1241 Mariola Court

STORY OF JACK DANIELS PORSCHE
Jim’s wife called our office and claimed she had purchased a home with the best view of The Biltmore and would like for us to re-design her home. Having just completed 1257 Mariola Court, I replied we already completed the home with the best view. Jim’s wife insisted we make site observations and agreed— her view was better.

THE BILTMORE HOTEL
From the beginning, our design intent was to keep The Biltmore as the star of the view. We re-designed broad terraces and larger windows facing The Biltmore, ensuring morning light and evening glow from The Biltmore could be celebrated. The home’s height was significantly increased. We increased the pitch of the roof to emulate Classical French Architecture favored by the Client. We needed the form to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood fabric on Mariola rather than the landmark across the fairways.

Material selection was important. Inspired by Coral Gables’ historic aesthetic, we incorporated stone interiors, warm stucco exteriors, dark tile roof, and hand-finished wood details to echo the craftsmanship of George Merrick’s Mediterranean vision. We paired these traditional touches with modern interventions—slender window frames, minimalist detailing on the interior, and sustainable building systems to comply with the State Energy Code— grounding the house in the present.

Inside, the plan was designed as a sequence of framed vistas. Almost every room opened toward the Biltmore. Those that did not, had doors that could be configured as open to reproduce the view. Simple circulation hallmarked by Classical European architecture. The outdoor living area had a pool that spanned The Biltmore on one side—loggia on the other, designed to blend leisure with perspective, much like The Biltmore’s own iconic arcades and verandas across the fairway.