FEATURED IN
THE REVEAL
TRANSFORMED FROM ENCLOSED TO EXPANSIVE, THE CONDO NOW UNFOLDS IN ONE FLUID SWEEP TOWARD THE GULF’S ENDLESS HORIZON
Foyer: A compact, private entry opens into a widened corridor where the horizon becomes the first true design statement. The goal was to eliminate visual noise, allowing the Gulf to define the experience. “We really opened up the entry to draw you through the space,” Interior Designer Elizabeth Sesser explains. The result is a long, uninterrupted reveal where architecture frames the panoramic view rather than competing with it. Custom oak flooring naturally leads the eye forward, while a Christopher Martin painting and a strategically placed mirror reflect the Gulf’s shifting blues, both literally and figuratively.
Dining Room: Framed by sweeping water views, the dining area anchors the open plan, blurring the line between everyday meals and the scenery beyond. A tranquil palette of soft neutrals extends throughout the home, layered with Gulf-inspired tones, airy textures, and sculptural lighting. At its center, a custom table and tailored chairs encourage lingering conversations that flow easily between cooking, dining, and unwinding. Sesser selected a striking yet subtle sculptural light fixture from OCHRE to enhance the view rather than clash with it.
TThe first sightline sets the tone. In this complete renovation of a Longboat Key high-rise residence, the design team reimagined the entire floor plan around a single, defining goal: to frame the Gulf view the instant the door opens. The homeowner — deeply engaged throughout — partnered with Markley Construction and a New York–based architecture firm to transform a dated 1990s condo into a serene, light-filled retreat designed for effortless everyday living.
The design team began by removing all interior walls and replacing all major systems — electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and windows — so the home could be reorganized without limitations. “This was a full-gut renovation. Every interior wall came out,” says Dan Lane, Coowner and Operations Manager of Markley Construction. “We wanted a blank canvas with no restrictions from a design standpoint.”
In the original layout, the entry was closed off from the living area, obscuring any glimpse of the horizon. The new plan reorients the entire space, establishing a long, uninterrupted view from the front door straight through the living room to the Gulf beyond. A private foyer now opens to a striking reveal, where one continuous space flows seamlessly between cooking, dining, gathering, and relaxation.
The homeowner envisioned a retreat where her family — four adult children scattered across the country — could gather comfortably for extended stays rather than brief visits. u
Living Room: A single open space unites the living, dining, and kitchen areas, forming a relaxed hub for family life enhanced by the home’s integrated Wicked Smart Homes entertainment system. Sesser selected low, streamlined furnishings — such as a Gamma Arredamenti sectional sofa — to maintain open sightlines and a calm visual rhythm, complemented by textures and hues drawn directly from the coastline. By the windows, a round table transitions from breakfast nook to an elegant game spot, especially when the doors are open to the coastal breeze. An alabaster totem light by Allied Maker adds a sculptural focal point, completing a setting that feels casual, uncluttered, and deeply connected to the Gulf.
Interior Designer Elizabeth Sesser shaped the space around a sense of serenity — natural materials, sculptural silhouettes, and a subdued palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. Furnishings remain low to preserve the sightlines, while colors transition softly from cream and sand to the mineral tones of the Gulf. Instead of bold statements, the design relies on texture, light, and gentle curves, creating an effortless connection between the interior and the horizon.
Much of the project unfolded remotely, requiring precise coordination between the Florida-based team and Sesser’s New York studio. Weekly calls kept the client, designer, and builder in lockstep as every detail evolved. Lane credits that structure for the project’s success: “Assembling the right team from day one is everything — same mission, same budget, same timeline.” u
Kitchen: The Henrybuilt kitchen serves as the focal point of the open living area, featuring clean lines and unobstructed views of the water. Wood and stone surfaces bring warmth while preserving a modern, understated clarity. Every element serves both form and function, as integrated details transform structural necessities into architectural features. The island, oriented toward the living room, turns cooking into part of the social experience and is finished with a Calacatta Borghini waterfall countertop that flows seamlessly onto the backsplash. Dennis Miller stools and teardrop pendants from Lumens add quiet sophistication without disrupting the room’s serene balance.
Primary Bedroom: Sesser envisioned the primary suite as a serene retreat shaped by a tonal palette and subtle sculptural details. Soft infusions of color connect the room to the rest of the home while maintaining its tranquil ambiance. The space feels calm and open, anchored by the sweeping Gulf view beyond. Beside the bed, Charles Burnand nightstands with selenite drawer fronts add a layer of personal symbolism for the homeowner — representing peace, clarity, and spiritual balance. Underfoot, hand-knotted silk carpeting extends wall to wall, lending a quiet sense of luxury.
Designing the primary suite required reworking the layout — relocating plumbing and adjusting floor levels so the bathtub would align perfectly with the view. No longer tucked into a corner, the bath now overlooks the Gulf through a wall of glass, with a ceiling-mounted blackout shade providing privacy on demand. Natural materials and mosaic stone lend a tranquil, spa-like feel, while the bedroom introduces soft color and sculptural art for quiet sophistication.
Two guest bedrooms cater to different needs: one a feminine suite with a turquoise-tiled shower wall, the other a bunk room featuring custom queen-size bunks designed to accommodate adult children and guests. A second guest bath serves the adjoining den, which doubles as both an office and additional sleeping space. The patio — perched just above the sand — is arranged for everyday living, ideal for morning coffee, casual meals, and open-air evenings.
For Lane, the completed home reflects the strength of collaboration: “The relationship is the most important part,” he says. “How we solve problems together is what sets us apart.” n
Bunk Bedroom: Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the bunk room features custom queen-size bunks that comfortably accommodate adult children and guests. Integrated lighting, built-in storage, and a cozy book nook add functional charm and intimacy. Though windowless, the space feels inviting thanks to its soft palette and warm detailing. Tucked toward the rear of the residence, this compact suite offers both privacy and easy access to the adjacent bath — an elegant, modern approach to guest accommodations.
Guest Bedroom: This guest suite embraces a soft, soothing palette anchored by a private bath featuring a striking turquoise shower wall. The thoughtful layout provides guests with comfort and ease, ideal for extended stays. A sculptural chair and textured wallcovering from Gregorius Pineo introduce a layer of refined sophistication.
Lanai: Sesser designed the outdoor living area for effortless, everyday use rather than occasional entertaining, furnishing it with timeless McKinnon and Harris pieces crafted to withstand both the elements and the years. The dining area invites quiet mornings with coffee, leisurely open-air meals, and evenings cooled by the Gulf breeze. With views stretching in both directions, the space deepens the home’s connection to the coastline. Its restrained design ensures the focus remains exactly where it belongs — on the Gulf itself, the ever-present inspiration behind every room in the home.
Written
by
Heather Shoning
Photography by Ryan Gamma Photography
Luxury Home Builder:
Markley Construction
8132 Blaikie Court
Sarasota, FL 34232
941.702.0887
www.markley-construction.com
Resources:
Wicked Smart Homes
527 South Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
941.928.0343
www.wickedsmarthomes.com