European Extravagance

Combining Tuscan Architecture, Mediterrannean appeal, and Spanish influences with clean lines and contemporary color tones, this 15,000-square-foot estate is as welcoming as it is impressive.

By Camille Torres
Photos By Kim Sargent

Amid the rolling emerald-green hills and crystalline lakes within the gated enclave of"Stone Creek Ranch in Delray Beach, Florida, sits the breathtaking "Four Winds"estate. Lush Medjool palms flank the sides of the long, brick-pavered driveway leading to this stunning new estate with the look of a French country manor home. Majestic trees and vibrant groupings of flowers accent the home's 21/2-acre lakefront setting, designed by Krent Weiland of KW D Landscape Architecture. At the end of the driveway, a brick-pavered motor court surrounds a fountain framed by four stately Italian cypress trees. To the left, the motor court leads to the home's discreetly tucked away six-car garage. At the front of the home, a covered entry opens to an impressive vaulted foyer and gallery. Entering the dwelling during the day, sunlight streams through the arched glass front door and surrounding windows. As visitors walk into the foyer, they are greeted by a stunning view of the back-yard, visible through the expansive windows directly opposite the entry. To the left of the entry foyer, a dramatic circular staircase beckons the eyes to follow its graceful curves. Subtle scroll ironwork within the railing is mimicked in the sconces, and the arched and circular windows carry forth the feminine, curved theme. Staggered upward on the wall, three square, primary-toned pieces of art incorporate a more masculine aesthetic. A massive potted tree balances the two motifs with its straight leaves jutting outward from circular centers.

When designing this custom spec home's interiors, Winter Park, Florida-based MarcMichaels Interior Design, Inc., strove to incorporate the best elements from prior estates they designed, while keeping in mind the goal of appealing to the prospective new owner. "Clients want a wow factor, yet they also want that level of comfort and function, says Jeff Strasser, vice president of design at Marc-Michaels. "While the scale of the home is dramatic, it's superbly proportioned, making the home very livable," he adds.

Paul Courchene, principal of Boca Raton based Courchene Development, the company that built the home, agrees. "The greatest part of the home is that it is large but not overwhelming, he says. "All the spaces embrace you, making you feel extremely comfortable." Encompassing 15,055 total square feet with 10, 671 square feet under air, the furnished six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, two half-bathroom home is currently for sale by Stone Creek Ranch Realty, Inc., for $10.9 million.

Designed by architect Shane Ames of Ames Design International, the home couples Tuscan architecture and hints of Mediterranean flavor with updated twists, such as clean, fresh lines; contemporary color tones; and thick archways and columns. According to Strasser, "A classic theme is used for the interiors with an unexpected lighter, fresher feel." The result is casual elegance that is as welcoming as it is impressive.

"Driven by a passion to build the ultimate home in every aspect, the concept of the house was inspired by a magazine tear sheet of a home in Provence. On this, we based the design inspiration and feel of the house, Courchene says. "For the exterior design, we chose a Provence-inspired Mediterranean aesthetic. We incorporated indigenous materials, such as split-faced coral stone carried out through the home's exterior as well as in the interior around the cooktop and on the loggia's columns:'he adds.

Off the foyer and gallery, wide arched doorways lead to the main floor's living spaces, including the living room. Like most of the home, the d6cor is Tuscan and Mediterranean meet Santa Barbara. The Spanish influences found throughout the Santa Barbara styling are evident in the home's furniture. The deep hue of the living room's centrally placed coffee table coordinates

with the rich, dark wooden beams accenting the pitched ceiling, starkly contrasting against the white ceiling and light walls. Printed, earth-toned accent chairs and pillows complement the refined cream-colored sofas.

A dual-sided fireplace, with a set of beautiful leaded-glass double doors on either side, separates the living room and library. A striking zebra rug stretches across the library floor in front of the hearth-facing sofa. Behind the sofa, a wall of French doors and windows, sans curtains or blinds, beams sunlifloor planght on the lightly hued wooden paneling and built-in bookshelves.

"In the formal dining room, travertine wall cladding and paneled wooden columns cover the wall with an infusion of light and provide contrast against the darker arch of the groin-vaulted ceiling," Strasser describes. "The use of stone there and in the foyer adds to the authenticity of the shell of the residence." In the center of the room under a wrought iron and crystal chandelier, lo leather-backed and two upholstered chairs surround the alder, Spanish influenced table. A stunning flooring inset dresses the space. Polished Costa Emeralda marble and polished antique bronze marble border the internal field of honed classic light travertine with polished Eramosa marble pindots.

Nearby, the kitchen displays a juxtaposition of clean and rustic styles. The rusticated coral stone backsplash wraps to an alcove nook near the stove recess. Designed to look like an old, existing fireplace, the stone surrounding the cooktop gives the kitchen a sense of history. Quaint, contemporary green-lacquered cabinetry mixes with stained cherry cabinets-all finished with contemporary stainless steel bar pulls. Honed, patinaed Jerusalem stone countertops provide ample workspace, while an antique butcher block table serves as a prep area. Camina del Inca flooring, set in random patterns, continues to the adjacent window-lined breakfast nook and into the nearby morning room.

Open to the gourmet kitchen and outside veranda, the morning room features plush, honey-hued sofas and hand-honed cypress built-in cabinetry. Weathered beams around the room's perimeter continue the kitchen's rustic elements. Colors carried from the kitchen include vibrant citrus and tangerine, regal gold, and fresh greens.

A favorite of visitors, an all-encompassing clubroom boasts a full bar; a walk-in, chilled wine room; a drop-down screen; and a billiards table. According to Courchene, "Unlike a separate media room or theater room, this space can be utilized for multiple purposes. it will be used for entertaining guests as well as watching a movie with the family or rooting for your favorite sports team with friends."

With its own wing of the home, the master suite is the perfect place to escape with its stunning domed circular retreat, his and her baths, and a privacy garden. Tranquil blue sweeps the walls, and white trim details and crown molding give the room a crisp, clean feel. Pale blue and gray colors calm and relax. The connecting retreat includes a sitting area with large windows overlooking the sparkling pool and lake.

A barrel-ceilinged dressing vestibule connects his and her bathrooms to the bedroom. To the left, his bath and closet are tailored and masculine, with Noir St. Laurent, marble countertops and espresso -stained millwork. Contrasting checkerboard Botticino and Terra Odyssey marble tiles set diagonally decorate the floors. On the opposite side of the vestibule, her spacious closet doubles as a safe room during emergencies and is encased in concrete with a bullet-proof door. Through the vestibule, leaded, cut-glass entry doors lead into her elegant, feminine bathroom. Windows surround the freestanding tub, throwing light on the crystal chandelier and sconces. White Breccia Dorado marble countertops and white onyx flooring finish the room.

Outside the bathroom, a private, walled courtyard houses a luxurious outdoor shower. Off the morning room, "The outdoor veranda is an extension of the home's interior. With a summer kitchen, sitting area, dining table, and a full bar, it includes all comforts desired for everything from relaxing to entertaining," Coutchene says. Arches and columns surround the space, which overlooks the nearby classically styled pool and spa. just beyond, sun glistens off the lake, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. "The floor plan was designed to take full advantage of the scenic lake views," Courchene says. "All the major living areas-the outdoor veranda, family room, and clubroom-look directly onto the lake. From these spaces, you can see over the lake and watch the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon." It's this blending of outdoor beauty with the stunning interior spaces that makes the home truly one-of-a-kind.