As you approach this elegant Bermuda-style home, you would never guess that it was once hidden behind a jungle of trees and subtropical shrubbery, obscuring its potential to be a modern family home in one of Naples’ best locations. Looking at it today, it’s also impossible to tell that it has undergone four renovations in its past life because this, the fifth and last renovation, was done with such vision, skill, and care. This beautiful home has at last been transformed into the modern Old Naples estate it was meant to be. 
   “I was always drawn to the home and I felt it was too important to be torn down,” says developer Kristen Williams of KW Properties. “Living in this area, I knew it was one of the first grand homes built on Gulf Shore Boulevard. I could tell it had great bones, we just needed to revive it, and create a home that fit the needs of the new Naples resident.” 
   Williams enlisted the talents of architect Alberto Abad of New Architectura and builders Jay Bowerman and Jaider Gonzalez of Big Island Builders. The team set to work designing an additional wing and new entry worthy of the home. “We felt it was important to change the orientation of the entrance to create more curb appeal and to give the home a true Gulf Shore Boulevard address. Also, the original two-story wing made the home feel off balanced,” comments Abad. 
   Bringing a design perspective driven by couture runways and a love of vibrant palettes, Williams and designer Lillian August were able to create a home that plays to fashion while still maintaining the traditional feel Northern transplants are so accustomed to. While inspired by the Floridian sky, August was also charmed by Williams, and her hands-on approach to the project. “I found working with Kristen to be magical, and collaborating with a woman developer was empowering. It gave me the ability to play to fashion and celebrate the power of style through the design of the home.” 
   One of the main challenges Williams and August faced was the physical distance between them. While Williams and August were able to travel to one another at times, someone at the local level was needed to facilitate the vision. That task fell to Suzanne Costa of Suzanne Costa Interiors who says, “As a New York designer I was very familiar with Lillian August and working with such an icon was an honor. I feel we were able to take her distinct and colorful style and successfully translate it for Naples’ coastal market.” 
   Throughout the home, August’s unique ability to layer color, retro styles, and whimsical elements creates an interior that speaks to the history of the home and its setting, while looking towards the bright future it’s sure to have. 

This 5,438 square foot home features four bedrooms and six baths and is available for $7,999,000. Contact Olde Naples Real Estate for more information.

Photography by Giovanni Photography