MEDITERRANEAN VILLA
Approaching this Mediterranean Villa in Paradise Valley, you’re immediately struck by the numerous luxurious outdoor living spaces. They complement a striking yet welcoming exterior elevations and harmonize with the muted shades of the surrounding desert topography.
Of all the homes designed and built by our team at Calvis Wyant, this is by far one of the most admired. It was created for a family from the Midwest with the intent to tell the story of their Italian heritage and their love for Italian history. This goal was accomplished first and foremost through the rural Mediterranean architecture of the structure that is marked by well-articulated roofs and short spans.
One of the most appealing aspects of this Mediterranean Villa is the way in which it invites you to spend as much time outdoors as you do the indoors. The property has a spacious, south-facing backyard that was designed so the sun shines directly on the in-ground pool during the winter months and the warming rays reach well into the patio areas on winter days.
For the exterior façade, we used Texas limestone with a mortar wash to call to mind the rustic Mediterranean architecture seen in central Italy. The walkways leading up to the entryway and winding their way across the grounds are comprised of stone paving rather than poured concrete. Each outdoor patio and enclave uses brick or stone for the flooring. Elegant exterior walls lights, lush landscaping, and outdoor furniture in muted colors once again evoke the image of the Italian countryside and invite the family members to enjoy moments of solitary reprieve or gather with friends to enjoy the fresh air and plentiful Arizona sunlight.
As with every luxury home in Arizona that we create at Calvis Wyant, this charming Mediterranean abode was tailored to support the lifestyle of the family who plans to reside there for many years to come. One of their main specifications was the need for a home large enough to accommodate their numerous relatives for holiday celebrations and other family gatherings throughout the year.
The owners also wished to create a residential space that would comfortably host their art collection and historical artifacts without feeling like an exhibit space. An unassuming warmth is found throughout each room in the villa as well as the outdoor living space.
Large glass windows and doors usher in an abundance of natural light and also reflect the golden glow emanating from the finishes within. Earth tones like the russet shade of the drapes and select furniture pieces along with the warmth of the off-white walls complement the natural materials that were selected for their authenticity and integrated into the villa’s architecture and interior design.
The interior floors, walls, and ceilings are made of wood and hand-crafted tile. The wood beams on the ceiling are done in a polished furniture finish rather than being raw and unfinished as one might expect in a traditional Rural Mediterranean home. The light fixture placed above the pool table situated in a comfortable family room is a modern statement piece. These details, though subtle, were intentionally chosen. Everything in this home works together to create the transitional message of artfully blending the old and the new.
Gathering and socializing were high on the list of activities the home’s design had to support for this modern Mediterranean Villa. That meant a functional kitchen to support the large groups of family and friends that would use the space several times a year.
Although the gorgeous views of Camelback Mountain compete for attention, the luxurious kitchen is a focal point of the main living area, with an open design that flows seamlessly into the equally opulent great room. Reclaimed brick was used for the barrel-vaulted kitchen ceiling for a charming touch that recreates a common building method in the old country. French white oak was selected for the flooring, serving as a tasteful complement to the off-white cabinetry and white stone countertops.
A concealed window between the kitchen pantry and laundry room allows for the convenient transfer of groceries and supplies from the adjacent garage. Additionally, a wall of windows and doors in the kitchen provides easy access to the backyard, creating a mixed indoor-outdoor entertainment area that our Arizona weather makes so delightful to enjoy. The functional space dedicated to cooking is also extended to the back patio by way of the authentic brick pizza oven.
Another appealing interior space that blends European style with updated transitional elements is the elegantly understated master bathroom. Simple in décor but comprised of rich materials, the bathroom features a walk-in shower, standalone soaking tub, exquisite tile work. and a cascading light fixture. The master bedroom is spacious enough for the four-poster bed and also a sitting area beside large glass doors that lead to the private patio. Wood beams and a glass chandelier grace the ceiling, while the flooring is a continuation of the wide-plank French Oak hardwood.
Although architecturally reminiscent of the old world, this villa’s contemporary touches give timelessness to its style. However, the open floor plan, expansive kitchen, and emphasis on balanced indoor-outdoor living send the message that although rooted in history, this is a home that is to be enjoyed today. Other hallmarks of modern Mediterranean style exhibited in this house include the liberal use of wood, stone, steel, and glass both on the interior and exterior. Together, all these elements give the impression of an appealing rustic home that has evolved over time to serve the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
