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The late afternoon sun casts shadows and enhances the earthen tones in the living room. Edwin and Rebecca Hawn decorated the entire home themselves. The blue marlin was a Texas state record catch from 1963 to 1977 by Dean Hawn, Edwin’s father who has since passed away.

By Diane S. Morales, Caller-Times

April 16, 2006

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“We love to cook,” Rebecca said. And who wouldn’t in a stylish, clean-lined kitchen. Edwin hand-carved the sailfish on the oak board to cover the cook-top when it’s not in use.

Legend says mermaids charmed sailors to their maritime deaths with their beauty and song. Neptune didn’t fall prey, but you can’t help make a connection between Rebecca and Edwin Hawn whose love for each other and the water is reflected throughout their home on Packery Channel.

Outside the Hawns’ cedar plank home on Playa del Rey, there’s a bronze statue of a mermaid and stained glass images of Neptune and a mermaid on the front door. A sign above the door reads ‘Welcome to the beach’ and another on the left says ‘An old fisherman lives here with his best catch.’

Put it all together and you can’t help but wonder what’s inside or who lives there.

Creating a home

Edwin’s salt and pepper moustache is quite Neptune-esque and he likes mermaids — must be the fisherman in him. Rebecca loves to cook, garden, run her gift shop Vida Dulce inside the couple’s business, Isle Mail & More on Padre Island, and spend time with their children.

“We’re never idle,” she said.

With six children and a 7,000-square-foot home to maintain, idle hands don’t exist. In fact, Rebecca and Edwin put their creativity to work and renovated the seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home, replacing windows, faux finishing walls inside, building a wet bar and clearing overgrown brush on the property.

Eddie Seal/Caller-Times

When the family isn’t hanging out in the kitchen or living room, they’re outside enjoying the outdoors. Edwin built the kids’ fort.

The home’s history, art pieces and the hard work poured into its new look make the Hawn’s piece of paradise a special retreat.

The couple said part of the original home was an old ranch house where cattle were slaughtered and shipped through Packery Channel. The Hawns are proud of the home’s history, and have enriched it since moving in four years ago.

Rust ceramic tile floors with floral insets cover the first floor, while oak floors spread upstairs.

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Family and friends photos are always in view at the red booth in the kitchen. In the center is a framed photo of author Zane Grey and the original transcripts of his world record black marlin catch in 1931 in Tahiti.

Pale yellow walls and rustic furniture decorate the sitting and dining rooms just past the home’s entrance. An indoor swimming pool casts a cool blue glow through the glass windows.

Seating for a crowd

An impressive Brazilian iron wood dining table for 12 offers plenty of space for the Hawns. The table like most of the home’s furniture is from Cita’s in Port Aransas, Rebecca said. Near the table is an abstract painting of a dining table by Lauren Hawn, their daughter who’s studying art.

“This was her first work done in high school and we thought it was perfect for this room,” Rebecca said.

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Edwin handcrafted the shapely mesquite bar and curvy glass rack. The couple said the bar and the sunroom are located in the old ranch house part of the home. The kitchen, living room and second floor were additions made by the previous owner.

Lauren’s colorful artwork is displayed throughout the house as are works by artist friend Nicole Bermudez of Austin.

The dining room opens to the kitchen where a line of fixed windows offers a view of Packery Channel. Blond oak cabinets contrast against speckled granite counters. Round leather and wicker barstools create extra seating around the kitchen island. An interesting focal point is a diner booth made by Edwin, who also is a boat builder and owner of Something Original Boatworks.

Natural view

In the living area, warm tones mixed with wicker and wood furniture brings the view of nature inside the high vaulted space. It’s no wonder why the family spends a lot of time there. Palm ceiling fans on copper pipes hang below the pine-planked ceiling for an eye-catching focal point.

Another view into the indoor swimming pool is seen through the living area and billiard room.

“We like to keep it warm so it’s like a big hot tub,” Rebecca said.

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The setting sun glows amber across the Hawn’s backyard. “It’s very peaceful, tranquil,” Edwin said. “I think everybody who lives on the island understands.”

Next to the living area is a combination sun-room/workspace where Edwin works on his fishing rods. Along the backside is the billiard room and a wet-bar. Edwin handcrafted the bar from mesquite.

“He just thinks of plans in his head and does it. He’s amazing,” Rebecca said.

On the patio, a sign says it all ‘Another day in paradise.’ The Hawns’ covered patio takes in the breeze from Packery Channel. A white hammock sways between two palms as the green lawn slopes to a swimming pool and fort for the kids near the channel.

The couple plans to build a slide that connects a wading pool to the swimming pool for the kids.”

“We’re going to call it Schlitter-Hawn,” Rebecca said.

Neptune would be proud.