the jewel of boca grande

BY CHANNING SPANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIANA TODOROVA

THIS AWARD-WINNING HOME,

located in Hill Tide Estates on Boca Grande, offers everything people seek out when choosing life in this special location. From spacious rooms to beautiful design, Seagate Development Group and Theory Design created a beautiful model to showcase their work and to help future clients visualize the possibilities. “This model has since sold, but we felt it was important to create a space to show clients of both the builder and our designers,” says Ruta Menaghlazim, Vice President of Design at Theory Design. “It was the first home we built in this community, so it set a really wonderful tone for the rest of our projects here.” With just 19 home sites, Hill Tide Estates is the only location on Gasparilla Island that fronts Boca Grande Pass which is located at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor between the southern tip of the island and the northern tip of Cayo Costa. Approximately 300 yards wide, the Pass is a staging ground for Tarpon migration and a destination for sport fishermen who know it as the Tarpon Capital of the World.

For Seagate Development Group, this unique project was a perfect fit. A fullservice development company, they specialize in a design-build process via new construction, custom renovations, interior design, as well as management and leasing services. Team members are committed to high-profile commercial projects and high-end residential projects. Each is delivered with superior quality that exceeds customer expectations and values artistry, transparency, and sincerity.

Seagate’s partner company, Theory Design, finished the interior of this home with a holistic and global approach that coordinates the interior architectural elements, harmonizing them with the surrounding nature. Featuring an expansive 11,184 square feet of total living space, this coastal home is the perfect island getaway.

PARADISE LIVING

“The home is laid out really well even with the most expansive rooms feeling very intimate,” says Menaghlazim. This is best seen in the great room, a beautiful space filled with classic materials and textures made new through their treatment. “If we were to give this style a name, I’d say it’s coastal transitional,” explains Menaghlazim. “The materials, like linen and rattan, are familiar, but we’ve chosen shapes that modernize them. The armchairs are a great example. They have clean lines while still bringing that coastal feel to the room.” Driftwood, white, and blue have been used in the space to add a nautical touch and slipcovered couches help keep the space casual—which is important for a beachside home. A hammered tin coffee table adds a little weight to the space and is topped with organic sea elements. On the windows, sheer linen drapery panels are light, giving the space a breezy look.

COASTAL KITCHEN

Creamy white and charcoal cabinets provide a great base for this well-designed kitchen. Menaghlazim points out, “One really unique feature can be found in the upper cabinets. You can see through the glass fronts to a window; that’s not a mirror or an artificial light. We added coral for visual interest and I love this interesting design detail.” Rhinestone quartzite counters top the large island, while a darker and more durable quartz was used on the perimeter. Above the island, hammered metal pendants add shine and texture. Subway tile has been laid in a herringbone pattern behind the gas range. With a mix of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, this kitchen is the perfect place to start an island-inspired dinner party.

RELAXED DINING

In the dining room, lighting with rattan woven shades steals the show. “This is another great example of how this classic material can be used in a modern way to create a coastal theme, so a room still feels elevated and design-forward,” says Menaghlazim. Canvascovered chairs flank a glasstopped table with dark base and metal inlay. Tongue and groove has been used to panel the ceiling for a beachy, yet upscale vibe. Outside, the view of the island and the lanai create a beautiful vista.

COMFORTABLE VIEWS

“The bonus room is upstairs and serves as a living space for the second floor bedrooms,” says Menaghlazim. “The layout of this home is so conducive to entertaining, as well as working for a young family or one that’s growing through the addition of spouses and grandchildren.” As a nod to the home’s location in the Tarpon Capital of the World, the design team added fish through art and accessories. A wet bar with floating shelves offers storage and a place to put snacks and drinks during movie night. Flanking the textured sofa, unique lamps with a tribal pattern sit on modern wood and metal side tables. Natural elements like wood and rattan keep the room feeling grounded and organic. On the deck, Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor enhance the design inside.

SIMPLE SEATING

The sitting room in the master bedroom sits in front of large glass doors which lead to the pool and lanai. This cozy space is accented with a coastal palette of blue and white with comfortable seating and a dark wood table. Wire brushed white oak floors, gauzy curtains, and abstract art complete the space.

MAIN ACT

The master suite is a soothing space with muted colors and comfortable accents. A four poster, bleached wood bed is topped with Peacock Alley bedding. The texture and darker colors of the bedding play well with the wool rug in complementary navy and cream tones. The sunburst style mirror above the bed is casual through natural materials instead of the gold metals traditionally used. A white canvasclad ottoman provides seating and another attractive design detail.

LUXURY LANAI

The home’s location means the outdoor living space needed to be well-appointed but also durable as the salt air corrodes metals and easily damages woods that aren’t properly sealed. The focal point of this space is the fireplace clad in stacked limestone and the outdoor kitchen, complete with a large Wolf grill. NatureKast cabinets are built to withstand outdoor conditions and saltwater, and create an elegant yet strong kitchen. Woven outdoor furniture with high performance fabric cushions will stand up to the home’s island setting. Double coffee tables and a large outdoor dining table provide plenty of entertaining areas.