Taking the action outside

Pool area, patio and lower level are designed for family fun

Even though they only moved six minutes away—from one section of Bridgetown to another—when Chris and David Hoffman decided to build a new home, they were ready to change things up a bit. A few lifestyle changes were befitting their empty nester status including trading their two-story floor plan for a ranch with a lower-level walkout. But many of their decisions were made with the idea of bringing their birds—four children and their families—back to the nest on a regular basis.

Family for now

Construction was complete in February of this year, just before the Covid-19 quarantine began. “When it’s safe, we really want to have friends over. “I love to entertain,” Chris says, “and this is just the house for that. For now, one night a week, the couple hosts a family dinner, always eating outside whenever possible. That comes as no surprise when you see what outside has to offer.

A definite draw is the 20-foot by 38-foot rectangular pool that features bubblers in the shallow end where the five grandchildren spend a good deal of time playing, and a sun shelf where the adults can relax and watch the activity. A sheer descent waterfall adds a whole other layer of interest. All of these features are showcased in a rainbow of accent lighting beginning at dusk. When they’re not in the water, the family relaxes in any of the several poolside spaces available to them. Furnishings for all of these areas—as well as many rooms inside—were supplied by Watson’s and selected by Chris’s much-loved interior designer, Henry Vittetoe.

A common theme

On a walking tour of these areas, the homeowner points out that just about every item in these rooms came from Watson’s. “Even the garbage can came from Watson’s,” she adds. And she’s not kidding. Outside she points out multiple seating areas, including a four-top and an eight-top table with swivel chairs just steps from the pool. Four lounge chairs are positioned alongside two coolers which are cleverly concealed as flowerpots. A cushioned love seat, two chairs, an ottoman and a tea cart outfit the covered patio just off the kitchen, along with a cocktail table for two—which David is using as a workstation while Covid-19 has him working from home. “My husband would be outside all of the time if he could be,” Chris says.

Once the workday is complete, a favorite spot to relax for both Chris and David, is one of the cushioned chairs, which are covered in custom fabrics Vittetoe selected. “Those are amazing chairs that are so easy to fall asleep in,” Chris says.

Happening inside

The lower level features water resistant floors,which Chris says is great for little swimmers “coming in and out, in and out, and in and out.”This space features a comfy sectional perfect for catching the game and a substantial bar area equipped with bar stools, a high-top table for four and a Golden Tee Home Edition arcade game—again all from Watson’s. While Watson’s has been helping families bring more fun and relaxation to their homes for over 50 years, with a focus on outdoor furniture, pools, spas and home recreation, their recent expansion has focused on providing families with the opportunity to outfit their whole home. Inside and out. With an expansive selection of all new indoor furniture and accessories, and a focus on customization, Watson’s team of interior designers consults with clients to personalize their space to exactly their wants and needs. And believe it or not, the Hoffmans have plans to add an outdoor fireplace and seating area, and a large TV where they hope to soon be watching their favorite sports teams including FC Cincinnati. And you guessed it—they’re all coming from Watson’s. Chris says, “They’re just so easy to work with.”

Product Reference: Contact Watson’s 513.326.1100 or watsons.com for questions on products in this story.

Photos by Daniel Feldkamp

Article originally appeared in Housetrends Cincinnati – Summer 2020

Article by Karen Bradner