REAL Exclusive Magazine

Design Lines – The Concession Golf Clubhouse

By Pamela Hughes

For this month’s column, I thought I’d write about a spectacular and very fun project that I have been working on with the famous fashion designer, Adrienne Vittadini.

Adrienne and I have spent almost two years designing the interior for The Concession Golf Clubhouse. The Concession Golf Club and Residences is being developed by Kevin Daves with an outstanding golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. The golf course was named “America’s Best New Private Golf Course” in 2006 by Golf Digest.

The Concession is named after the moment in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin on the final hole of the 1969 Ryder Cup. This “concession” resulted in the only tie score in the history of the Ryder Cup competition. Jack and Tony have become life-long friends since that day. What a great story! Our clubhouse had to be equally amazing.

We began our design with the interior architecture – developing elements for the floors, walls and ceilings, and incorporating details from Palladian architecture and other classical styles. Our design concept has been to create very residential, refined and comfortable interior spaces to complement the breathtaking natural beauty of The Concession landscape.

The Concession Golf Clubhouse will enhance the awesome 18-hole course by providing an extensive Pro Shop and a professionally outfitted men’s locker room with sauna, steam room and card room. The locker room has a striking cypress trussed ceiling and handsome custom-fitted wood lockers. The shower and bathroom areas are richly appointed with mahogany millwork and marble countertops and floors.

The men’s locker room lounge has a clear cypress ceiling with pecky cypress beams and a wonderful clear cypress bar. The floors are a remarkable Brazilian cherry and are covered with custom designed colorful rugs woven in traditional patterns in the mountains of Turkey by generations of rug artisans. Many of the furnishings are leather sofas and chairs imported from England.

The women’s locker room and lounge is equally superb. Softly feminine peacock blues and gentle off-whites create a subtle Swedish design motif. The bath and vanity areas have exquisite cream colored Italian marble on the floors and the countertops, with lovely painted millwork. A private room is reserved for brides and other special event needs. The lounge and locker room areas are truly restful and beautiful spaces.

Extraordinary public spaces will include a comfortable and stylish living room with an extravagant antique Baccarat crystal chandelier as its focal point. A sophisticated and understated rug was woven in Thailand incorporating the azure blues, soft greens and cream tones of the various fabrics used in the room. The details of the Palladian interior architecture show well in this room with a 24 foot ceiling, carved stone fireplace made in England and simple but elegant painted millwork.

The living room transitions to a marvelous bar area with English brown oak paneling, bookcases and leather barstools. From the bar, the grill room opens to expansive views of The Concession’s course and the special events area with its fanciful gazebo. Rich off-white damask draperies, an imported Axminster carpet and sparkling crystal chandeliers create an understated and appealing background. World renowned restaurateur Sean Murphy of The Beach Bistro is charged with overseeing the club’s dining options which include casual fare as well as haute cuisine.

Walking down the golf corridor, the emphasis on golf is evident. Prominently displayed is a painting of Jack and Tony by portraitist Alison Hill, as well as Ryder Cup photos collected by Jack and Tony, golf prints by the English golf aficionado Harold Riley and Jack’s design drawings of the actual course.

As to art and accessories throughout the clubhouse, Adrienne and I met in Paris, both of us scouring the European markets for unique finds. In addition, we researched the Sarasota galleries and selected paintings and prints from various artists. One particular artist from Monhegan Island, Maine, the esteemed Ted Tihansky, an Edward Hopper protégé, will be painting on site, translating the foliage and natural environment of The Concession into large canvases to be used throughout the clubhouse.

With regard to the lighting, all interior and exterior decorative lighting fixtures were designed literally on the factory floor in Los Angeles by Adrienne, Kevin and I to achieve a unique and appropriate look for all areas. We researched antique fixtures and archives for styling and materials to complement the classical details inherent in the architecture.

The Concession Golf Clubhouse will officially open this fall. It is an exciting endeavor for golfers, diners and designers!

Pamela Hughes, the founder and owner of Hughes Design Associates, is well known nationally and internationally. Hughes Design Associates is one of the premier interior design firms known throughout North America for specializing in prestigious custom interiors. In Sarasota, Pamela has completed many exceptional projects including The Ritz-Carlton, The Members’ Beach Club, The Tower Residences, and Plaza at Five Points. Her portfolio also includes some of the most luxurious and distinctive residences in Sarasota. Pamels’s work has been published in the best interior design magazines such as Architectural Digest and Veranda, as well as numerous other publications. Also, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) featured her in the program, “Public Places, Private Spaces”, showcasing her work on the Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia, and a luxurious private home in Chicago. In addition to their work in Sarasota, Pamela and her firm design projects throughout the US, Canada, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  Pamela Hughes may be reached at 941.922.4767 or visit www.hughesdes.com. 

Click here to view Pamela Hughes’ interior design at The Concession Golf Clubhouse

Photo: Adrienne Vittadini Left, Pamela Hughes Right