Robert and Debra knew their Naples-area beach house was due for modernizing long before Hurricane Ian became the deciding factor. The couple purchased the three-story residence, nestled between the Gulf and a back bay, in 2017 with the goal of regularly hosting their four adult children and eight grandchildren. With it, they inherited the aesthetic of the original 2000 construction, including built-in planters, ledges, alcoves and outdated design. While Robert and Debra had begun conceptualizing a refresh in 2021 through a consultation with Romanza Interior Design, repairs necessitated by Hurricane Ian ultimately expedited the project’s commencement.

The hurricane provided an unexpected opportunity to strip down the home to a blank-slate floor plan and rebuild with intention. To navigate the transformation, the couple turned to London Bay Renovation and Romanza to resume the journey which began a year before when Robert first met with Raul Garnil, design director for Romanza.

“It was apparent that Raul knew his craft well, as he immediately saw beyond the dated ledges, built-in planters, nooks and vaulted ceilings to a vision of a modern beach house,” said Robert.

Garnil’s initial conceptual sketches guided the renovation, proving the home could support a sophisticated contemporary lifestyle once the 2000s-era clutter was cleared away. Robert and Debra also enlisted Melissa Allen, senior interior designer at Romanza. The couple engaged the two companies concurrently, understanding the importance of their collaboration, especially given the unprecedented construction environment triggered by the storm.

“With the extreme market conditions and labor shortages caused by Hurricane Ian, we would never have been able to complete this project without Romanza and London Bay Renovation working closely together,” said Robert. “They maintained direct communication with us and with each other, in addition to having access to best-in-class service providers and tradespeople through their long-standing relationships.”

With a goal of maximizing the coastal location and correcting existing issues like uneven floors, the six-bedroom, seven-bath home was completely reimagined. The team redesigned the floor plan to improve flow, created a new pool, expanded the ground level and introduced a new and expanded front elevation that imparts a coastal statement. By integrating the interior design during the early stages of the renovation, they ensured that the architectural changes and decorative elements felt cohesive.

“We also pushed the garage landward to expand space and created a new entryway into the home,” said Bob Dunbar, project manager for London Bay Renovation. “It was Raul’s concept, which gave the house depth and texture.”

The once confined kitchen was relocated to the expansive great room, its former space transformed into an outdoor kitchen under a tongue-and-groove ceiling. The new location provided room for a large walk-in pantry and freestanding island while a bar was built into the adjoining dining room. The Gulf-facing master bedroom now sports a wood-clad pyramid ceiling and a reconfigured bathroom with a larger shower and dual-sink vanity.

Dozens of feet of ledges and plant shelves were removed throughout the residence’s 4,340 square feet. The renovation also introduced technology features that just weren’t available 25 years ago, including home automation, a custom lighting system, distributed audio and motorized screens along the lanai.

“A project of this magnitude requires trust and expertise,” said Robert. “Bob Dunbar answered every call, addressed every concern, made real-time decisions, dealt with tough issues directly, and upheld London Bay’s standards of quality and integrity with unflinching grace.”

Planning a grand reveal, the design and renovation teams intentionally stopped sending update photos with the couple 45 days before the project was completed. On the big day, they set up stands in each room showing “before” pictures. The final result was a dramatic contrast to the original photos depicting a crumbling pool and an elevator destroyed by storm surge water. “Robert and Debra pulled up in the driveway, and their immediate reaction was over the moon,” said Dunbar. “It was one of the most rewarding things to see someone’s true joy after all of the hard work.”

The couple, in turn, hosted a grand reveal for their children and grandchildren, who had not visited during the construction process. “We wanted it to be a surprise, so we didn’t share any photos along the way,” said Debra. “It was one of the happiest moments ever. There were literally squeals and tears of joy with one surprise after another.”

For Robert and Debra, their beach home is no longer a relic of 2000 or a sketch on paper. It’s a reality, a resilient modern masterpiece built to withstand the elements and serve as a backdrop for family memories. “It looks brand new,” said Robert. “You can’t tell where the remodeling and original start and end.”

A leader in luxury home remodeling, London Bay Renovation practices the art of transformation in Southwest Florida’s premier neighborhoods and communities. For more than three decades, homeowners have relied on the company’s expertise and full spectrum of home-improvement solutions, from complete interior and exterior makeovers and room additions to kitchen and bath renovations and architectural and design accents.

London Bay Renovation’s in-house team of experts includes designers and contractors, construction management and award-winning design professionals working together to develop inspired design that aligns with homeowners’ goals.

To learn more about renovating with London Bay Renovation, call 239-298-7623 or visit LondonBay.com/Renovation.