Windows on the Water – PSG Construction

Located in Bay Point on Lake Tibet in Orlando, this 6,227 sq. ft., two story, four bedroom home with a library, den, and loft office perfectly suits all of the needs and desires of its owner. Bathed in sunlight, the soft yellow color palette with teal bahama shutters radiates a welcoming glow.

Artistic stained glass doors at the two story, covered entry announce the water and nature theme embraced throughout the home.

Magnificent two story windows dominate the dramatic rear elevation which, in the evening, serves to showcase the home's interior to the world while providing those inside with a perfectly framed view of the pool, lake and fireworks display from Disney. — Magnificent two story windows dominate the dramatic rear elevation which, in the evening, serves to showcase the home’s interior to the world while providing those inside with a perfectly framed view of the pool, lake and fireworks display from Disney.

From the boat dock, the home's soft reflection is highlighted in Lake Tibet, surrounded by elegant cypress, oak and palm trees. — From the boat dock, the home’s soft reflection is highlighted in Lake Tibet, surrounded by elegant cypress, oak and palm trees.

Stained glass inserts depicting the wildlife and natural beauty of Florida were supplied by the owner and installed into new front doors creating a beautiful entrance into the home.

In the generously sized great room, bold blue furnishings set against a soft color palette of aqua and white highlight the owner's love of their art collection. Always in touch with the lake, a custom designed, free-standing art display by Busby Cabinets separates the living room from the dining room without sacrificing the lake view. — In the generously sized great room, bold blue furnishings set against a soft color palette of aqua and white highlight the owner’s love of their art collection. Always in touch with the lake, a custom designed, free-standing art display by Busby Cabinets separates the living room from the dining room without sacrificing the lake view.

The fireplace was relocated to the opposite side of the great room, which is arranged with a conversation area near the window, and a piano to round out the entertainment options in this open, flexible space.

The commanding water view has the power to mesmerize and relax all who experience this dramatic space. A solid expanse of 17-foot high butt-glaze windows maximizes this breathtaking view from the great room, dining room, and second floor loft as well as the den and library.

Evening brings an entirely different feeling into the home. Whether the view includes the sunset or the fireworks at Disney, you'll find yourself drawn to this space in order to relax at the end of a busy day. — Evening brings an entirely different feeling into the home. Whether the view includes the sunset or the fireworks at Disney, you’ll find yourself drawn to this space in order to relax at the end of a busy day.

Intimate dining as well as elegant dinner parties are beautifully accommodated in the formal dining room with its magical quality. Even the sculpted glass table base in the shape of waves reflects the influence of water so prevalent in this home. Single light French doors lead to the pool while lake views are preserved through the art display and great room beyond.

Bright white cabinetry serves as the perfect back drop for the bold blue and green color palette showcased throughout the home. Glistening stainless steel professional quality appliances by GE and Fisher Paykel complete the clean, cheerful look in this extremely functional kitchen. Once again, art objects are lovingly displayed under the arched cabinetry with the Greek key detail above the sink. The raised glass shelf in front of the island cook top is an art form itself.

What better way to start the day than in this awe-inspiring breakfast area! The stunning view of the 7-foot waterfall feature in the pool area, and the lake beyond is a breathtaking inspiration for the day ahead.

The former spiral staircase was replaced and moved to the opposite side of the great room and crafted from select white oak and poplar woods with tempered, tinted glass inserts at the open sides of the stairway and handrail. Rope accent lighting at the stair treads provides glamour and safety for the owner, who think of the stairway system as another work of art featured in their home.

The stairway, handrail and balustrade also serve a practical purpose of leading up to and defining the upstairs loft office area. As with everything else in the home, it allows for a spectacular view of the lake and Disney's nightly fireworks. — The stairway, handrail and balustrade also serve a practical purpose of leading up to and defining the upstairs loft office area. As with everything else in the home, it allows for a spectacular view of the lake and Disney’s nightly fireworks.

Pure luxury combined with a beautiful view defines the master suite which was moved to the other side of the home and enlarged to effectively create a romantic retreat. A sitting area and large master closet complete the new environment made possible by this major floor plan improvement.

Whimsical glass mosaic tile, pendant lighting and custom shaped cabinets set the tone in the delightful master bathroom. Formerly located on the other side of the home and with no direct view of the lake, the master bathroom now also encompasses a lake view through an expansive window over the luxurious tub.

The Story

Whole House Renovation
2006 Parade of Homes First Place Winner
2006 Home of the Year Merit Award

This 6,227 sq. ft. ultra-contemporary home located on Lake Tibet was renovated for an empty nester couple to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary. Originally built in 1980 for the same couple’s 25th wedding anniversary, this home has what the wife describes as “every feature of every house we’ve ever wanted.”

PSG Construction worked with Alex Stone Architect to bring the home up-to-date for the couple and allow them to age in place. To accomplish this, a caretaker’s suite with its own entrance was added, the step-down into the main living space was raised up to one level, ceilings were raised in key areas, and the view of the beautiful lake and cypress trees was emphasized. A spiral staircase–leading to the loft where Disney’s nightly fireworks could be seen—was replaced with a staircase that was easier to navigate and contemporary in design.

Beginning at the front door, the theme of the home embraces water and nature. The bright clear blue color palette and spectacular lake views transport all who reside and visit to a calmer, peaceful place where the cares of the day seem to wash away. Formerly residing on the West Coast, the homeowners wanted to re-create the seaside atmosphere using the art and memorabilia they’ve collected and cherished over the years. By opening up the home so dramatically to the lake from almost every room, PSG enabled the homeowners to make their dream a reality.

In order to bring the home up-to-date and capture the beautiful lake view and atmosphere, it was completely gutted and given a light filled, contemporary makeover. A highlight of this residence is the stunning water feature in the pool area that is a duplicate of the one in their second home on the West Coast. A solid expanse of 17 foot-high, butt-glaze windows allows the water feature to be thoroughly enjoyed indoors.

The home was opened up in five major areas – the loft balcony, master bedroom, master bathroom, kitchen and dining room. Removing the screened porch and deck allowed PSG to more than double the size of the great room and provide the homeowners with a more natural setting. The kitchen and dining room were enlarged and moved to the rear of the home and now enjoy panoramic views of the lake. Even the master bath, which formerly had no direct view of the lake, is now situated with a lake view through an expansive window over the luxurious tub. The essence of the view is captured in the homeowner’s aptly named moniker for their home – “Windows on the Water.”

The master suite was moved to the other side of the home and enlarged to effectively create a romantic retreat with a remarkable view of the lake. A sitting area and large master closet complete the new lifestyle environment made possible by this major floor plan improvement.

Other outstanding features of this dramatic contemporary transformation include a custom designed, free-standing art display between the living room and dining room, the relocated floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and the completely new stairway with its custom wood and glass hand railing leading up to and defining the upstairs loft office area.

With the high cost of lake front lots today, this total remodel allows the homeowners to stay in the home they love and take full advantage of the water views that were present all along.