There are all sorts of houses, of course, but my favorites are always the ones which are true originals.
Builders will take on projects for "spec" homes -- think speculative -- and they typically play it quite safe, seeking spaces, finishes and colors which don't stray too far from the middle of the road. But when individuals build their own homes, well, some of them hope to create something they have not seen before, something as unique as they are. A treat to visit and observe, that much more so to actually live there.
Last year about this time, Gary Lambert, owner of Gary Lambert Salon on Park Avenue since 1979, invited myself and a number of others over to his home to talk pandemic and how reactions to it were impacting Local small business owners. While we chatted that evening, admittedly, my A.D.D. kept my eyes darting all about the interior of the home, out to the pool and terrace behind. That evening, I didn't get a full tour of the home. But what I saw led me to immediately ask about the possibility of coming back, getting a tour and sharing about the home with others.
Built in 2007, Gary shares the home with Shawn, whom he married 30 years ago, and Francisco, or 'Franky', who joined their home 4 years ago, as well as five dogs and three cats. Gary & Shawn had lived directly next door previously, bought the previous home on this lot and built the new 'pyramid' in 2007. The concept is of Gary's own design, with three architects enlisted before they found one who understood his specific vision.
From the outside, the pyramid shape is obvious, a point rising up a the center of the home, metal roofing in white. But it's not as immediately obvious once inside.
There is immense privacy, large gated metal doors concealing a rectangular courtyard before you enter the home itself. Having visited a number of times now, I can tell you the solid doors help delay the barks of the small pack of furkids who greet you just beyond.
The majority of the downstairs is one large, open living area. A circular table with an enormous orchid arrangement is on the table directly ahead as you enter, a bar just beyond, sitting area and TV space just beyond that, adjacent to the glass doors and windows which beckon you outside. To the right of the entry, one of the rooms dominant design statements, a huge iron & glass staircase. It is not a smooth, curved structure, but more like a staircase influenced by a LUVer of cubism or other abstract art. Its lines are straight in one direction, then abruptly off in another, panels of glass helping to accent the turns. In certain lighting, I'm sure there must be some prism-like light refracting going on, casting rainbows here and there. It's heavy, yet light. It's contorted, yet graceful. It's a work of art, all by itself.
Gary offers me a vodka & White Claw and I was ready for the full tour. As we move from front courtyard back to the interior, outdoors, I notice both Buddhas and bonsai everywhere. Seriously, LOTS of bonsai. Gary is the bonsai enthusiast, but he tells me all three help maintain the garden areas. As we exit the side entry there are two large gardening tables, which surely get lots of use. There, adjacent, several tiers of bonsai plants down the side of the house, opposite a wall of orchids.
We come around the back and the terrace with pool, guesthouse, pathways here and there, remind me of the joys of outdoor spaces which present themselves as a whole, yet can then be experienced as individual spaces, areas which invite you to linger and explore. It is all meticulously maintained, green, inviting, LUVly. A teal ceramic planter stand sits in the shallow end of the pool, a large bonsai plant gracefully residing there.
Gary takes me to the back corner, where I see a rock pathway I'm sure all those furkids explore relentlessly. We turned back to the home and I see the large terrace above, notice the spiral staircase we had just passed, leading up to it. The balcony above shaded with large awning in striped black & white and ivory umbrella.
We go up and the view of the pool from above is beautiful, but if I was hanging out up here, with the extensive seating areas, doubt I'd be looking over. Thinking it might be ideal for an afternoon siesta. A table for dining, a couch for reclining (and that nap), a fan above to cool and spoil those in close proximity. This is Florida and outdoor spaces are important. Actually, I think mandatory. This one may prove problematic when you get to that point in the evening in which you expect your guests to actually return to their own homes.
As we go inside, the literal point of the pyramid is revealed. A large, expansive conversational area illuminated by a one-of-a-kind light fixture. I find one of the dogs is up here, enjoying the space himself. The lighting here can be somber or brighter, once skylights are revealed. With the metal roof, I'm thinking this must be an awesome spot to hang during a rainstorm.
Heading back downstairs, we make use of that staircase. As you reach the end, it begins to direct you back to Gary's favorite part of the home, the kitchen and living area. Open living spaces make for the best entertaining and having the bar at the center of the room, surely that's another plus. Due to some water damage, the kitchen and a bathroom were remodeled in 2018. Gary said original designs were German in feel, but updates are more Italian.
The master bedroom is adjacent to the central living area and features a LUVly light fixture from the 1800s. The master bath is large, including open house and huge tub and an AHHHHmazing master closet with special arms for reach high bars of clothes, plus underlighting on those bars to make it easier to ensure what's navy and what's black! This space was also updated after the water damage several years ago.
I ask Gary about the guesthouse in back and he tells me it has been rented by the same individual FOR 26 YEARS! Obviously, someone who knows he likes something when he's found it and doesn't feel a need to change it.
Gary feels likewise. "Every part of are home was built to be lived in and enjoy. This is the house I will die in, everything has been made acceptable for senior living," he says.
A point I think many can related to.