Cape Cod Meets Captiva

Original Mainhouse: Wood Frame

Guesthouse: Masonry

Rather than promote demolition, Architect Joyce Owens realized renovation and modernization would present new design opportunities and breathe new life into a tired older home. Mindful and careful with the original fabric of the home, modern 21st century styles were added to the home. 

While the footprint of the main house didn’t change, the design team worked with the layout to improve the flow. The kitchen was moved from the front of the house to the seaward side to take advantage of the ocean view. The roof was removed and reconfigured, adding high open ceilings. Additions to either side of the front porch created ideal his and her offices. 

To avoid the overwhelming presence of a huge mansion or block-like structure, the design focuses on creating a comfortable and cohesive environment between the main house and the guest home. 

The three-bedroom layout of the main house emphasizes coziness and functionality, the grand kitchen balances spaciousness with practicality, the high ceilings and trusses provide an open feel without dominating the space, and the abundance of natural light enhances the overall ambiance and contributes to the sense of airiness. 

The two-bedroom, 2.5 bath guest home offers sufficient space and privacy for guests without overshadowing the main house. To ensure a unified aesthetic between the buildings, lush natural landscape was carefully selected, such as stately royal palms. This achieves a mature, timeless look, as if the property has been naturally integrated into the landscape for years and enhances the overall appeal of the entire property. 

This approach ensures that while each structure retains its distinctive features and purpose, they come together harmoniously to create a comfortable, welcoming compound.