Five Iconic Visbeen Homes Across the USA
For over 35 years, Visbeen Architects has been crafting homes that are as stunning as they are functional.
With a portfolio spanning 23 countries and 49 states, our work is defined by its thoughtful design and a deep respect for both the landscape and the people who will live there. Join us as we take a tour of five iconic Visbeen homes that showcase our signature blend of timeless style and innovative architecture across the USA.
1. Georgetown - Bluffton, SC
Located in the serene Lowcountry of South Carolina, Georgetown is a masterclass in blending architectural styles. This design successfully combined elements of Lowcountry architecture with Shingle Style, creating a look that is both timeless and unique. Key features include classic 12.5-pitch gables, deep porches, and a wide-open interior floor plan that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The home's design focused on the organization of space and aligned focal points, which have since served as a creative foundation for many other Visbeen projects.
2. Bellasera - Captiva Island, FL
Bellasera, a stunning 6,601 sq. ft. home on Captiva Island, is a blend of modern and contemporary features that marked the firm’s entry into the Florida market. The design successfully navigates the region's challenges, including a high-water table and the need to withstand hurricane-level winds. To achieve this, the house sits 12 feet above grade, constructed from concrete with breakaway walls on the lower level. A comfortable entry sequence was essential, with stairs layered to make the climb feel natural and effortless. An expansive use of glass and a raised pool and deck create an incredible connection with the water views and natural surroundings, maximizing indoor-outdoor living. As founder and principal architect, Wayne Visbeen puts it, "The trick was to design a home that's 12 feet above grade but doesn’t feel like it."
3. Bridlewood - Houston, TX
The Bridlewood estate is an exquisite compound designed to take full advantage of its unique, pie-shaped lot near a bayou. Its most defining feature is the intentionally curved layout, which ensures that every room has a view of the stunning backyard landscape. The home blends rustic, Western, and mountain aesthetics, with grand gables, towering windows, and warm wood tones that create a cozy atmosphere despite its grandeur. Inside, a two-story library and a living room that opens to a screened porch emphasize the sophisticated blend of indoor and outdoor living.
4. Provincetown - Gainesville, GA
Provincetown beautifully balances traditional inspiration with modern sensibilities. Drawing from the Lowcountry vernacular, it features a hip-roofed front porch and high ceilings. A central axis organizes the layout, separating private quarters from public gathering spaces. Strategically varied rooflines, intentionally sourced natural stone, and carefully placed black-framed windows work together to create a grounded and well-balanced aesthetic. This home design expertly navigates its steep landscape with a lower-level entertainment area that includes a walk-out bar and a private theater.
5. Aldergate - Forest Hills, MI
A departure from the open floor plans of its time, Aldergate was designed with a specific desire for classical architecture reminiscent of the English countryside. The sophisticated estate, built for a blended family, offers a sense of privacy and seclusion. Its "Old World elegance" is evident in the stone facade, steeply pitched rooflines, and a cupola. A circular drive, porte-cochere, and an arcade-inspired entrance create depth and elegance, while intentionally hidden garages maintain the historic aesthetic from the front view.
From the challenging coastal demands of Bellasera to the serene elegance of Aldergate, these five homes represent a diverse snapshot of Visbeen Architects' work. Each project tells a story of creative problem-solving, a deep understanding of unique client needs, and a commitment to architectural excellence. Whether blending traditional styles or pioneering new solutions for complex landscapes, our passion is to design homes that are not just places to live, but are masterpieces that will stand the test of time.
