A space to gather

A Hilton Head Family designs another residence with gathering and rest in mind.

Story by Libby O’Regan + Photos by John McManus

When you envision your luxury vacation home, what are your “must haves?” For the owners of this oceanfront Hilton Head Island property, it was a luxurious residence designed to gather and rest.

From New Jersey, this family is fortunate enough to also have designed and built another home right next door. When this side-by-side property became available, they jumped at the opportunity to have two homes next to each other where they could host even larger gatherings and increase their rental income.

Having worked with Group 3 Designs on the first home, the owners reached out to Group 3 Designs again for the architecture, interior design, and home furnishings and accessories.

“Since we had worked together before and it was successful, we had a lot of freedom to explore the design,” said Mike Ruegamer, principal at Group 3 Designs. “The owners were not as involved in this home (as they were the first) because we had built such a rapport and trust. They also liked that we do both the architecture and the interiors, so the process was really seamless.”

Of course, the owners knew a few things that they wanted, though. First, they wanted a symmetrically designed exterior for that harmonious, simple but grand aesthetic. They also wanted to maximize the views of the ocean. They wanted high-end finishes and unique details. Above all, they wanted to create spaces where family and guests could gather together and connect, or rest and recharge.

“We designed several seating areas to achieve the goal of gathering,” said Group 3 Designs interior designer, Taylor Robinson. There are multiple living rooms (downstairs and upstairs), several distinct seating areas throughout the home, a sundeck, a large outdoor dining and seating space, and even a cozy nook in the dining room.

“Being together is extremely important to this family, so we created a home where it all works to do just that,” said Ruegamer. “The plan is an open one that has excellent flow from room to room, but there are spots all over for a quiet respite.”

For design details, Group 3 went with a coastal look that is both casual and upscale. Shiplap is a consistent theme throughout the home, and there are unique touches like tiled columns that coordinate with kitchen tiling. The staircase is grand with several large, lantern-style chandeliers that set an impressive stage upon entry. The dining space is anything but formal with book shelves, coastal accessories, and a nook with soft seating and pillows. It’s a truly livable space that delivers exactly what the homeowners were looking for.

The home team

Architecture: Group 3, Mike Ruegamer
Interior Design: Group 3, Mike Ruegamer, Taylor Robinson
Builder: Paragon Construction Stone & Tile: Stoneworks
Plumbing Fixtures: Cregger Company
Custom Cabinets: Litchfield Cabinetry  Paint: Benjamin Moore
Pool: Quality Pool  Furniture: Group 3 through Pyramids
Accessories, Artwork, Lighting, Bedding & Rugs: Group 3 through Pyramids