“We’re done.” These are the words of one content homeowner from her seat on the sofa as she scans her new surroundings. “This is our last home.”
Empty nesters Judy and Jerry have lived in a variety of homes built in a variety of styles, but this is their first contemporary. The couple moved in to this four bedroom 3-1/2 bath single-level home, with a finished basement, in November of 2021 and they couldn’t be happier.
And it’s easy to see why as soon as you pull up to the curb in front of their Bellbrook home.
In an asymmetric style, with mid-century modern undertones, the exterior is an intriguing combination of sapele (an African hardwood) and stone. A central courtyard with a paver walkway beckons you to follow its trail to the offset double front doors.
A BLEND OF IDEAS
The home’s design was a team effort between Judy, Jerry, Brian Moore with Radian Custom Builders, and architect Victoria Messuri.
“I believe there’s wisdom in the counsel of many,” Brian says. “We all started bouncing ideas off one another and the project started taking shape.”
Once plans were completed, Brian took over and got busy on the construction phase of the 4,800-square-foot home. Communication and planning were essential in keeping the project on schedule. “We order the appliances and windows and begin planning the kitchen before there’s even a hole in the ground,” Brian says. “And I keep my subcontractors updated. I let them know where we are in the process and where we are with lead times. Everything is constantly changing.”
Jerry was impressed with the caliber of workers that were on site. “Brian is incredibly fussy about his subs,” he says. If you could look behind what you see to what you can’t see, you would see the quality is just as good.”
An example of that type of quality that is there, but not visible, is on the flat roof where not a single gutter is seen. The team at Van Martin Roofing created a system in which rainwater is diverted to a single location where downspouts, tucked into the soffit, direct the water away from the home.
“Quite a bit of engineering went into that roof,” Brian says.
SEEING THE LIGHT
Once inside, a spacious 16-foot-tall entry sets the tone for this light-filled, open concept home.
A grand staircase wraps around a 27-foot-long chandelier that descends from the entry ceiling to the floor of the lower level.
“Brian and I looked for hours and days and weeks for that chandelier,” Judy says. “We both liked it. It’s from Israel. The glass pieces are handmade. It was delivered in two large boxes.”
Aging-in-place features include no steps into the home from the garage and a design with an elevator shaft should that option be needed in the future.
Downstairs are two guest rooms, a game area, and a bar with seating at the island. This space comes in handy when the couple’s family and friends visit.
But it’s the wall featuring a dramatic, black, floor-to-ceiling bookcase that intrigues grandkids and guests alike. By grabbing a sweet spot on one of the shelves, a large panel of the bookcase slides open to reveal a bonus exercise room.
“That hidden room was Brian’s idea,” Judy says.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Back upstairs, the home is divided into two wings: the private side includes the primary suite and a guest room with an ensuite bath. On the opposite side of the floor plan are the working rooms of the home—the kitchen, great room and dining area—which all flow easily between one another with no walls separating them.
The kitchen is a show-stopper with its expansive, quartzite topped island which measures over ten by four feet. A strip of windows brings a bit of the outdoor in above hickory cabinets with an oatmeal finish. The island is stained a soft black with what Judy refers to as a subtle cherry undertone. The backsplash is covered in large-format porcelain tiles which compliment the island’s countertop. Joe Chapman with Sims-Lohman was instrumental in the design of this space.
“Joe was an incredibly valuable part of the team,” Jerry says. “Joe and I went round and round on that backsplash before settling on that tile,” Judy adds. But their effort was worth it when you see the completed space.
“I just love it,” says Judy.
DOWN TIME
Just a quick turn away from the island is a cozy, but open, living area with a feature wall of built-in nooks and floating shelves. A sofa, love seat and dual recliners provide plenty of options for relaxing and viewing the action on the 75-inch television which can be tied into a speaker system installed by Hanson Audio Video. A state-of-the-art DMF lighting system, supplied by Hanson and installed by Russell Electric Services, comes amazingly close to matching the look and feel of natural sunlight in the home. Each recessed light fixture can be customized based on the look and needs of each room.
“The flexibility of that system is amazing,” Brian says.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The living room opens to a covered deck that sits in an unparalled setting. Lush greenery surrounds the space, creating a private, inviting spot for relaxation.
“This deck is like living in a treehouse. We’re up so high we see the tops of the trees,” Judy says. “I don’t know how it gets any better.”
RESOURCES
Builder Radian Custom Builders; Architect Victoria Messuri; Landscape designer Tree Line; Kitchen and bathroom design, cabinetry (Kemp in kitchen) and quartzite countertops Sims-Lohman, Inc.; Appliances Custom Distributors, Inc.; Tile The Hamilton Parker Company; Tile installation Custom Flooring Creations; Lighting Dining room and exterior: Factory Lighting Center; Flooring Hickory, Floorco Flooring; Rugs, luxury vinyl plank in lower level Central Carpet & Interiors; Windows Sun Windows & Doors; Fireplace Dayton Fireplace Systems; AV and DMF lighting system Hanson Audio Video; Electrician Russell Electric Service; HVAC Warner Mechanical Services; Trim, interior doors and staircase The Hardwood Store; Staircase, hidden door construction and trim installation Kevin Haer; Roof Van Martin Roofing; Plumbing fixtures Centerville Winsupply; Plumbing Hein Plumbing; Painter Right Touch Painting; Lumber 84 Lumber Company
Article by Karen Bradner | Photos by Kelly Ann Photography
Article originally appeared in July 2022