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Villa Selva: Your Passport to Life on Vacation
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Be sure to bring your passport…
Once your wheels pass through the perimeter gates and you hear the crackle of sun-bleached shell, you’ll feel like you’ve left the bustle of Siesta Key and entered into your own private tropical resort in some far-off place.
A natural wall composed of organic materials melds into the dense tropical landscape providing an effective and unobtrusive barrier between the estate and the outside world. Nearly an acre of tranquil waterfront land hosts a lush landscape intricately designed by nature and enhanced with a discerning eye. With the look and feel of the verdant rainforests, majestic ancient oaks and palms, together with the rushing sound of the fresh waterfall into the koi pond, will surround you to instantly soothe and transport your soul.
Welcome to Villa Selva, named for her natural rain forest design, located at 4401 Midnight Pass Rd. on Siesta Key, FL. Situated on the site of an Indian shell midden, the estate boasts one of the highest elevations on the key. Only minutes from world-famous destinations such as Siesta Beach, Lido Key, St. Armand’s Circle and downtown Sarasota, get ready to live a resort-style life.
Renowned builder Bruce Saba, together with designer Jinny Galer and the owners, conceptualized and built this one-of-a-kind rain forest inspired estate around the natural beauty of the three ancient oaks and the lush tropical landscape already gracing the property.
Wrapped in cedar and constructed around 16 stone columns etched to mimic the palms, Villa Selva dances gracefully with her natural surrounding and breathes in their energy to become one with them.
As you make your way up the lighted steps and reach the oak-sheltered landing, your next breath will be taken by the larger-than-life, hand-carved Bird of Paradise relief that adorns the front entrance and echoes the surrounding landscape. From this vantage, you’re already getting glimpses of the waterfront paradise that Villa Selva keeps hidden from the outside world. Just wait until you walk through her door…
The interior is full of special features designed to bring the outside in. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by an arched bridge that carries you over a peaceful rock garden while affording panoramic views of the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows are everywhere. To the left, a sprawling atrium surrounds the elevated wooden gazebo dining area. Straight ahead, walls of glass reveal an incredible view of Cocoanut Bayou framed with tropical landscaping and romantic drapes of Spanish Moss. You’ll know right away that this is where you belong.
A prominent decorator once stated, “This is the most Zen house I’ve ever been in – both energizing and peaceful at the same time.”
Within Villa Selva, each area offers its own set of comforts. Whether you yearn to entertain or to enjoy the peace and quiet, you won’t find a better home to do either.
Just past the home study, the east wing disappears into a two-story owners’ retreat with relaxing balconies both up and down. Rest in the evening on the main level, soaking away any worries in your Jacuzzi tub. In the morning, latte in hand, ascend the stairs to the upper retreat to stretch, meditate or read while drinking in the tranquil views from your private screened-in porch.
Villa Selva lends herself easily to hosting guests, as well. The west wing houses a bonus area and three complete en-suites, each with its own balcony, for their comfort and privacy.
When everyone is ready to dine or play, take your choice of venues. An open floor plan offers plenty of options: Formally dine in the gazebo ensconced by rich landscaping; enjoy a cocktail by the bar under soaring 14-foot ceilings in front of the Mexican-imported hand-carved fireplace centerpiece; laugh and share stories while preparing a meal in the chef’s kitchen, complete with stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator, Thermador convection oven, Dacor gas island cook top, granite counters and solid wood cabinetry; curl up to watch movies in the family room. No matter where you choose, you’ll be wooed by the serene energy of nature and the gorgeous views.
Your housewarming celebration will make you the envy of the neighborhood. Once you slide open the wall-to-wall, pocketing glass doors, the outside rushes in and becomes an extension of the home – the perfect setting for both casual gathering and soiree. A multi-tiered deck surrounding the fiber-optic lighted pool and spa will further entice your guests to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
As your festivities continue into the evening, you will experience a truly magical transition in Villa Selva’s personality.
Imagine the refreshing evening air; the gentle sounds of nature; the lighted landscaping and glowing pool; the moonlight reflecting off the bayou; Frank Sinatra playing over the speakers; and a glass of Borolo in hand, all shared with the people you care about. This is the most content you’ve been in a long while.
In the morning you, look past the pool and across the open meadow to the dock nestled next to the Mangrove shore. Your boat is resting quietly in its lift. You’re looking forward to enjoying a colorful sunrise then taking her on the short voyage to the community’s private bay-front beach. There, you’ll be able to spend the day relaxing in the Florida sunshine, without the crowds. Or, you may decide to continue out to the Gulf of Mexico for a day on the open water. The choice is yours.
Perhaps, the day after, you’ll take one of your prized automobiles on a coastal cruise. Your favorite toys will fit with ease in Villa Selva’s 3-car garage. Travel possibilities are endless with so much to do and see within easy reach.
Villa Selva offers a lifestyle fit for the world’s elite. So rare is it to find such serenity and privacy in the heart of one of the globe’s most sought-after destinations. She is a unique piece of art that elegantly embraces and enhances the nature that surrounds her. Come visit her and be transported.
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