Historic Home Relocated to Jacksonville Waterfront Estate

A historic Jacksonville property has been transformed into a modern waterfront estate, featuring a 1902 house that was physically moved to the site. 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. This unusual approach to development honors the essence of old Florida while raising the client’s affinity for an organic modern aesthetic.

A physician couple’s vision for nature

The homeowners are physicians Rebekah and Erez Sternberg, who purchased the four-acre property with a specific goal in mind. They wanted a place where their family of four, including two young boys, could slow down, roam freely, and feel immersed in nature. This desire to support a strong connection to the outdoors was central to the home’s design.

Because the project was a ground-up build, the design firm South Harlow Interiors had the opportunity to influence the home from its earliest stages. The scope began with full architectural plan reviews in close collaboration with the architect, developing multiple space plans and refining the layout through a series of thoughtful revisions.

While the architecture established the structure, the materials were chosen to give the modern home warmth and character. Rebekah was especially passionate about incorporating authentic, natural elements throughout the interiors, leading the team to layer flagstone, warm woods, hand-applied plaster, woven rattan, and richly textured textiles. These choices create a home that feels grounded, timeless, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

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Connecting inside and out

Equally important was creating a seamless relationship between the interior and exterior. The design team used expansive walls of glass, oversized windows, and large sliding doors to blur the boundaries between inside and out. This allows the surrounding setting and water views to become an integral part of everyday living.

Entertaining was another defining consideration. The Sternbergs envisioned a home that would naturally bring together family and friends, so the kitchen and dining spaces were designed as one expansive gathering area. 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.

The contrast between the old and new elements of the property is striking. The original structure, now a guest house, retains its historic character while the main residence offers a sleek, modern counterpoint. This juxtaposition reflects a broader trend in luxury real estate where preservation and innovation are not mutually exclusive but are instead combined to create spaces that feel both rooted and contemporary.