Hunter Harman presents
Perched along the shores of the mesmerizing West Bay waters on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Villa Chimera evokes an imperial aura. Inspired by the classic Palladian villas of the Veneto in Italy, this residence was years in the making from planning to construction and boasts an architectural integrity and authenticity rarely found in modern construction.
Owner Karen Durden studied the style of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio for several years in Italy before seeking out a local architect capable of bringing her vision to life. Widely considered one of the most notable architects in history, Palladio’s work has influenced architecture worldwide for centuries, therefore Durden’s request was not a simple proposition. She ultimately selected Philip Spann; an architect based in Seagrove Beach who worked on plans for two years based on the hand-sketched drawings of Durden.
With just one step through the columned front porch into the soaring foyer, it is immediately evident the meticulous amount of detail and care poured into every element of this masterpiece home. Says listing agent Amin Delawalla of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, “In my many years representing luxury properties along the Emerald Coast, I have never encountered a property that embodied so much thoughtful artisanship and purposeful use of materials. The owners desired to replicate an Italian villa in Panama City Beach, and they have done that and so much more – this property positively transports you to another time and place.”
The regal foyer sets the tone for what lies within the home with its cushion cut limestone walls, solid stone stairs with balusters crafted of limestone, a custom-cut marble compass rose inlay in the floor, and a grand Schonbek Chandelier draped with crystals. Just off the foyer, a look into the dining room reveals graduated Venetian plaster walls designed to appear like the many walls of Venetian Palazzos stained from the rising tides of the lagoon over the centuries. A custom stone table crafted in Rome outside of the Vatican walls is a striking centerpiece.
“Every finish and selection throughout this property was carefully sourced and constructed to create an accurate representation of a Venetian Palazzo from minor to major elements,” explains builder Cliff Myers. “The walls in the great room are upholstered in silk made in Venice by the Bevilacqua Family, famous internationally for their intricate fabrics. The millwork has a hand-applied strié to replicate the authentic woodwork of the time. The doorknobs throughout the home are all handcrafted by Baltica with each knob related to all the others. When a material could be sourced from Italy or abroad, it was, giving this home an unparalleled purity of design.”
This unique and deliberate customization continues throughout all the rooms of the residence with marble and limestone accents in the grand living room overlooking the bay. At the heart of the room, find a stunning marble fireplace and note the millwork crafted from individual blocks, perfectly aligned by artisan woodworkers. A media room adjacent to the living room serves as a cozy space to unwind with wood-paneled walls and a custom movie theatre size screen with theatre-style lights.
This home has welcomed many guests through its doors for festivities of all types over the years, and the ease of entertaining is evident in the gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a breakfast bar, and a separate bar area. A butler’s pantry with additional appliances, storage, and more provides convenience for preparing all the necessities of large-scale soirees.
As likely anticipated, the second-level master suite is suitable for royalty with separate his and hers bathrooms, closets, and offices. The sleeping quarters include gorgeous bay views along with a private columned balcony. Artist Jody Matokovich hand-painted the Groin Vault on the ceiling of the bedroom with a style influenced by the frescos of the Renaissance. Each master bathroom offers heated floors and double showers with jets while one is centered around a stunning freestanding bathtub. In addition, the suite includes an exercise room with a sauna and a vault plus a safe room with ventilation.
Not to be overshadowed by the interiors, the outdoor spaces of the Villa Chimera are equally enchanting. A towering iron gate secures the property which features over 3 beautifully landscaped acres and 380 feet of waterfront on West Bay. A marble fountain at the entry of the residence carved and transported from Italy depicts figures from Greek mythology including the Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster. Highlights of the rear yard entertaining spaces are a heated infinity pool with a spa overlooking the bay, an outdoor air-conditioned kitchen, a fire pit, and a shallow dock to the bay.
“This property presents a rare opportunity to purchase not only a luxury estate, but a work of art nestled in an area of Northwest Florida currently experiencing unprecedented demand and rejuvenation,” says Delawalla.
In addition to the spaces referenced, the property includes two guest suites in the main home, a detached carriage home and a four-car garage each connected to the main home by breezeways, and a generator room with a gas generator. A fully integrated smart house, Creston whole house lights, and a media system that controls everything with tablets while monitored security cameras are installed on the exterior.
Address: 3730 Preserve Bay Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Price: $9,975,000
Photo credit: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida
For more information, please contact Hunter Harman at 850-598-7011 or hunter@bpfla.com
Hunter Harman is the exclusive agent representing the South Walton, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.
