Family Affair
Luxury home designer Dan Sater typically designs high-end homes for families who appreciate living in style. Recently he designed a home for his own family. Having designed two previous homes for his wife and two teenage daughters, Dan created their newest home in a grand fashion with no regrets.
Deciding to build in a Mediterranean-styled, golf course community in Bonita Springs, FL, he chose a challenging, shallow lot, yet knew he could capitalize on its impressive lake views.
“I wanted to create a home that worked well with the site, incorporating views of the lake. The lot was narrow but I knew I could overcome it and take advantage of the views through the design,” he said.
Sater originally designed the home as a concept house for Andersen Windows, and modified the plan to fit his family.
“My new home is actually based on one of my published plans. I found it addressed many of my family’s needs and conferred my design philosophy of creating each home as if it were for my most important family, my own.”
VISION
In the Sater’s previous homes Dan designed with resale value in mind; however in their newest home he tried to incorporate his family’s opinions and style. Because he knew this home would be the last for his two daughters before graduating, he designed a home that catered more to their needs. Aged 13 and 17, his girls needed private bedroom and bathroom space. They also wanted the rooms decorated to accommodate the way they live.
“My family really enjoys our new home. The girls enjoy their bedrooms with custom designed, built-in headboards and vivid colors,” Dan said. “We all participated in the selection process, which at times was challenging but always enjoyable moments,” he said.
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Appreciating the value of his wife Debbie’s input, Dan also looked to her for ideas. “My wife made several decorating decisions and gave input to the flow, size and function of the home. Because it was originally a stock plan, we were able to look at things together. She wanted to think about how things would work cleaning-wise. She looked at it through her eyes and what mattered to her,” he said.
ROOM POSITIONING
Debbie also agreed that the house needed to be open and flow from room to room to accommodate their family’s love of entertaining. It was important to have access to the kitchen from the garage and for the kitchen to be in close proximity to the leisure room.
“My favorite room in the home is the leisure room. It’s the most relaxing room in the home. It allows for interaction with the kitchen and nook, as well as the veranda and pool beyond,” Dan said.
Because they frequently entertain outdoors, the Saters wanted a backyard oasis. Complete with outdoor veranda, a covered infinity-edge pool and rambling lanai, the rear outdoor space is the perfect place to entertain.
“We have had several parties that center around our veranda and pool area. Its outdoor fireplace creates a glowing atmosphere as well as a center of conversation. The outdoor grill is a favorite of mine and is well used,” he said.
FAÇADE
“The community in which we live required Mediter-ranean-style architecture. In reality it is more eclectic, not true Mediterranean,” Dan said.
“In fact, the elements are more intricate, such as the entry, the study and the dining room. These elements are more interesting and complicated than in traditional Mediterranean elements,” he added.
The rear of the home strays from the traditional Mediter-ranean architecture of the front façade, and is designed with more of a contemporary aesthetic.
“The back of the house is very contemporary. It has floor-to-ceiling glass, where a traditional Mediterranean home would have traditional French doors. This way we feel like we are part of the outdoor environment,” Dan said.
The front of the home still emits a Mediterranean feel. The three-car garage is split by design with a two-car garage on the left side, and a single-car garage on the opposite side. This design affords the luxury of a three-car garage, while preserving symmetry to the front facade. One interesting feature of the single-car garage is that it enters directly into the master bath.
“Accessing the master bath via the garage was the result of an accident, but it has proven a welcome asset. It gives me direct access to the master bath where I can change into comfortable clothes before retiring to the leisure room with family,” he said.
COMFORT
AMID LUXURY
While the exterior invokes a Mediterranean feel with contemporary elements in the rear of the home, the interior allows Dan and his family to live in a comfortable yet elegant manner. Open and spacious, the 4000+ square foot home boasts four bedrooms and three-and-a -half baths. Ceiling treatments crown every room including the master bedroom and master bath, and not only grant drama to each room but are also a favorite feature.
“I really enjoy the diagonal coffered ceiling with the tongue and groove cypress inlay,” Dan said.
Also impressive is the spacious living room that opens into the formal dining room and foyer. With French door access onto the veranda and built-in shelves, coffered ceiling and fireplace, this space is a formal complement to the relaxing leisure room.
“My favorite feature in the living room is the custom-carved stone mantel and columns made of ‘Crema Maya’ stone from the Yucatan,” Dan said.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
When it’s time for indoor entertaining, the dining room provides the perfect space for meals and conversation. To set the entertaining mood, their home features an automated lighting system to control the intensity of the lights.
“I have a system that controls my lights and security. It has a vacation mode for when I’m away, which saves energy, and it also has an entertainment mode to create an atmosphere. We installed motorized shades, and with the touch of a button we can bring down the shades,” Dan said. “I wanted to include features that would make the home as carefree and enjoyable as possible.”
By using the latest technologies in home automation and energy-efficiency, Dan installed amenities that maximize comfort such as the lighting system, spray foam insulation and high-impact windows for hurricane season.
“Because we live in Florida, it was important to install impact glass. It affords my family security and protection from the strong winds,” he said. “We also have spray foam insulation that creates a tight seal or barrier to reflect radiant heat. It is costly but very energy-efficient and pays itself back over the long run,” he added.
Incorporating such luxuries as the windows, home automation, concrete roofing, and upscale cabinetry and appliances, Dan was able to give his family the home they’d always wanted.
“In this home I didn’t hold back in implementing features I wanted. I found that my only regrets in our last house were the things I didn’t put in. I really wanted a home that accommodated my family, our lifestyle and interests,” he said.
As a result, the Saters feel
most comfortable and at ease in
their newest residence.
“Many houses do not bring about such emotions. A well designed home by its very character reflects and responds to its occupants. I feel this home successfully accomplishes that function,” he said. Through careful planning, skillful design techniques and family input, Dan achieved his goal of creating the perfect home for his favorite family: his own.
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