The Homes of Zee

Jun Escario’s Beach House is to Die For!

Jun Escario and Simon Miles’ Bohol retreat is a tropical enclave with stylish design elements that exemplify its owners’ design sensibilities.

When Australian interior designer Simon Miles viewed the impulsive purchase of his partner, fashion designer Jun Escario, for the first time, he knew right away it would be an “all or nothing” proposition for them. The humble bungalow on Panglao’s Alona Beach had little going for it except its location. “We decided that our options were to either keep the house as it was and rent it out, or commit to a total renovation and extension.”

In the end, though, the location justified the effort—having a home in a quiet and secure cul de sac just a five minute walk away from Alona Beach was hard to resist. “Now that it’s done, we are glad that we decided to renovate,” says Simon. “All our neighbors are foreigners. It’s very multi-cultural and fun.”

The renovation involved the total gutting of the interior, until all that remained was the roof supported on concrete columns. The rear of the house was extended to create a large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, while the rest of the house was reinvented with full height sliding glass doors installed to open the house to the garden.

The objective was to create space that allowed the inside to flow seamlessly into the outside, which gives the house a versatile look that can suit any occasion. The living room can be completely opened to the large covered terrace and swimming pool for big parties, or closed for more intimate gatherings.

The color palette is in restful shades of taupe, beige and steel blue, inspired by artwork by American artist Mi Fong, which Jun purchased in New York. These gentle colors are offset by the bold tones of deep fuchsia, teal and charcoal seen beyond the glass.

A large caterer-style kitchen opens directly to the terrace via bi-fold windows, making for easy serving of food and drinks. The L-shaped infinity lap pool runs beside the house, providing a mesmerizing vista.

“This was always intended to be a party house,” comments Jun.

The new master bedroom is integrated into the living space, until you slide a concealed floor-to-ceiling door closed. Then, the room becomes a private retreat complete with a sandy beach courtyard and an outdoor shower.

Unashamedly devoid of any superfluous objects, the minimalist master bedroom is Zen-inspired. Shoji screens slide to conceal closet space. Electrically operated window blinds disappear into ceiling recesses at the touch of a button. “It is very restful to sit in bed at night and watch the water of the pool shimmering,” Jun shares.

Simon recently acquired the next door neighbor’s home in order to expand their property—the house is currently being converted into a separate guest house so that friends can come and stay, while enjoying some privacy.

From its humble origins to reborn chic, this house reflects two talented designers’ styles coming together. Jun and Simon’s beach getaway is proving to be a wonderful escape form the hustle and bustle of busy Cebu City.

Photography by Artem Levy

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.