His Sixth Sense

John Regas on Naples:

"Naples is like Palm Beach was 40 years ago and I find that delightful. The town is full of smart, friendly people and the whole city is beautiful and alive. I never thought I'd want a home in Florida, but I love Naples."

"We need more high-quality antique shops to satisfy the kind of clients who are already here. Restaurants are plentiful and quite good."

"The beach, we tend to take it for granted, but it's such an important factor in the lifestyle here. I walk the beach every single morning and evening. I'll never tire of the beach."

"The Naples attitude toward a vacation second home is changing. That lightweight wicker look is gone. People want big, gracious, substantial homes that more resemble their primary residences. They want quality furniture, art and fine details in construction that express who they are."

"I like to see both modern and period architecture in Naples, but I'm a stickler for keeping the exterior of a home in conformity with the neighboring styles. A house should never stick out on a street, it should blend in and enhance the area. If you want a contemporary home on a street of Mediterranean houses, I advise that you make the outside of the house conform to the prevailing style. The inside can be any style you want. Neighbors will appreciate your sensitivity."

"You've got to have gardens. Naples homeowners understand this. Landscaping is very important here. It's one of the outstanding features that make this town so beautiful. I'm impressed at the ability of local landscape companies to move big trees to just where you want them."