Looks can be deceiving…
After an initial approach via a nearly half-mile-long drive with equestrian arenas to the left and to the right, you arrive at what you might guess to be a century-old, hand-hewn log cabin. The scene is bucolic. The home sits amidst acres of open land with a bountiful supply of mature trees, a rippling pond, and horse stables and their residents trotting in nearby fields.
While the trees, horses and ponds are what they appear, the main cabin is a bit of an illusion. Seasoned architects have estimated the home to be over 100 years old, but in fact it was built in 1981.
The original owner, Ken Klosterman, of the Cincinnati-based Klosterman Baking Company, and his wife Judith purchased this 228-acre property in Goshen Township to accommodate Judith’s passion for horses. The log cabin they built here—with a design and materials from a firm in northern Quebec—included a lower level perfect for Kenneth’s favorite hobby—performing magic. Dubbed “Salon de Magie,” this space became home to the homeowner’s extensive magic collection, a widely respected historic compilation of over 50,000 books, posters, tricks and memorabilia.
Nearby neighbors
Kevin Malof and his wife Jodi lived across the street from the Klostermans for 20 years.
Once the land was passed on to the Klostermans’ children, there was interest from a production builder to place 600 homes on the property. That’s when Kevin approached the family about buying the property with a plan to maintain as much rural land as possible.
He contacted an acquaintance he met through his son’s school, Dan deStefano with deStefano Homes and Remodeling. The two men produced a scenario which parceled out just under 40 acres for luxury home development which they dubbed The Reserves at Stone Pillars Farm, the site of this year’s Homearama. Next, they allotted 11 parcels ranging in size from 11 to 30 acres each. The “smaller” of these are for single residences, the largest is home to the equestrian facility, White Tail Eventing. The land includes four miles of riding and walking trails.
The Malofs would hold on to 60 acres keeping the setting of the log cabin home idyllic.
A bit of hesitation
Meanwhile, Jodi was not enthusiastic about living through a remodel of the log cabin. “I didn’t want to live in a house with a lot of small rooms,” she says. “Plus, for 30 years—our whole marriage—we’ve been renovating.” Between businesses the couple owns in Loveland—including Curated Fine Furnishings and Design and Bishop’s Quarter—and previous homes, she says it’s been a constant stream of remodeling work.
When Kevin said, “We are going to hire someone to do it right,” Jodi’s attitude shifted. That “someone” was the team at deStefano Homes and Remodeling, led by Dan and Rocky deStefano. The couple closed on the property in October of 2022 and construction began the following February.
First things first
“At our first meeting, Kevin asked me if we could get the home to a point where Jodi liked it and it was functional,” Rocky says.
One of the major roadblocks was the primary bathroom. The ceiling was angled so steeply that movement in the space was terribly limited. “There wasn’t even enough room to hang a mirror over the vanity,” Jodi says.
It was important to Jodi, who suffers with back issues, to have space for a soaking tub. Not having that, she says, was a “dealbreaker.” To make the space work, the construction crew “completely blew out the dormer and roof” over the bath area, to now have the vertical space to include a wet room with a spacious shower and the requisite tub.
“That’s now one of my favorite rooms,” Jodi says.
Respectfully updated
As it was with the primary bath, the major goal for the entire home, Rocky says, was to keep the integrity of the original structure, but bring it up to spec. “We were shooting for a happy medium between adding modern amenities and keeping with the style of the cabin.”
The log cabin’s construction method presented challenges to the renovation team. “The exoskeleton of these homes is independent of the interior walls,” Rocky says. “Inside, a system of beams holds the whole place up.”
Thankfully, a few obstructing interior walls were able to be removed. This made a significant difference to how the floor plan flowed and functioned.
Something old, something new
To hold on to the charm, many of the log cabin’s original elements remained in place. Existing hardwood floors, true-divided light windows and interior and exterior doors were refinished.
As for the mechanics, all the plumbing was updated, lighting fixtures were replaced, a new roof was added and the exterior was re-stained. Plus, the kitchen and baths were remodeled from the floor up.
The original kitchen had one island, but a wall and an enclosed butler’s pantry were removed for a more open flow between the kitchen and dining and living areas. A second island was added which provides additional seating and when needed, acts as a serving area for the dining room.
Easy does it
The lower level, which had housed much of Klosterman’s collection was converted to what Jodi and Kevin refer to as their “speakeasy.” Illusions begin as guests access the space, via an elevator, which (they are told) will make the 83- foot descent into the space previously held by an old mineshaft.
In what had been Klosterman’s museum, there is now a well-equipped bar, poker room, billiards room and hidden doors and revolving bookcases mixed in for added fun. Across the room, the magician’s original stage and lighting were left in place and are a huge hit during the couple’s recently added karaoke nights.
“The fact that it’s a stage with lights makes all the difference,” Kevin says. “People want to be on stage.” The couple has collected old keyboards and guitars so that performers can really rock out.
“You get to see a whole new side of your friends,” Jodi says.
More horsing around
This newly improved home has revealed a whole new side of Jodi as well. Possibly, in channeling the spirit of the previous lady of the house, she has taken up, and taken to, horseback riding on Annie, her 12-year-old Tennessee Walker.
“I have never been around horses in my life,” she says. “At first I was nervous. But now I groom her, tack her and do everything myself.”
Kevin, who has been around horses his whole life, saddles up Levi, his 5-year-old Rocky Mountain Horse. The couple’s sons, Max and Alex, who are in their 20s, don’t ride, but given the setting of their parents’ compound, that could change in the future.
Happy trails
Completing construction in November of 2023, the Malofs are thrilled with how their new home maintains the character that its original owners created, yet provides them with the modern conveniences they require. That was the mission with which the deStefano team was tasked.
“We gave them our vision and they met every challenge, “Jodi says. “They were amazing. When we first considered buying this property, I was definitely hesitant, but now, I love it here!”
RESOURCES
Architect Darren Myers, Bowerman Myers Architects, Ltd. Interior design, furniture, accessories Curated Fine Furnishings and Design Kitchen and bath cabinetry Blue Bird Cabinetry Pool Klimat Masters Lighting Curated Fine Furnishings and Design and deStefano Homes and Remodeling Appliances Thermador, Ferguson
Article by Karen Bradner | Photos by Greg Grupenhof
Article originally appeared in July 2024