New Home Rises Beside Historic Inn

A four-acre waterfront property in Jacksonville, Florida, is now home to a modern primary residence, built adjacent to a historic 1902 guest house. The historic home was floated down the river and has been preserved as a guest house, according to interior designer Erika Gervin of South Harlow Interiors.

The homeowners, Rebekah and Erez Sternberg, are physicians in the Jacksonville area. They came to South Harlow Interiors through a mutual friend and were involved throughout the design process, bringing creative input from start to finish.

When they purchased the property, one of the couple’s primary goals was to create a space where their family could slow down and feel immersed in nature. Erika Gervin explains that creating a strong connection to the outdoors was central to the home’s design. She achieved this by incorporating elements that bring the outside in.

Expansive walls of glass and oversized windows blur the boundaries between inside and out, allowing the surrounding water views to become an integral part of everyday living. This seamless relationship between the interior and exterior was a key consideration in the design process.

The project was a ground-up build, giving South Harlow Interiors the opportunity to influence the home from its earliest stages. Erika Gervin worked closely with the architect to develop multiple space plans and refine the layout until it perfectly reflected the family’s lifestyle and priorities. They developed a design that met the family’s needs.

With the architecture established, attention turned to the materials that would give the modern structure warmth and character. Rebekah Sternberg was passionate about incorporating authentic, natural elements throughout the interiors, including flagstone, warm woods, and hand-applied plaster. These materials were chosen to add warmth to the space.

Related: Historic Portland home marries old-world charm

These materials, combined with woven rattan and richly textured textiles, create a home that feels grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to its surroundings. The use of natural materials was a deliberate choice, intended to honor the essence of old Florida while also reflecting the family’s affinity for an organic modern aesthetic.

Entertaining was another key consideration in the design process. The Sternbergs envisioned a home that would naturally bring together family and friends, so South Harlow Interiors designed the kitchen and dining spaces as one expansive gathering area.

The heart of the home is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind organic dining table large enough to comfortably seat thirteen guests. This table serves as the centerpiece of the home, a place where memories are made over shared meals and meaningful conversations.

The Sternbergs‘ vision for their home has been realized, with a space that feels expansive yet intimate, modern yet rooted in its surroundings. The design process was a true collaboration, with Erika Gervin and the Sternbergs working together to create a home that reflects their values and lifestyle.

Tour the home in the slideshow.