Home Feature: Southern Sanctuary
Story by Allison Razic
Photography by Harris Visual Media
When the Pelligrini family had the opportunity to choose a new place to call home—anywhere in the United States—they didn’t opt for a big-name city or a coastal hotspot. Instead, they chose Bowling Green, Kentucky.
“Everyone thought we’d pick somewhere like Vegas or Manhattan,” Reina Pelligrini shares. “But Bowling Green is perfect for us. It’s safe, hospitable, and people are genuinely friendly. It’s a great place to raise our kids. We love it here.”
With five children and a steady stream of visiting family, the Pelligrinis needed more than just a house—they needed space to live, host and grow. When they found this property, they knew it was the one. “We fell in love immediately,” Reina says. “It had everything we were looking for: plenty of room as well as a pool, which is a feature we never had access to when we lived up North.”
The home—originally custom built by the previous owners—was designed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, every detail reflects a desire to create a self-contained retreat: a resort-style pool, an outdoor entertainment area, a home theater, and a spacious game room. It’s a space designed to feel like a getaway, even when staying in.
The Pelligrinis continued that vision, making thoughtful updates and adding touches that fit their lifestyle. A standout for Michael Pelligrini is the temperature-controlled garage, which houses his collection of Corvettes and serves as a personal haven. “That’s his favorite part of the house,” Reina laughs. “He’s a car guy through and through.”
Furnishing such a large space—more than 9,000 square feet—was no small feat. “We were overwhelmed at first,” Reina admits. “You want it to feel cohesive, but also comfortable and livable.” With help from Ashley and Jason at BG Home Furnishings, they pulled it off. “They walked through the entire home with us and helped plan each room. They made the process so smooth.”
One of the family’s first major additions was a built-in outdoor kitchen, now a central gathering spot. “Michael wanted a place to grill and hang out with the kids,” says Reina. “We spend a lot of time outside, so adding this was a no-brainer.”
The home is also set up to host nearly any occasion. “We throw parties for everything—Derby, the Olympics, Super Bowl—you name it,” Reina says. To accommodate the influx of guests, the house is cleverly outfitted with multiple built-in Murphy beds throughout, turning almost any room into a guest suite when needed.
One of their favorite areas is the movie room, complete with a second kitchen, full bar and theater-style seating. “It’s perfect for movie nights, but it also doubles as a great space for poker,” Reina says. “We added modern gaming tables from BG Home Furnishings, and Michael loves using it to host poker nights with friends.”
Looking ahead, the Pelligrinis have even more plans in store. “We’re thinking about expanding the garage to fit a few more cars,” Reina notes, “and we’re exploring the idea of adding a bowling alley in the unfinished upstairs space. It’s definitely on our wish list.”
A screened-in porch off the master bedroom opens up to the pool, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living—something the family especially enjoys in warmer months. “That’s what we love most,” Reina says. “The whole home is centered around the pool. Everything opens up, and it just feels like we’re always connected—whether we’re inside or out.”
