Going with the Flow Photography by Michael McVay Photography
When Linda Sonders found an original Port Royal home, she saw immediately it was the right fit for her sister, Liz Ann Sonders, and brother-in-law Bob Meier. As an area Realtor, Linda says she knew a good buy when she saw it. As a renovator and designer, she recognized the home had everything it needed, but would be even better with some changes. Interestingly, in a secret door in the paneled library, she found a scale model of the home the original architect had made. Her 14-month makeover used that original footprint, but she gave it a twist by moving walls to create open living areas. The reconfigured pool and deck are perfect for entertaining, and sliding pocket doors connect the main living areas to the outdoors. Since the couple spends a lot of time in Bermuda, the island served as inspiration, and the result was a dwelling that’s unpretentious and clean. “I was overall project manager and did much of the design work with my sister, who was extraordinarily involved in every decision,” Linda says. Liz Ann appreciates how relaxing, happy, bright and comfortable the place is, and that its heart—the kitchen—works well for parties and casual gatherings. Besides the new wine room, her husband especially likes how the house opens up and flows to the pool and yard, not to mention the fabulous view out back.
Project manager and design: Linda Sonders Architecture: Falcon Design Inc., Naples Builder: Seascape Builders, Naples Landscape architecture: Caple Landscape Management, Naples
NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2012 63