A Bit of African Savannah on Retta Esplanade

When Art and Yolanda Rimbold purchased their stunning yellow and white Victorian estate on Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda, they weren’t exactly sure how they wanted to decorate it. The main home — there are three on the property — is massive. The original portion of the house was built circa 1920–1921; the addition was added in the late 1980’s.

Previous owners had decorated in a style that was in keeping with the home’s exterior; smallish rooms with a more traditional theme. The Rimbolds were intent on making a statement; they wanted the house to fit them and their lifestyle, not the other way around.

So, they consulted with Lorie Irons, owner of Home Showcase Interiors in Punta Gorda. Irons discovered that the Rimbolds were avid travelers and that Art had an amazing collection of animal hides and trophies from his numerous hunting trips to Africa, South and Central America, southeast Asia, Alaska and British Colombia. Although Yolanda didn’t accompany Art on the actual hunts, she came to appreciate the exotic décor at the exclusive lodges and tented safari camps they stayed in.

After much deliberation, Irons convinced the Rimbolds that a safari theme would allow Art to showcase his trophies and give Yolanda free reign to incorporate some of the unique designs and patterns she picked up on their travels.

Custom-made cabinetry, travertine and oak flooring, jute wall coverings and gauze window trimmings (reminiscent of the mosquito netting commonly used on the African plains) can be found throughout the home.

The entire redo (actually, it’s still an ongoing process) has taken 10 years, but the results have been spectacular. Irons and the Rimbolds have grown comfortable together. She typically anticipates what they will or won’t like, and it’s worked out to everyone’s delight.

“I feel like I’m home the minute I walk in the door,” Yolanda said. “It can’t get any better than that.”

Gardens:

It’s easy to lose oneself in the lush gardens, especially during the wet season. One noteworthy attraction is the koi pond, located near the “party house.” The Rimbolds did virtually all the landscaping themselves and continue to do most of the outdoor work. Yolanda prefers to trim her plants and shrubs by hand. “We had landscapers, but they used power tools and that can ruin some of the plants. So, we do the plants ourselves with hand tools. It gives it a more natural look.”