By Nanette Wiser
What happens when you have savvy homeowners who know what they want and an award-winning design/build firm? Magic!
TriplePoint Design Build transformed a 1920’s Northeast duplex bungalow into a charming single-family home for clients Connie Lancaster and Annie Hiotis that fits seamlessly into the historic neighborhood on the exterior.
“We were presented with a unique challenge,” says Lauren Fiske, co-owner of TriplePoint Design Build with husband Neal. “Our clients wanted the home to be in visual harmony with the character and spirit of the historic neighborhood known for its classic craftsman bungalows and lush vegetation.
With Connie and Anastacia intimately involved in design decisions, the journey captured architectural elements embodying the charm from the past integrated with the technology of the present. ”This stunning transformation was accomplished using creative design, quality products and energy efficient solutions,” says Fiske. For their efforts, TriplePoint Design Build was awarded 1st Place NARI Contractor of the Year in the Southeast Regional and Tampa Bay Local Whole House Remodel category.
Connie and Annie have lived in St. Pete for 25 years and moved from Beach Dr. to Old Northeast with Leo (their beloved ragdoll cat) so they could have a little oasis for relaxing poolside or entertaining friends or hosting fundraisers in their gracious kitchen.
Relocating from South Carolina and Ohio, they love DTSP and are thrilled with the changes. “We’ve always enjoyed downtown St Pete, with its waterfront parks and only nine miles to the beautiful Gulf Beaches. In the old days, we had three good restaurants to choose from,” they recall. “The Vinoy kickstarted the renaissance revival, and we’ve watched the transformation.” Their faves include Bella Brava, Parkshore Grill and Ruth Chris.
Their goal was to build a bungalow in a quiet neighborhood that looked like it had always been in Old Northeast with all the modern amenities, and now they have oversized closets, elegant bathrooms, casual chic living spaces and lots of room for the art they collect.
The interior is lovely with smart home sustainable features. The lighting is 100% LED and they commissioned a beautiful craftsman chandelier for the living room. Their eco-friendly garden showcases Florida native plants that require less water and manicuring. Artisan furnishings and rugs accent the warm interiors showcasing a mix of traditional and eclectic furnishings, including a white leather sectional.
Here’s what Connie and Annie like best about their Old Northeast home.
The Pool Area: “We love our outdoor lanai with the fireplace and retractable phantom screen.”
Bathrooms: “The master bath is really large, especially compared to the tiny one we had on Beach Dr. TriplePoint’s Neal Fiske convinced us to put in heated floors which we love (and so does Leo).
Kitchen: “It’s our living room. We have a large island, and everyone always hangs there. Nothing like cooking and watching Rays game on the TV above our wonderful Wolf range.”
Bedroom: “the master is like a little wing off the main house and overlooks the pool and has beautiful lighted cove ceilings.”
