+15 Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Destin Lakefront Delight
Admiral Court on Regatta Bay
Custom home designer Bob Chatham of Daphne, Alabama sat down with builder Phillip Vlahos of VDT Construction and Destin Custom Home Builders to begin a process that would culminate in an inviting, unique lakefront home that would eventually be purchased by, furnished, and decorated by Vlahos’ mother-in-law, interior designer Jo Ann Knowles and her husband, Pete. “When we began, Phillip was planning to build this house to sell,” says designer Chatham. “As the project progressed, he shared the drawings and the concept with his family, and the plan changed. Jo Ann had some input and added some great ideas as we moved forward to the finished product.” The synergy of this collaboration gave birth to a home that makes the most of the curved waterfront lot and the amazing views. Because of the lot’s configuration, Chatham focused on having the footprint of the house mirror the contours of the lot and orienting every room to take advantage of the connection to the water and the outdoors. Chatham’s associate, lead drafter, Kathy Heard, was responsible for the final construction drawings.
The home’s exterior displays a mixture of textures that blend beautifully for a clean, modern, coastal look. On the street side, the smooth stucco exterior contrasts nicely with the entrance’s dark metal-framed windows and matching door that leads into the welcoming foyer. “We wanted to create a lakefront home that had dynamic features,” says Chatham. “The contrast between the light finishes, both inside and outside, and the dark wood and metallic accents certainly help to do that.” The elegant entry, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and rectangular floor tiles that echo the angular shape, is softened by pale old brick walls, a mirror-topped table on a curvy antique base, leafy green plants, and a delicate chandelier.
In the expansive great room, the white shiplap walls and soaring ceiling with reclaimed oak beams in this lakefront home are illuminated by natural light from floor to ceiling glass doors with transoms. The limestone and Venetian plaster fireplace and the adjacent custom lighted cabinets anchor the living room end of the open space; the other end is the kitchen. The end wall is split old brick and boasts a bank tall of arched windows over twin farmhouse sinks, set in a quartz countertop and flanked by lighted cabinets. An elegant island with ample storage and inviting seating is topped with a solid surface material designed to echo the curves in the matching chandeliers overhead and the legs of the island itself. The kitchen is separated from the living area by a more formal oak trestle dining table seating ten. To the right of the kitchen is a butler’s pantry, with amenities that include an extra sink, a wine refrigerator, open shelving, and glass-fronted cabinets for glassware.
The master bedroom overlooks the lake and enjoys incredible views through a bank of casement windows that feature a unique drapery system with the hardware hidden behind one of the beams of the coffered wood ceiling. The spacious and peaceful master bath has an oversized marble walk-in shower, and the adjacent closet has a built-in organizational system for clothing, shoes, and accessories, and is anchored by a cozy and comfortable chair and ottoman on a fluffy fur rug. The state-of-the-art laundry room can be accessed from the master bedroom and has the added convenience of an extra refrigerator and a utility sink. Additional bedrooms include an adorable children’s suite with a bright and sunny play area, plus several rooms for guests, each with a private bath. There is also a quiet, well-equipped home office with built-in desk and storage, sconce lighting, and white wainscoting and shutters for a calm, sophisticated feel.
The covered patio is constructed in an L shape to take maximum advantage of the lake view. The vaulted ceiling mirrors the living room, as does the outdoor fireplace and chimney. Comfortable outdoor furnishings, rustic log side tables, carriage lights, old brick accent wall, and ceiling fans create a welcoming feel, and the outdoor kitchen complete with gas grill and bar sink provides a space for casual entertaining. The piece de resistance is perhaps the sundeck right on the water, with its assortment of chaise longues and Adirondack chairs positioned to take full advantage of the view and the breezes off the lake. Owner Jo Ann Knowles sums up her pleasure with the finished home by saying, “The house is everything I wanted. I wake up every day, look out my kitchen window and think ‘I can’t believe I live here!”
BOB CHATHAM CUSTOM HOME DESIGN
790 Daphne Avenue #C
Daphne, AL 36526
251-626-7789
bobchatham.com
VDT CONSTRUCTION
4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 200
Destin, FL 32541
205-296-6111
vdtconstruction.com
