In the heart of Caesarea: an architectural gem with a European flavor

Where: CaesareaFor: a couple with 4 adult childrenHouse area: 350 square meters builtThe area of the lot: 650 square metersDuration of the process: about three years (planning and construction permits)Planning and design: Shirley DanPhotography: Shay Adam

Welcome to the home of one of the well-known and respected families in the textile industry in Israel, located in the heart of one of the new neighborhoods in Caesarea. The couple, who have 4 adult children who have already grown out of the nest and some of them have families of their own, chose to do the exact opposite of the usual and instead of downsizing, they created a spacious family home that includes a living floor dedicated to their children and their families who often come on Saturdays, holidays and times to stay." The person responsible for the planning and design of the house is Shirley Dan, who is responsible for many of the luxury houses built in Israel in recent decades, has managed to create precise balances between masses, dimensions and volumes and integrate unique elements, natural materials and HAND MADE carpentry details throughout the impressive structure that give it its powerful appearance.

"This is a cohesive and loving family that often meets and the couple wanted to create a pampering and inviting family home, just like a boutique hotel, where their children and grandchildren could stay in maximum comfort - HOME AWAY FROM HOME". Dan says. "The house was built on a large lot in the heart of a new and prestigious neighborhood in Caesarea, overlooking the golf courses, and was designed in the shape of an R - this is how we created an optimal connection between the various wings and rooms to the well-tended garden that surrounds it. The entrance floor was divided into two: on one side the public space and on the other, the couple's bedroom suite which was designed with the inspiration of a pampering guesthouse from which there is a private exit to the pool and garden. On the top floor, 3 spacious suites were designed for the children and their families, and on the basement floor there is a large space for recreation and hospitality, an additional bedroom suite and an equipped utility room." It is evident that the couple's dream of living in a residential environment inspired by the beautiful and meticulous homes in Europe has come true and the experience begins at the entrance to the lot: "Those who arrive are greeted by an impressive front garden that leads to an entrance plaza paved with French burgundy stone in various sizes in an antique finish," explains Dan. "Through the entrance door, which was made of ancient oak, we will discover a spacious public space. In front of the door is a set of suspended concrete stairs and above it a double space rising to a height of 7 meters, covered with exposed wooden beams worked with an antique finish. The upper gallery floor overlooks the accommodation space, in the center A bridge leads to the rooms and gives the entire space a dramatic and powerful dimension."

In the scope of the public space, Dan planned large windows, divided into two fields - from floor to ceiling - that let in plenty of natural light and the well-kept garden in full glory. Dan used systems made of aluminum on the outside and wood on the inside. In doing so, she created in the glazing a division into squares that give the windows a European look at its best. The lighting fixtures that were made especially for the project hang from the ceiling of the double space and emphasize the height dimension, they consist of metal bases in a natural shade and glass shades blown by artisan work. Another impressive element is a power wall designed in perfect symmetry in the center of the accommodation space and defines the functions of the kitchen and living room and a European lect stone canopy that is also used to cover the facades of the entrance floor. In its lower part, a fireplace was installed, which in its way adds tenderness and warmth to the space. The curtains in the house, which have a central role in introducing warmth and softness - in front of the natural materials, is responsible for Miriam Ezra, owner of 'Miriam Oregon', who, thanks to the use of different types of fabrics, was able to allow the well-kept yard to penetrate in full splendor and at the same time soften the intensity of the light and create a sense of intimacy in the various spaces. For example, in the couple's bedroom suite, she chose to work with sheer curtains, made of mesh fabric that falls on the parquet floor and gives the space a delicate and romantic look. In the dining area and on the floor of the children's rooms, she used electric curtains of the soft Roman type, which soften and refine the colors and natural materials that dominate the spaces.

In the center of the formal living room is a seating system upholstered in rich and luxurious fabric. It consists of a monumental amorphous sofa and two armchairs with a rounded silhouette that break the straight mass. The parallel kitchen is equipped with the best technologies but designed in European chic. The front of the tall cabinets, which wraps around the large window overlooking the garden, combines opaque wooden fronts painted in the oven with transparent glass doors that give the furniture the appearance of a sideboard. Opposite, a particularly comfortable long island that includes a wine fridge and a seating counter, ideal for a family that likes to cook and entertain. Dan designed the impressive island with natural wood facades and a luxurious marble surface. The dining area, located on the other side of the public space, is used for family meals while more extensive entertaining is done around the garden and pool. Similar to many carpentry details that were specially designed and manufactured for this house, the sideboard in the center of the corner is also a reproduction of a European piece that was precisely adjusted to the proportions of the space and the warm colors that dominate the entire public space in pure shades of brown, greige and mocha. The oval table consists of a solid wooden leg in the center and a wooden plate covered with a glossy varnish. The retro style chairs are made of wood and add a twist and interest to the space.

The couple's bedroom suite, located on the perpendicular side, is very spacious and airy and was designed in a scheme that characterizes luxury rooms in boutique hotels. It looks out towards the pool through the large windows and in the center is the dividing wall between the sleeping area and the wall closet located on the other side of the space - this way the couple can get out of bed and get organized without being disturbed. The choice of the right textiles and curtains contributed a lot to the enveloping and contained look that characterizes the space, for example the wall, on which the bed rests, is covered with wallpaper with a rich texture that blends well with the back of the bed which is upholstered in a luxurious velvet fabric. The couple's bathroom is pampering and clearly designed down to the last detail: its walls are covered with floor-to-ceiling porcelain granite tiles with a marble look that contribute to creating a harmonious and continuous look. The two enjoy a large and pampering shower with niches for shampoo and a bench, a bath cabinet with sinks and a FREE STANDIG oval bathtub.

The bedroom suites for the children and their families on the top floor were designed with a similar concept - they also have the atmosphere of the European boutique hotels thanks to the use of elegant furniture, quality textiles and curtains that add tenderness to each of them. From each suite there is an exit to the balcony overlooking the pool and the open space. In the well-tended garden, the family members and their guests are waiting for a number of cozy corners ideal for entertaining, including a living room seating area, a dining table, an equipped outdoor kitchen and a pool surrounded by sunbeds.

Partial list of suppliers:

Curtains and textiles: Miriam OregonWindows: VertexDoors: KhakshurianCarpentry: Eli KabobSupervision: Tomer Sa'arParquet + Stone: Parquet CompanyCornices and decorations: Decor Star companyWallpapers: Goldstein CompanyRoof: A wood art companyWooden stairs: carpentry company in styleDecorative lighting: Gideon Lighting Company