Designer Achieves Castle and Cottage in Port Royal

For designer Laura Parsons, creating a living space that was grand yet intimate and cozy was a challenge she was excited to take on

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When presented with the architectural plans for this Port Royal manse, interior designer Laura Parsons suggested, while it was still possible, to modify the exterior elevation from Mediterranean to a more simplified vernacular. “The husband and wife have a very busy life. They work hard and when they get a chance for some rest and relaxation, they love to share their home with family and friends. This home, complete with his and her offices, a dynamite wine cellar, game room and two family rooms, is a place made for parties. It’s a glamour fun house,” the designer says.

What is really unique to this house is the extensive use of exotic finishes, particularly the various wood species used in the custom cabinetry. Each room has its own personality yet there is a cohesive connection throughout the 16,000 square feet. “I must say that the clients really encouraged me to push the boundaries and head to a tasteful, yet glamorous and bold aesthetic. They wanted to hear different ideas, for example, we discussed how to treat a massive fireplace in the main parlor. I thought, well why not wrap it in leather. The idea was immediately accepted, and our creative team brought it to reality,” Parsons says. It took many hours of discussion and labor to ensure the concept would work seamlessly but it paid off.

A multi-level, circular ceiling tray defines the breakfast nook, where the walls are sheathed in “whisper weight” wool sheers which traverse on custom radius tracks, thus creating a cloud-like effect. Nearby, an illuminated wall of agate stone captures the eye in the bar area.

The generously sized master suite is on the main floor. In this room, the flooring transitions from marble to warm black walnut set against pale gray with a hint of lilac wall color. In the large sitting area within the master bedroom, a bespoke chaise templated to fit the space perfectly, is paired with a bold brass cocktail table. This large room can handle strong pieces which contracts well with glamorous silk draperies and soft shearling area rugs. The fluidity of a sculptural bench at the foot of the bed, and the spires of selenite crystalline adorning the bedside lamps and chandelier combine the elegant with a bit of edge.

The master bath glimmers with walls covered in Calacutta marble. The glass and brass lighting give a warm and inviting glow to the space. The cabinetry features a custom dyed, exotic veneer of bird’s eye maple. The expansive shower room behind the fireplace is like standing in a jewel box, where wall tiles of opalescent mother-of-pearl dazzle.

One guest suite feels particularly spa-like with its white billowy sheers suspended on clear acrylic drapery rods. The overall palette is simply white and sea glass, which feels clean and crisp and does not complete with the wonderful view.

It is true that the home has a large footprint, however, it is very livable and has a great flow throughout. From its shimmering glass-tile fountains, to the circular spa and the megalithic, oval infinity pool, there seems nothing left to be desired. An outdoor kitchen, multiple conversation spaces and vistas from the “turret” towers complete every fantasy. “That was both the delight and the challenge,” the designer says. The result is both dramatic and homey. And a bonus, Parsons says, “I’ve formed a lovely friendship with an amazing couple.” The end result speaks for itself.

Story Credits: 

Interior Design by Laura Parsons, Pure Design of Naples, Naples, FL

Architecture by Don Stevenson, Lotus Architecture, Inc., Naples, FL

Text by Marina Brown

Photography by Daniel Newcomb, Jupiter, FL

Open to see Interior Design Sources:

living room

Sofa – Bright Chair Company, Niba Home, Miami, FL

Armless chairs – Jean de Merry, New York, NY

Fabrics – Taffard Fabric, Nessen Group, Dania Beach, FL 

Cocktail table and bench – Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Fabric – Lee Jofa, Hollywood, FL

Occasional table – Egg Collective, New York, NY

Vintage armchair – Marco Zanuso, 1stdibs Gallery, New York, NY 

Fabric – Stroheim, Jeffrey Michaels, Hollywood, FL

Chandelier – Rocco Borghese Chandeliers, London, UK

Cabinetry fabricated by Architectural Wood Expressions, Chicago, IL

Fireplace surround – Custom designed by Pure Design of Naples, Naples, FL

Onyx slab – UMI, Naples, FL

Leather panels – Moore & Giles, Forest, VA

Linen drapery fabric – Rogers & Goffigon, Ltd., Greenwich, CT

Linen sheers – JAB Chivasso, Jeffrey Michaels, Hollywood, FL

Fabricated by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

Area rug – Kyle Bunting, Austin, TX

Flooring – Ruben Sorhegui Tile, Naples, FL

breakfast AREA

Dining Table – Julian Chichester, London, UK

Dining Chairs – Jessica Charles, Hickory, NC

Fabric – Lee Jofa, Kravet Showroom, Naples, FL

Chandelier – Oly Studio, New York, NY

Drapery – Holland & Sherry, New York, NY

Fabricated by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

bar area

Bar and shelving – Conceptual design by Studio Spicuzzat, Chicago, IL

Fabricated by Architectural Wood Expressions, Chicago, IL

Pewter countertop – Francois & Co., Naples, FL

Bar stools – Essential Home, Portugal

Chandelier – Ochre, London, UK

master bath

Tub – Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, Naples, FL

Vanities – Conceptual design by Studio Spicuzza, Chicago, IL

Fabricated by Architectural Wood Expressions, Chicago, IL

Countertop – UMI, Naples, FL

Fabricated and installed by Rain Forest Marble, Inc., Naples, FL

Wall sconces – Ralph Lauren, Circa Lighting, New York, NY

Chandelier – Circa Lighting, New York, NY

Accent table and vanity stool – Owners’ Collection

Walls, fireplace surround and flooring – Ruben Sorhegui Tile, Naples, FL

master bedroom

Bed – Jean Louis Deniot for Baker Furniture, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Leather – Moore & Giles, Forest, VA

Bedside chests and bench – Joseph Jeup for Holly Hunt, Miami, FL

Bench fabric – Osborne & Little, Ammon Hickson, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Table lamps – John-Richard, Greenwood, MS

Artwork – Palecek, High Point, NC

Chaise – Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

Fabric – Casamance, Nessen Group, Dania Beach, FL

Cocktail table – Century Furniture, IDS, Naples, FL

Bronze planter with fiddle leaf fig tree – Driftwood Garden Center, Naples, FL

Drapery fabric – Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Fabricated and installed by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

Area rug – Designers Rug, Naples, FL

guest room

Bed – Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

Upholstery – Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Bedside chests – Bungalow 5, Saddle Brook, NJ

Table lamps – Circa Lighting, New York, NY

Chandelier – Julian Chichester, London, UK

Bench – Johnathan Adler, Miami, FL

Armchairs – Hancock & Moore, Hickory, NC

Fabric – Larsen, Cowtan & Tout, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Accent table – Oly Studio, New York, NY

Drapery fabric – Romo, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FL

Fabricated and installed by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL

throughout

Recessed lighting – Lighting First, Naples, FL

Floral arrangements – 50Fifty Creative Services, Naples, FL

Outdoor Furniture – Duo Furniture + Lighting, Naples, FL

Wood flooring – Feil, Inc., Wood Flooring, Fort Myers, FL

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