Inspired by the “Organic American Style” of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, architect, Chayo Frank designed a home and garden that is a “Sanctuary Paradise” unique and extraordinary in every aspect. Located in the coveted neighborhood of Ponce-Davis, in Miami, Florida, the home was created to facilitate a tropical living style, rather than an aesthetic design, per se. Surrounded by a sunken private garden, it boasts an extensive collection of some of the world’s rarest exotic tropical plants, including a Weeping Ficus brought from Indonesia by Dr. David Fairchild in 1940.
A juxtaposed structure of steel beams and columns encased in California Redwood, with large expanses of sliding glass walls, 25’ foot volume ceilings, and a natural 10' foot high curving natural coral rock wall that delineates interior and exterior atmospheres, it allows for connection and flow between the inviting interior spaces and the extraordinary landscape of the surrounding gardens. The house was designed to be visual and open in all directions, to the exterior gardens and spatial flows. A two-story open-space floor plan is airy, comfortable, and unrestricted. Rather than dividing it into rooms, the main central living space is open and surrounded with extra-large floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass and sliding glass doors. While it was not designed to be a work of art, per se, it facilitates an atmosphere of free-flowing space and balance. The 25' foot volume ceiling also creates this sense of space. These unique attributes create a living environment unlike any other home – a one of a kind living experience.
Each space provides an ambient Zen-like environment. Serene and secluded, the harmonious environment created by the home and gardens envelops and transports you into a "Secret Place" that resonates with an atmosphere of beauty and tranquility – a Sanctuary Paradise.
At just under 5,000 square feet, it sits on a verdant corner lot that is uniquely below street level. It is surrounded by natural limestone rock ledges that create an inescapable outdoor space.
The extraordinary Master Suite is a sanctuary all its own. Offering spatial openness with exceptionally high, sloping 20’ foot ceilings and large sliding glass doors, it overlooks the very private enclosed gardens created by the solid natural limestone rock wall that curves outside the Master Suite and Master Bath.
Meandering pathways, subterranean grottos, and a pool overlooking tropical waterfalls mimicking one found in an exotic rain forest create a private Sanctuary Paradise that is great for entertaining or a serene lifestyle retreat. The design and use of natural materials found in this natural landscape transcend the norms of traditional architecture. This "Private World" resonates with an atmosphere of beauty and tranquility.
Address: 4895 N Kendall Dr., Miami, FL 33156
Price: Available upon request
For more information please contact Sylvia Fragos at 305-904-7847 or sylviafragos@gmail.com
Sylvia Fragos is the exclusive agent representing the Aventura, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
Photos courtesy of Sylvia Fragos
