September 2017   |   53  

story by

 

Liesel Schmidt

  |  

photos by

 

Keen Light Creative

T

o focus in on a single thing in the 14,000 plus square feet 

claimed by the Asher home just off the bay in Destin 

would be a massive undertaking—literally, as this 

considerable structure certainly has many, many details 

worthy of note. From the breathtaking exterior whose white stucco 

facade is evocative of palatial villas situated on the coastside cliffs of 

Spain to the farthest reaches of the property abutting the docks, each 

aspect of this spectacular structure makes a statement. 

While its aesthetics might give one the expectation for that 

statement to come with the slight whisper of a Spanish accent, the 

Ashers actually hale from Kentucky—but their love of Spain and 

their fondness for visiting its picturesque vistas is evident throughout 

the three-story home they built from the ground up in 2013. Imbuing 

each element with a balance of traditional touches with just enough 

modernity to keep it from looking antiquated, the spacious and 

sweeping spaces of the Asher home speak to their style and showcase 

their love of simple elegance. 

With 23 rooms in total, there is no shortage of space to entertain 

guests and host visitors for longer-term stays. And one could easily 

argue that that’s precisely the concept behind the home where Betty 

and Tony Asher return after their busy days running the executive 

search fi rm they founded and co-own, assisting colleges and 

A Villa by the Bay

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