Island Home

A Place to Call Home

BY DICKIE ANDERSON PHOTOS BY NEAL SMITH, ECVT PHOTOGRAPHY

Bobbi and Peter Newland first discovered Amelia Island while attending a private equity investor conference on the island. After many moves and homes around the country, including North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, and Nebraska, they knew when they retired they wanted to be in a warm climate near the water. The couple enjoys scuba diving, and they have many treasures from their dives, so beach and water are very important to them. Amelia Island fit their criteria perfectly.

While conforming to the requirements of Amelia Park, the couple was able to design the perfect space to suit their lifestyle and house their treasured art and family antiques. They sketched out their ideas, then enlisted the help of their son, Scott, and daughter-in-law,

Colleen, both talented architects. Every inch of the house has been thoughtfully planned. Like many people considering downsizing, the Newland’s knew they had to create a well-designed space for their needs.

Their front entrance opens onto a shared park space with shade trees and plantings. A generous front porch has several seating areas, featuring some of Bobbi’s collected treasures. The garage is located at the back of the house and opens onto a common alley. An intimate patio area is tucked against the house next to the garage. The home has lots of places to enjoy the inviting Florida climate.

Once in the front door, you are drawn into a dramatic open living area with a soaring ceiling that is 18 feet high. The kitchen area flows into a cozy space with a stone fireplace that reaches to the ceiling. Around the corner, the backside of the fireplace features a smaller, more intimate area for conversation and relaxation.

The house and its décor reflect the couple’s many interests. Each piece of art displayed throughout the home is special to the couple and has a story. Some of the artists represented include Bill and Kathleen Maurer, Tony Van Hasselt, Andy Evanston, David Nackashi, and close friend Ruth Igoe. A large painting with warm marsh-like images hangs on the far wall in the dining room; it was purchased while the couple lived in Omaha.

Much of the displayed art is by talented family members, including Peter, son Scott, and daughter-in-law Colleen. In addition to the artwork on the walls, the couple has a pottery collection with pieces by Trish Tipton (Slightly Off Center), Robert and Beverly Combs (Bright Sky Pottery), and Sandra Baker-Hinton.

Bobbi shared that many of the decorative accessories in the house were found in shops on the island. She found many pieces at Eight Flags Antique Mall; it’s where the Newlands found the

two large sailboats that are above their kitchen cabinets.

Bobbi shared that downsizing meant choosing what to keep and what to let go. Their antiques are family treasures with precious memories. Each has a special area. Peter has a small office space where he can indulge in his love of painting, and Bobbi has a little sittingand-reading area off the master bedroom that is made cozy by family photos and antiques.

The Newlands love the convenient location of their home. They enjoy the intimacy of Amelia Park and their neighbors. Bobbi volunteered for the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour for seven years. The last three were spent as chair of the House Captains. They enjoy their rounds of golf and are active in the life of the First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach.

Their move to Amelia Island has been a good one for the Newlands. They have a lifestyle suited to their many interests and a home designed for memories yet to come.