Breezy Island Charm and Sophistication Abound in Siesta Key Retreat

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On Sarasota’s shimmering bay, a home christened Island Breeze rises like a love letter to island architecture, timeless craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship. At 6,100 square feet, this residence on Siesta Key is as elegant as it is enduring.

The project was the vision of Kurt Zobrist of Cincinnati’s Zobrist Design Group, architect and brother of one of the homeowners, who guided the architecture selections. Nautilus Homes, led by Sarasota native and second-generation luxury builder Ryan Perrone, brought the ambitious design to life. Furnishings and decor were entrusted to Jett Thompson Home and Interiors, whose talented namesake and crew captured the home’s warmth and vibrancy.

The house’s design finds its roots in the Abaco Islands, where breezy island charm blends with the sophistication of English Loyalist heritage. The curved dormers and sweeping cedar shake rooflines are defining elements that are both elegant and technically challenging. “The client was adamant about cedar shake,” recalls Perrone. “In Florida’s climate, the material is rare, but instead of saying no, we worked directly with the Cedar Shake Bureau to develop specifications to do it right.” Treated and installed to exact specifications, the cedar roof now crowns the home like a sculptural work of art.

Inside, designer Jett Thompson ensured the furnishings reflected the home’s architecture and lifestyle. “To flow with the architecture, the interior needed to feel collected and layered,” she says. “That goal set our design directive into motion.”

The homeowners had long admired Thompson’s aesthetic, frequenting her Naples retail store before engaging her for this project. “These were dream clients,” says the designer. “The design goals were simple: Make a home pretty without feeling too precious. Use materials that are easy to care for and comfortable. Layer in some antique pieces
to give the place a feeling of time passed. Avoid trends and stick to classic design that will withstand the test of time.”

Perrone’s Nautilus Homes is known for old-world craftsmanship, and this waterfront estate bears those markings in every detail. The great room’s soaring fireplace, 72 inches wide with a hand-carved coral mantle, anchors the heart of the home. Overhead, massive, reclaimed beams sourced from historic Ohio barns evoke permanence. The pub room nods to Sarasota’s storied The Field Club, where the homeowners are members. Clad in pecky cypress from wall to wall, the cozy space recalls the original 1920s vibes of the club. Throughout, Carolina brick, antique mirrors, and brass lattice weave in layers of history and refinement. Calacatta gold marble elevates the kitchen, while bifold doors open the interiors to expansive terraces and bayfront breezes.

Respect for the site drove many design decisions. Three heritage oak trees were carefully preserved, with the home’s footprint bending gracefully to accommodate their massive canopies. “Building around them was a challenge, but essential,” notes Perrone. “The best compliment we’ve received is when people ask, ‘How long has this house been here?’ That sense of belonging to the land is what we aimed for.”

Thompson admired Perrone’s commitment to sustainability. “One of my favorite things about this project is the lot,” she says. “Extra care was taken to preserve the natural vegetation instead of clear-cutting. As a result, the house really feels as if it has been where it is for several decades. As a sixth-generation Floridian, I especially appreciated the extra effort that took.”

Although they originally intended to use the house as a second home, the Cincinnati-based owners soon decided to relocate full time. They’re avid boaters and anglers and brought their personal boat all the way down to the Gulf from the Ohio River and docked it at the property. Entertaining is equally central to their lifestyle, and the home’s layout also reflects that spirit. Ninety percent of the residence unfolds on a single level, with a separate guest wing accessible via a breezeway for added privacy. Outdoor terraces, swings, and waterfront views invite gatherings that spill effortlessly from inside to outside.

For Perrone, what sets Island Breeze apart is more than its material beauty. “Out of all the homes we’ve built, this one feels the most full of heart,” he reflects. “The owners are wonderful people, and when the client’s passion matches yours, it’s easy to create something extraordinary.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Jett Thompson, Jett Thompson Home & Interiors, Naples, FL

Architecture by Kurt Zobrist, Zobrist Design Group, Cincinnati, OH

Construction by Ryan Perrone, Nautilus Homes, Sarasota, FL

Landscape Architecture by Michael A. Gilkey, Sarasota, FL

Text by Stephanie Davis Smith

Photography by Jessica Glynn, Palm Beach, FL

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