By Jessica O’Reilly
Photos by Matthew Gane
Simultaneously eclectic and traditional, inviting and sophisticated, this home truly reflects its owner.
Nestled among craftsman-style homes, tin roof bungalows, and sleepy live oaks, at the southern end of St. Augustine’s historic Washington Street, lies “Villa del Lago,” a Mediterranean Revival beauty overlooking Lincolnville’s Maria Sanchez Lake. The 2,540 square-foot-home, owned by Candace “Candy” Carroll was built in 1924 and designed by renowned architect, F.A. Hollingsworth, who was also credited with designing the St. Augustine Waterworks Pumping Station (1898) and Ketterlinus High School (1928).
We begin the tour of Villa del Lago through the back courtyard entrance, a serene setting with echoes of a trickling water fountain and rustling palm fronds. The home’s original carport was converted into a veranda for enjoying meals alfresco, with views of the glistening pool and mature, manicured landscaping that frame a stunning sculpture by Enzo Torcoletti, a world-renowned sculptor who serves as Emeritus Professor of Art at Flagler College. Torcoletti’s modern “Eve” sculpture makes for an intriguing juxtaposition with the fourteenth-century Venetian marble wellhead situated in an adjacent garden on the north side of the home.
Upon entering Villa del Lago, I am immediately struck by how the interior walls feature intricate plaster and wood molding that creates a gallery space for Candy’s eclectic mix of art, antiques, and family heirlooms. It quickly becomes apparent that everything in the home has its own unique history and story.
Candy shares the home with her longtime friend and partner, Dan Holiday. When asked which room she and Dan use the most, it is an easy answer – the dining room. “Every night we sit down and have dinner in the dining room. We always have candles. We always have wine. We always fully set the table, every night.”
Vibrant colors from the 150-year-old Heriz oriental area rug complement the terracotta walls and blue Ming porcelain vases that are displayed on the Italian burled wood buffet. Candy’s grandmother, Betty Smith, authored the beloved novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and she sits beautifully and confidently in a black-and-white print framed by the home’s original ornate molding.
The living room, stairwell, and Florida room have a similar theme. Nearly every piece reflects a part of Candy’s family history, artistic acumen, or love for travel. In the hallway and stairwell, Candy strategically hung Dan’s antique maps of Florida and St. Augustine to complement the decorative molding. St. Augustine’s rich history is incredibly important to Candy. She was the benefactor of the Ponce de Leon Statue in the Guana Preserve, located at 30 degrees, 8 minutes north latitude, now known as the site of discovery for Ponce de Leon’s “La Florida.” She undertook the project to ensure Florida’s discovery was not lost to us. “I’ll tell you, there are not that many things I’ve done that I’m proud of, but I am really proud that Ponce de Leon got the recognition that he deserves,” Candy says. “I felt really strongly about it. I caught the fever from Dan.”
Not only was I going back through history, musing about the antique maps of Florida and family heirlooms, but I was transported to different corners of the world as Candy walked me through Villa del Lago and its various treasures. “A lot of our things come from travels. Dan and I, that is what we live for, to travel.” Exemplary pieces include a sixteenth-century Piranesi print; prints from Capri and Positano; a rustic, engraved credenza from Mexico; and a collection of Chinese chops made from jade, quartz, and soapstone. At the bottom of the stairs, a century-old Chinese bamboo chest is decorated with live orchids and more heirlooms from Candy’s grandmother.
The outdoor terrace is lit by a chandelier, with glass droplets hanging from the fixture. Candy said she was inspired by the outdoor chandeliers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico that are decorated with “Tears of Angels,” which the glass droplets represent.
Candy purchased the home in 1989 and immediately knew it had to be hers. At the time, she was single and starting out on her own, trying to scrape together what she had, “which was nothing.” She was determined, and states, “I hung in there. I would not turn loose. I hung in there, and I finally got it.” Virtually everything in the home is original construction. From the crown molding, to the doors, to the fireplace finished with faience tiles, which are fire-tin glaze pottery on a delicate, pale buff earthenware. The exterior is original as well. A gold and blue St. Augustine crest welcomes guests who come through the double front doors, adorned with more faience tiles. “I think it is the only house to have the colored St. Augustine crest on it. If there is another one, I would love for someone to let me know.”
Villa del Lago underwent two major restorations after Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. Coenraad van Rensburg, owner of Latitudes, a company that specializes in restoring historic buildings, meticulously refurbished the original plaster molding, the original tiles, and the original carpentry throughout the home. There are virtually no signs that the home has weathered two floods within the last three years. While Candy was able to save some of her antiques after the storms, most of the furniture was replaced. When asked about her interior design choices, Candy either finds a unique piece that has a story, or she goes with what she likes. “I love orchids, and I always have them. I love the color of ivory. If I had my way, everything would be the color ivory. You just don’t even have to think about it.” Her design choices may also come from someplace deeper. For example, when talking about the green wallcovering in the Florida room, she says, “My grandmother always considered the color green good luck for her. And, I think that it’s in my subconscious, because I can’t imagine why anybody would put up green grass paper.”
Simultaneously eclectic and traditional, inviting and sophisticated, the home truly reflects its owner, who lovingly named it Villa de Lago, simply because, “It was the perfect name for the house. It needed a name.” The architectural details, combined with Candy’s personal touch, truly make this home special. When I compliment Candy on how she has seamlessly integrated the original artwork, the antiques, and her unique travel mementos to complement the Mediterranean Revival architecture, she replies, “It just turned out. I don’t know what else to say.”