A FLIP OF FATE
A HIGH-END RENOVATION TURNS A FORGOTTEN
FLORIDA PROPERTY INTO A CHERISHED FAMILY RETREAT
WWhen the new owners purchased this once-neglected Florida property, their initial goal was simple: to renovate it and sell it for a profit. However, as the project approached completion, they realized they had created something truly special — a polished and inviting haven perfect for relaxation and family gatherings. “It was supposed to be a flip,” says Abbie Forrest III, President of Coastal Tide Construction, who managed the renovation. “But by the end, the homeowners didn’t want to part with it. They fell in love.”
The original home had been vacant for years, gradually falling into disrepair despite its prime location. To revitalize the 7,800-square-foot property — complete with an attached guest house — the new owners enlisted the expertise of Coastal Tide Construction. Their vision was to execute a high-end renovation that not only preserved elements of the home’s original charm but also incorporated luxurious upgrades and created a more open, cohesive layout.
The transformation begins at the impressive iron front door that features electrified interlayer glass. With a simple switch, the glass can transition from clear to frosted, providing both privacy and a modern, sophisticated touch. This entryway welcomes guests into a grand foyer, framed by the original dual staircase that has been dramatically reworked. Forrest relocated a massive chandelier from the living room, refinished it, and oversaw its meticulous installation using scaffolding. “We had to reinforce the ceiling to accommodate the weight,” he notes. The foyer’s lattice wood floors extend seamlessly from the home’s exterior, creating a warm and inviting entrance. u
Foyer: A dramatic dual staircase frames the reimagined grand foyer, where Coastal Tide Construction relocated a massive chandelier from the living room. Refurbished and suspended from the newly reinforced ceiling to accommodate its weight, the light fixture sets the tone for the home’s blend of elegance and tradition. Lattice-patterned wood flooring continues from the exterior entry into the interior space, creating visual continuity and an inviting sense of arrival.
Living Room: The soaring ceiling height in the living room commands attention, providing ample space for windows that bathe the space in natural light. The original bookcases remain, refreshed with updated millwork, while the chandelier — relocated from the foyer — ties together other circular design elements like the porthole window. Inset wood flooring details delineate the seating area, which centers around a classic marble fireplace. This room respects its architectural heritage while embracing a more polished and comfortable style. Throughout the home, advanced home entertainment and automation are seamlessly integrated yet discreetly concealed.
Dining Room: “The homeowner didn’t want the wall cabinet protruding so far into the room,” Forrest says. To address this, his team devised a solution to partially recess the cabinet into the wall, removing the awkward protrusion and achieving clean lines and balanced symmetry. The room’s monochromatic color scheme, subtle Florida-inspired wallpaper, and plush dining chairs combine to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The oversized teardrop chandelier complements the other crystal fixtures throughout the home, offering a distinctive look without simply replicating them.
Coffee Bar: Positioned between the main living spaces, the coffee bar exudes a sleek, contemporary vibe while maintaining a sense of warmth. Smoked glass upper cabinets, matching base cabinetry and hardware from the kitchen, and a textured tile backsplash all contribute to its inviting feel. Designed for both style and practicality, this feature elevates morning routines and seamlessly links the kitchen and the formal dining area.
Kitchen: The kitchen strikes a balance between warmth and polish with white oak cabinetry — some with sleek tambour-style doors — and a dramatic waterfall countertop on the oversized square island. Paneled appliances and sleek fixtures from Ferguson Home punctuate the space, while a custom hood and porcelain backsplash elevate the look. Strategic structural changes — such as removing a load-bearing wall — improve the flow. A bold Restoration Hardware light fixture above the island required ceiling reinforcement but now serves as a striking centerpiece, mimicking the island’s shape.
Throughout the home, traditional millwork — much of it newly crafted — beautifully complements modern elements. In the living room, the original bookcases have been preserved and enhanced with updated trim and patterned flooring within the seating area. The kitchen showcases a sleek, contemporary design, featuring striking white oak cabinetry — some with tambour doors — and elegant waterfall countertops. “It’s warm and modern at once,” says Forrest.
Smart spatial adjustments enhanced the home’s functionality. Forrest removed a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and the breakfast area to create open sightlines. Additionally, a protruding cabinet in the dining room was recessed into the wall for a more streamlined appearance. The coffee bar features a modern touch with smoked glass upper cabinets and a textured backsplash tile.
In the primary suite, Forrest restored the original doors and introduced classic elements to evoke a timeless ambiance. The closet, located at the main entrance of the bedroom, features an elegant iron door and floor-to-ceiling glass cabinetry, making a striking first impression. Luxurious details include specialized storage for fur coats, a lighted three-way mirror, and custom-built cabinetry. The bathroom skillfully blends ornate details — such as fretwork cabinet fronts with mirrored insets — with modern features like a glass-enclosed walk-in shower and a hammeredmetal soaking tub that combines vintage charm with a contemporary silhouette. u
Primary Bedroom: While Forrest preserved and refinished the original interior doors throughout the rest of the home, the primary bedroom received special treatment with new iron doors leading into the space, where traditional-style trim adds depth and texture to the entire room. A tranquil atmosphere is established through the use of soft hues and sophisticated furnishings, while gold accents weave a cohesive design throughout the home. Enhanced with opulent detailing, the space achieves a refined finish — each element carefully selected by the Chic on the Cheap interior designers, as Forrest notes.
The guest suite radiates an upscale resort atmosphere, highlighted by Floridainspired wallpaper and a sophisticated array of dark furnishings and finishes, all enhanced by refined gold accents. “They wanted it to feel like a vacation for everyone who visits,” Forrest says.
Ultimately, the house surpassed all expectations. “The more they saw it come together,” Forrest says, “the more they realized it was the perfect place to create new memories.” n
Primary Bathroom & Closet: The bedroom leads into a custom closet, featuring a temperature-controlled section for fur storage. The space feels like a personal runway, enhanced by custom lighting, glass doors, and a spacious three-way mirror at the end. This closet seamlessly connects the primary bedroom to a bathroom filled with striking design elements, including a hammered-metal soaking tub, cabinetry adorned with intricate fretwork, and a sleek shower framed in glass. Dramatic marble-look porcelain slabs line the walls, while thoughtful details — such as gold pendant lighting — create continuity.
Guest Bedroom & Bathroom: The guest suite is thoughtfully designed to provide friends and family with the experience of a five-star luxury resort. In the bedroom, breezy, Floridainspired wallpaper creates an airy and relaxed atmosphere. The en-suite bathroom features a striking reeded wood accent wall, a custom silk-covered cabinet positioned between the vanities, bold black marble tiles, and elegant gold fixtures from Ferguson Home. “It’s a retreat within a retreat,” Forrest says, “which is exactly what the homeowners envisioned for their guests.”
Written by Heather Shoning
Luxury Home Builder:
Coastal Tide Construction
1001 Riverside Drive, Suites B&C
Palmetto, FL 34221
941.363.1722
www.coastal-tide.com
Resources: Ferguson Home
5521 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
941.951.0110
www.build.com/ferguson
Photography by Nicholas Ferris Photography