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When the owners of a penthouse condo at Turquoise Place in Orange Beach, AL renovated their unit after Hurricane Sally, they called on professionals including Mike McQuillen of McQuillen Custom Homes to bring their vision to life. General Contractor McQuillen and his team worked with the owners for several months to define their priorities. Once the team had nailed down the scope of work and the homeowners had signed off on the plans, the real work began.
Looking back on the project, McQuillen recalls some challenges and some high points. Sourcing construction materials after a storm is always challenging, and we had some very specific needs for unique finishes. “Our greatest challenge had to do with the master baths – the walls are solid slabs of quartz, and getting them to the thirtieth floor was difficult. The end result was well worth it, though, and the shower in particular is amazing. My own favorite feature is the office or den, which is finished all in wood and is quite formal and elegant. But overall, I love the view of the Gulf from the 30th floor. I am a deep water fisherman, and I also love looking back from the boat and seeing the building. It really is a spectacular view in both directions.”
The renovation plans included a great deal of detailed millwork, and for this McQuillen called upon Haleigh Vance with Mobile Lumber & Millwork’s Coast Design Kitchen & Bath operation. Vance was charged with designing cabinetry and wainscoting for the 4 ½ baths, both master closets, the Murphy bed in the media room, much of the flooring throughout the home, and was involved in design and finish selections throughout much of the unit. “The homeowners confided in me that they wanted to feel as if they were staying in a luxury hotel, and with that in mind they sought to blend a timeless, traditional style with the use of current trends and color schemes,” says Haleigh Vance. “I loved being involved in creating the home they envisioned, and working with Mike and his team was great.”
The spacious Turquoise Place condo makes the most of its position high above the gulf with incredible views for miles in all directions. Vast expanses of glass allow for unobstructed vistas, and custom blinds and draperies make it possible to control the light. Balconies allow for real connection with the outdoors, and provide space for al fresco cooking and dining as well as enjoying the breezes and the sunrise and sunset from a private vantage point. Indoors, there is plenty of white on walls and woodwork throughout, but there are also dramatic splashes of color like the rich red walls that draw attention to dramatic artwork, and the warm wood walls and cabinetry, plus an out-of-this-world very masculine, modern bath adjacent to the spacious office.
The main living space flows seamlessly from kitchen to living and dining spaces and beyond to the outdoor balcony. The kitchen area features a curved bar whose shape is echoed by the dropped ceiling that follows the same lines. The gentle curve provides contrast to the angular island and the linear kitchen wall that contains oversize refrigerator and freezer, cooktop with custom hood, and ample workspace. Three pendant light fixtures illuminate the entire area. A conveniently located wet bar, with temperature controlled wine storage, ice maker, bar sink, and ample glass storage, is between the kitchen and the living area. The living area is oriented toward a fireplace with marble surround, with oversized television mounted above and glass display shelves on either side, and comfortable upholstered furniture in shades of white and gray. The dining space, while contiguous to kitchen and living area, contains more traditional furnishings in a rich wood tone, including an oval table and a tall china cabinet. A rectangular carpet defines the space, and an intricate custom chandelier, white wainscoting, and traditional artwork complete the space.
Each bedroom is unique, and there is even a bunk room ideal for visiting grandchildren or other guests. Even the laundry room exudes luxury and convenience, with plenty of hanging space, work areas, plenty of storage, and a deep laundry sink. The renovated Turquoise Place condo exudes luxury while providing every practical amenity and all the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and its beautiful beaches.
McQuillen Custom Homes & Remodeling
mcquillenhomes@gmail.com
251-401-9427
Mobile Lumber & Millwork
mobilelumber.com
251-661-8315
