The demarcation between indoor and outdoor living is often blurred in Florida, perhaps even more so when the home owners live on a 12-acre site overlooking one of the Sunshine State’s ubiquitous lakes.

While their 8,276-square-foot home has a covered patio and outdoor pool, its owners specifically requested that the design-build firm Phil Kean Designs, Inc., of Winter Park, Fla., create a resort-like grand master bedroom on the second floor, replete with an 800-square-foot bathroom that opens onto a covered lanai facing the lake.

The sumptuous master bath earned Phil Kean Designs, Inc. the 2010 Best in American Living Awards Platinum award in the Interior Design: Bath category.

Pocket glass doors and screens keep the conditioned air in and insects out.

Plenty of Light, an Outdoor Connection and Tranquility

The large, open, indoor/outdoor space was created using pocketing glass doors that provide plenty of light as well as connect to the outdoors.

Lake views, natural materials and neutral colors create a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere, while, one floor below, a waterfall tumbles into the owner’s pool with a soothing resonance that can be heard from the upper level.

A two-level vanity, separate tub and shower, Ipe wood and a lake view add to the master bath's opulence.

And His and Her Convenience

The master bath features a spacious shower and separate tub, which sits front and center in the patio/lanai.

Ipe wood, which typically grows in Central and South America, was used on the tub surround and lanai floor. 

The double-sink vanity was built with two heights — the taller side for him and the shorter side for her.

Keeping Insects and Weather’s Vagaries at Bay

While Florida’s blue skies are inviting year-round, controlling the heat and humidity — and the insects — was paramount in creating the award-wining retreat.

Phil Kean Designs installed retractable screens, which were built into the lanai, that capture up to 80% of the conditioned air — while keeping the insects out. When the owners want, they can keep the screens concealed.

First floor Click for larger image.

Second floor Click for larger image.

Features and Specifications

Design Team Architect/Designer/Builder — Phil Kean Designs, Inc., Winter Park, Fla. Features Five-bedroom, 8,276-square-foot home on 12-acre lakeside lot Grand master bedroom suite with covered lanai on second floor Indoor/outdoor resort-style 800-square-foot master bath Spa tub Large walk-in shower Glass pocket doors in master suite and bath for lake vistas Two-level heights for bath countertop Adjacent lanai with retractable screens Screens retain 80% of conditioned air, keep out insects Large walk-around closet in master suite