Diamond Custom Homes Earns Grand Aurora Award for Naples Waterfront Residence

Award-winning Vanderbilt Beach home captures the Southeast’s highest honor in custom home design in the 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot category

NAPLES, Fla. — Diamond Custom Homes has received a Grand Aurora Award for Best Custom Home Design in the 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot category for a waterfront estate on Channel Drive in Naples’ Vanderbilt Beach neighborhood.

The award recognizes Diamond Custom Homes as the builder of the residence while also highlighting the collaborative work of the project’s architect, interior designer, landscape architect and trade partners.

Presented annually in conjunction with the Southeast Building Conference, the 2026 Aurora Awards competition attracted nearly 800 entries across 54 categories.

The Grand Aurora Award represents the highest level of recognition within each category and honors projects demonstrating exceptional creativity, innovation, architectural excellence and craftsmanship in residential and commercial design throughout the Southeast.

Winners are selected by an independent panel of architects, designers, planners and building professionals from across the country.

“Building an award-winning home is never the work of one company alone,” Diamond Custom Homes President Michael Diamond said. “This recognition reflects the close collaboration among our entire team that elevated this home to another level.”

A Collaborative Design Vision

The residence was conceived in collaboration with John Cooney of Stofft Cooney Architects, with landscape architecture by Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design.

Interior design was led by EDGE Senior Interior Designer Belle Fortte, whose work helped shape the home’s distinctive aesthetic while maintaining a strong emphasis on livability and continuity with the architectural vision.

The three-story coastal residence includes 5,497 square feet of air-conditioned living space and 9,676 total square feet.

The home features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one half bathroom, along with a private elevator, four-car garage, home office, wine room and an en-suite guest suite designed to accommodate extended family members or longer-term visitors.

The primary suite is located on the upper level and opens to a private third-floor balcony with expansive waterfront views.

Elevated Interior Details

Judges highlighted the home’s interior craftsmanship and architectural detailing, including 12-foot wood-beamed ceilings, naturally stained hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, a custom-built range hood and detailed millwork throughout the residence.

The combination of materials, finishes and architectural elements was designed to create a refined coastal environment while preserving a sense of warmth and functionality.

Designed for Southwest Florida Living

The residence was also designed around Southwest Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Expansive entertaining areas include a club room with lounge seating, a heated resort-style pool, an infinity-edge spa overlooking the canal, a gas fire pit and a fully equipped summer kitchen.

Located near Vanderbilt Beach, the home offers direct access to the Gulf with no bridges and the ability for homeowners to dock a boat directly behind the property.

The residence is also within walking distance of the beach and provides convenient access to Naples’ shopping, dining and entertainment destinations.

The fully furnished, turnkey property is offered for $11.95 million.

About Diamond Custom Homes

Diamond Custom Homes specializes in the design, construction and renovation of luxury residences, combining custom architecture, craftsmanship and personalized estate management services.

The company is also a fully accredited member of the National Home Watch Association.

Diamond Custom Homes is located at 9130 Galleria Court, Suite 204, Naples, Florida 34109.

For more information, visit DiamondCustomHomes.com.

Photo Credit: Diana Todorova

Collaborator Credit: Kathy Prutos