A Bali-Inspired Seaside Sanctuary in Cebu

With a breathtaking view of Camotes Sea, Magellan Bay, Mactan, this homeowner knew what she wanted from the get-go—make the most of the vista and build a seaside sanctuary where she and her family can relax and unwind. And as an interior designer, she had plenty of ideas in mind. She immediately translated her vision into floor plan sketches that were eventually handed over to an architect-friend to formalize the house plans.

The homeowner’s wishlist for her home by the sea had a few items. One, she wanted the home to blend into its natural environment. Wall-to-ceiling glass, sliding glass doors, and a rail-less staircase allowed for a seamless flow. She also wanted the swimming pool to be a couple of steps away from the house, inspired by a home she visited in Bali during a trip to Indonesia. Injecting a bit of warmth and a personal feel into the space are family heirlooms from their old house in Cebu City.

Apart from the huge effort put into ensuring the view as the focal point, the homeowner did not lose sight of what’s important. She expresses this sentiment well in this statement: “I wanted to have that same sense of having everything nearby, of being able to see and hear all the goings-on, even if I was upstairs and everything was happening downstairs. The home is big, but you still get the sense that the space is cozy and small because everything seems to be so close.” And this closeness, pertaining to both the physical and familial, makes their house with a spectacular sight a home—a cozy yet welcoming space not just for the family, but for their guests as well.

Read the original article ("By the Sea") in the April 2016 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App. Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.