Designer David Heide orchestrates a cozy Gasparilla Island residence with inviting ambiance
A Second Home on Gasparilla Island: Casual Sophistication and Heritage
A St. Paul couple has found their perfect retreat on Gasparilla Island, a small barrier island off Florida's west coast. Known for its miles of soft, sandy beaches and leisurely pace of life, the island has been attracting blue-blood families like the Rockefellers and DuPonts since the early 1900s, earning it the nickname "The Preppiest Place on Earth."
The couple purchased a lot with plans for a 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath house. However, they found the design too cookie-cutter. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the help of designer David Heide, who shares their appreciation for historical architecture.
Heide created a proper entrance by adding a divided light window wall flanked by symmetrical doorways. The entryway features a carved Spanish console and contemporary bronze sculpture. Inside, the den on the main floor has a relaxed retreat feel with green and brown tones, shadow plaid wallpaper, a geometric Martin Patrick Evan rug, and a captivating painting of oranges by Kevin Sloan.
The living room is adorned with a colorful painting by abstract expressionist James C. Leonard. A custom walnut and bronze lift cabinet, designed by Heide and fabricated by Frost Cabinets, elegantly solves the TV problem. The primary bedroom is on the main level to accommodate different, often early, bedtimes.
The second floor includes three en suite bedrooms, a lounge area, and a balcony for guests, including the couple's children and grandchildren. The dining room features bobbin dining chairs with Brunschwig & Fils fabric.
The house was imbued with a sense of heritage through extensive millwork, divided light windows, wide plank floors, and bespoke finishes by Heide. The architect who designed the second house of the St. Paul couple on Gasparilla Island is Paul Rudolph, with Outerbridge Construction serving as the builder. The design request was for casual sophistication, livability, and no Florida kitsch.
The house offers various spaces for relaxation, work, and leisure. Spots to curl up with a book, flip open a laptop, play backgammon, or simply take in the view of the water, rustling palm trees, and blue sky are all available. The island's charm is further emphasized by its lack of stoplights, zero high rises, and only one grocery store that closes at 4 p.m.
David Heide refers to Gasparilla Island as a place with a time-warp quality, and it's easy to see why. The couple's second home on this idyllic island is a testament to the beauty and charm of this unique location.
