Di Lido Island Home is a Poetic Ode to the Art de Vivre

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For a Paris family seeking the ultimate vacation escape in Miami Beach, few areas could replicate the exclusive cachet of the city’s posh Venetian Islands chain. It was in one of those man-made isles, Di Lido, that they found their ideal retreat: a 6,084-square-foot waterfront villa designed by architect Max Strang. With interiors by Charlotte Dunagan, a French native herself, the four-story estate masterfully marries Gallic elegance with tropical modernism, a poetic ode to the art de vivre the French do so well.

Taking advantage of its Biscayne Bay access and downtown Miami views, Maison Rive Gauche, as its new owners christened it, delivers an enriching outdoor experience while still maintaining privacy and shelter from the mercurial South Florida climate. “Raised 9 feet off the ground, an entry courtyard greets you with a private raised water garden that acts as a buffer from the street to the front door,” says Strang. “A soaring double-height lounge area brings you into a panoramic view of the bay.”

From the moment of arrival, the address sets an enchanting tone. “The water garden, designed by Enea Landscape Architecture, is a prelude to the immersive experience inside,” says Dunagan. “Discreetly tucked below the house, an air-conditioned garage enables the primary living levels above to flow fluently.”

The home’s generous square footage includes an elaborate second-floor primary suite, four additional ensuite bedrooms, a home theater, a private office, and an elevator.

Despite its grand scale, however, Maison Rive Gauche retains a distinctly European intimacy, with cozy room layouts and intentional transitions that make the space feel like a personal retreat rather than a showplace. A floating central staircase wrapped in glass creates a dramatic visual centerpiece, accentuating a sweeping 22-foot-tall grand salon clad in oak-paneled walls. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the soaring open space features a pool table, bespoke bar, and sunset lounge, all backdropped by a 420-gallon saltwater aquarium. Throughout the home, a sincere, organic palette of customized millwork, oak cabinetry, marble countertops, and limestone and wood plank flooring balances sleek modernity with warmth.

“The materials were everything,” notes Dunagan. “We wanted the home to feel grounded yet refined, much like a modern yacht floating in a tropical paradise.” Furnishings by Artefacto reinforce this ethos, layering soft forms, natural textures, and muted tones to support an indoor-outdoor lifestyle without sacrificing sophistication. “It’s a cultured European vibe,” adds Dunagan. “Everything feels like it belongs.”

Central to the living experience, lavish outdoor spaces boast an infinity-edge pool, versatile lounge areas, a sleek barbecue kitchen, and an ample private dock. Above it all, a 730-square-foot rooftop garden offers picturesque skyline views ideal for sunset cocktails or starlit gatherings. “The rooftop terrace is an astounding feat of engineering,” says Strang. “It allowed for a lush and manicured garden that emphasizes the philosophy of outdoor living.”

A rare achievement in architectural storytelling, the finished home feels at once bold and serene, modern and timeless.

“This project was about creating a space that carries the soul of France and speaks the language of Miami,” says Dunagan. “I see the house as a masterpiece that redefines what it means to live beautifully by the water.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Charlotte Dunagan, Dunagan Design, Coral Gables, FL

Architecture by Max Strang, Strang Design, Miami, FL

Landscape Architecture by Enea Landscape Architecture, Miami, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Jeanne Canto, North Miami, FL

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