A Modern Lowcountry Retreat

When Oscar and Divina Acharandio first set foot in Palmetto Bluff, they knew it would become part of their family’s story.

The Miami-based couple, who own and operate Pro Transport, a logistics company with multiple terminals across the Southeast, had already celebrated their daughter’s engagement and wedding in this Lowcountry enclave. But when they searched for a property large enough to house their growing clan – two daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and more on the way – nothing quite fit. So, they decided to build.

The result is a nearly 9,000-square-foot family compound, designed with intention and executed with artistry, that embodies both modern Lowcountry aesthetics and the warmth of a true multigenerational home.

“We wanted something calming,” Divina said. “A place where the whole family could be together, where the grandkids could play, and we wouldn’t worry about anything being too precious. It needed to feel like a home.”

Though the Acharandios’ primary residence remains in Miami, their Palmetto Bluff retreat quickly became the gravitational center for their family. “Because of our terminals in Savannah and Charleston, this home is in the middle. It makes sense for us to be here often, not just for vacation, but as part of our lives,” Oscar said.

 

From the beginning, their vision was clear: a family-first retreat that would feel luxurious yet livable, expansive yet intimate. With four bedrooms in the main house, three in the guest house, a bunkroom designed for grandchildren, and large play areas inside and out, the home is tailored to multigenerational living.

“Every time we’re here, the little ones are outside,” Divina said. “That’s what we wanted – not for them to sit in front of the TV, but to be playing baseball, soccer, hockey, or golf. It’s already full of memories.”

Architecture: Modern Lowcountry with a Global Influence

To bring this dream to life, the Acharandios turned to Zach Brown, director of residential architecture at KRA Architecture + Design. Brown immediately saw the potential to balance Palmetto Bluff’s architectural guidelines with the family’s desire for something strikingly modern.

“The Lowcountry vernacular was our starting point,” Brown said. “But we wanted to relax the architecture, to let the wings of the house unbundle and flow. Inspiration came from heavy timber traditions as well as Japanese and Scandinavian elements, like charred wood exteriors paired with airy, light-filled interiors. That juxtaposition became a big piece of the design.”

Ceilings became an especially important storytelling element. In the main living spaces, vaulted heavy-timber designs recall historical craftsmanship. In more modern zones, slatted oak ceilings hide lighting within recessed tracks, creating clean lines uninterrupted by fixtures. “The ceilings were critical to giving each room a sense of art and presence,” Divina said.

Brown designed the home as a series of experiences, with transitions between zones. “Moving to the master suite, for example, meant crossing a glass corridor that feels like a hyphen between public and private spaces. It’s about scale and sequence. Every step through the home is intentional,” he said.

Project manager Paola Perez, who oversaw details from first sketch to final finishes, echoed the uniqueness of the design. “What sets this home apart is its striking departure from the traditional white palette common in the Lowcountry. The dark exterior conveys a moody, modern presence, while the interiors open into a warm, light-filled environment layered with natural textures and wood. That interplay between boldness and warmth creates a truly memorable experience.”

Interiors: Warm, Modern, and Family Friendly

While Brown established the bones of the home, interior designer Shell Neely of Kelly Caron Designs gave it its soul. Her charge was clear: a modern aesthetic softened by warmth, family comfort, and natural textures.

“We didn’t want it to feel like a cold modern box,” Neely said. “So we incorporated white oak ceilings, neutral palettes, and layered textures. Black and gold accents run throughout, balanced by ivory and oak, with pops of green, blue, and even a touch of terracotta in the guest house. That kept it cohesive but still allowed each room its own personality.”

The master suite is one of Neely’s favorite spaces. “We installed a wood veneer wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries as a full headboard wall. It is such a statement piece. The fireplace, wrapped in linen-textured tile, feels like ivory fabric. Together, it creates a calming, spa-like retreat.”

Neely also relished opportunities to push the design envelope. “In the bar, we used metallic wallpaper on the ceiling and behind shelving – glamorous, but still in harmony with the rest of the home. And the wine room became an art piece itself, with a backlit stone slab that glows like sculpture.”

Perhaps the most charming touches are in the daughters’ suites. “They wanted equal but different rooms,” Neely said. “So, we used the same tile in two colors – green for one, blue for the other – and matching tubs. It’s playful, personal, and perfectly balanced.”

Building with Detail and Craftsmanship

Randy Jeffcoat Builders, led by Rhett Jeffcoat, vice president of estimating and sales, brought the plans to life. For him, the success of the project lay in both collaboration and craftsmanship.

“This was a team-driven project from Day One,” Jeffcoat said. “Zach, Shell, and our crew worked hand-in-hand. That gave the homeowners peace of mind, even building from afar, and it made the process seamless.”

Jeffcoat’s pride lies in the details. “From the cabinetry to the fireplace and hood interplay, every decision was about how surfaces connect,” he said. “We used white oak not only in ceilings but in cased openings, where you’d normally expect standard trim. Those details elevate the experience.”

The home also pioneers technology. “We installed a system called ‘Josh,’” Jeffcoat said. “It’s an AI-driven smart home assistant – like saying ‘Hey Google,’ but more powerful. You can tell Josh to turn on the pool, the fireplaces, music, lighting, even raise the screens. It was our first time using it, and it makes the house feel futuristic while still warm and personal.”

Beyond those automated comforts, the outdoors expands the family-first vision. “The Acharandios wanted it to be about family entertainment,” Jeffcoat said. “So, beyond the main house and guest house, there’s a pickleball court, a basketball court, and even a playground with a shrimp boat. The large grassy front lawn has already become the grandkids’ field for baseball, soccer, hockey, and golf. It’s really a place designed to keep everyone together and outside making memories.”

For the Acharandios, the house is more than its architecture, interiors, or square footage. It is the stage on which their family’s life unfolds. Already it has hosted milestone celebrations, daily gatherings, and the laughter of grandchildren at play.

“This is probably our favorite home,” Divina said. “Because it’s where we’re all together. Every time we come, it feels like a vacation.”

From its striking exterior to its welcoming interiors, from its architectural precision to its playful outdoor spaces, the Palmetto Bluff compound is at once a design masterpiece and a heartfelt family home.

For Brown, that balance defines its success. “This home maximizes every day the family spends here. It honors the traditions of the Lowcountry, but it pushes the boundaries too. And at the end of the day, it reflects how the Acharandios live – together.”

As neighbors catch glimpses of its dark silhouette across the golf course, or as grandchildren race across the front lawn, the home tells a story of legacy, innovation, and love. A story rooted in Palmetto Bluff but belonging wholly to the Acharandio clan.