Home Feature: From Family Home to Forever Home
Story by Allison Razic
Photography by Harris Visual Media
After 47 years in the home where they raised their children, the homeowners felt the time was right to begin a new chapter. They had long been members at Olde Stone, so when the opportunity came to build within the community, it felt like a natural step. “We were already members, so it just made sense to move to this community,” they shared. “And we just kept coming back to this lot with the trees all along the back. It had a sense of privacy and calm that felt right.”
In March 2024, they moved into their newly completed home—only to face an unexpected challenge just two months later. A severe storm swept through the area, toppling a tree and destroying their covered back porch. “We weren’t even finished unpacking and were already undergoing construction again,” they said. “But we consider ourselves lucky. We weren’t home, and the damage could have been so much worse.”
The design journey wasn’t without its hurdles either. After struggling for months to settle on a layout that felt just right, they nearly gave up. That changed when their builder, Doug Martens, invited them to walk through another home for inspiration. “We instantly fell in love with the space,” they recalled. “It turned out to be the home of local architect Kelly Schlenker. We hired her on the spot. She was amazing and made the home exactly what we needed.”
The couple wanted a home that felt open, but with clearly defined spaces that provided structure and flow. The result is a refined balance between elegance and comfort. The kitchen, with its striking gold-lined pendant lights and oversized marble island, flows effortlessly into the living area—a space filled with curated textures, soothing hues of blue and white and personalized touches like shelves lined with collected blue-and-white ceramics.
One of their top priorities was having space to host their growing family. “We have four children and eight grandchildren, so we built the upstairs with them in mind,” they explained. The second floor includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, and even a dedicated laundry area—creating a retreat-like space for extended visits. “They can have their own space while still feeling at home with us.”
Another favorite feature of the home is the dual "his and hers" bathrooms and closets off the owner’s suite—a luxurious detail that brings comfort and functionality into their daily routines. “We really enjoy having our own spaces to get ready each day,” they said. “It makes things easier and adds a little bit of peace to our mornings.”
Throughout the home, intentionality is everywhere. From timeless color choices to art pieces that carry personal history, each space reflects their journey. “We used a lot of pieces we’ve collected over the years,” they shared. “One of our favorite details is the wall of etchings from my aunt’s travels in Italy. They bring history and warmth into the home.”
The homeowners also prioritized outdoor living. Knowing how much they were drawn to the backyard during the lot selection, they centered the layout around capturing that view. The screened-in porch lets them enjoy the outdoors without worrying about bugs and includes built-in heaters to keep it cozy year-round. “We wanted it to be a space we’d use every season.”
