BEST NEW DRAMA

For a Naples, Florida, rebuild, Bobby McAlpine and Susan Ferrier join forces to create a sublime study in theatrical elegance.

- STEPHEN WALLIS

ON THE MOLD. AND PERHAPS THE COUTURE. Several years ago Elizabeth and Stanley Star decided to demolish their home of two decades in the Port Royal neighborhood of Naples, Florida, and rebuild on the same bayfront site. "It was a great family house, but we're in a different time and place in our lives, and it really needed some serious refreshing," Elizabeth says of the Mediterranean-style residence where she and Stanley-founder of the private-label juice producer Cliffstar Corporation raised their now-adult son from the time he was a teen.

They first considered renovating rather than rebuilding, but ultimately, says architect Bobby McAlpine, whom they hired for the project, "mold issues kind of pushed her over the edge. Or most likely gave her an excuse."

Call it an opportunity.

The property is on the widest section of Naples Bay, with enviable views across the water to mangroves beyond. And starting over meant they could create a more distinctively designed home, one tailored to how their tastes and needs and lifestyle have evolved. For Elizabeth, who was the driving force behind the project, that meant having areas for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining (she and Stanley are active in philanthropy), lots of multifunctional kitchen space, and a primary bedroom suite with generous walk-in closets. Hers especially.

"Elizabeth might tell you that the whole reason for the house was the closets," jokes interior designer Susan Ferrier. "She has such a beautiful collection of clothing, and a great deal of consideration went into those spaces."