Southern Comfort

The open two story foyer features rough marble flooring, a grand piano and most dramatically, an elegant floating staircase that gracefully curves up to the second floor. The staircase, handmade by Murray Fox, is the piéce de résistance of the foyer. “We love it because it is very elegant; it makes a statement,” Cheryl Bender says. “It took months and months to make, because he makes it all on site.” Photos by Johan Roetz Resources: Builder: Gray Homes of Tampa Bay, Inc.; Designer: Randall Smith, Plan Source; Wood flooring: American Walnut, Florida Hardwood Floor Supplies and Southern Hardwood Floors; Stone flooring: Gulf Tile; Countertops: Granite and onyx, Custom Marble Works; Cabinetry: Park Avenue Designs; Copper range hood and kitchen sink: Texas Light Smith; Appliances: Wolf dual-fuel range; Sub-Zero refrigerator; Interior lighting design consultant: Melanie Farrell Designs; Windows: Andersen Windows, ProBuild Supply; Pool: Landmark Pools; Landscaping: Tommy Todd Landscaping; Staircase: Murray Fox, Inc.; Window coverings: Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa