Carrie's Design Musings: Carribean Classic

And Now For Something Completely Different~

From the Mountains to the Sea...

Close your eyes and picture the most serene oceanfront property in a tropical setting, with breezes blowing thru the house that was designed for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. That's what Philly's own Marguerite Rogers had the pleasure of designing on a 4 acre lot in paradise. The intention was for the Caribbean property to look classic from the outside with a few surprises thrown in, like the swirled stone patterned drive.

The picture above is of the entrance to the poolhouse which anchors the property by the ocean. Behind the beautiful shell encrusted walls to the left and right are the steam room and a bathroom.

The magnificent estate includes a main house, guest house, pool house, and spa in the Georgian and Palladian manor style.

The interior is British Colonial in feel, but with a modern, exotic twist. Moroccan and Asian influences rest comfortably within.

Paul Ferrante created the lighting based on bird cages that are 5 FEET TALL! It's hard to tell because the ceiling height in the great room is an incredible 20 feet tall.

A state of the art kitchen was important to the client (or to the chef that travels with the client), while keeping a seamless design statement was important to the designer. An island in the style of Sir Edwin Lutyens and antique cabinet from Anglo-Raj keeps the professional kitchen looking clean, yet as if outfitted from another time.

"When you mix texture and color and materials, you get interest and depth without things looking busy or cluttered" said Rodgers, and the master bedroom, one of two identical suites displays that sentiment. Pops of raspberry keep things interesting in this cozy room painted a warm brown.

The master bath is magnificent! A Kohler infinity tub was sunk right into the foundation with the wooden ledge built as a warm, decorative front. With the Coralina stone from the Dominican Republic and Venetian chandelier, it helps convey that classic theme

I am adding this image to my visual collection of rooms with a view, that I posted several days ago. Refresh your memory here. It is certainly as beautiful as any of the views from the tub that I dream about!

The only non ocean facing room is the guest room, so secluded courtyards are the view.

Each space was thoroughly thought out in terms of incorporating state of the art amenities together with the look of a lived in, ethically diverse aesthetic.

McGuire furniture and Janus et Cie outdoor furniture along with antiques were chosen for their ability to "give the sense the people who live here have traveled and appreciate many styles" and also for their sculptural appeal.

A lot of carved doors and windows were used in the pool house. When they couldn't get the size needed, Meg had them hand made in China to match the older versions. Nanwood and camphor were the materials of choice.