Old meets new, quite literally, on this four-acre waterfront property in Jacksonville, Florida. “The newly completed architecturally modern primary residence sits adjacent to the property’s original 1902 historic home, which was floated down the river and now serves as a guest house,” says interior designer Erika Gervin of South Harlow Interiors. “Sitting on over four acres of lush landscape and ancient oak trees, the home honors the essence of old Florida while elevating and honoring our client’s affinity for an organic modern aesthetic.”
The homeowners are Rebekah and Erez Sternberg, both physicians in the Jacksonville area. “They came to South Harlow Interiors through a mutual friend, and from our very first meeting there was an immediate sense of connection,” Erika says. “They were deeply involved throughout the entire design process, bringing thoughtful creative input from start to finish—from the overall mood and aesthetic they envisioned to the careful selection of colors, textiles, and natural materials.”
When they purchased the property, one of the couple’s primary goals was to give their family a place where they could truly slow down, roam freely, and feel immersed in nature. “As a family of four with two young boys, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors was central to the home’s design,” Erika explains. “Equally important was creating a seamless relationship between the interior and exterior. Expansive walls of glass, oversized windows, and large sliding doors blur the boundaries between inside and out, allowing the surrounding landscape and water views to become an integral part of everyday living.”
Because the project was a ground-up build, South Harlow Interiors had the opportunity to influence the home from its earliest stages. “Our scope began with comprehensive architectural plan reviews in close collaboration with the architect, developing multiple space plans and refining the layout through a series of thoughtful revisions until it perfectly reflected the family’s lifestyle, routines, and priorities,” Erika shares.
With the architecture established, attention turned to the materials that would give the modern structure warmth and character. “It played an equally important role in telling the home’s story,” she says. “Rebekah was especially passionate about incorporating authentic, natural elements throughout the interiors, leading us to layer flagstone, warm woods, hand-applied plaster, woven rattan, and richly textured textiles. Together, these materials create a home that feels grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to its surroundings.”
Entertaining was another defining consideration. “The Sternbergs envisioned a home that would naturally bring together family and friends, so we designed the kitchen and dining spaces as one expansive gathering area,” she notes. “The heart of the home became a remarkable, one-of-a-kind organic dining table large enough to comfortably seat thirteen guests. More than just a furnishing, it serves as the centerpiece of the home—a place where memories are made over shared meals and meaningful conversations.”
That table is perhaps the clearest expression of what the Sternbergs hoped to create: a house that feels expansive yet intimate, modern yet rooted in its surroundings, and designed as much for gathering as for retreat. “Working with Rebekah and Erez was a true collaboration in every sense,” Erika shares. “Their trust, enthusiasm, and shared vision made the design process incredibly rewarding, and what began as a client relationship ultimately grew into a lasting friendship.”
Tour the home in the slideshow.
