Gainesville Home Evokes European Country Charm

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With its wild horses, bison, and nearly 300 species of birds, Florida’s Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just south of Gainesville in Alachua County, is a sanctuary of wildlife and wetlands revered by animal lovers all over the state. Folks like Dr. Terry and Heidi Tomlin, a couple with a thriving veterinarian practice who were looking to downsize after living on a sprawling 10-acre farm for many years. Heading into retirement, they aspired to travel more and spend time with their seven grandkids. But after enjoying the privacy of country living, they wanted a neighborhood that afforded them the same feel and sweeping landscape views they had on their farm.

“We searched for years to find the right property, and then one of our clients suggested Savanna Pointe, a small, gated community bordering Paynes Prairie,” says Terry. “When we drove in, we fell in love immediately. It was exactly what we had been looking for.”

Armed with a rough sketch on a napkin, the Tomlins met with their building contractor at Pridgen Homes, and began designing their bespoke house. It didn’t take long to realize their multifaceted vision, along with a vast collection of personal items they wanted to incorporate, would be an arduous endeavor. After interviewing several designers—some of whom didn’t bother calling back after learning of the couple’s deep involvement in the design process—they contacted Sarah Cain. “She was excited and immediately understood my vision,” says Heidi. “We met on our lot and started crafting a plan for our forever home that would keep its charm for years. We wanted the house to age with us and enable effortless entertaining with our friends and family, especially our grandkids.”

Indeed, their 2,978-square-foot home embodies all the charm and elegance of a European country retreat. Nestled between two fingers of the prairie, the property showcases wetland vistas from front to back, with courtyard-style architecture allowing these views to shine. Rough-hewn beams, warm stone details on the fireplace, and wide-plank bleached oak flooring combine with architectural steel doors to captivate and reflect a well-loved patina typically unseen in new construction. “Our goal in selecting the materials was to create a comfortable retreat with timeless appeal,” says Cain. “The homeowners’ love of antiquing and integrating vintage pieces found during their travels played a significant role in the design.”

With Pridgen Homes’ original architectural plan, the design crew collaborated on a few edits, including antique doors and custom built-ins and increasing the size of the kitchen coffee bar to make space for a sofa. “We are very team-oriented and love working in tandem with builders, architects, and other design professionals,” notes Cain. “One would never expect this to be only a two-bedroom home because it feels much more spacious and luxurious than its square footage would indicate.”

Continually seeking to push the boundaries and uniquely expand the homeowners’ style, Cain implemented an unexpected play space for the grandchildren in what she calls the “family bonus room” by adding a wall of custom shelving with a hidden door. “My favorite part of designing for clients is to find out what brings them joy and how they want to live,” says Cain. “It’s all about creating a design that brings their signature brand to life and elevates their style of living.”

The Tomlins, who spend most of their time on the back lanai enjoying the outdoors, consider their home an enchanted living piece of art. “Working with Sarah was a lifesaver,” says Heidi. “We spent many hours, days, and years sourcing finishes and furnishings, and it paid off. This house is a dream come true. We even have a sandhill crane couple that comes for daily visits. One day, Mr. Crane surprised me by tapping at the door with his beak, and the pair are now raising two adorable colts in our backyard.”

Story Credits:

Architecture Pridgen Homes, Gainesville, FL

Interior Design by Sarah Cain, Sarah Cain Design, Gainesville, FL

Text by Jenee Destin

Photography by Polina Pigulevsky, Jacksonville, FL

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