Spring break escapes from Windy City weather have evolved into a more permanent getaway for one Chicago couple. As they were looking around the Naples area for a home to purchase, an empty lot in Aqualane Shores grabbed their attention.
With help from BCB Homes, the waterfront site now hosts a house of nearly 6,000 square feet where a continuous flow of visitors is greeted.
“We wanted something in which we could entertain family,” explains the woman of the house. Architectural firm Falconer Design created the plan for the five-bedroom home, which has a coastal Caribbean flair of West Indies design.
A spacious master suite, complete with study, ensures privacy on the first floor while guests enjoy three suites on the second level. A secondary laundry room was added to the upstairs accommodations.
On the main level, an open living space flows to a generous outdoor area with immediate water access for the family boat. Stunning views of the bay can be found throughout the home, complemented by the light and airy color choices made for the interior by Ficarra Design Associates.
“We really love the openness of it,” the woman of the house says. The lot’s southwest view and close proximity to downtown were two major draws. “I love the idea of being able to walk everywhere,” she adds.
Builder BCB Homes
Architect Falconer Design
Interior Designer Ficarra Design Associates
Photographer Lori Hamilton
Open House
A modern kitchen is nestled at the rear of the open first-floor public space. Ficarra Design Associates assisted the homeowners in choosing a very light and airy color palette that suits this home’s waterfront location. An overflow refrigerator, oven and sink are incorporated in an adjoining, spacious pantry.
Grand Entry
The wide foyer of this Aqualane Shores home harkens back to the Old South, where plantation owners greeted guests in the grand entry. Here, visitors are invited to immediately enjoy the majestic views of the tropical outdoor space beyond.
Outdoor Coziness
This Aqualane Shores home features a cozy lanai that doubles up on its views; the waters of the swimming pool and Naples Bay are both visible from this space. “We eat on the lanai every chance we get,” the homeowner says. A big-screen television and a crackling fireplace for cool evenings make this a comfortable room to covet.
A Beamed Master
Beamed ceilings were designed throughout this home, adding fluidity and baseline structure to each space. The first-floor master suite provides plenty of space and privacy with an adjoining study. Immediate access to the pool area is available via a private door here.
Pulling for Togetherness
An inviting space in the midst of the second floor provides fun and fellowship with outdoor views via the balcony at the rear of the room. Surrounding this space are three guest suites and a secondary laundry room. Etched glass, featuring the family crest, divides the bar area from the nearby staircase.
