Project: Mediterranean Dream House
Architecture: Shirly Dan
Location: Sharon Region, Israel
Area: 500 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Shay Adam
Mediterranean Dream House by Shirly Dan embodies timeless warmth combined with architectural precision and contemporary flair. Nestled in a quiet, green suburb in the heart of Israel’s Sharon region, this spacious villa spans 500 m² (5,382 sq ft) on an 800 m² (8,611 sq ft) corner lot. Designed by architect and interior designer Shirly Dan—owner of a design and planning studio—the Mediterranean Dream House skillfully merges Mediterranean architectural principles with refined, contemporary interiors. Consequently, the residence feels both impressive and intimate, offering a comfortable, stylish home that maintains a strong connection to the outdoors.
L-Shaped Layout and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
First, the villa’s L-shaped structure opens toward a private garden and a meticulously designed swimming pool. In doing so, it maximizes privacy while framing open views of the surrounding greenery. Furthermore, large openings, natural materials like stone and wood, and exceptionally high ceilings create a spacious, bright, and pleasant living experience. As a result, the Mediterranean Dream House feels both airy and grounded in its lush setting.
Ground Floor: Kitchen, Family Room, and Entertaining Spaces
On the ground floor, a large kitchen and cozy family room support the daily life of a couple and their four children. Specifically, the brass-toned kitchen features an impressive island, a hidden pantry, and custom carpentry. Meanwhile, the family room offers a soft, intimate space with a large lounge sofa, a bespoke library, and gentle design touches. Moreover, the living and dining areas open directly to the garden, showcasing a decorative fireplace, carefully selected textiles, and contemporary art. All furnishings were planned and sourced from OKNIN Gallery, renowned for manufacturing custom-made furniture of the highest quality.
Upper Level: Double-Height Space and Private Suites
Above, a double-height space connects the home’s two wings via an exposed wooden bridge. Consequently, the master suite includes a spacious walk-in closet with glass doors, a central island for storage and display, and a hidden passage to a luxurious en-suite bathroom—featuring a freestanding bathtub, double shower, and natural stone and wood cladding. In addition, the children’s rooms were designed to meet individual needs: one daughter’s private suite has its own bathroom and walk-in closet, while three sons share a central bathroom and an accessible laundry room. Together, these areas maintain a unified aesthetic of warmth and visual cleanliness through natural materials, textiles, and custom furniture.
Outdoor Living: Harmonious Continuation of Interiors
Beyond the indoor spaces, the Mediterranean Dream House extends its design language outdoors. For instance, natural stone cladding and paved pathways complement a stunning pool lined with green stone. Additionally, multiple lounging zones—such as an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room, and a sunbathing area—enhance functionality. In turn, black aluminum accents highlight the architectural lines of the façade, adding a modern edge to the overall composition. Thus, the outdoor area feels like an extension of the curated interiors.
Meticulous Craftsmanship and Family Collaboration
Finally, the project took two and a half years to complete, with meticulous attention to detail from construction through to the selection of decorative textiles and accessories. Moreover, the family’s active involvement—particularly the homeowner’s professional experience in construction—contributed significantly to the project’s success. Ultimately, the Mediterranean Dream House stands as a testament to Shirly Dan’s vision: a home where refined design and a warm atmosphere coexist seamlessly.
“This house is the exact translation of a family dream, reflected in every corner and every view. The seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, between refined design and a warm atmosphere, has created a home that is not only beautiful — but also comfortable, inviting, and full of inspiration.” — Shirly Dan
