North Palm Beach Retreat is a Gem of Bermudian Design

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after visiting close friends and family, a couple from California fell so hard for the charms of Palm Beach, they invested in a small cottage as a way to test how much they loved vacationing in the area. Over the years, their love only grew stronger, so they took a leap of faith by purchasing a prime spot of land between  the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean and built a 5,500-square-foot house that’s now their official second residence.

Designed by renowned New York architect David Neff, the home embodies a distinctive Bermudian style with a crisp white exterior, ornate gables, steep chimneys, and covered walkways. Known for his unexpected layouts, Neff created the U-shaped dwelling with a deep backyard, positioning the living room off to one side and relocating the garage to a rear corner of the property. Working closely alongside the architect and the homeowners, Palm Beach interior designer Jennifer Garrigues ensured a seamless collaboration.

“The property did not have a view or water access, so we all worked together to create an oasis marked by lush landscaping and a fantastic pool,” says Garrigues.

The entrance to the home has a “Cape Dutch” appearance, and the entire house wraps around the backyard, bringing the outdoors in. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors along the perimeter allow access to the exterior from any room on the first floor.

The front door opens onto an elegant foyer, with loads of light pouring through the windows. The clients brought in a magnificent console with a tall mirror from one of their previous homes, and the design team accented the space with a stunning inlaid Moroccan bench and an area rug that echoes the blue hues of an upholstered chair and other accessories. Further aligning with the tropical outdoor scenery and climate, the design was kept light with organic fabrics like linen, a variety of which was used on the furniture and draperies. Richly patinaed reclaimed-wood flooring (imported from an 18th-century French castle) flows throughout, along with bold Portuguese tiles in the accent rooms, staircases, and bathrooms.

“The gorgeous, reclaimed ceiling beams in the dining and living rooms are always conversation starters,” says Garrigues. “Walking into the living room, you immediately notice the two large Sputnik chandeliers that were once sconces we converted into ceiling fixtures. Above all, we wanted this living  space to be inviting, yet sophisticated,

so the dining table doubles as a library table displaying the couple’s favorite books when not in use for meals.”

Outside, a spacious covered loggia with an adjacent alfresco dining area overlooks the backyard and lavishly landscaped pool area, which was embellished with decorative tiles.

“My favorite part of designing this home was that the owners trusted my vision from the start, and it turned out beautifully,” says Garrigues. “Designing someone’s home is very personal, and I’ve had the pleasure of building friendships with most of my clients. This wonderful couple was one of those experiences.”

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Jennifer Garrigues, Jennifer Garrigues, Palm Beach, FL

Architecture by David Neff, David Neff Architect, New York, NY & Johnathan Redditt, Redditt Architecture, Palm City, FL

Construction by Edgewater Custom Homes, Tequesta, FL

Landscape Architecture by Nievera Williams Design, West Palm Beach, FL

Text by Jeanne de Lathouder

Photography by Troy Campbell, Miami, FL

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