The indomitable Gloria Estefan sings the

      praises of Home life on Florida’s Star Island

with husband, son and beautiful baby girl

gloria

in excelsis

The setting is ultracontemporary: the Philippe Starck-like interiors, the custom-made white sofas, the oversize framed mirrors, the simple glass candleholders. And the lady of the house is clad in a dress that’s the height of fashion: a form-fitting floral print compliments of friend Gianni Versace, who lives across Biscayne Bay. Yet, for all the modern trappings, there’s an Old World air about Grammy-winning Gloria Estefan: Her 22-month-old daughter, Emily, is riding on her hip, and the singer’s in-laws are sitting in another home a stone’s throw away. Sixteen-year-old son Nayib has checked in with Mom (by phone) for the third time, and Estefan has just finished crowing over her husband and manager, Emilio, in a manner worthy of Kathie Lee Gifford. "This place was really Emilio’s vision. I think having everything white was his fantasy," she explains, and jokes, "He is such a neat freak!"

by sarah goldsmith

 

Estefan is referring to the four-bedroom guest house that has sheltered such notables as Oprah Winfrey and Emily’s godfather, Quincy Jones. Renovated in 1995, the house is part of the Estefans’ Star Island compound, which lies on the quieter side of the harbor, far from Miami’s signature boat traffic and the celebrity scene. In a town where stepping out is a way of life, the Estefans strive to lead a more laid-back existence, one centered on family and friends. "My Home is the only place I can chill and really be me. My Home is definitely my refuge," Estefan says.

It’s sanctuary she cherishes in part because of her grueling schedule. In June the family returned from a media blitz that included appearances on Letterman, Leno and Oprah to promote Estefan’s latest album, Destiny, and her yearlong world tour, which she kicked off in Atlanta on July 18. She performed at the Olympics closing-night ceremony, flew to Miami, and then continued her tour, which will include stops in Europe, Asia and Australia. Not that she’s complaining. "I consider myself lucky to be able to make a living off something I love to do," she says. She was even considered for the role of Evita for the upcoming film, but withdrew her name ("Gloria’s a singer, not an actress," says Emilio).

Estefan, 39, has come a long way since her days as the introverted crooner for the Miami Sound Machine. And even further from her days as an émigré who came to this country as a toddler. "I have very few memories of Cuba," says Gloria. Political refugees with o financial resources, the Fajardo family moved to Miami and lived in a Cuban ghetto. Her father would later volunteer for the Bay of Pigs invasion and be taken political prisoner. Estefan does not retell the story of her childhood filled with hardship, but throughout the day it becomes clear that providing a grounded life for her kids is important. "Each morning I start sipping my Cuban coffee, and Emily and I laugh and play and sing," says Gloria. "Emily loves music. Her personality is just like mine. My mother said she had to sing to me to take my diaper off – Emily is the same." She smiles and pulls the baby closer. "I get separation anxiety if I go more than a day without seeing her," Gloria explains.

She’s sure to see her that night because Gloria, Emily and 43-year-old Emilio all sleep in one bed. "I researched the family-bed concept and found that it is really good for the baby," she says. "We enjoy it, and there are ways of getting around the obvious," she says, laughing.

Many days, Emilio, who is up at dawn, heads immediately to Crescent Moon Studios, where such artists are friend and former backup singer Jon Secada, Cuban rising star Albita, and Estefan herself have recorded music. Emilio gave Gloria her first singing job at a local wedding 20 years ago. Says Estefan: "He’s still my biggest fan." And her near-constant companion; whether it’s on the road or going for a jog on the beach. If another fan stops them for an autograph, Estefan happily obliges. "It’s the least I can do to show my appreciation for their support," she explains.

When she’s not touring, Estefan is often found commuting among the compound’s three residences in a 4 x 4 Kawasaki that she describes as a "golf cart on steroids." There’s the main home (which has a "warmer color scheme," says Estefan) with an entertainment complex that’s under construction, the guest house, and the in-laws’ home.

"The guest house kept changing hands, but no one ever fixed it up," says Estefan. Meanwhile, the property value was increasing, so the Estefans seized the opportunity. After a $5 million renovation (including Emilio’s parents’ home), $700,000 of which went into home furnishings, the house reflected the sophisticated comfort Emilio sought. He kept the house’s original thirties structure where possible, working with decorator Barbara Hulanicki. "He rounded all the doorways, but the crown moldings, the fireplace, and the railings are original," says Gloria.

The kitchen is the only room that changed completely, giving way to a contemporary design, including a custom rack that displays pots and pans like works of art and serves to light the room as well. Estefan prides herself on her culinary skills and served one of her specialities at Emily’s first birthday and baptism last December. "It was our first party [at the guest house] after the remodeling was finished. I made the paella." Estefan loves to cook dishes Cuban-style, and adds, "I make a Thanksgiving Day turkey that would melt in your mouth."

The family frequently entertains at the guest house, including throwing parties for nieces and nephews. The grounds are meticulous but there’s also evidence of Emilio’s playfulness. Whimsical wooden outdoor furniture appears as though it’s been built by an eccentric artist, although the grouping was actually found at a local thrift shop. "The whole set – four chairs, a table and a swing – was all under $60," says Emilio.

And hanging from an old banyan tree in their otherwise palm-studded backyard is Emily’s blue swing. "I come here every afternoon with Emily," says Estefan. "She loves being outside and is always looking for lizards and worms. I would love to plant a garden for her." Estefan excuses herself to take a call from Nayib. "Nayib, call your daddy ... Nayib, I don’t know. I can’t talk right now. Call Daddy on the portable." Nayib and Emilio give credence to the adage Like father, like son. "Those two are pranksters, the kind that hide behind walls to scare you.

Neither one has ever experienced a day of shyness," she says.

Estefan has hired a tutor for Nayib so that he keeps up with his studies while they tour. After her European stint, the family returns to Miami for a Christmas holiday and then heads to Central and South America. Strong family ties are a part of the couple’s Cuban heritage. "We lived with Emilio’s parents for our first couple of years of marriage and with his brother’s family after that," she points out, adding that the only reason she could leave Nayib during the early days of her career was because her mother-in-law watched over him. But her love of family extends beyond the immediate nucleus –most of her band has been with her for more than 10 years. Her best friend from high school, Patti Escoto, is Emilio’s administrative assistant at Estefan Enterprises, and Gloria’s sister, Becky Fajardo, is production manager.

Although Nayib keeps Estefan abreast of the latest bands, her personal taste runs toward the soft percussion of Brazilian music. "The studio process is a labor of love. When you release an album it’s like having a baby. Destiny seems to have love as a theme, and the lyrics are more introspective than some of my other music." And for her next album? "I can’t think about what’s next," she says. "After I write a song, the process is so consuming I think I’ll never be able to do it again."

It’s twilight and Estefan looks out at the water from the sunroom. The French windows, warm blond wood ceiling, and soft lighting provide a calm retreat. "I could do this for hours," she says. "I love the end of the day, when I feel accomplished and somewhat relieved, and Emilio loves the beginning because he thinks of how much he can’t wait to accomplish." But knowing Estefan, she’ll be up the next morning, taking on challenges with enthusiasm, courage and grace.

© All Rights reserved by Instlye, 1997

 

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