Casa Tortuga — A Maximalist Mediterranean Fantasy in El Cid

El Cid, West Palm Beach, FL

Architect: Kristin Kellogg for Smith + Kellogg·        

Interior Designer: Amanda Reynal
Landscape Architect: Bell Design, Inc.
Landscape Contractor: Amerigrass

This garden was conceived as an escapist maximalist landscape for an interior‑designer client in historic El Cid, West Palm Beach. Together with architect Kristin Kellogg, we embraced a “full Mizner” sensibility: a layered blend of Morocco, Spain, and France paired with modern comforts such as an automatic louvered loggia and a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen. The guiding intention was simple: everything should feel as though it had been there for a very long time.

A richly tiled entrance sequence sets the tone, leading into a fountain garden and pool terrace defined by classic Key stone accents and bronze turtle fountains. Outdoors, the ethos of cultivated age and patina prevails. The team expanded the loggia, introduced a Roman‑style pool, crafted an alfresco dining area, and reimagined the once‑overgrown grounds into a series of intimate, transportive rooms.

Landscape architect Robert J. Bell introduced a watercolor palette rooted in classic plantings of pink bougainvillea, white hibiscus, and peach heliconia — creating a secluded oasis that evokes the romance of old West Palm Beach. Collected garden antiques, including a whimsical Majolica turtle that inspired the property name Casa Tortuga, and classic Brown Jordan Calcutta furniture mingle with exuberant ferns, vines, and elephant ears.