Columbus Monthly / October 2010 / Host family

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Host family

A luxurious home in a rural setting is designed for parties and weekend guests.

From the red limestone foyer to the towel warming drawer in the master bathroom, the careful planning of details in this new home in rural Central Ohio has culminated in a luxurious abode.

The homeowners, who lived nearby in a modest split level, started to debate the possibility of a larger dwelling back in 2003. They wanted more light and space to entertain family and close friends who traveled from throughout Ohio and neighboring states to visit nearly every weekend.

As they grew more serious about building, they interviewed builders, architects and designers before putting a team in place. To begin, the couple met every Thursday afternoon in the offices of architect Brian Kent Jones, joined by builder Gary Turnbull and interior designer Carolyn Rand. They discussed topics such as how many people would need to be seated around the dining room table and the number of folks invited to their usual gatherings and parties. They talked about spaces, both indoor and out, and how they entertained when they weren’t working at their busy careers.

Such questions led to decisions about room sizes and furnishings, custom-designed spaces and private areas that only the two of them would use.

“We didn’t want wasted space,” explains the woman of the house. The entry for this dwelling is subdued, although once inside the gleaming foyer a visitor gets a hint of what is to come. “From this tile the whole color scheme evolved,” explains Rand. The entry’s red limestone gives way to polished Brazilian cherry floors leading to a comfortably large family room. Here, the warm color scheme of red and gold tones goes into full effect.

Cabinetry lines the wall of this family room space and a bank of windows looks out over the sloping yard and swimming pool area. At the opposite end of the room, an elaborate bar—called a “wine service gallery” by the homeowners—features Juparana Florence granite countertops, a built-in sink, dishwashing drawers, a small refrigerator and more.

Cabinets are both fronted and backed with a vintage-style glass from Franklin Art Glass Studios Inc., allowing light from the dining room to easily flow into this area, too. This space has elaborate buffet potential for televised Ohio State Buckeye games and a room full of family and friends who will watch them.

The nearby dining room involves a refashioned table that can go from a 68-inch round to an oval one that can comfortably seat up to 16 guests, thanks to new inserts created to match the wood. Additional chairs were purchased to accommodate the table’s new size, varying slightly, but in the same basic design of the table’s original set.

Nearby, the kitchen is oblong, comfortably accommodating a chef or two in its cooking area, as well as a horde of guests who are provided seating space on the opposite side of the large island. Countertops and the island are created from Golden Butterfly granite and storage is by Cooley Custom Cabinetry.

Light was important in this area, too, so that even on the darkest of winter days, there is an airy feel. “The way this was set up with the windows, it invited the light in,” explains the man of the house as he points out gabled windows above. “If you walk through the house in a full moon, the room just glows,” he adds, emphasizing the skylights and windows that were weighty considerations during construction.

The main kitchen features Wolf appliances, including a warming drawer and oven. Off to the side, and near a hallway leading to the nearby screen porch, a full-sized EuroCave wine cooler accommodates chilled bottles that make their way upstairs from a well-shelved wine cellar below. A spare oven for roasting the Thanksgiving turkey and use during other such feasts also was placed here.

Furnishings on the screen porch are comfortable and easily accommodate guests who want a break from the sunny pool area. Nearby, a spacious patio made of bluestone features a built-in fireplace, as well as a custom-created spit where the couple roasts chickens, lambs and pigs.

Back inside, even the mudroom is well-equipped with a small-scale shower for washing plants, boots and such. A nearby door leads to an abundant herb garden, with easy access from the garage and kitchen.

With Rand’s help, the couple traveled to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for a lengthy stay, carefully choosing the furnishings and décor that would enhance this new dwelling. “Having the team together from the very start saved us all from trouble and hassle,” says the woman of the house.

When they were in their planning stages, the couple discussed their desire for a first-floor master suite and the possibility of their parents moving in with them at some point. Thus, beyond the kitchen, a cozy guest suite was built.

“We designed a suite that we think anybody would like to stay in,” explains the man of the house. Doors were widened and shower handles installed to accommodate the handicaps that come with aging. When not being used, a pocket door closes off the bedroom area to provide another powder room for household use.

At the opposite end of the home, a broad hallway leads past the wonderfully equipped home office, where the woman of the house spends a minimum of two days a week. Light floods this area and its high ceiling gives a sense of elaborate space. A custom-designed desk is situated here, while a plantation owner’s chair was put opposite so she can easily accommodate visitors. Near the master suite, a large laundry room includes a Whirlpool drying cabinet in addition to traditional appliances.

A comfortable, albeit small, master bedroom was well considered, explain the homeowners. “This is just a place for us to sleep,” says the woman of the house, acknowledging its lack of technology or even a seating area. The elegant dressing area nearby makes up for any lack of pretense in the sleeping area, though. Granite countertops, custom-created mirrors and a sophisticated cabinet design create one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in the house. Two closets were installed for the homeowners. Beyond, a large master bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, a large tub and a dual sink countertop. The towel warming drawer is designed in cabinetry below.

The man and woman who own this home are professionals who feel humble about their dwelling, avoiding any discussion about the total number of bathrooms and bedrooms in their space. Upstairs, though, are additional bunks for their overflowing guests, as is the spare guest suite on the lower level. A workout room there also is well-equipped.

Outdoors, this couple once again becomes the perfect host family with their spacious—and heated—swimming pool and dressing room space. Indeed, whether it’s hosting a late summer barbecue or an Ohio State Buckeye party in the fall, this busy duo has been successful in planning a home that is designed to aptly accommodate all of their guests.

Sherry Beck Paprocki is the editor of Columbus Monthly Homes.