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A Regal Invitation - Gracie
03/05/2010 - By A.J. Perna
Photography by AK Photo / Al Kruper
The Gracie Estate - Home of Jiu-Jitsu Royalty
The warm breezes and exotic intoxicating rhythms of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro was the world that Cristina and Renzo Gracie grew up in and ultimately met in. The couple crossed paths in their youth, since their families knew each other and moved in similar social circles. Renzo comes from a family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu masters. His family invented the Brazilian form of Jiu-Jitsu in the early part of the twentieth century and brought it to this country in the 1990s with his brother and cousins.
The Gracie family decided to settle down in the United States as the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu business continued to grow. The family, including children Catarina, Cora and Ruran, moved into a rental home in Holmdel in 1996 and stayed for four years until they decided to purchase a home for their growing family, also in Holmdel. The Gracie family remained in this home for eight years after renovating it until a friend began to build a 10,000 square foot home in Holmdel and it was decided that the scale of the home may be a bit large for them, but might be perfect for the Gracie’s active family. The negotiations were friendly and the Gracie family moved into their French country-inspired estate home in 2008. Cristina enjoys decorating and designing, finding the process to be creative and inspiring. She has created a warm and elegant home for her beloved family in Holmdel.
Cristina found a fellow spirit in decorating with Primas Home of Red Bank as she began to plan for her family home’s design scheme. She did bring some items from her last home, but the scale of the Gracie’s new home required a much more expansive approach and larger scale design pieces were required to properly appoint the grand interior. Cristina has a love for the classic and appreciates the timeless nature of great design. The Gracie home reflects this approach, but retains the welcoming and warm spirit of the Gracie family in every room.
The iron work on the majestic staircase takes on a sculptural quality while adding visual interest to the main entry’s grand foyer. The classically inspired mantel piece as well as the crystal chandelier and wall sconces bathe the room in warm light and add a great deal of sparkle to the interior space.
The Gracie home is expansive and regal, incorporating warm colors sucha s gold and burgundy to ground th e elegant furnishings. Primas Home of Red Band provided th emajority of the furnishings and became partners in the design process as th eGracie home took sh ape. Th e great room, as seen from above, features an exquisite Frenchi nspired Aubusson needlepoint rug. Architectural elements sucha s large palladium topped Frenchdoo rs lead to a magnificent outdoor space including a pool and soon to be built pool house. The furnishings are classic yet comfortable, featuring upholstered duet sofas, and beautifully detailed round tables allow for family photos and glassware to have a place to be displayed.
The Gracie family room includes a massive fire surround complete with plenty of shelving to display just a select few of Renzo’s most important Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu awards, plaques and trophies from his illustrious career.The collection also includes honors from students and colleagues, reflecting the generosity and kindness the Gracie family has shown to so many in the community.
The family room, including a granite topped bar, is a favorite gathering space for friends and family wh en getting together to watch a movie, catch up on the family news or just relax after a long day at the gym.
The circular layout and warm, red wall color of th i s cozy after dinner gathering spot (wine room to the right) is typical of the accent on comfort that is so much of the focus of the Gracie home.
Cristina has a penchant for the regal and the Gracie dining room exemplifies this in a most unique way.With the help of Primas Homes this room is bathed in a rich royal, red color scheme including Oriental rug and furniture inspired by Princess Diana’s family estate, Althorp in England. The chairs display the crest of the Spencer family and the circular tables allow for intimate conversation while maintaining an elegant atmosphere. The chandelier and pulled back drapery in golden hues add softness to this special royally appointed living space.
The Gracie family kitchen includes a large table to gather around and plenty of cabinet space for organizing the family’s favorite foods and beverages. The fully glassed in outdoor room is just off the kitchen making the flow from food prep to living space a natural and comfortable one. The outdoor room also includes a gourmet-style cookout area including gourmet sink and fridge set up.The view through the glass doors includes the pool and landscaping beyond creating an insideout appeal to this four season-usable space.
The Gracie master bath allows for every convenience and creature comfort imaginable. The soaking tub is large and inviting surrounded by the soft glow of travertine marble and marfil mosaic accents. The dual sinks from Primas Home flanks the tub giving ample room for Renzo and Cristina to attend to their personal needs.
Primas Home’s design of the master bedroom is elegant in every sense of the word. From the luxurious fabrics to the well appointed and numerous sitting areas. Notice tray ceiling which ads height and architectural interest to this most private and comfortable of spaces.
Cristina is very much into fashion and personal style. She has designed and organized a fashion space to keep her well appointed personal wardrobe manageable and easy to coordinate.
The personal family salon, located in the basement area of the Gracie home is a luxury that makes a lot of sense for a family as busy and on the move as they are. The room allows for hair, makeup and massage as well as any personal need one can come up with, with out ever leaving home.
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