When only Tuscan will do; this home has it all

COURTESY PHOTO The front elevation of Antimo, a 4,737-square-foot Tuscan villa for sale in Mediterra for $3,975,000. Southwest Florida architecture often appears to be a mishmash of Spanish and other Mediterranean influences. Sometimes it's an akward blend of design features from Spain or Italy or France or America. Rarely is it a purebred.

Yet, when Nils and Giselle Swann decided to build a spec home for sale in the community where they live, Mediterra, they wanted authentic. They wanted a classical Tuscan villa.

To make that happen, the couple, who both have European roots, spent countless hours with the architect, sifted through dozens of classic design books, poured over more than 1,500 photographs and walked the lot tirelessly. Good thing there wasn't a long commute to the site. It's barely a stone's throw from the Swann's residence. They live in an Italian home adjacent to this house in the Il Corsini subdivision of Mediterra.

The couple wanted an Italian experience with a multitude of arches, ample columns and classic Tuscan detail all while catering to the requirements of the 21st century homeowner and a Florida lifestyle that demands easy access to the outdoors.

COURTESY PHOTO The entry foyer has a 40-foot high stair tower with a stenciled coffered ceiling. "We lived in Mediterra long enough to know what the higher-end buyer wants and we felt comfortable that Mediterra was holding its value even in this difficult market," said Nils Swann. "We feel confident that our model home which we have named "Antimo," is a unique and tasteful Tuscan home for the discerning buyer."

Between raising three young children and playing competitive yet friendly tennis, Giselle and Nils thought this would be a project that they could both contribute and have fun along the way.

"Giselle and I thought that building a home which was 100 percent Italian vintage would have unique appeal," said Nils Swann. "But we didn't really understand what 100 percent Italian would mean in terms of hours of planning and attention to details. We did know that when we walked into some very expensive homes, we felt such confluences of architecture that we never knew if we were supposed to feel as if we were in Spain, Italy, or some bordering region.

COURTESY PHOTO All room interiors are exquisitely decorated and furnished. "We wanted to build a home which was pure in design. And we knew it had to be party-friendly; it had to have large areas for entertaining and a feeling of the outdoors being indoors."

Having built their private residence with Boran Craig and Barber Homes, they chose them to build Antimo as well. (The home is named for the Abbey of Sant' Antimo, one of the most beautiful Tuscan churches in Italy.)

"BCB is known for their superior construction," said Nils Swann. "They build concrete exteriors, thoroughly test their windows for leaks and even make sure their walls are perfectly straight."

Builders constructed the home using a blend of traditional craftsmanship and materials, contemporary use of space and light and the latest energy efficient systems. The home melds so well with the landscape that it seems to sprout directly from the soil.

Antimo sits on the second hole of Mediterra's Tom Fazio-designed golf course. "Giselle and Nils cared to an excessive degree," said Tade Bua Bell, a friend and realtor.

The Swanns wanted their first model home to be a success and they knew this going in to a very soft real estate market. They started designing in 2006 and builders finished just six months ago.

"I felt the market was reasonably good," Nils Swann said. "Mediterra is still going strong."

Beyond that, they wanted happy neighbors, the couple said. When they pass their future neighbors in the street, meet at the club or see each other at parties in this very social community, they wanted to know that the buyers are really happy.

The stately front elevation reflects the Italian artistry. A three tiered water fountain in the driveway of brick pavers welcomes guests to the 4,737-square-foot home. Entry is through an 11' high wrought iron entry door. The living room is framed with Corinthian columns and overlooks the pool, a pond and the lush green second hole of the Tom Fazio golf course.

COURTESY PHOTO The pool area at Antimo in Mediterra. The interiors are tastefully decorated with faux painted walls and ceilings. The entrance has a powerful 40-foot high stair tower with a stenciled coffered ceiling. The room interiors are exquisitely decorated with fabrics and building materials that flow seamlessly from one room to the next. As one walks through the residence and the light fills the rooms through the towering windows and doors, one quickly feels transported to the Tuscan hills. A three-car garage rounds out the living experience.

With classic Tuscan architecture, the home stands out in a neighborhood with many outstanding homes.

The home is for sale at $3,975,000 completely furnished, with a $100,000 credit towards a golf membership in Mediterra.

For further information go to www.antimomodel. com or call (239) 961-2766.

COURTESY PHOTO The Tuscan kitchen meets 21st century conveniences.