Key Allegro Texas Christmas
As Joan and Dr. Sam Williams neared the completion of their magnificent new home on Key Allegro Isle in Rockport, their excitement was heightened by the assurance of being well ensconced in time for Christmas. For the Williams family, the holiday season is always a magical celebration, and this year will be particularly festive. It will be their first Christmas on the shoreline of Aransas Bay.
The Williams’ stunning residence is an artful blend of Floridian and Mediterranean architecture enhanced by a breathtaking bay-front setting and panoramic vistas from every vantage point. The negative-edge swimming pool and a spa are embellished with lush tropical landscaping, three waterfalls and dramatic exterior lighting. Designed by Frank Romel and constructed by custom home builder Mark Uhr, the distinctive estate-style home is a masterpiece in design and craftsmanship.
Joan and Sam’s home is brimming with classic appointments and furnishings orchestrated by designer Julie Harris of Buddy Walker Home Furnishings in Corpus Christi. Working closely with the Williams, Julie masterfully coordinated various aspects of interior selections, such as the tile throughout the home that combines Tuscan influence with tropical elegance. The exquisite décor is in perfect harmony with personal treasures acquired by the Williams on their travels around the world. At every turn, their collections of art and cherished family mementos punctuate their personal style.
For their first coastal Christmas, Joan Williams has carried on the tradition of decorating extensively and beautifully for the holidays. Their former home in Ganado was always adorned with themed Christmas trees in every room. The collection of trees included the Safari, the Nature, the Traditional, the Seashell, the Victorian, the Teddy Bear, the Beanie Baby, the Novelty and the Texas. Through the years, each generation of the family has savored the sparkling atmosphere of what is affectionately referred to as “the gathering place” at Christmas time.
In the impressive entry, a Collection tree is decorated with Wizard of Oz ornaments, collectible Santas and Joan’s collection of doctor’s Christmas ornaments. Near the expansive wall of glass overlooking the bay, a new 12 foot brilliantly decorated Rockport tree blends the past with the present. The fireplace mantel is adorned with garlands, and vintage Santas stand at attention. A highlight of the Great Room decorations is Joan’s 6’x6’ three-tiered Snow Village Christmas display, which recaptures childhood memories of her hometown in Illinois.
The formal dining room is accented with built-in breakfronts, and the Williams’ extensive Waterford crystal collection is displayed in a classic curio cabinet. For Christmas, Joan’s Waterford Village adds to the ambiance. Basking in forever views of the bay, an adjacent morning room lends itself to holiday entertaining. The gleaming state-of-the-art kitchen takes on a festive air, with seasonal accents placed to add merriment. Cookbooks are temporarily moved to the side in favor of a large collection of Fitz and Floyd Christmas collectibles, the granite countertops feature an array of Christmas Spode china and accessories, dozens of nutcrackers are interwoven into the cabinetry shelving and a generous island is home for four animated carolers singing the Twelve Days of Christmas. There’s even a jovial reindeer to delight the grandchildren.
Just past an art niche graced with an original sculpture by the celebrated artist Monroe, the master bedroom suite is a world unto itself. The sitting room enjoys magnificent views of the bay, and various display cabinets and lighted breakfronts are rife with nostalgia. In the master suite entry, handsome cabinetry is overflowing with doctor collectibles, memorabilia from a condominium formerly owned in Galveston, family photographs, a baseball signed by Nolan Ryan and a calabash of treasures that reflect Joan’s love of collecting. In the bedroom area, an additional lighted breakfront is filled with an extraordinary Lladro collection acquired during Joan and Sam’s extensive European travels. A Victorian tree decorated with ornament dolls complements a display case filled with 1930’s Storybook dolls inherited from Joan’s grandmother. A see-through fireplace between the bedroom and a lavish master bath adds emphasis to the warmth and serenity of the master suite, which is in a private wing.
With an old world Santa positioned at the doorway, Sam’s library is a handsome retreat. For the holidays, African artifacts and art are interwoven with glimpses of vintage Santas and a ceramic sleigh. In an adjoining bath, Santas carved in driftwood add a forest-like flavor to the holiday décor. Just steps away, a formal powder room is decorated with a lighted ceramic tree and a Father Christmas statue.
For the Christmas gathering, even the guest rooms signal the joy of the holidays. The grand-children’s room is decked out with seasonal accessories such as a collection of Teddy Bears, a Yuletide rocking horse and a decorative gum-drop tree. The Safari guest suite, which echoes the Williams’ 7 trips to Africa, captures the holiday spirit with whimsical snowmen and figures of Old Father Christmas. Additional bedroom suites bid welcome to this waterfront home that enunciates the true meaning of “a gathering place”.
Christmas, for the Williams, can be summed up in a single word. Family. Joan and Sam, who met as high school sweethearts, have been a “family first” couple throughout the 35 years of their marriage. They relish good times with their son Chris, his wife Leslie and their grandchildren Ryan, Tristan and Becka. They treasure holidays with their parents, who will be joining them this year; and, their affection extends to their kitty cats Sophia and Smokey and a loveable poodle, Sissy. At the Williams household, everyone gets into the act at Christmas. It is the consummate family affair.
Since Sam’s graduation from medical school, the Williams have enthusiastically embraced adventure. They have repeatedly hunted in various regions of Africa, in Bolivia, Peru, Russia and Canada. They have toured almost every country in Europe, and traveled to South America, Australia and New Zealand. In 1986, Joan and Sam were Olympic Sponsors in Austria for the United States ski team; but, for the 2005 holiday season, the Williams family will remain in Rockport for what promises to be a special Christmas.
Christmas Eve will find the family opening packages, followed by their traditional dinner on Christmas Day. Joan’s signature interpretation of the holidays will no doubt reach a crescendo, with the added dimension of sightings of playful dolphins swimming in the back yard, a Blue Heron strolling on the terrace and seagulls soaring through the sky.
