ARCHITECT: Sol Fleischman, of FleischmanGarcia Architecture
BUILDER: Jim Kalemeris Construction
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Roger Duffala, of Duffala/Von Thaden
LIGHTING: Craig A. Roeder and Associates
Carl and Lyda Lindell’s love of art is on full display throughout their longtime South Tampa home.
Over half of their 450-plus-piece collection is showcased throughout their 9,800-square-foot waterfront slice of paradise.
“Art makes everything come alive,” says Carl, a multifamily developer and real estate lender.
Carl worked closely with friend Sol Fleischman, chairman and CEO of FleischmanGarcia Architecture, as the architect of the two-story, six-bedroom home; they visited design centers across the country together for inspiration. Roger Duffala, of Duffala/Von Thaden, contributed to the interior design, and commercial builder Jim Kalemeris Construction spent two years building the house. Completed in 1989, it won Best Custom Home that same year from the Builders Association of Greater Tampa.
“This is a classic, timeless house that still looks as good as it did on day one,” Fleischman says.
Its neoclassical style is grand, incorporating a two-story porte-cochère that Fleischman notes “makes a statement;” big, curved crown moldings; traditional detailing; a classical fireplace and a traditional stairwell. The molding was hand fabricated out of stucco for a smooth finish.
“It’s my dream house,” says Lyda, a doctor practicing functional medicine. The Lindells have been collecting art for decades, and their home reflects their eclectic taste, from old masters to contemporary artists. Many of the pieces were acquired during their world travels, including at art shows and seminars. They like to rotate the art, so guests never know what they’re going to see.
Their international collection includes paintings by French artists Fernand Léger, William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Paul Signac; a sculpture by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali; and works from Italy, Korea, Russia, Canada, Africa, Indonesia and beyond. Notable American works include glass by Dale Chihuly, sculpture by Frederick Hart and Alexander Calder, photography by Clyde Butcher, pop graphics by Roy Lichtenstein and a painting by Miguel Martinez.
“We designed the house around a lot of these major works,” Carl says. “We had to provide a lot of wall space.”
Beyond the walls and halls, art has found its way outside, prominently displayed around the pool and yard. There’s nothing quite like taking in a life-sized, colorful sculpture with a backdrop of the Bay, sky and sometimes dolphins or manatees. The house was designed with prominent water views, including through massive windows in the great room, Carl’s study, the workout room with a jacuzzi, and the master bedroom — Lyda’s favorite.
“It’s such a serene room,” Lyda says. “It’s a very peaceful view.”
One of the Lindells’ other favorite rooms, the ping-pong room, is Southwestern themed. There, you’ll find art by James Reynolds, John Nieto, Billy Schenck and Howard Post, inspired by Carl’s time living out West. Fittingly, Carl serves on board of the James Museum of Western Art in St. Petersburg.
“No room is the same,” Carl says. “They all have their own personality.”
The crowd-pleasing room tends to be the billiard and bar room, warm and comfortable with rich walnut and brass-coffered elements. The dining room also makes a statement, set apart three steps up and bordered by columns “so it has its own integrity,” Fleischman notes.
The Lindells enjoy entertaining and have generously hosted lavish gatherings sometimes topping 200 people, from weddings and charity events to military and political functions. Prestigious guests have included U.S. presidential candidate Lamar Alexander, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, CIA Director and U.S. Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Gens. Tommy Franks and Jay Hood.
Fleischman, a frequent visitor, has been impressed with how well the Lindells have maintained the home, upgrading the furniture, landscaping, patio and entire kitchen. Who knows what’s next? But a wise guess would be some new pieces of art.
Check out their neighbors’ waterfront home in Massive Modern Masterpiece.
