Stylish Revival on Palm Beach’s Major Alley

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The 1920s homes of Palm Beach’s Major Alley, a storied compound of six interconnected residences conceived by Howard Major, have long captivated architecture enthusiasts with their walled gardens, enclosed courtyards, and casual Bermudian vernacular. Properties within the enclave seldom trade hands, but when homeowner Bart McCorquodale encountered a serendipitous pocket listing for a 1,400-square-foot, one-bedroom residence, he saw an opportunity to curate an entertainment-focused retreat. “There’s nothing like it on the island,” says McCorquodale’s designer, Ellen Kavanaugh, who renovated the home with colleague Hanna Blackwell.

Though McCorquodale primarily lives in Birmingham, Alabama, he envisioned a vacation home that embraced its setting while indulging his flair for grandeur and hosting. After a yearlong renovation, the home checks all those boxes.

The 100-year-old structure required a full gut renovation, replacing dated elements with timeless finishes, including new plaster walls, wallcoverings, and cabinetry throughout. While the living room and kitchen layouts remained intact, the primary suite was dramatically reimagined. A low ceiling, oversized closet, and dark corridor gave way to furniture-like built-ins and soaring 12-foot ceilings, imparting a luxurious hotel suite aesthetic. Throughout, checkered marble floors nod to Major’s legacy and the classic Palm Beach motif.

What was once an unremarkable hallway now houses a showstopping bar with richly patinated oxidized paneling and blue-and-white, hand-painted Spanish tile, a welcome stop for homeowner and guests alike. “We wanted to mix materials and have fun,” Kavanaugh explains. “We wanted something fabulous.”

In the living room, Kavanaugh leaned into a tailored masculinity inspired by the work of Billy Baldwin, layering pieces that lend a timeless appeal rather than a trend-driven one. A curved Nicholas Wolfe sofa upholstered in Dedar fabric introduces an Italianate contemporary silhouette, offset by streamlined vintage cheetah-print chairs, a red lacquer coffee table, and oversized lamps. “It’s a mix of mid-century, classic American traditional, a bit of English, and everything in between,” she says. An original 1950s chandelier was refreshed with white paint and custom shades, while carved Spanish mirrors sourced in Birmingham and a commanding leopard painting found at High Point heighten the room’s theatricality. “Our client was very trusting with our selections,” says Kavanaugh. “He gave us creative freedom from the very start.”

Outside, redesigned landscaping and hardscaping transform the courtyard into a hidden garden haven complete with a trellis draped in orchids that frames a dining table shaded by a playful umbrella. What appears understated from the street is spirited and immersive when seen up-close, a delightful surprise with a design that honors both past and present.

Story Credits:

Interior Design by Ellen Kavanaugh & Hanna Blackwell, Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors, Palm Beach, FL

Architecture by Varnava Design Studio, Palm Beach, FL

Interior Architecture by Studio Imbuia, Sea Island, GA

Construction by Island Construction, West Palm Beach, FL

Text by Lauren Jones

Photography by Carmel Brantley, Delray Beach, FL

Styling by Robert Rufino

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