From Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida
Imagine an opening sequence through the gun barrel. 007 stands watchfully on the regal balcony of Villa Chimera overlooking the Venetian estate and the waters of St. Andrews Bay. The 1964 Aston Martin is parked in the driveway in front of the marble fountain, the mythological Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster foreshadowing the larger-than-life villain to come. Moneypenny and Q enter the scene through the opulent foyer underneath a crystal chandelier to arrange a top-secret meeting in the study. Throw in an epic sailboat scene on the bay, an extravagant party with lavish guests and double agents, and some high-speed chases and you have the makings of a riveting James Bond film set on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida.
With its authentic European design and architecture, the Villa Chimera evokes an imperial aura. Inspired by the classic Palladian villas of the Veneto in Italy, this residence was years in the making from planning to construction and boasts an architectural integrity and authenticity rarely found in modern construction. There’s simply no other home like it in Bay County.
With just one step through the columned front porch into the soaring foyer, it is immediately evident the meticulous amount of detail and care poured into every element of this masterpiece home. Says listing agent Amin Delawalla of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, “In my many years representing luxury properties along the Emerald Coast, I have never encountered a property that embodied so much thoughtful artisanship and purposeful use of materials. The owners desired to replicate an Italian villa in Panama City Beach, and they have done that and so much more – this property positively transports you to another time and place.”
The regal foyer sets the tone for what lies within the home with its cushion-cut marble walls, solid stone stairs with balusters crafted of marble, a custom-cut marble compass rose inlay in the floor, and a grand Schonbek Chandelier draped with crystals. Just off the foyer, a look into the dining room reveals graduated Venetian plaster walls designed to appear like the many walls of Venetian Palazzos stained from the rising tides of the lagoon over the centuries. A custom stone table crafted in Rome outside of the Vatican walls is a striking centerpiece.
“Every finish and selection throughout this property was carefully sourced and constructed to create an accurate representation of a Venetian Palazzo from minor to major elements,” explains builder Cliff Myers. “The walls in the great room are upholstered in silk made in Venice by the Bevilacqua Family, famous internationally for their intricate fabrics. The millwork has a hand-applied strié to replicate the authentic woodwork of the time. The doorknobs throughout the home are all handcrafted by Baltica with each knob related to all the others. When a material could be sourced from Italy or abroad, it was, giving this home an unparalleled purity of design.”
This unique and deliberate customization continues throughout all the rooms of the residence with marble and limestone accents in the grand living room overlooking the bay. At the heart of the room, find a stunning marble fireplace and note the millwork crafted from individual blocks, perfectly aligned by artisan woodworkers. A media room adjacent to the living room serves as a cozy space to unwind with wood-paneled walls and a custom movie theatre size screen with theatre-style lights.
This home has welcomed many guests through its doors for festivities of all types over the years, and the ease of entertaining is evident in the gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a breakfast bar, and a separate bar area. A butler’s pantry with additional appliances, storage, and more provides convenience for preparing all the necessities of large-scale soirees.
As likely anticipated, the second-level master suite is suitable for royalty with separate his and hers bathrooms, closets, and offices. The sleeping quarters include gorgeous bay views along with a private columned balcony. Artist Jody Matakovich hand-painted the Groin Vault on the ceiling of the bedroom with a style influenced by the frescos of the Renaissance. Each master bathroom offers heated floors and double showers with jets while one is centered around a stunning free-standing bathtub. In addition, the suite includes an exercise room with sauna and a vault plus safe room with ventilation.
Not to be overshadowed by the interiors, the outdoor spaces of the Villa Chimera are equally enchanting. A towering iron gate secures the property which features over 3 beautifully landscaped acres and 380 feet of waterfront on West Bay. A marble fountain at the entry of the residence carved and transported from Italy depicts figures from Greek mythology including the Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster. Highlights of the rear yard entertaining spaces are a heated infinity pool with spa overlooking the bay, an outdoor air-conditioned kitchen, a firepit, and a shallow dock to the bay.
For more information on Villa Chimera, visit www.villachimera.com.
Minto Communities USA, headquartered in Florida since 1978, builds master-planned communities and homes in Florida and South Carolina. Active communities include Latitude Margaritaville Watersound near Panama City Beach, Florida; Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach in Daytona Beach, Florida; Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head in Hardeeville, South Carolina; The Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, Florida; and Westlake in Palm Beach County, Florida. Minto recently announced plans to expand into Texas with the Latitude Margaritaville brand.
