It all started with the intention to build a small house and buy a bigger yacht. Instead, Boone and Debbie Kenyon opted for a bigger–much bigger–house and a smaller yacht.

For 18 years, the couple had lived simultaneously in a small condo and aboard their well-appointed four-bedroom, 64-foot Hatteras motor yacht. In 2002, with a move afoot to sell their homeport marina in Mandeville, the Kenyons decided to build. It might be said that they went a little overboard with the “small house” concept–they chose a roomy, 12,286-square-foot home!

The decidedly English architectural styling, designed by the Houston firm of Carmichael & Dame, is emphasized by a majestic Texas limestone exterior. The use of both limestone and Brazilian cherry flooring throughout the home’s interior adds an exquisite touch.

Constructed by Mandeville builder Tony Giambelluca, Iris Manor is located on a secluded 10-acre tract on a quiet bayou surrounded by wetlands rich in flora and fauna. Seeking not to stray too far inland, the Kenyons enjoy a private still-water port. The 150-foot dock accommodates their third and most recent boat, Aku-Aku III, named after the couple’s two beloved African Grey parrots-one of which lived to be 47 years old, the other to age 26.

With an engineering and construction background, Boone lived and worked in Africa during the late ’70s. He has owned northshore-based B & K Construction since 1978. Echoing the couple’s world travels, both African and nautical influences are incorporated throughout the home.

Debbie’s sister, Belinda Heck, was instrumental in helping the couple with interior design. Centuries-old tribal dowry masks adorn an upstairs wall in the weight room, and an adjacent shower is cleverly designed just like that found on a boat. The walls of the billiard room exhibit a series of nautical paintings by artist John McCray.

Elegant block paneling is featured in the family room, which displays a prominent geometric ceiling pattern, a repetition of the iron design found in the home’s central staircase. Just inside the foyer, the dramatic stair hall is strategically placed well to the left of the main entrance to insure the best feng shui for the space.

The Kenyons are avid believers in the benefits of utilizing the ancient art to capture positive energy called ch’i. Stated simply, feng shui principles evaluate a building’s unique energy and its resultant effects on the building’s occupants. Calculations are made and remedies prescribed where necessary in order to balance the energy for a positive effect.

Debbie’s Italian heritage is also expressed in the home, as well as her love for antiques. A beautifully etched glass door reads “Lavanderia” and provides an elegant entrance to what must surely be one of the prettiest laundry rooms to be found. Linking herself to the past, Debbie incorporated warm reminders of her childhood with the addition of an old wash sink and antique sewing machine like the one she remembers her grandmother using. “I have a very fond attachment to the past, and the addition of old things also gives a new house some age.”

Debbie is affectionately known to neighborhood youngsters as “the Hummer Lady,” a reference to her passion for the favored vehicle she drives. The Mississippi native admits her enjoyment of travel, adventure and the element of surprise. “You wouldn’t have to twist my arm too far to get me to give up Iris Manor in favor of living onboard again. I miss the freedom–and all your belongings are with you, so you don’t have to pack!

After spending many years in more confined spaces, Debbie spends much of her time in several favored corners of the house, one of which is the kitchen. The warm and inviting space features a cherry on cherry, deep chocolate finish on the cabinetry and a gilded, domed ceiling in the breakfast room to create an elegant setting.

The customized kitchen features several hidden appliances, including a second, pint-sized refrigerator designed with the grandchildren in mind. A unique countertop styling features half wood and half granite, with the stone coloration reminiscent of sand as water washes over it.

Further evidence of the Kenyon’s love of the ocean is vividly revealed in the swimming pool. The water reflects the color of the Adriatic Sea, and a unique chemistry process offers therapeutic silky saltwater that is algae-free.

More of the old world is brought into play with the addition of a vintage claw foot tub and pedestal sink in one of the guest baths. Debbie admits that the baths are “a little over the top,” with marble floors and crystal chandeliers, but she delights in making her guests feel like they’re on vacation by experiencing “everyday elegance with a touch of whimsy.”

The Kenyons also built special quarters for their menagerie of pets: Oreo, a guinea pig; Simon, a cockatiel; and four rather spoiled Maltese canines named Humphrey Bogart, Woodrow Wilson, Anastasia and Beatrix Potter. Their private palace comes complete with a full-sized sofa, chairs, television, refrigerator, microwave and grooming area. A doggie door opens onto a private courtyard.

It’s safe to say that the Kenyons might have a hard time convincing their brood to return to onboard living!

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.