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This is a home with a storied past. In the exclusive Bay Colony area, just south of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, this mansion—known as Castle by the Sea—has been the backdrop of many philanthropic events staged around its pool or on the lush, sprawling lawn that stretches within feet of the Gulf of Mexico.
Past homeowners here have hosted kickoff parties, vintner dinners and even Sunday brunches for the esteemed Naples Winter Wine Festival. Other festivities through the years have benefited Naples Community Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club, Youth Haven and more.
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It is only when the most extraordinary homes in Naples, such as this one, are being sold that outsiders sometimes get a glimpse. Last summer, year-rounders living in Naples started buzzing about this home, its Palladian architecture bedazzling so many since it was built in 1992.
And so it was in the dead heat of July that this house took center stage. The current residents, native Europeans, plan to move into their Miami penthouse, in the city where their teen trains for international gymnastics competition.
Eleven of Naples’ 50-some shoreside dwellings make up the exclusive beachfront Bay Colony neighborhood. “All are so very different and impressive and so unique,” explains Realtor Shirlene Elkins, who listed the home for sale.
The grand, European-inspired house sits behind security gates with private rooms focused purely on perfect beach living. A glistening, infinity-edged swimming pool features Italian iridescent tiles that glitter in the sunlight.
Visitors are greeted in their cars at the grand marble-paved porte cochere, from which an elegant winding marble and stone stairway in a tower all its own at the front of the home leads to its inner sanctum. Once inside, guests are wrapped in the aged patina of European décor while looking at the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico from nearly every space. Exquisite detailing involves coffered ceilings, ornate windows and shiny marble flooring. From its elaborate chandeliers to deep crown moldings to fabulous window dressings, this home counts among the most traditionally elegant in Southwest Florida.
The Mediterranean-styled abode is more than 12,000 square feet, featuring six bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms. Throughout the house, each room is steeped in Old World tradition, from its wood-paneled library to its spacious master bedroom with sweeping views of the Gulf and its adjacent Roman-styled bath.
A tiny chapel on its second level was converted to a dressing room for the woman of the house. Its exquisite theater room and wine cellar rival the best in Southwest Florida. The inviting lower level offers a workout facility and an adjacent private massage room, all within immediate access to the beach.
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