“I loved it the minute I walked into it,” Meredithe Rechan says, describing the Gerald Yurk–designed Naples showstopper she and her husband, Les, purchased in 2020. The Rechans already had a home in town, but when they moved permanently from Ottawa, Canada, to the States, Meredithe was pleasantly surprised to find the one-story contemporary home they’d had their eye on was available.
From the outside, the 5,500-square-foot residence stands suspended above a private, spring-fed lake, as though perched on an oceanside cliff. Inside, volcanic limestone flooring, Porcelanosa tiles, ceilings that soar more than 30 feet and massive glass walls allow the outside to flow through the home says interior designer Tara Bates, of Lime International Décor.
Meredithe was attracted to the architecture, lighting and energy. “No matter what room you’re in, there’s great flow. And you have this beautiful view of the lake surrounded by palm trees and greenery.” The original furnishings followed in a neutral palette, but that wasn’t going to fly for Meredithe: “I’m Australian; I love color.” Fortunately, Bates’ original design created a canvas for anyone to come in and make it their own.
The Rechans kept some of the original artwork acquired by Bates, including a trio of ocean prints that dominate a glassed-in hallway along the back of the home. “They’re cleverly placed,” Meredithe says. You can see them from the swimming pool.
The couple has lived in London, Singapore, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Ottawa, collecting art with every move. “You have to live in a house before you can start placing the art,” Meredithe says. “It needs to reflect the energy and mood we like to surround ou rselves with.” At the end of the hallway leading to the primary bedroom, she placed an Ultrafragola mirror, designed by Et tore Sottsass. When lit, this Italian icon, first produced in a series in the 1970s, turns into a wavy, neon pink display.
Majestic Love, part of German artist Metis Atash’s Punkbuddha series, is a focal point in the living room. Meredithe and Les spotted the sculpture in the window of Aldo Castillo Gallery along Naples’ Fifth Avenue South. They were instantly drawn to it. The piece, inspired by Atash’s spiritual awakening in Bali, features a handmade bust, painted and adorned with 140,000 Swarovski crystals. When you walk into the room, the Buddha sits between you, the lake and the nature beyond. It’s an anchor. “Every day starts by the Buddha,” Meredithe says.
Skinny Dippers, one of her favorite pieces, hangs in the foyer. The abstract painting by New Zealand contemporary artist Piera McArthur appeals to Meredithe’s Australian sense of humor. In Naples, she says, you’ll never find anyone skinny dipping on the beach, but it’s more common in New Zealand and Australia. She’s long been an admirer of McArthur’s paintings. The 93-year-old artist, celebrated for her optimistic and energetic style, reminds Meredithe that no matter your age, you can produce amazing works of art.
Another favorite, by emerging English artist Alex Helfgott, hangs in the Rechans’ bedroom. This painting, a series of layered, repetitive patterns, is the first piece Helfgott ever sold. “The shapes, colors and energy make me happy,” Meredithe says. “I love to look at it before I go to bed at night.”
The Rechans’ home—part gallery, part sanctuary—also serves as inspiration. In a studio that overlooks the lake, Meredithe designs and creates fine jewelry, an art she’s embraced since the start of the pandemic. Her pieces are mostly 20- and 22-karat gold with gems that reflect the colorful environment she’s curated. It’s yet another part of her joy.