FEATURES

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"We're always surrounded by amazing, interesting and daring people, whether they're friends from the city or the Hamptons, my three grown sons, my two sisters or traveling companions from Africa or South America," O'Donnell says. "But we also have our private studios here."

O'Donnell asked John Bossard of the Bossard Design Group in Charlotte, N.C., to spearhead the project, and Patrice Allen of Patrice Allen Interiors in Houston to oversee the design of the outdoor furniture. An avid cook, O'Donnell wanted an open plan that revolved around the kitchen and provided ready access to an outdoor dining patio where almost all meals would be served. Bossard added an indoor/outdoor fireplace to a newly expanded family room that leads to a new dining patio with views of the gardens and pool. This way, Bossard says, "Beth could cook with room for her guests to feel comfortable and included."

Bossard purchased almost no furniture for the house. "Beth had everything, and I knew she had exquisite taste," he says.

"My goal was to create a backdrop for her and Alex's art and artifacts gathered from their many travels to several continents." Bossard used a neutral palette, much like the one O'Donnell embraced at Miraval, and added texture through wall treatments, fabrics and accessories.