RJ Denton ARCHITECTURE
1204 PALM BLD. • ISLE OF PALMS, SC
843-886-8395

Paradise on Wild Dunes
By Danielle Theobald

     Imagine living on the 17th hole of the Wild Dunes golf course and having a view of the marsh, the ocean, Dewees Island, and the Intracoastal Waterway from virtually every room of your home.  These views, as well as a dramatic interior are exactly what you'll find at the residence of John and Jean Denning.
    Designed by architect Ron Denton, this 3500 square foot dwelling offers the Dennings an open floor plan ideal for entertaining.  The plan also allows the Dennings to have the luxury of being able to enjoy their majestic views without the obstruction of walls and enclosed areas.

Upon entering the home from the cozy front porch, one cannot help but become captivated by the eight-foot windows at the far end of the great room and kitchen, as well as the foyer's thirty-foot geometrically angled ceiling.  To the right of the foyer is the dining room; rather than using a wall to separate the area, columns were built to create an unobtrusive division from the main entryway.  A partial wall, less than four feet high, was also built to accommodate a small piece of furniture the Dennings wanted in their dining room.

Behind the dining area is the kitchen.  In order to provide ample counter space and storage, there is an angled island in the center.  From this vantage point, Jean is able to enjoy the view, as well as remaining accessible to friends and family who may be in the great room, the dining room or on the back deck.

When designing the deck, Denton intentionally lowered the height so that the view from the kitchenand great room would not be obstructed.  If it were built on the same level as the first floor, all that would be seen when seated would be the railing.

Also located on the first floor is the master bedroom and bath.  Since one entire wall of the master bedroom is made up of windowsand a glass door leading to the deck, the Dennings decided to incorporate a dressing area in between the bedroom and bathroom, providing both privacy for dressing and space for personal items.

Designed to be the primary floor in which the Dennings live, there is also a powder room, laundry area and small office for John which can readily be made into a fifth bedroom.  There is also access to the garage where John has a fully enclosed workroom.

There are three bedrooms on the second floor, the front two of which have a private sun deck overlooking the marsh, fairway and ocean.  These rooms are designed in a similar fashion to the downstairs area with full-length windows to maximize light and openness.

As an added bonus, the result of the high pitch of the roof, the Dennings have attic storage space that runs the entire width of the house.

When I asked John and Jean how they made their final decision to choose Ron Denton as their architect, they explained that he was simply the person who best fit their needs and personality.