The Shipwreck House Asks $4.85 M

Oo-tray, the name of this contemporary home on Figure Eight Island, goes over and above the norm in breaking the mold in architecture and design, boasting 4,056 square feet with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a rooftop cabana, and pool with 360-degree views of the Intracoastal waterway and Atlantic ocean. Its unconventional appearance is meant to look and feel like a ship with its practical use of materials and unique details. The maritime motif even extends to a historic shipwreck discovered on the property.

"We decided to name the house Oo-tray. Meaning, passing the bounds of what is usual or considered proper; unconventional; bizarre. I thought it was fitting because the house is not normal. I wanted it to feel like a ship. I wanted everything to be built-in and the kitchen to have the galley feel with appliances tucked around the corner. I also wanted the guest bedrooms to be equal to the master with the views seen from each balcony." – owners, Will & Christy Spencer.

On April 17, 1877, a lumber schooner, the John S. Lee, was lost at sea. One hundred thirty-eight years later, a family set out to build a home on the site of the shipwreck. The remains of the old schooner were discovered just below the sand of this Figure Eight Island home. The new beach home is built like a well-designed ship, paying homage to the John S. Lee, crafted from wood, able to weather a Category 5 hurricane while affording access to sun, view, and sea breezes from every vantage.

The fourth floor of the home is a favorite, offering 360-degree views from a pool that has a firepit on one side and faces a seating area created from the stern of a boat. The bow of the boat, once U.S. Navy hull built in 1971, is used as a bar inside the rooftop cabana separated from the outdoor area by folding glass doors. Holly and teak inlay floors, porthole windows, doors that resemble boat hatches, and an all stainless-steel bathroom, with a marine head and sink, truly make the top floor look and feel like a boat. You're able to enjoy both an ocean view and an Intracoastal view while entertaining guests in the pool. A two-inch-thick clear acrylic panel holds the water in the stainless-steel pool.

The exterior includes mahogany wood, concrete board, and glass. This allows for low maintenance where the exterior can be cleaned with a boat brush and hose. The wraparound deck creates comfortable outdoor living and resembles a ship deck. The interior of the home is minimalistic and consistent with the exterior. Sapele mahogany trim frames all the windows while white walls, wormy maple floors, and glass railings are used throughout. Organic nesting pendants hang above the entry, and a blue quartz wall feature greets guests as they turn towards the open living spaces. The main living areas are open and clean; the bedrooms and bathrooms boast an upscale boutique hotel look and feel. A bold and colorful wallcovering can be found in the powder room bath while the master bathroom has floor-to-ceiling wall tile and exotic Brazilian countertops.