Avast Ye, Matey!
Luxury Home Plies the Waters at Figure Eight
By Fritts Causby; all photos by Andrew Sherman
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What could be better than docking a luxury yacht on Figure Eight Island? For the owner/builders of 21 Sandy Point, this home is the answer. With inspiring water views, thoughtful attention to detail, hand-curated finishes, fixtures and artwork, this unique, nautical-inspired home is a boater’s paradise.
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The idea that a residential space should seamlessly blend with the natural environment is not exactly new. But what if the home site is on a sandy peninsula that is almost completely surrounded by water?
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Whether approaching from the water or relaxing in the third-floor observatory, where 360-degree views of clouds and sky contrast with the zebra-patterned holly and teak flooring, it's easy to see how the home could be mistaken for a high-end luxury yacht.
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Teak and holly floors in the fourth floor observatory/ship’s cockpit show the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the many local artisans that made this dwelling a labor of love. Walls of windows and French doors allow for commanding area views. Photo by Andrew Sherman​
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"There is a two drink maximum for this space," laughed the owner, referring to the built-in ladder that provides access to the observatory. If the view from the bottom of the ladder looks steep, rest assured the feeling is magnified significantly from the top.
A collaborative effort between the owner and builder David James, the observatory was designed to mimic the cockpit of a large boat. "We love watching the fireworks from here," added the owner.
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The nautical theme was carried throughout the home, from the fixtures in the kitchen, which has two unique galley-style prep areas, to the multiple decks and outdoor living areas designed to take advantage of the home's idyllic waterfront location.​
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An island with a cast zinc countertop creates a focal point in the airy, sea-inspired kitchen, where the colors of the sky pop against designer fixtures and whitewashed cabinetry by Hollingsworth Cabinetry. Photo by Andrew Sherman​
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Approaching the home from the street, the sense of being in a high-end marina is palpable. The pillars on which the house rests were made with locally sourced tabby stucco, which makes the lower level similar to a breakwater. Tabby stucco is a type of concrete made by burning oyster shells to create lime, then mixing it with water, sand, ash, and broken shells.
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The garage doors open on both ends, creating the feeling of being in a breezeway and allowing views of the water to be enjoyed from the front of the home when the doors are open. It also allows for easy access to the pool, which wraps underneath the home to provide a resort-style atmosphere.
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"Usually, we end the process with building the pool," said James. "Placing it in there first definitely presented a technical challenge."
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A sitting area is surrounded by the pool. Photo by Andrew Sherman​
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The end result speaks for itself. Portions of the pool and spa are shaded by the house, and it is easy to imagine whiling away some hours there. "I have some family nearby, and this has become our favorite place to gather," said the owner.
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For the decking, ipe was selected for its aesthetic beauty and durability; the cabinet for the wall-mounted TV was built from mahogany. Artificial turf was used for the putting green, based on the practical reality that grass would be impossible to cultivate in such a salty environment.
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The outdoor kitchen adjacent to the pool has a large dining table as its centerpiece. "This is one of my favorite things about the house," said the owner, pointing out a hidden roller with wax paper under the table, a design feature placed with low country boils and oyster roasts in mind.
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For those who love the coastal lifestyle or the chance to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, it would be hard to choose between the lower level outdoor kitchen and the kitchen on the second floor. With no upper cabinets to distract from the view, walls of glass, and a distinctive porthole-style window, the kitchen has a dynamic color palette that moves alongside the changing moods of the sky, refracted in the water below.
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The quartz countertops and nautical-inspired fixtures add a touch of style, but it is the island with the cast zinc countertop that consistently becomes a focal point of conversation. "This is a unique design feature not seen in many other homes," said James. "Over time it will wear and have a character similar to aged patina."
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The two galley-style prep areas account for the loss of upper cabinets elsewhere in the kitchen. Both have walls of custom cabinetry and built-in appliances, including an espresso maker and wine fridge.
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All of the walls are covered in shiplap, with one notable exception: the interior staircase, which feels like an atrium as it is illuminated by numerous large windows. Here, plaster was selected for its character and because the owner has a love for older homes. "There's a lost art with plaster," said James. "It's almost impossible to find anyone that does it anymore. It's always fun building these unique homes, but it can sometimes be hard to find the right craftsmen and women to do the work."
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The shiplap added many hours to the construction process, as every piece had to be individually sanded and nailed. The majority of the flooring is oak, all hand-rubbed, another factor that extended the construction timeline to roughly one and a half years.
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The intricate ceramic tile flooring in the bathrooms demanded a substantial outlay of time and effort, and those with an appreciation for older homes will also note the high ceilings throughout and the distinctive acrylic doorknobs.
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Similar to a ship where every detail must be planned and accounted for, nothing in the house seems to have happened by accident. This is especially true of the interior design, art, and furnishings. To help with the collection and placement of art, the owner teamed up with Pall Mall Art Advisors, a firm that advises on the management and collection of art, jewelry, and other tangible assets.
"We learned that it pays to work with a specialist," said the owner, noting that some of the art has already appreciated in value since the home was completed.
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Of course, this is where the comparisons between the house and a boat diverge. As anyone who has ever owned a boat can attest, the investment value tends to capsize.
For some, there is no substitute for being out on the water, moving with the flow of the ocean. But with a unique setting on a peninsula, an investment value almost certain to appreciate, and water views that provide a backdrop for nearly every room, this home makes a compelling case that you don't have to choose.
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Figure Eight Island Resources​
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Architectural Design & Construction
The nautical precision of 21 Sandy Point was achieved through a high-level collaboration between Kersting Architecture and David James Builders. Their expertise in tabby stucco, ipe decking, and complex waterfront structural engineering is a benchmark for luxury coastal development.
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Interior Curation & Fine Art
The hand-curated finishes, including the zinc countertops and custom shiplap, were supported by Hollingsworth Cabinetry. For the management and acquisition of the home’s appreciative art collection, the owners utilized the advisory services of Pall Mall Art Advisors.
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Coastal Lifestyle & Gear
Living on a peninsula requires the right technical equipment to transition from the observatory to the water. For premium lifestyle gear and expert local knowledge, I recommend the team at Aussie Island Surf Shop.
