SarasotaTucked along Sarasota’s sparkling waterfront, the Orange Avenue residence had a rich history—five separate renovations dating back to the 1980s—yet none delivered the open, contemporary feel its owners craved. When the family of five approached Murray Homes, their brief was clear: transform the choppy floor plan into a light‑filled haven that flows effortlessly from kitchen to lanai, all while meeting FEMA’s stringent 50 percent rule and allowing them to live on‑site during construction. Phase I of this two‑part journey would set the tone for everything to follow.
Our design team re‑imagined the heart of the home by erasing walls between the kitchen, dining, and living zones, then soaring upward with a vaulted, beamed ceiling that celebrates coastal architecture. A new palette of crisp whites, warm woods, and brushed‑nickel accents maximizes natural light and frames sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. Oversized sliders pocket completely out of sight, dissolving the boundary between indoors and the 1,200‑square‑foot entertainment pavilion—a true outdoor room complete with a chef‑caliber kitchen, covered dining, and built‑in seating. Every decision, from window placement to tile selection, aimed to create a laid‑back, barefoot elegance perfectly suited to Florida living.
Beneath the beauty lies rock‑solid engineering. All tie beams were replaced and fortified to exceed current hurricane codes, while impact‑resistant windows and sliders wrap the home in a nearly invisible armor. Behind the walls, new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems future‑proof the residence and support its expanded footprint. These upgrades were phased with surgical precision so the family could occupy the untouched wing of the house throughout construction—a logistical ballet that required nightly dust containment, temporary partitions, and impeccable scheduling.
The owners dreamed of a private retreat that felt like a boutique resort. We answered with a reconfigured suite featuring a cathedral ceiling, custom millwork, and wide‑plank oak floors. A spa‑inspired bath pairs a freestanding tub with a walk‑through shower wrapped in sea‑glass mosaic, while discreet pocket doors reveal a morning bar for coffee at sunrise. French doors now open directly to the pool terrace, granting the homeowners an intimate connection to their tropical surroundings.
At the core of the remodel is an expansive entertainment area designed for everything from casual Sunday brunches to milestone celebrations. The outdoor kitchen boasts a 42‑inch professional grill, beverage center, and weather‑sealed cabinetry, all sheltered under a cedar‑clad ceiling with integrated heaters and fans. A twelve‑seat dining table anchors the space, flanked by a conversation lounge oriented toward sunset views. When the sliders disappear, guests flow effortlessly into the open‑plan great room—proof that thoughtful architecture can erase the line between house and horizon.
Working within FEMA’s 50 percent valuation cap meant balancing dream features against strict cost thresholds. Our solution blended strategic structural investments—like the new tie‑beam system—with design elements that deliver maximum visual impact for every dollar. Hidden surprises from previous renovations, including outdated wiring and unpermitted plumbing, were uncovered and corrected without derailing the timeline.
Only weeks after completion, Phase I faced its first true test: back‑to‑back hurricanes. The remodeled wing emerged unscathed, validating the project’s robust engineering. Today, the family enjoys an airy, connected living environment tailored to their lifestyle, while eagerly planning Phase II (3,380 square feet) to extend the same level of craftsmanship to the remainder of the home. The Orange Avenue Coastal Remodel stands as a testament to Murray Homes’ ability to marry luxury design with coastal resilience—creating spaces that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
