INTERIOR DESIGN Ivette Arango Planas and Cristina Macias Graves, Ivette Arango Interiors, Miami, FLEXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Ralph Portuondo, Portuondo Perotti Architects, Miami, FLINTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Phillip Chapelle, Phillip Chapelle Design Company, Miami, FLBUILDER Mike Murphy, Coastal Construction Group, Inc.,Miami, FLLANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Robert Parsley, Geomantic Designs, Inc., Miami, FLTEXT Christine Davis PHOTOGRAPHY Barry Grossman, Weston, FL

A VISION OF EUROPEAN SPLENDORThis Timeless Estate And Serene Peninsula Create ThePerfect Marriage For A Sophisticated Coral Gables Family

A well-appointed lawn and a shade tree highlightedwith a sculpture by Colombian artist FernandoBotero add allure to the front of this grand estate.

276 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 4

LEFT: The stylish living room features a William Switzercabinet that regally rests beneath artwork by Cuban artistVictor Manuel. A stunning Schonbeck crystal chandelierilluminates a conversation grouping that pairs Arango’scustom-designed sofa with light-bronze silk club chairs.

FOR HOMEOWNERS MIGUELand Constance Fernandez it took a betterpart of their 10-year marriage to completethe construction on this 40,000-square-foothome in Coral Gables, Fla., located on aseven-acre peninsula with views of BiscayneBay and the Miami skyline. The couplefinally settled into the Italian Mediterranean-style, 9-bedroom, 16-bath residence threeyears ago. “We were always aware that theproject was out there, but then all of a sudden,we were just a year out from living in thehouse,” Constance says. “At that point, wewere traveling and thought we should bedownsizing,” she says. “But after we movedin I looked at Miguel and thought — Ireally like this place — I think we couldmake it work.”

The project proceeded relatively smoothlythanks to a clear vision, a solid plan and theteamwork of interior designer Ivette Arangowith project manager Cristina MaciasGraves, and architects Ralph Portuondo andPhillip Chapelle. “My husband was thevisionary,” Constance says. “He counted onme for the details and we relied on our teamof consultants for their expertise.”

With construction still underway, Arangoacquired antiques and designed custompieces storing them for later use, while thecouple compiled their Latin art and rarebook collections. “Knowing that we wouldhave ample space for artwork, we started to

collect more significant and larger pieces,” the wife says. “My husband alsobegan acquiring antique leather-bound books for the new library.” Thepieces came together due to careful planning. “The home really feels likeit belongs on this site, and since we had the furnishings, artwork andaccessories ready, we were able to install everything within threeweeks,” Arango says.

Even with its grand scale, the residence feels welcoming withunique architectural details and warm finishes. “Divided into a formalside and a family side,” each room in the home has its own distinctcharacter,” the designer says.

ABOVE: The impressive two-story main library houses the husband’s prized collection of original andfirst-edition antique leather-bound books, and offers views of Biscayne Bay from the light-filledoffice area. Beneath fine furnishings, marble lines a walnut-wood floor patterned in herringbone.

Architectural detailing prevails in the formaldining room, where walnut wainscoting on thewall backs a limestone fireplace. Overhead,sparkling Baccarat crystal chandeliers suspendwith elegance from a sculptural molded ceiling.

“We have seven landscaped acres with tennis courts, a boathouse and a pool house — we need two golf carts just to get

around,” homeowner Constance Fernandez says.

ABOVE: The wife’s office is fashioned with a custom-designed desk andswivel chairs trimmed in tassels by JAB. With a sideway glance from thewell-appointed desk, artwork by Cuban artist Victor Manuel can be viewed.

Stepping inside the sophisticated living room, customsofas designed by Arango are covered in a blue-gray andbrown woolen paisley offset by soft accent pillowsedged with sable-hued fringe. Twin club chairs wrappedin burnt-gold silk form a conversation grouping oppo-site matching armchairs clad in a bronze silk that flanktwo glass-topped cocktail tables. Wood paneling and astained caramel-and-cream-coffered ceiling add distinctarchitectural detailing as French doors open to stunningviews of Biscayne Bay.

In the formal dining room, the focal point is an over-sized table comprised of inlay wood that centers diningchairs dressed in a rust-colored brocade, all customdesigned by Arango. Antique mirrors reflect light castthroughout the space by magnificent Baccarat crystalchandeliers that exude elegance.

“The two-story main library is breathtaking,” Arangosays. The husband’s desk in the adjacent bay is bathedin light from windows that lend spectacular views and is

RIGHT: In the breakfast area, dining chairs cushioned in a blue pattern byCorragio Textiles add a touch of color opposite the butler’s pantry, wherecabinetry designed by Chapelle lends extra storage.

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“Landscape architect Robert Parsleycreated a beautiful design byanchoring palm trees at each cornerof the pool,” Arango says. Here,garden and water views can beenjoyed from every angle.

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illuminated overhead by a chandelier from Nulco. Walnut-wood flooring grounds the space ina distinctive herringbone pattern.

Elegance continues in the wife’s office furnished with a stylish desk and pull-up chairs ina light rust color edged with tassels custom designed by JAB. “My little office is my epicenter,”Constance says. “It’s cozy and I have everything I need here to plan my events.” Books on art,fashion and antique cars fill the niche shelving behind the desk.

Transitioning to the breakfast area, the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for casual familymeals. The adjacent butler’s pantry functions as a workstation for entertaining. Ivette Arango’scustom mahogany table topped with a Lazy Susan is surrounded by hand-painted chairs

covered in a woven fabric by Corragio. Outfitted in paneling and stained cabinetry in lightcream, both spaces are grounded by Crema Marfil and emperador marble flooring.

A graceful stairway steps down from the loggia to the Olympic-sized pool and surroundingsthat lend serenity and sophistication to the property. Brown Jordan chaises draped in Sunbrellaoffer the perfect spot for relaxation. Time spent lounging, bicycling, boating or romping withtheir fours dogs fill this family’s days. “We enjoy the pool and pool house in particular, where weentertain friends and enjoy pizzas that we make in our own brick oven,” Constance says.

The beauty of this manse and its enchanting grounds are picture perfect. “This home is justwhat we need — it’s a special place — it allows us to bring our family together,” the owners say.

Shelving and curio cabinet - Custom designed by Phillip Chapelle Design Company, Miami, FLShelving, arches, window treatment, window arc and curio cabinet fabricated by Merritt Woodwork, Mentor, OHArtwork, accessories and area rug - Owners’ Collection

Chandelier - Nulco Lighting, ELK GroupInternational, Nesquehoning, PAFlooring - Domino Floor Company, Inc., Miami, FLWife’s OfficeSofa, desk, desk chair, chairs, accessories, window treatment and flooring - Customdesigned by Ivette Arango Interiors, Inc., Miami, FLArtwork and area rug - Owners’ Collection

Tassels on chairs - JAB, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLShelving and niches - Custom designed byPhillip Chapelle Design Company, Miami, FLShelving, niches, window treatment and arcfabricated by Merritt Woodwork, Mentor, OHChandelier - Schonbeck, Farrey’s, Miami, FL

Flooring fabricated by AmtechIndustries, Inc., Miami, FLBreakfast Area/Butler’s PantryCabinetry, island and curio cabinet - Custom designed byPhillip Chapelle Design, Miami, FLDining table, dining chairs, countertops, accessories, LazySusan, window treatment andflooring - Custom designed byIvette Arango Interiors, Inc., Miami, FLDining chair cushion fabric - Corragio Textiles, DCOTA,Dania Beach, FLCountertops, cabinetry glass and flooring fabricated by Amtech Industries, Inc., Miami, FLChandeliers in kitchen and butler’s pantry - Farrey’s, Miami, FLTableware and plate collection - Owners’ CollectionCabinetry, island, curio cabinet,window treatment and arcs fabricated by Merritt Woodwork,Mentor, OHWall covering - Stroheim & Romann,DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLPool/PatioPool and stairway - Customdesigned by Portuondo Perotti Architects, Miami, FLFabricated by Coastal Construction,Inc., Miami, FLLounge chairs - Brown Jordan,DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLCushion fabric and accent pillowfabric - Sunbrella, DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLCushioned chair and occasional table - Ivette Arango InteriorDesign, Inc., Miami, FLPlanter - Robert Parsley, Geomantic Design, Miami, FLFlooring - Piedras International,West Miami, FLThroughoutArches - Custom designed byPortuondo Perotti Architects,Miami, FLFabricated by Coastal ConstructionGroup, Inc., Miami, FLFloral - Emilio Robba, Miami, FL

286 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 4

SOURCESFront ExteriorHalf-wall - Coastal Construction Group, Inc., Miami, FLSculpture - Owners’ CollectionLiving RoomSofas, armchairs, cocktail tables, occasional tables, accessories, lampsand flooring - Custom designed by Ivette Arango Interiors, Inc., Miami, FL Accent pillow fabrics - Corragio Textiles,DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLConsole table - William Switzer, DCOTA,Dania Beach, FLUrn, candlesticks, artwork and area rug - Owners’ CollectionFrench doors and arc - Customdesigned by Tischler Und Sohn,Stamford, CTDoors, door arc and paneling - Customdesigned by Merritt Woodwork, Mentor, OHWall paneling, ceiling treatment andmoldings - Custom designed by Phillip Chapelle Interior DesignCompany, Miami, FLCeiling treatment and moldings fabricated by Hyde Park Mouldings, Hauppauge, NY Chandelier - Schonbeck, Farrey’s,Miami, FLFlooring fabricated by Domino FloorCompany, Inc., Miami, FLDining RoomDining table and dining chairs, vases, mirrors, window treatment, fireplace, mantle, wainscoting and flooring - Custom designed by Ivette Arango Interiors, Inc., Miami, FL Fireplace and mantle fabricated byCustom Firebox Design, Inc., Miami, FLChair and drapery fabrics - JAB, DCOTA,Dania Beach, FLWindow treatment fabricated by South Florida Window Design, Davie, FLWindow arc - Custom designed by Merritt Woodwork, Mentor, OHArtwork and statue - Owners’ CollectionCeiling treatment and moldings - Customdesigned by Phillip Chapelle Design,Miami, FLFabricated by Hyde Park Mouldings,Hauppauge, NYWall covering - Stroheim & Romann,DCOTA, Dania Beach, FLWainscoting fabricated by MerrittWoodwork, Mentor, OHFlooring fabricated by Amtech Industries,Miami, FLLibrary/OfficeDesk, desk chair, armchairs, occasionaltable and window treatment - Customdesigned by Ivette Arango Interiors, Inc.,Miami, FL

284 FLORIDA DESIGN VOL. 23 NO. 4

. . . continued on page 286

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