When Greg and Stephanie Sutlive built their dream home on the Wilmington River, they knew they wanted to bring the beauty of the water indoors.

As a result, their four-bedroom riverfront sanctuary at Causton Bluff exudes casual coastal style, outfitted with creative accents inspired by their lives on the water.

Although Greg and Stephanie spent most of their 25-year marriage living in Columbus, Ga., they always yearned to move to the coast.

Today, Stephanie relishes the stunning river views from nearly every room in this waterfront haven.

“I love the way the water changes,” she explained. “It’s different every time you look at it.”
 
Built-In Coastal Beauty
The Sutlives designed their home to maximize views of the Wilmington River, making the most of their 220-foot stretch of waterfront with a wide floor plan, ample windows and French doors. Their friends at Savannah Hardscapes helped them incorporate unconventional marine materials such as split-faced coral stone into the very structure of their home.

Stephanie then brought the magic inside with a series of strategic design decisions. From oyster shell candelabras to custom-collaged “wallpaper” created from local maritime maps, the timeless imprint of the sea and her rivers can be felt throughout the Sutlive home.

Perhaps the most striking example of Greg’s and Stephanie’s shared coastal connection is the River Room, a spectacular waterfront living area defined by custom-made tabby walls studded with oyster shells.

“I’ve loved tabby all my life,” said Stephanie, who grew up on the water in Columbus and enjoys boating over to Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head Island. “I also love texture.”
 
Add Tidal Touches 
Consider decorative wall finishes that evoke sandy beaches or distressed finishes on hardwood floors that provide visual and tactile interest. “Texture adds a whole different dimension,” Stephanie explained. 
 
Go Coastal 
“There’s an abundance of great materials available besides brick and stucco,” said Jonathan Rhangos, co-owner of Savannah Hardscapes. “Use coastal materials throughout your home to integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces.“ Tabby, Mexican coquina and Dominican coral stone are all beautiful options.
 
Take the Indoors Out 
Savannah’s warm climate just begs for outdoor living spaces like the Sutlives’ screened-porch kitchen. Fine, flawless screen, a state-of-the-art gas grill and a porch swing that doubles as a day bed make this a breezy escape from the ordinary.

Faith is in the Details
Stephanie, a self-described “river rat,” outfitted this 6,000-square-foot sanctuary with a distinctive blend of spiritual accents — from guardian angels to decorative crosses — that connect coastal motifs with the family’s Catholic faith.

“We want to live with the things we love around us,” Stephanie said. “That is very important to us.”

Greg, a packaging business expert who doubles as a co-owner of Bonna Bella Yacht Club, enjoys cooking up fresh fish tacos in the home’s outdoor kitchen and savoring riverfront dinners with the couple’s college-aged children, Maggie and Kirk.

“I love the relaxation of being on the river,” Greg added. “There’s nothing else like it.” 
 
The Stats 
Owners: Greg and Stephanie Sutlive
Location: Causton Bluff, overlooking the Wilmington River
Year built: 2009
Year purchased: Lot purchased 5 years ago
Square footage: 6,000 sq. ft.
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths
Time to complete:  19 months
Contractor/builder:  Greg Hall, Hallmark Homes
Architect/planner: Jack Jenkins, Jenkins Architecture
Interior designer: Homeowner Stephanie Sutlive
Tabby walls and other coastal materials: William and Jonathan Rhangos, Savannah Hardscapes
Tile/flooring: Savannah Hardscapes, Garden State Tile and Vintage Lumber in Gay, Ga.
Faux finishes and decorative painting: Christian Lofton, Christian Lofton Fine Painting and Art
Lighting: Gale Singer, Circa Lighting
Coastal/Catholic accessories: Various stores including One Fish Two Fish, Boundary Street Antiques in Bluffton, S.C., Scott Antique Market in Atlanta, and M in Beaufort, S.C.
Finishing: Custom Hardwoods Limited in Alpharetta
Countertops: Creative Stone