Resort living 365 days of the year. That's what might first come
to mind after experiencing the recent whole house renovation
of this Sweetwater home located on the edge of Lake Brantley.
Formerly the home of the late Charles Givens, author of "Wealth
Without Risk", the lakeside home had been built in the 1980's
and was in need of a facelift. But the new homeowners requested
a more casual character for the project, a departure from the
stiff and formal look the home initially had.
"As big as the house originally was," PSG Construction
partner Stephen Gidus explains, "the floor plan was inadequate
and did not make good use of the space."
PSG Construction joined with Lucia Custom Home Designers, Inc.
to make the house "more livable for the new family,"
says Lucia Custom Home Designers President Karen Kassik. "The
family wasn't after a 'big mansion' feel from this house,"
Kassik points out. "They wanted to create a casual and welcoming
feel in their new home."
PSG Keeps in Constant Contact with Out of Town Homeowners
PSG Construction used e-mail and the internet to keep in close
contact with the homeowners, who were living out-of-state during
renovation. Demolition of the interior took a total of 18 days,
with as many as 21 men working each day, literally tearing the
interior apart piece by piece. With a full-time on-site superintendent,
the project took just nine months to complete.
Former Ballroom is Converted to Open Entertaining Area
To help carry out the homeowner's wishes for a less flamboyant
home, the existing lakefront ballroom located at the rear of
the house was eliminated. In this 50 foot by 36 foot space is
now an open family room, kitchen and dining room. Each of these
rooms flows into the other without divisions. The space is surrounded
by floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that boast a panoramic
view of the lake, soaring palms, pool and spa. Such a view in
itself easily puts to rest any workday stress or strain.
Regardless of how casual the home may appear, it radiates unqualified
comfort and a well thought-out floor plan.
"The new floor plan is conducive to children," Kassik
points out. The children's bedrooms are intentionally located
near the pool, pool bathroom, wet bar, game room and laundry.
As an ultimate retreat, the second floor is dedicated to the
self-contained master bedroom suite that includes a 16 foot x
26 foot office, granite shower/steam room and wet bar, and affords
an equally outstanding view of the lush landscaping and water.
An oversized four foot door leading to the suite shuts out unwanted
stress and interruptions.
20 Foot Ceilings Greet Guests in the Entry
The entry and living room open to the entry sets the stage for
the rest of the home with 20 foot ceilings and a wood floor inset
with patterned marble. Pine beams and a stone fireplace reaching
16 feet high give the rooms an impressive but casual elegance.
French doors open to the spacious screened porch and more casual
seating. A wood staircase accented with an iron and wood railing
leads to a balcony overlooking the foyer and living room. The
spacious master bedroom suite is tucked behind a foyer leading
from the balcony.
A guest suite with a private entrance makes entertaining easy
for the homeowners and unforgettable for guests.
In addition to the office in the master bedroom suite, a second
office is located just off the kitchen. A den, exercise room
and butler's pantry with a second dishwasher are also nearby.
Details like marble counters, granite inlays, a copper sink,
and mosaics are pampering embellishments.
Considerable renovation was completed at the rear of the home
also. The pool deck was refinished, a cabana was erected, and
a new sea wall at the lake was installed to give the rear of
the home a resort-like presence. The brick-enclosed Thermador™
grill is serviced by a stained concrete counter for effortless
pool side entertaining. A bridge leads to the boathouse, private
beach and observation deck.
The newly renovated home no longer reflects the formal pretentiousness
of its original state, but offers its new owners true estate
living in every sense of the word. PSG
SOURCES
Drywall - R.K.
Edwards
Appliances - Southeast Steel
Cabinetry - Central Kitchen & Bath
Windows - Garner Window & Door
Plumbing Labor - Modern Plumbing
Air Conditioning & Heating - Air Masters
Carpet - Florida Home Carpet
Closet Shelving - Get Organized
Roofing - Steppi Roofing
