterpiece. The Kingston includes four bedrooms, four baths, one study and a wellness center, with 3,275 square feet of air-conditioned area. Add the covered outdoor living and dining areas and three-car garage, and the home has 4,400 total square feet under roof.
   Classical in flavor, the view from the front is memorable and includes a cobblestone motor court and a covered entryway boasting a generous terrace. French doors finished with hand-crafted ironwork, Palladian windows, columns and barrel tile rooflines lend a Mediterranean flavor.
   The foyer features a soaring ceiling, tumbled stone flooring and an arched art niche. Establishing the tone for the entire home, the initial view is a dramatic one of the pool pavilion’s outdoor rooms, the magnificent pool and raised spa, a lake and the Darwin Sharpe III-designed championship golf course beyond.
   The home’s interior, designed by an Arthur Rutenberg Design Center, draws on a captivating color scheme of deep blue, Bosc pear, cream, accents of gold and comforting shades of brown. Club chairs in the grand salon are upholstered in deep blue velvet. The sofa is upholstered in cream fabric with deep blue piping. The master bedroom walls are deep blue, as are its silk draperies and bedspread. Pillows are accented with gold. Draperies and upholstery fabric in the family room feature a crisper blue with yellow and gold. Striking departures are black, zebra-striped upholstery in the breakfast dining nook and grey walls in the study.
   Rooms flow easily from the foyer through the grand salon, the kitchen and to the family room, and each enjoys unobstructed views to the wrap-around pool pavilion. A calming interplay of natural materials and repeating patterns in everything from crown moulding to the color scheme establishes harmony from room to room. Oak floors in the study, grand salon and formal dining room and wood ceiling treatments throughout are signature elements of the estate’s warm welcome.
   A gracious dining room is seen from the foyer through a waist-high dividing wall finished with a column. Other techniques such as granite-topped pass through to the kitchen – balanced with a floating run of curio cabinetry – guarantee that this attractive setting is a focal point. Incorporating traditional with contemporary, grand wing chairs upholstered in corduroy blend with a glass-topped round table and give the room great energy.
   Adjacent to the foyer, French doors open to the study, a dignified setting warmed by natural light streaming through three tall Palladian windows.
   The kitchen is designed for a gourmet, with open dining areas to be enjoyed by family and guests alike.
With walls of traditionally styled, chestnut-finished cabinetry and multiple granite countertops, this is a serious kitchen. It features an elevated countertop with bar seating for guests to watch the chef while food is prepared and a raised dishwasher to eliminate back strain. A center island in contrasting cream-painted cabinetry provides an additional preparation area. State-of-the-art GE Monogram appliances are finished in chrome.
   The home has been designed for convenience as well as luxury. In addition to guest bedroom suites, a wing adjacent to the kitchen includes a command center with cabinetry and a desk for menu preparation, a walk-in pantry, a linen closet, a laundry and access to the garage.
   The master bedroom suite is an all-inclusive sanctuary comprising one wing. The master bedroom overlooks water views. Night tables on either side of the bed and a dresser are reproduction antiques that lend an elegant tone to a comfortable setting. Deep blue walls, silk draperies and bedspread lend an air of drama softened by an assortment of pillows accented with gold tassels and trim and a wooden ceiling treatment. The room features upholstered armchairs and sliding doors leading to the pool pavilion.
   The master bathroom receives the benefit of natural light from Palladian windows. His and her vanities, a seated make-up area, a large walk-inshower with adjustable sprays and a Roman tub offer endless possibilities for leisurely relaxation at the end of a long day. The master suite includes spacious his and her walk-in closets.
   The home features three guest bedroom suites, each with its own walk-in closet and full bath.
   The ease of outdoor living is part of the home’s allure. The heated pool has a raised spa, fountains and ceramic tile designs throughout. Various outdoor areas provide opportunity for intimate gatherings. For alfresco dining year-round, a large covered expanse features a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with bar seating as well as a dining table with six settings.
   The Kingston model’s options include a health center. French doors from the pool pavilion open to a fully equipped exercise room with steps leading to a massage table concealed by curtains. Shades of pale blue, wheat and cream, and a ceiling painted blue with clouds guarantee a relaxing experience every day of the week. Upholstered window seats and recessed shelves complete the room. A full bath adjacent to a guest bedroom is a convenient pool bath with cabinetry for linens nearby.
   Amenities within the Kingston include professionally designed lighting that creates drama with the touch of a finger. Windows are constructed of impact-resistant
glass. The laundry features ample cabinet space, a sink, Corian® countertops and GE Profile appliances.
   Architectural embellishments include recessed ceilings and enhanced crown moulding. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows capture natural light and fill this classically styled home with views of water scenes and lush foliage. One of the three garage doors opens away from the motor court, a feature that adds even more flexibility to the home’s design.
   A custom estate created with the perfect blend of classic design and modern convenience, the Kingston gives new meaning to luxury living.

Courtesy of Lyons Housing, LLC,
An Independent Franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Inc.

Written by Sam Moser

Photography by Bart Springer