Channeling her artistic and architectural expertise, Sylvi Herrick transformed the worst house on the best street into a marsh-side dream home for her family.
Eight years ago, California dwellers Sylvi Herrick and Matthias Herzog were itching for a change of environment and scenery, and quickly found themselves fixated on St. Augustine. “We wanted to move to a small town, on the water, where the water is warm, and where there’s a college [I could teach at]. Plus, I wanted to ride my bike to work. St. Augustine is kind of it,” said Sylvi.
And so, they set out across the country with a lofty ambition. As if their move from Oakland wasn’t a daunting enough undertaking, they decided to do something monumental — transform what they considered to be the worst house on the best street into their family dream home.
ARCHITECTURAL ARTISTRY
As a child, Sylvi received hands-on building experience working with her carpenter grandfather. “I grew up banging nails with him,” she said. This seed planted early on found its growth through Sylvi’s interest in 2D and 3D design, and her experience in fashion school. “A house is really like clothing. All the seams are on the inside. I actually think fashion is more complicated than houses because clothes have to move,” she said.
Architecturally speaking, Sylvi has spent time working directly alongside an architect during her 15 years of teaching. And having previously renovated a California bungalow, Sylvi developed an innate understanding of what it takes to bring a project of such magnitude to life. “If you’ve done these projects before, you know what’s possible,” she said. “I know how long it takes to put in five toilets. And I know how long it takes to tile a certain amount of space.” As a result, the revival time was a rapid-fire six months, start to finish.
Together, utilizing Sylvi’s artistry, fashion design background, interest in 3D arts, and Matthias’s engineering background and solar technology savvy, they executed what is now their Water Street estate along the marsh. “We knew we wanted to find an old house that we could update with everything technologically forward, but keep all the old elements and character,” said Sylvi.
At the time of their purchase, the home was in such a poor state, those who knew it assumed it was left for dead and bulldozer-ready. After some waiting, this property that had been in the same family for 100 years, became Sylvi and Matthias’s. And so began the transformation of this two-story, vacant shell. Because the home had no preexisting architectural detail, Sylvi was given a blank canvas to work with.
A CONSCIOUS TRANSFORMATION
When they acquired the home, the rooms were closed off, and the space as a whole was compartmentalized. “We changed the shape but not the footprint, building up, and around,” explained Sylvi.
Walls were were ripped out. Elements were exposed. A popcorn drop ceiling was removed. Barn-style beams were revealed. Original heart pine floors were unearthed, and finished by simply coating in beeswax. “Everything is about trying to keep things chemical free and natural,” said Sylvi.
In addition to installing new electrical, new plumbing, and swapping out windows to meet hurricane protection standards, one of the biggest advances in the home is the use of solar energy. Ninety percent of their home is powered by solar energy, thanks to Matthias’s background as a solar engineer. For the two, the use of solar is a no brainer decision.
OPEN DOWNSTAIRS DWELLING
Throughout the downstairs dwelling space, interior walls were opened up, allowing for a natural, uninterrupted flow from one room to the next. An expansive kitchen supports Sylvi’s love of cooking and entertaining. A back-pantry baking area turns into a bar when they host parties. In addition to the open living, kitchen, and dining space, the first floor includes a library, and an added Florida (sun)room, serving as an art oasis for Noora and Siena.
INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATIONS
The home tells a collective story of heritage and the places Sylvi and Matthias have experienced. Matthias is from Switzerland, while Sylvi has Estonian roots. Collectively and individually the two have traveled intensively, sourcing inspiration from around the world. Sylvi’s visual inspirations come from places she’s not only lived, but cultures she’s fully immersed herself in, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Japan.
VOGUE-INSPIRED MASTER BATH
Upstairs, situated directly above the Florida room is the addition of a master bath— a different type of oasis. The space blends classic touches like a sleek, free-standing bathtub, with an open, glass walk-through shower. The space incorporates Moroccan cement tiles and Venetian Plaster. Here, floor to ceiling windows mean not only an uninterrupted view of the marsh — on nights with a full moon, bath by moonlight is a reality.
ART SANCTUARY
Climbing up a ladder takes you from the second floor sleeping quarters to a third floor addition — Sylvi’s art studio. This studio concept was a dream she had for her last home, and was finally able to bring to life. This is her spiritual place where all of her deepest and profound moments occur, and where she is creating work she considers her poetry — her paintings.
Now that she’s finished with this dream home renovation, becoming known for her paintings is the last thing remaining on Sylvi’s bucket list. In her latest body of work she’s setting out to explore subjects including feminist issues, sexuality, and race.
To learn more about Sylvi and view her work, visit her online.
