A Story from Start to Finish!
Design Team Lead Designer: Bonnie Lancaster, ASID Senior Designer: Keffie Lancaster Architect: Beebe Design Studio Builder: Island Building Company
An Italian-Inspired Fairytale Home on Manasota Key
Our Manasota Key project is a stunning example of timeless elegance and refined coastal living, seamlessly blending Italian influences with a modern, sophisticated twist. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, this extraordinary property reflects the clients’ vision of creating a luxurious yet livable beachfront retreat. (continued below)
In 2010, Lancaster Interior Design began collaborating with Island Building Company, who was building the main and guest houses. Initially, Keffie and Bonnie Lancaster were tasked with selecting furniture for both spaces, but their role soon expanded to encompass significant design changes. Working alongside Venice-based architect Mark Beebe, they reimagined the home’s footprint to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.
A Refined Vision with Purpose
“The clients envisioned an Italian-inspired beach house that was both elegant and welcoming,” Keffie explains. The main house was designed as a formal space for entertaining guests and hosting colleagues, while the guest house was crafted as a more relaxed retreat for the clients’ children as they grew. Thoughtfully integrated architectural elements include a wine room, a chapel, a pool house, and an outdoor cabana, complemented by a game room and a built-in dog spa—perfect for rinsing off after a romp on the beach.
Attention to Detail and Custom Craftsmanship
Every detail of the home was meticulously considered, with custom finishes throughout. The entryway features limestone flooring with black marble inserts, while the grand staircase is adorned with marble treads, crafted and installed with precision. In the dining room, the oval tile inlay echoes the shape of the custom glass-topped table, offering breathtaking waterfront views from every seat. The primary bathroom showcases a hand-drawn auto-CAD tile design, transformed into a stunning natural mosaic with intricate waterjet-cut patterns.
In one of the bathrooms, a custom limestone sink was inspired by a magazine photo, while bespoke metalwork by Metal Creations added both beauty and functionality to the home’s water fixtures. A bold departure from traditional coastal design, the pantry features sleek black cabinetry and black-and-white tile, offering a moody, sophisticated aesthetic that complements the kitchen’s black hooded range and coordinating backsplash.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Luxury and Comfort
The wine room, with a tasting table perfect for savoring selections from the family’s collection—including bottles sourced locally and from travels to Italy—adds another layer of indulgence. A custom tile backsplash and a glass door decal featuring the family crest underscore the home’s attention to detail.
A fully equipped office space provides the husband with seamless work-from-home functionality, an essential addition after the family—previously based in New Jersey—transitioned to living in Florida full-time during the pandemic. The space offers uninterrupted views of the Gulf, making breaks from the computer all the more refreshing.
Personalized Art and Distinctive Finishes
Artwork curated from the renowned Wally Findlay Gallery in West Palm Beach adorns the walls, carefully selected by the clients and installed by the gallery’s expert team. Custom lighting highlights the collection, while top-of-the-line electronics—from solar shades to the security system—ensure that every element of the home functions effortlessly.
To honor the client’s love of lavender, subtle hints of purple are incorporated throughout the home. The game room and bar area feature understated pops of purple, while the primary bedroom, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Stormy Monday, shifts in hue throughout the day, reflecting shades of lilac and lavender without overwhelming the space.
Outdoor Living with a Coastal Flair
The outdoor areas are just as thoughtfully designed. Italian-inspired water fountains echo those found in European plazas, while the pool area offers ample space for entertaining, with sofas, an outdoor kitchen, and plenty of room for family and friends. The pristine beach, framed by sea oats and mangroves, remains untouched, preserving the natural beauty of Manasota Key for generations to come.
Rooted in History and Legacy
Adding to the property’s charm, one of the buildings is believed to have been part of the Beauvier family’s vacation home—connecting the site to American royalty, as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ maiden name was Beauvier.
Crafting Your Dream Home in Florida
Whether you’re envisioning a coastal retreat like this one or building your dream home from the ground up, Florida offers endless opportunities to create a lifestyle that blends luxury with the natural beauty of the region. With expert craftsmanship and thoughtful design, a custom-built home in Florida can bring your vision to life, offering a sanctuary where family memories are made for years to come.
This Manasota Key project was completed in 2014, and like any great story, it’s a place where happily ever after truly begins.