Lilypad – Palm Beach
Designed by craftsman and owner Chuck Anderson, Lilypad takes design cues from Mediterranean interiors – we take a look inside the truly unique luxury floating eco villa.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Ian Davidson
Members and guests can even arrive to Lilypad by boat or seaplane! Photo: Ian Davidson
Owner and craftsman Chuck Anderson grew up sailing and wanted the often inaccessible experience of an home experience on the water to be more widely available to others. Photo: Ian Davidson
Lilypad is completely powered by solar panels, it has no fuel onboard, yet luxury and function have not been compromised. Photo: Ian Davidson
Lilypad first opened its doors 2 years ago, yet the opening was short lived. The luxury solar-powered eco home located off Palm Beach was destroyed after an accidental fire, causing extreme damage to the floating villa.
Lucky for us, Lilypad has been reincarnated, and even more beautiful than the first instalment.
‘The intention for both Lilypad and Lilypad II was to combine innovative design with traditional craftsmanship and modern luxuries to build a unique and exceptional space. I wanted to pay homage to the unspoiled environment in which Lilypad resides and allow guests to feel totally immersed in this awe-inspiring space,’ says Chuck Anderson, owner and craftsman.
The villa offers a ‘complete walk on, walk off service’ with transfers, gourmet private-chef-prepared meals, a self-drive personal vessel, and loads of other lavish options – you can fly in on a seaplane if you want to!
Updated offerings for guests also include an onboard infrared sauna powered by solar and a roman tiled outdoor shower.
Taking its design cues from the Mediterranean, Lilypad features lime wash rendered walls, terracotta accents, cream linens and natural materials throughout the interior and exterior spaces. Lilypad has also teamed up with designer McMullin & Co and linen bedding by CULTIVER, to create a truly sophisticated luxury vibe.
There’s more to Lilypad than just good looks, the home has a firm focus on sustainability and is 100% solar powered, ‘The villa allows guests to indulge in absolute luxury whilst enjoying a true eco escape,’ says Chuck.
‘It’s the perfect venue to either reset from the world in ultimate comfort or host friends and colleagues in a way they have never experienced. The innovative engineering allows for stability whilst on board whilst still enjoying the rhythmic motion of the water, a feature that our guests have been delighted in,’ he adds. We can’t wait to visit!
‘We always wanted to create a space and service that would eliminate the pitfalls of the traditional boating experience whilst amplifying the best, and we have certainly accomplished that,’ says Chick Anderson. Photo: Ian Davidson
“We always wanted to create a space and service that would eliminate the pitfalls of the traditional boating experience whilst amplifying the best.”
‘The addition of the sauna is evocative of a European chalet in winte,r while the outdoor shower and indoor/outdoor living means when the weather is warmer, there is nowhere else guests would rather be,’ says Chuck Anderson.
Arches and warm accents can be found in the interior spaces. Photo: Ian Davidson
The Mediterranean-inspred interior features a calm and neutral palette. Photo: Ian Davidson