London Bay Renovation transformed a family’s nostalgic Naples winter home built in the late-1980s into a modern-day beach retreat for future generations to enjoy. The client’s three-and-a-half-story luxury villa on Casa Mar Lane in Park Shore underwent a whole-home renovation that reimagined an outdated floor plan, updated finishes and enhanced outdoor areas.
The extensive project downsized the two-story living room, without sacrificing natural light, to make way for a third-floor extension with a study, additional sleeping quarters and views of the Gulf of Mexico. It also introduced a new pool, larger impact-resistant doors and windows, and various entertainment spaces with a connection to the nearby beachfront.
“When we first met with the client, she was interested in taking on the renovation of her parents’ villa on the beach which had been in the family since it was constructed,” said Gene Fraley, project manager for London Bay Renovation. “She had a lot of memories but wanted to take a home from the 1980s and bring it up to date with all the modern amenities and architectural design.”
The complex transformation involved a resolute team of architects, structural engineers, space planners, and interior, lighting and landscape designers working collaboratively with the owners. The home’s interior was gutted to its bare concrete walls with plumbing, electric and HVAC systems all removed to create a clean slate for the family’s new vision.
The planning and design process alone took nearly a year as the project team devised a new 4,463-square-foot floor plan with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. The client, who lives out of town, was instrumental in the design options, personally selecting items when in Naples.
“The unique location and existing floor plan provided challenges for the renovation and design team to maximize space, remove dated architecture and integrate modern finishes that appear as if they were already there,” said Steve Miller, director of London Bay Renovation. “We converted the two-story living room to a single-story space with incredible Gulf views. Revitalizing the finishes and floor plan allowed for flexibility and additional sleeping areas, which was important to the client. The property, originally used as a winter vacation home, is a family property passed down to the kids for their enjoyment with the grandchildren.”
The dramatic update also includes a new game room, a flex room with a hidden rollout bed and a beautiful spiral staircase leading to the loft. A wet bar was created in a newly defined entertainment area and a wall was removed opening the living room to the kitchen to reflect today’s open floor plans. A complete makeover of the master suite added two walk-in closets and smart-home technology by AVL Pro was also integrated into the design throughout the home.
“We collaborated with the client’s interior designer who sketched ideas that we were able to integrate into the design layout of the home,” said Suzanne Johanson, client development manager for London Bay. “The entire house was clad in shiplapped millwork which is quite a feat for three stories including the stairwell.”
A large island was introduced in the kitchen and horizontal tile resembling the color of driftwood replaced the original small floor tiles. Beams add dimension and visual interest to the tray ceiling. Soffits extend the white cabinetry to the ceiling and complement the natural wood grain of the island. A chic chandelier and pendants add elegant accents while shiplap enhances the cooktop’s backsplash.
Shiplap reappears above a cozy window banquette in the former dining room, which was envisioned as a stylish entertainment lounge, defined by a wall-spanning wood-cloaked wet bar built into a niche. Outdated freestanding columns and a partial wall were replaced by a glass railing to welcome natural light and showcase Gulf views from the adjoining living room.
The new flex room, created from the two-story ceiling space of the main living room, can function as a Zoom Room featuring built-in cabinetry and a stunning third-floor vista of the Gulf with a trio of doors opening to a glass-railed balcony.
“The floor plan changed completely but gave the homeowner the freedom to include everything on her wish list,” said Fraley. “The clients felt that we had exceeded their expectations. It was an exciting challenge and took a very special team with an amazing vision of the home’s possibilities. Our team of sub-contractors all stepped up and did a first-class job.”
