With swaying palm trees, twelve-foot iron double doors, and a sandy-colored travertine front porch, approaching the home of young entrepreneurs Eric and Christina Suh feels like you’re stepping into a Mediterranean getaway. “We have four kids (sons Eric Jr. (13), Eddie (12), Scott (6), and daughter, Stephanie (2.5)), so we can’t travel as much as we’d like. We wanted our home to feel like we’re always at a relaxing getaway,” Christina says.
By Candice Graham
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The Suh Family Eric and Christina Suh with their children
(l to r) Eddie, Scott, Eric Jr., and Stephanie
Built by Dexter W. White Construction, the relaxing resort feel is achieved from floods of natural light that stream easily through walls of glass around an open floor plan. Glass doors in several rooms lead out to the porch and pool area, and allow a view of the outside to be seen even when relaxing.“It’s almost like you’re bringing the outdoors in,” says Christina.
The entryway floors are a luxurious dark crosscut emperador marble that leads visitors into a foyer area used when entertaining guests. Thick moldings, arched doorways, and tray and coffered ceilings add an intricate attention to detail and a touch of luxe to the home.
Moving from the entry area is the family’s office which has glass double doors which further reinforce a feeling of openness to the rest of the home. Views of the palm trees outside can be seen from the office window, which brings more of the Mediterranean influence from the outside. “The palm trees were something that caught our eye when we were searching for a home,” says Christina. “We wanted something different from the other homes in the area, and this is unlike anything else we’d seen.”
The Suhs’ Infinity Pool
The master bedroom is a continuation of gradating tones of sandy tan and chocolate brown used throughout the interior. Pops of deep red and orange colors accent the room through accessories such as candles and artwork. A limestone fireplace is recessed inside the bedroom wall and is controlled via a remote Smart Home System, as are the shutters, fan, lights, and sound system. Doors in the master suite open to the backyard patio and pool. Nearby, the master bathroom features cross noce cut travertine floors, crema marfil marble countertops, and a walk-in shower with glass doors. Through a door in the bathroom is an outdoor privacy courtyard where Christina and Eric enjoy morning coffee or a glass of wine at night.
Throughout the home, an integrated speaker system allows music to be enjoyed in each room, as well as outside, and sets the tone for both calm days at home and larger gatherings of family and friends. In the hallway, a bar area has lavish paragon granite counters, a wine cooler, and a sink. An additional wine cellar is nearby, and features ornate iron doors, which match the front doorway and stair railing inside the home.
The Living Room
The kitchen is fit for a chef, with functionality and entertaining the main focus. A chef’s island is placed near the stove and houses an extra sink for convenience. Paragon granite in neutral tones sweeps the countertops and a travertine backsplash is both eye catching and easy to clean. Appliances such as a five burner gas cook top and a stainless steel refrigerator allow for ample cook and storage space for the family of six. English chestnut cabinetry ties the space together and makes the kitchen look and feel rich and luxurious.
The living room is situated next to the kitchen and is a place for the family to gather and relax. An indoor/outdoor limestone fireplace is enjoyed both from the living room, and the patio area outside. Also accessible to the outside are the upstairs
bedrooms and the kid’s game room. Atop the wrought iron stairs, the kid’s game room houses a foosball table and framed photos from Eric’s days playing University of Tennessee football alongside Peyton Manning. The boy’s rooms are equipped with doors that lead to the expansive upstairs balcony which overlooks the resort-style outdoor area and patio below.
The Master Bedroom
Accessed by several doors in the home, the outdoor backyard area solidifies the home’s Mediterranean resort feel. A deep blue hued gunite infinity pool with a waterfall creates a constant soothing sound of flowing water. Plush lawn chairs and pool floats, along with the outdoor surround sound and indoor/outdoor fireplace make it the perfect entertaining oasis for evening parties. Lush green plants such as tall miscanthus grasses surround the area and make it a private escape.
While the Suhs have been Chattanooga residents for many years, it took them a while to find the home perfectly suited to them. With this unique resort-inspired home, they’ve finally found their match. “We love the home and the area. We always wanted a Mediterranean style home,” says Christina. “We just knew this was it.”
