Warm and Welcoming

Builder Terence Cudmore says he knows this fabulous, 11,018-square-foot Mediterranean beauty, with its blend of formal and recreational space, soon will make some fortunate owner a wonderful family home.

For now, this $8.95 million residence, known as The Carmel, serves as one in a quartet of luxurious, spec-built homes built to launch Stone Creek Ranch, which provides South Florida's luxury and secondary home buyers with the opportunity for estate-style living north of Boca Raton.

Cudmore expects buyers to be attracted to Stone Creek Ranch by the substantial size of the lots available in this exclusive development. "This kind of space is a rarity in this part of the country," he says. "Typically, even the largest homes in the area are still built on relatively tight lots."

His Boca Raton-based firm, Terence Cudmore Builders, is one of four featured builders responsible for the construction of the 37 one-of-a-kind residences planned for Stone Creek Ranch.

"For a spec-built home of this magnitude, it is very important that you design it to include all of the amenities that the discriminating buyer just expects to find in a home," Cudmore says. "This includes a first-class home theater, wine cellar, a large kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a private master retreat and, at the very minimum, a five-car garage."

The Carmel has it all and then some. Distinctive details include Romeo and Juliet balconies under a domed ceiling in the grand entry foyer, original Addison Mizner-designed carved ceiling coffers in the central gallery and family room, and Venetian plaster in the gazebo-style breakfast area. The L-shaped media room is spacious enough to accommodate four distinct zones of entertaining space: a lounge area, a regulation-size billiards table, a library/work space and a fully functioning wet bar with a built-in humidor and air-filtration system.

Despite the deliberate design drama, Cudmore says the living space remains comfortable and inviting. "It really has an understated elegance," he says. "When you walk in, you really get the feeling that this would be a very comfortable house to live in."

Completed in March 2003 and for sale as a fully furnished turnkey residence, the six-bedroom home also features a detached guesthouse and discreetly located staff quarters above one of its two garages.

Style of Home | Mediterranean
Location | Delray Beach, Fla.
Total Square Footage | 11,018 (air-conditioned), 15,265 (under roof)
Sale Price | $8.95 million
Builder | Terence Cudmore Builders, Boca Raton, Fla.
Architect | Randall E. Stofft Architects, Delray Beach
Interior Designer | Louis Anthony & Associates, Delray Beach
Spec-built luxury primary or secondary residence

Major Products Used | Appliances: Sub-Zero (refrigerator, freezer, refrigerator drawers, icemaker), Wolf (gas range), Asko (dishwasher), KitchenAid (microwave), Thermador (warming drawer), Maytag (washer, dryer), Frigidaire (washer, dryer) | Countertops: granite | Home Controls & Automation: Vantage Controls | Lighting: custom | Windows: Weather Shield | Roofing: Cedeska