One of the hallmarks of Coral Gables is its unique architectural history — steeped in tra-dition and inspired by Spanish Mediterranean design. Now, one of the earliest residences to have ever been built in the City Beautiful is being offered to prospective buyers: 1319 Castile Ave. Constructed in 1922 and priced at $1,740,000, the home’s architectural pedi-gree is a direct reflection of the area’s iconic roots, and its enduring layout is a winning blend of highly engineered durability and timeless style.

Comprising four bedrooms and five and one half remodeled baths, the 4,170-square-foot Old Spanish manse is along one of the city’s most prized streets. The architect behind its note-worthy design is Lewis Brumm, and according to

the City of Coral Gables Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Depart-ment, architects Phineas P. Paist and Harold Steward (visionaries behind Coral Gables City Hall and the Venetian Pool) were hired to do extensive remodeling of the home in 1930.

The Castile Avenue dwelling is a work of art, boasting a sturdy founda-tion as well as a myriad of conveniences and beautiful accents. Thick, firmly built walls of concrete, stucco and Dade County pine are perfectly intact. The spa-cious, well-thought floor plan has social areas which open to a sunlit peristyle

and arcaded courtyards. A main salon with a cathe-dral-style, 17-foot ceiling and wood-burning fire-place forms the heart of the home, and the recently renovated, eat-in kitchen has been outfitted with stainless steel appliances and rich wood cabine-try. Classical arches, col-umns, flowing fountains, tall timbered ceilings, lion rampant heraldic crests, linenfold detailing and meandering gardens are additional delights found throughout.

Outside, the 15,000-square-foot lot is dot-ted with vibrant tropical landscaping. The home also has a two-car garage and carport, and architec-tural drawings are available for a pool as well as an addition.

Adding to the home’s unmistakable appeal, it is within close proximity to the Coral Gables Coun-

try Club, Granada Golf Course, Biltmore Hotel and Salvadore Park.

For more information, contact Laura Mullaney at 305-790-1000 or  Jane Gomez-Mena at  305-491-6485.

Historical gem in Coral Gables is one of the city’s first residences

Top: The 4,170-square-foot Old Spanish manse is along one of

Coral Gables‘ most prized streets. Right: The spacious, well-thought

floor plan has social areas which open to a sunlit peristyle and

arcaded courtyards.

BY JANA SOELDNER DANGERSpecial to South Florida Home

Years ago, a front porch was the place people sat to catch the breeze and keep cool, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or watch neighbors go by on the side-walk. Then after World War II, much outdoor living moved to backyard patios.

Today, however, some people seem to be rediscovering their front porches. “There’s been a resurgence in their popularity,” said David Landau, an interior designer in Miami.

Front porches are important for many reasons. “Porches tell the stories of the families inside,” said Mary Morris, who with her husband Dave founded Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More.com, in an email. “Ever walk by a porch where a parent and child were sit-ting on the porch swing together? Or neighbors were enjoying a glass of iced tea and shooting the breeze? Or kids were blow-ing bubbles? Memories, everyday memories and special memories, are made on porches.”

It’s still an alternative to the backyard for outdoor living. “The porch is a great place to start your day, read the paper and have a cup of coffee, or sit with friends in the evening for a glass of wine and conversation,” said Frances Herrera, an interior designer in Fort Lauderdale. “It also gives the first impression of your home.”

An attractive, well-kept front porch can be a selling point for a home on the market. “The more beautiful and inviting you make it look, the more exciting it is to buyers,” said Jill Hertz-berg, a broker associate for The Jills at Coldwell Banker. “Their imaginations take them to how it would be to live in the space.”

KEEP IT NEATThe first step to having an

inviting, attractive front porch is to keep it clean and neat. “Often people have the best intentions of keeping a welcom-ing porch, but they forget that porches need attention to keep them looking nice,” Morris said. “Even covered porches are exposed to nature’s elements like wind, dust, rain, spiders and bird nests. Keeping your porch presentable is as simple as occasionally sweeping the floor, clearing the cobwebs, and wiping down the furniture and freshen-ing it up, just as you would on the inside or your home.”

Morris added, “The porch is the face of your home. So taking five minutes to keep it presentable is truly worthwhile.”

Oh, and one more thing: “Remember to change out seasonal items after the season

is over,” Morris said. “Your neighbors will appreciate that.”

FURNISHING THE SPACEPorch décor makes a state-

ment about the owners, said Sandi Samole, an interior designer in Pinecrest. “Some people want it to be friendly and welcoming, a throwback to the good old days. Others prefer it to be more decorative and speak about what’s inside the home.”

Whatever the style of the décor, an attractive, welcoming front porch is likely to entice family and friends to spend time there. Flooring creates a backdrop. “It can be wood, stone or tile,” Landau said. “And it’s a nice to have a sisal or bamboo rug.”

Don’t forget to think verti-cally. “It’s a beautiful touch to do a surprise pop of color, like

sky blue, on the ceiling,” Her-rera said. “It uplifts the space and makes it brighter.”

At night, the right kinds of illumination are important. “Torchiere lighting can add ambience,” Landau said.

“Add battery-operated flicker candles or lanterns to set a mood,” Herrera said. “It will feel sophisticated, welcoming and peaceful.”

KEEP IT COMFORTABLESeating should be com-

fortable. “Porch swings add a charming quality,” Herrera said. “And who doesn’t like to sit in a rocker? If space is limited, you can have a bench instead—or two benches facing each other. Add small-scale ceramic garden stools that are easy to move around.”

“A glider can be nice,” Landau said. “A bistro table and chairs

create a place to have coffee or a glass of wine. The tabletop can be wood, tile or glass.”

While some homeowners prefer to have porch décor fol-low the style of their interior furnishings, it’s not necessary. “An eclectic mix can be super fun: like a bright purple rocking chair among other more neutral furnishings,” Morris said. “In-ject your personality onto your porch to make it a place you want to spend time.”

ACCENTS“Add accents to make the

porch come alive and give visual detail,” Herrera said. ““It’s im-portant to have potted plants. They bring nature, color and texture to the space. Or add flowers from your garden. Out-door pillows are another great way to freshen up the porch.”

“But not too many pillows so they get in your way,” Morris said. “Keep in mind that ‘less is more’ is a good mantra for your porch. If you want to focus on color, then just a few lively splashes of color here and there will make it stand out; a colorful wreath, a big basket of flowers or a large seasonal banner. Artwork is also a welcome addition to any porch—not fine art or antiques, but something that reveals your personality and style.”

A PLACE TO ENJOYMost of all, the porch is

a place to enjoy. “It’s a gentle transition from the outdoors to the indoors,” Morris said. “It’s that in-between space where you can put your feet up, enjoy the sounds of nature and have meaningful conversations with your neighbors. You can take a mini vacation several times a day on your porch. A porch makes a house a home.”

Front porches are an alternative to the backyard for outdoor living

Brickwork, a decorative railing and colorful plants turn this porch into a showplace. (Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More)

Left: Bright red and blue cushions are eye-catchers on this front porch. (Courtesy of Front-Porch-Ideas-and-More). Right: A front porch can be an important outdoor living space. It’s also the first thing people see when they approach a home, and an attractive one can be a selling point. (Courtesy of The Jills)

HOMEs o u t h f l o r i d a

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS INSIDE

HS

SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017