Early in her career, artist Leslie Bergstrom was tasked with designing the “perfect Caribbean family neighborhood.” She traveled around the country searching for inspiration but didn’t quite find what she was looking for until she stumbled across Rosemary Beach in the Florida panhandle.
Finding that charming Anglo-Caribbean enclave, designed by New Urbanist master planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, eventually led to her establishing a home in Windsor, another Duany/Plater-Zyberk community.
Now that she is selling her Windsor home, Bergstrom said she will miss the sense of community built into the north island development – from the WhatsApp Gal Chat group or Yappy Hour with dog owners to the convenience of popping into the club for dinner, visiting the Gallery at Windsor, playing a round of tennis, golfing or hitting the polo field.
“It has a fairly grand feel, but it is very intimate and cozy within those little village streets,” she reflects.
“Windsor is a beautiful place. I’m thrilled to be working with June on this unique property,” says Dale Sorensen, Real Estate broker-owner Matilde Sorensen, co-listing agent with June Fitzgerald.
“Most people who live in Windsor come and never leave,” says Fitzgerald.
Nestled within the heart of Windsor’s central village, Bergstrom has created a haven of tranquility at 3320 Oat Lane.
The property boasts fine finishes such as tray and coffered ceilings, crown molding, shiplap, plantation shutters and built-ins. These features converge to create a balance of comfort, elegance and natural beauty. The transoms and clerestory windows allow plenty of ambient light, enhancing the atmosphere of indoor-outdoor living, a key feature for Bergstrom when she paints.
Despite the elegant appointments, the house exudes a cozy atmosphere, as Fitzgerald points out.
This comfort is a testament to the thoughtful design and layout of the property.
The house is accessible from the street via courtyard doors and from the garage. Upon entering the main cottage from the quaint street, you are drawn down a hall-like foyer that flows directly through to the courtyard, creating a seamless and inviting entrance.
“The courtyard is the focal point of the house,” says Fitzgerald. “The whole place is centered around it. It’s charming. You feel like you’re on vacation, and then you come inside, and it’s warm and cozy.”
Stepping down and to the right, the spacious living room and dining room with French doors on two sides are an inviting space, anchored by a fireplace nestled between built-ins with a powder room nearby for guests. Hardwood floors add warmth.
Across the hall, the island kitchen boasts modern appliances and ample space for preparing meals, whether you’re hosting a formal gathering in the dining room or plan to entertain outside through doors that open from the kitchen to a covered seating area near the built-in barbecue.
“I consider this all one room,” Fitzgerald says, pointing to the outdoor seating area. “This is where you do your entertaining.”
Upstairs, the primary suite and an ensuite guest bedroom are separated by a large sitting room that provides an intimate space for relaxation and quiet contemplation. This layout ensures privacy and comfort with the bonus of two distinct balconies, one overlooking the street and the other the courtyard.
The generous primary suite features an expansive walk-in closet, built-ins, enough room for a cozy seating area, and a luxurious bath with a soaking tub, shower, dual sinks and a laundry room for convenience.
Set apart from the main house, a separate guest cottage over the garage offers two additional ensuite bedrooms, each with its own entry, ensuring comfort and privacy. This layout creates a welcoming environment for guests with the option of using one suite as an office, art studio or home gym.
Surrounded on two sides by the garage with its guest suites and the main house is the courtyard. The outdoor living space is perfect for family gatherings with poolside lounging areas, a built-in barbecue, covered seating and a sauna in a serene setting.
“The courtyard is my favorite place. That’s where I mostly live,” says Bergstrom, noting her penchant for cooking and entertaining.
The carefully curated landscaping in the courtyard is bursting with color in contrast to the dark-bottom pool, creating a lagoon-like effect and adding to the tropical paradise experience.
“The outdoor area is just breathtaking,” says Fitzgerald.
Windsor is an ocean-to-river luxury sporting and beach community established in 1989 by the Hon. Hilary and the late W. Galen Weston. At the heart of the 416-acre village, a post office, village store, town hall, two world-class restaurants and guest suites draw the community together. Amenities include croquet, tennis, the equestrian center, gun club, fitness center, beach and golf clubhouses, The Weston Guest House and The Gallery at Windsor.
Bergstrom has enjoyed the wonderful mix of cultural opportunities at Windsor, from the book club to guest speakers and the gallery, and most especially the lovely people who live there.
“It’s a very special honor to live in this kind of rarefied atmosphere,” she says.
Photos provided
