Over the Top Luxury in Orlando Home

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Located in an Orlando suburb known for its orange groves, oaks, and cypress trees, where panoramic sunset lake views and nightly fireworks displays are the norm, a stellar property commands attention. Nestled within Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, the 29,762-square-foot estate is a mere boat ride away from Isleworth Golf & Country Club on the famed Butler Chain of Lakes. A gem of a home in a prime location like this deserved a commensurate level of design attention, so when it came to its interiors and outdoor areas, the owners pulled out all the stops.

A dream project for any creative professional, the job eventually went to Robin Sturm and Rachel Ortiz at Marc-Michaels Interior Design, and they couldn’t have been happier about it. “What could be more fun than a client that pushes the envelope with glamour?” says Sturm. “There was never a space where we felt we couldn’t go a little further and add more luster, sparkle, or texture.”

Using the overall footprint and exterior elevations as a starting point, the Marc-Michaels duo designed all the custom millwork, cabinetry, ceiling treatments, and statement fireplaces throughout the residence. The overall style emanates a contemporary aesthetic, featuring superior finishes in every space of the home. Bleached oak wood tones shift to moments of stained walnut, adding contrast and warmth, and polished porcelain tiles pave the main floor. Richly patinaed staircase treads temper the glossy finishes with light oak, which continues throughout the second level.

“A project of this scale requires collaboration and expertise from all angles,” notes Ortiz. “The clients drew inspiration from the architecture, interior detailing, and finishes they had seen in their builder’s home, which our firm had also designed. They wanted to highlight the spectacular views on the property, so amazing windows were a must, beginning with a glass-box entry at the front door and dramatic double-height windows in the great room.”

Standout statement features include a show garage designed by Jon Laymon Studios, where the husband’s car collection is prominently displayed. A ceiling treatment depicting giant tire treads and engine parts gleams overhead via LED screen panels and innovative lighting techniques, and custom detailing on the walls and floors compose a highly personalized space that pays homage to the husband’s passion for luxury sports cars. MMID designed the adjacent “car club,” a lounge where guests can relax, entertain, and watch Formula One racing tournaments on a large-screen TV.

“The architectural detailing was critical to making the large spaces feel beautiful yet intimate and reflective of the clients’ personalities,” says Ortiz. “I especially loved the challenge of creating a stunning theater and game room with a safari theme, yet embodying a modern and luxurious feel. We created unique elevations and backdrops using exotic stones, wood tones, and mirrors to craft a visually compelling and entertaining space.”

The property’s crown jewel lies within the home’s backyard, where a multimillion-dollar outdoor space glimmers amid reflecting pools, a cantilever pavilion with outdoor lights, and adjacent palms. Conceptualized by award-winning designer Ryan Huges, the extravagant alfresco area encompasses living spaces with multiple pools, water and fire features, sunken seating areas, and a lazy river. “In all its size and complexity, this is a perfect example of creating outdoor spaces not as extensions of the interiors, but as primary living areas of their own,” says Hughes. “Using depth, texture, and shifts in elevation, the overall aesthetic is defined as just that.”

Built for entertaining, whether hosting family dinners, holiday events, corporate gatherings, or a day in the sun, the home offers something for everyone. “I especially enjoyed the collaboration with the clients,” notes Sturm. “They had smart suggestions on how they wanted the spaces to function, look, and feel, but they also pushed me out of my comfort zone into a space where we could create something that’s truly over the top.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Robin Sturm & Rachel Ortiz, Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Winter Park, FL

Architecture by Origins Residential Design, Oviedo, FL

Builder Jones Clayton Construction, Orlando, FL

Landscape Architecture by Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, FL

Text by Jeanne Delathouder

Photography by Jessica Glynn, Lantana, FL

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