Vineyards Country Club’s main entrance.
Vineyards Country Club officials recently announced that multi-million-dollar, multi-phase renovations of the club and its surrounding areas are now complete. The project’s most recent phase consisted of extensive structural and aesthetic transformations and improvements, with all areas redesigned to offer a transitional and timeless aesthetic.
“We are pleased with the widespread improvements, and are excited to continue sharing these with our many members who have expressed plans to forego the seasonal exodus and remain in Naples throughout the summer,” said Paul Malonson, Vineyards Country Club chief operating officer. “Our comprehensive clubhouse renovations, completed without member assessments, are welcome modernizations to the Vineyards Country Club campus and will benefit our members and the Vineyards community for generations to come.”
According to Malonson, contractors will begin improvements to the clubhouse’s main kitchen next month. Scheduled for completion in August, the project will allow food and beverage staff to consistently produce more sophisticated and modern fare.
The newly redesigned main lobby of Vineyards Country Club.
Completed renovations include a newly redesigned entry lobby and terraces overlooking the golf course; enhanced clubhouse exterior and Porte Cochère; significant expansion of Mr. P’s Pub; expansion of the Bocce Courts, and a newly redesigned golf pro shop, locker rooms and card rooms.
The main lobby was expanded by removing a large wall and installing glass pocketing doors to allow panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding landscaping while increasing natural light in the space. The new lobby also features custom carpeting in a soft, organic color palette with light colors and patterns. Old carpeting was removed and replaced with Italian porcelain tile in all areas except the dining rooms. The Porte Cochère and Clubhouse were gutted and completely redesigned. The clubhouse’s rear terraces were redesigned to include a large fire pit and seating area adjacent to the dining rooms, as an extension of the indoor/ outdoor gathering areas perfect for socializing while appreciating scenic views or enjoying one of the community’s numerous live music entertainment events.
Mr. P’s Pub, the community’s highly popular casual dining facility, was expanded from its original, 70-person capacity and now accommodates more than 200 people. For a classic look consistent with the comfortable atmosphere, the pub’s carpeted flooring was replaced with tile flooring resembling hardwood. The family’s Italian tradition was integrated into the design and materials, and large banquettes were installed to further create a living room and private dining room-style experience.
Additional renovations include updating the 4,200 square-foot Oakmont and 3,300 square-foot Fairmont dining rooms. Both dining rooms, as well as the Acqua poolside tiki bar, underwent complete interior redesigns, based on space and volume. Upon removal of the dining rooms’ ceilings, designers discovered vaulted tray ceiling structures, which were hidden under the existing, two-foot by two-foot acoustical ceiling tiles, which resulted in low, eight-foot ceilings. This discovery led to an innovative redesign based on the new ceiling volume. The end result is larger spaces with higher ceilings with beautiful tongue-in-groove details. Both dining rooms now feature custom fixtures including large, eight feet by eight feet chandeliers with crystal leaves. The bar areas include glossy, painted cabinetry finishes with imported marble, granite and quartzite countertops throughout.
One highlight of the renovation project is the addition of an herb garden constructed in front of the clubhouse to enhance the culinary experience. Custom boxes have been created in front of the facility’s administration wing, where plants receive four to six hours of daily sunlight. The herb garden includes basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, parsley, cilantro, chives, bay leaves, oregano, lemongrass, mint, and peppermint. The herbs are used in all of Vineyards Country Club’s food and beverage menu items.
Other elements of the renovation include creating three small banquet rooms on the clubhouse’s south side; re-roofing the clubhouse; repainting the clubhouse and racquet center; replacing the clubhouse and racquet center windows and doors; creation of the new Acqua pool bar and facilities; building the golf course’s new short game practice facility, chipping and putting facility, renovated restrooms, and hallway/restroom renovations on the clubhouse’s north side.
In 2019, contractor Premiere Builders completed the design and construction of Vineyards Country Club’s 15,000 square foot, standalone wellness center and spa. The Wellness Center and Spa, recipient of the Collier Building Industry Association’s 2019 Sand Dollar Award for Interior Design of the Year – Clubhouse, includes a variety of amenities and services to promote lifelong well-being. The South Florida Hospitality Industry Network also honored the project with its 2019 Golden Palm Award for excellence. ¦