A Stunning Lido Shores Renovation achieves the NARI COTY Award for Murray Homes
Transforming a Coastal Contemporary Dream: When sometimes bigger isn’t necessarily better!
When the new owners of a tired, seven-bedroom property in Lido Shores, it was a far cry from the dream home they envisioned. The house had spent years as a rental, suffering wear and tear from a revolving door of guests. What began as a sprawling 7-bedroom Airbnb was transformed by the Murray Homes team into a stunning five-bedroom masterpiece with an expansive, luxurious outdoor living space. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how this neglected property was turned into a dream coastal retreat.
Redefining Coastal Contemporary Living: The Vision
The client came to Steve Murray with a challenge: to maximize the livability of their newly acquired home while embodying a “Coastal Contemporary” aesthetic. They wanted a space perfect for serene family moments and vibrant social gatherings.
There had to be several bold decisions made to bring this vision to life. The first was to reduce the number of bedrooms from seven to five, prioritizing quality over quantity. This enlarged the remaining bedrooms, creating better flow throughout the house and opening up opportunities for more creative design choices. We also envisioned an expansive 2,000-square-foot outdoor living area that would double the usable space and seamlessly blend with the interior. This new area would feature a state-of-the-art kitchen, a luxurious hot tub, a refurbished pool, and multiple entertainment zones, all surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.
Navigating the Challenges: A Comprehensive Scope of Work
Every renovation comes with its own set of challenges, and this project was no exception. The property had undergone several previous renovations, none of which addressed significant structural and safety concerns. These issues meant the first task was to secure the home’s foundation, reinforcing it with additional beams and steel to ensure long-term stability and safety.
The plumbing, electrical systems, and windows were all reconfigured. Nearly every room was remodeled, from the living areas and study to the bathrooms and closets, incorporating high-end finishes, modern fixtures, and sophisticated trims that aligned with the Coastal Contemporary aesthetic. New flooring was laid to unify the interior spaces, adding warmth and continuity.
But the real transformation extended beyond the four walls of the home. The exterior was reimagined to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The pool area, previously an afterthought, became a focal point of the design, with modernized features and surrounding entertainment spaces that offered multiple options for relaxation and recreation.
Creating an Understair Wine Cellar: A Unique Feature
One of the standout features of this renovation was the creation of an under-stair wine cellar. This space was carved out to add a unique, luxurious touch to the home while maximizing every inch of available space. With custom cabinetry and temperature control, it serves as both a functional storage solution and a statement piece visible from key areas of the house. It’s the perfect blend of form and function—adding character, value, and utility to the home.
A True Outdoor Experience: Expanding the Livable Space
The goal was to create an outdoor living experience to be enjoyed year-round. The newly created 2,000-square-foot outdoor area now features everything needed for a perfect day or night at home. The modern outdoor kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, allowing for everything from casual barbecues to full-scale dinner parties. The hot tub and refurbished pool add elements of relaxation and luxury. At the same time, the entertainment areas—complete with comfortable seating, fire pits, and ambient lighting—are ideal for hosting guests or unwinding with family.
The landscape design played a critical role in creating the right atmosphere. The client wanted a lush, tropical feel that complemented the natural beauty of Lido Shores. Strategically placed greenery and trees provide both privacy and a sense of tranquility, enhancing the property’s overall appeal.
The Result: A Coastal Contemporary Masterpiece
Upon completion, the property was unrecognizable from its original state. Murray Homes delivered a stunning, five-bedroom Coastal Contemporary home that maximized both indoor and outdoor living spaces. This project was completed on time and on budget, much to the client’s delight.
The new layout is open and airy, filled with natural light and a sense of flow that moves effortlessly from room to room and indoors to outdoors.
Every element, from the structural beams to the trim work, was carefully considered to achieve a cohesive and modern design. The extensive use of natural materials and neutral tones throughout gives the home a warm, inviting feel while maintaining a sleek, contemporary edge.
Conclusion: A Happy Ending in a Perfect Location
This renovation was more than just a facelift; it was a complete transformation that honored the home’s potential while embracing a contemporary coastal lifestyle.
Despite the challenges, the Murray Homes team overcame every obstacle, crafting a remarkable living space that blends elegance, functionality, and comfort.
Today, this award-winning Lido Shores home is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and careful planning by Murray Homes. It successfully brings the collaboration of their expertise and the client’s vision to life in an extraordinary way and in a Gulf Coast location that is second to none!
