This breathtaking estate is poised directly along the Atlantic sugar sands stretching to the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway on Manalapan‘s coveted stretch of barrier island coastline. The ocean-to-Intracoastal paradise was completed in 2012 after a meticulous design and construction process. It was designed by Affiniti Architects and constructed by Mark Timothy Luxury Homes, and features finishes and furnishings by Marc-Michaels Interior Design.
Visitors approach 700 South Ocean via a long drive winding across the well-manicured lawn, passing a state-of-the-art basketball court, and finally arriving at a regal fountained courtyard. This tropical Georgian-inspired residence is a sight to behold, with a romantic balcony overhead, palm trees framing the double-door entry, and a four-bay garage. Once inside, the soaring foyer features a dramatic, curvaceous staircase, soft-toned checkerboard marble flooring, and a chandelier hanging overhead. Indoor/outdoor living is a consistent theme in this expansive property, exemplified by the immediate ocean views visible from the entryway framed by columns as you peer beyond the living room. In fact, the serene ocean waters can be seen from nearly every vantage point of the estate. This is something the team at Marc-Michaels was cognizant of as they created a beautiful “Coastal Traditional” feel in the space, incorporating outdoor elements in the interior. Plus, the endless natural views and overall layout of the home encourages the indoor/outdoor flow.
The process of designing this home lasted approximately two years. In the initial phase, the Marc-Michaels team had several meetings with the client and builder to better understand their vision for the home. They then met together as a design team to go room by room and program each space in the home. The designers and interior detailers worked together to pull finishes, furnishings, and draw elevations, ceiling, and floors to present together to the client. Once the client approved everything, the builders moved forward with constructing the home, keeping the designers and detailers informed of the progress. The detailers and designers even had a chance to visit the property throughout the building process. Once the home was finished, the designers were able to work their magic, installing all furnishings, accessories, and art. We admire the high-style and cohesive look the Marc-Michaels team created throughout this residence. All design elements come together in picture-perfect harmony, and all features function together with effortless ease. Over the years, the Marc-Michaels team has recognized the power of staging, particularly in the high-end real estate space. “The more inviting and complete the spaces feel, the more likely a potential buyer is to envision themselves living in the house,” said Tara Kaufmann, Director of Interior Detailing with Marc-Michaels. And they have created both an inviting and complete feel in this property.
One of the more notable areas of the estate is the living area opening to the outdoor space. Comfortably inviting with a beamed ceiling and white-washed oak floor, the open family room has a coral-backed media space between see-through windowed display cabinets and joins to the main oceanfront lanai. The use of coral, shells, and coastal-themed prints highlights the home’s tropical feel. The design elements are simultaneously neutral and bold, masculine and feminine, and classic and whimsical. Designed as an extension of the family room, the air-conditioned, glass-enclosed lanai features coral-stone walls, a beamed ceiling, a fire-pit, a summer kitchen/bar, and a cabana bath. These two separate rooms manage to feel connected and coherent, creating an effortless flow through the use of glass and consistent design themes. “The house has an exceptional indoor/outdoor living space,” Kaufmann said. “The entire family room feels as if it could be outdoor space thanks to the pocketing glass doors and the glass display cases on either side of the TV.”
The Marc-Michaels team working on this particular project included a mix of designers and interior detailers, including Kathryn Dunagan, Rachel Ortiz, Tara Kaufmann, Jeff Strasser and Shannon Callahan. Founded in Winter Park in 1985 as a partnership between S. Marc Thee and Michael J. Abbott, Marc-Michaels is an international interior design firm with approximately 70 industry professionals. Their philosophy, “The difference is in the details,” reflects their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellent customer service. The size of their firm, the magnitude of international interior design projects, and long-standing vendor relationships makes them one of the most trusted firms in the industry. Marc-Michaels is particularly set apart from other firms, as they provide interior detailing as an optional part of a full-service design package, resulting in a seamless design/build process. This unique offering makes a difference in the design process, as displayed in their work in this Manalapan estate.
Interested in a redesign or custom build?
Contact Marc-Michaels to get in touch with a designer to begin discussing your dream design and unique living experience.
Interested in viewing this breathtaking home in person?
Contact Pascal Liguori for an exclusive showing of 700 South Ocean.