At this spec-built luxury residence in Windermere, Fla., double doors open to reveal the Zen-inspired master suite. The personal sanctuary, which features a spacious bedroom, a separate meditation room and a two-story limestone and slate sheathed bathroom, reflects the home's emphasis on warm colors and natural materials such as wood, stone and river rock.

Constructed by Orlando-based custom builder Castleworks as its Street of Dreams entrée for The Sanctuary at Lake Butler Sound, the 7,710-square-foot home features a traditional Mediterranean exterior that blends in well with the community's nature preserves, English gardens and lakeside gazebo.

Inside the home, the builder used a more contemporary architectural style that emphasizes clean lines, organic materials and subtle Asian-influenced details rather than on heavy ornamentation. This approach is reflected in its soul-soothing master retreat.

Personal Getaway

A private entry vestibule in the master wing serves as the gateway to the home's most important personal zone. "When you get into homes of this size," says Castleworks' partner Rial Jones, "you really want to make the statement that the master suite is a very special place that merits its own entrance. You are essentially creating a space where the homeowner will be spending a lot of their downtime relaxing, so you want to take the opportunity to convey that there is really something special going on in there."

This project included not only a large walk-in closet and dressing area but a sumptuous master bathroom. An elevated sitting area that resembles a yoga room adjoins the bedroom. "For this project we focused on creating a peaceful ambiance for the space," says Jones, "but it could just as easily serve as an exercise area, which may be a more practical use for many of our clients."

Finishing Touches

Because the home sits on an interior lot that abuts neighbors' property, the site provided no back yard view opportunities for the master retreat. "Instead," he says, "we developed a courtyard arrangement for the home that orients its views inward around a pool and lanai." Pocketing sliding glass doors link the master retreat sitting area directly to this very private outdoor living space.

Custom-stained maple bookcases flank the entrance to the sitting area, and that same maple also serves as the finish for the bedwall and ceiling coffers. "This really warms up the room and makes it visually interesting. When you are doing a more contemporary space such as this one you don't have the same opportunities to give it character using decorative moldings. The finish can look like cheap drywall if not detailed properly."

The master bath's organic theme also matches the home's design. The bath features a unique waterfall tub with water that spills from the base of the tub into a simulated pebble stream inset in the floor. A walk-through shower features multiple body sprays and built-in seating.

Jones recommends incorporating a laundry center into the master suite. "Even if it is just a stacked unit in the closet, clients will appreciate it. They much prefer this option than hauling their clothing across an 8,000-square-foot house."

"We wanted to do something really different in this home," says Jones, "so that it would get lots of attention. I still hear more about this house than any other one we've done." The home was sold before completion.