Blending Views with a Custom Coastal-Inspired Design in Sunset Park
By Ronda M. Parag
Creating and designing a custom home involves lots of decisions and vision. Homeowners and builders, Mark and Lori Todsen, created a majestic home in which to view the nightly sunsets and enjoy the waterfront views of the sparkling Boca Ciega Bay in Sunset Park, St. Petersburg.
Owners of Bayside Building Construction, Inc., Mark and Lori Todsen’s love of coastal and contemporary architecture, challenged the couple to marry the two styles in an appealing, timeless fashion. The Coastal Chic architecture with its seamless design of interior and outdoor space, incorporates the stunning waterfront location with quality craftsmanship. The 4,074 square foot two-story, five bedroom, five bath, open concept home, built in 2014, is nestled among majestic oak trees and tropical palms. Every attention to detail, from the inside to outside, was given, thus creating a coastal home with the relaxed feel and vibe of the beach. The exterior of the home has a gorgeous tabby shell stucco, that was a new product and cutting edge when the home was built.
The lushly landscaped front yard opens to a spacious and private oasis, with the Boca Ciega Bay across the street. “We have spent many an evening and glasses of chardonnay on the beautiful front porch, enjoying the sunsets and shimmering water views,” said Lori Todsen. “The sunset’s filtered light illuminating the family room and kitchen has been cherished nearly every evening.”
Living close to nature and water, the open floor plan allows plenty of natural light and warmth to shine through. The kitchen is every chef’s dream, with its spacious design and the cornerstone of any home. The Brown Fantasy Leathered granite countertop pairs nicely with the crisp white custom cabinets and farmhouse stainless sinks. The pantry is hidden behind sliding farm-style doors. The glass hanging fixtures over the large island add a contemporary, yet inviting feel.
The kitchen is designed to keep everything organized with open storage below the island. Drinks of choice, including beer and wine, can be kept in the separate beverage refrigerator. The gas range with a Dacor exhaust hood centers the kitchen. The dark wood wide plank flooring contrasts nicely with the bright and open plan. An adjacent dining room offers casual dining space and the unique beach wood lighting fixture adds a cozy feel.
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The soaring ceilings, enormous windows, double french doors and beautiful millwork create custom details throughout the home. In the living room, the wood floors add warmth and a natural feeling to the room, while the fireplace blends for a neutral, stylish scheme adding a casual ambience to the room.
The home has two master suites on the first and second floors, as well as, a studio apartment.
The crisp, white soaker tub is surrounded by the natural light of double windows in the master bathroom. The spacious double vanity has plenty of room for couples to get ready at the same time. Each of the bathrooms offers tub or showers and are done with warm and neutral tones.
The separate laundry room is spacious and offers cabinets and plenty of extra storage space.
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The well-shaded outdoor porches and patios cooled by Intra-coastal breezes, take advantage of the beautiful Florida views and lifestyle. The additional outside spaces are large enough for shared seating areas, conducive to entertaining and relaxing with friends and family at the end of the day. Weekends can be filled with sun and fun lounging around with the sounds of the waterfall spilling into the salt water swimming pool. Boaters and fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the new walkway and dock that has a 10K LB Lift with stainless steel motor encasement.
Perhaps the best feature of the home is its location. “The location is literally a “best kept secret” as the neighborhood has a very quaint residential feel with lots of sidewalks, waterfront park, local shops, restaurants within an easy walk or bike ride distance off Central Avenue, and perfectly located for quick access between the beaches or downtown St. Pete,” said Realtor Nancy Wood. The casual elegance of the home is filled with light and warmth and offers the relaxed waterfront lifestyle the homeowners desired. M
The custom built home is available for sale through listing agents Doug & Nancy Wood with Smith & Associates Real Estate. For more information or to view the home, contact The Wood Team at 813-570-7777.
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