Country Cachet in Okeechobee Family Home

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When a Jupiter family wants to escape the bustle of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, they don’t have to drive too far. They simply head inland and retreat into the tamed wild beauty of Okeechobee. Here, their expansive 675-acre property conveniently nestles into the exclusive Pine Creek Sporting Club, offering them a surplus of unspoiled grounds for quail hunting and a sprawling new second home encompassing 21,275 square feet. Situated on a large open clearing, their rambling family ranch—with 15,000 square feet dedicated to interior spaces that include a secluded guest wing, bunk room, game room, and lavish primary suite—boasts scenic views of the woods from every vantage point. While the owners played an active role in the early design discussions, they ultimately stepped back to allow their team at Marc-Michaels Interior Design the freedom to bring every detail to life.

“We worked closely with builder John Wilcox, who not only constructed the house but also designed the architecture,” says Valerie Ernst, senior designer at Marc-Michaels, who partnered with senior project manager Linda Hartmann on the installation. “Familiar with the Pine Creek aesthetic from our other projects, we aimed to deviate from the traditional farmhouse style and create a more modern and chic interpretation.”

From the moment you approach the home, its exacting symmetry makes a lasting first impression. “The homeowners expressed a strong preference for balance and order, which became a guiding principle throughout our design process,” Hartmann notes. “Upon entering, a custom hair-on-hide rug, sculptural teak wood accents, and a dramatic antler chandelier establish a sophisticated modern ranch aesthetic. Expansive sightlines draw the eye into an open-concept great room, where the living room, dining area, and kitchen flow together with effortless elegance.”

A double-sided fireplace—shared with the adjacent club room—serves as a sculptural centerpiece, generating a warm vibe amid the spacious layout. Grounded by yet another bespoke hair-on-hide rug, the living area composes a curated layering of natural textures and tonal harmony. Shell stone-clad columns detailed with riveted metal strapping generate architectural rhythm, framing the central hearth with substantial yet quiet strength. Marble-topped cocktail tables introduce sculptured refinement, while hide pillows create textural, organic contrast. “Leather, showcased in an array of rich textures and finishes, serves as a unifying design element throughout the space,” adds Hartmann. “Fringe-trimmed club chairs bring playful movement, while embossed gator-patterned barn doors introduce a bold, tactile edge. The result is a richly layered interior that blends contemporary luxury with an inviting, nature-driven sensibility and is ideally suited for Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.”

Custom cabinetry throughout brings refined touches of craftsmanship to each space. To counterbalance the kitchen’s soaring vaulted ceiling, stunning Calacatta Oceano marble with dramatic veining patterns extends across the expansive backsplash and countertops, anchoring the space with timeless elegance and natural grandeur. Muted gray cabinetry with sleek hardware forms a refined, understated backdrop, complementing the knotty wood floors that enrich the room. The club room’s lacquered cabinetry accented with metal framing brings a rich, tailored finish, while a built-in wine fridge ensures function meets luxury.

One of the design team’s most significant challenges was addressing the exceptionally long, L-shaped hallway that connects the main living space to the guest suites and game room. To break up the length, the designers incorporated columns and beams that contrast beautifully with the main wall and ceiling finishes. Ironically, the area they were most worried about initially became one of their favorite parts of the house—along with the gator-embossed hide barn doors separating the club room from the home office. “They frame the view while adding a touch of Old Florida,” says Ernst. “We loved the freedom we had to move away from a traditional farmhouse aesthetic and insert sophisticated and unique elements throughout.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Linda Hartmann & Valerie Ernst, Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Winter Park, FL

Builder John Wilcox, J.A. Wilcox Custom Builders, Jupiter, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Jessica Glynn, Palm Beach, FL

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