PGA Stars Stayed at This Muirfield Home on the Market

When longtime Columbus resident John Hubly purchased his last home, the one he'd live in for nearly two decades before his death in May, none who knew him were surprised by the location he chose. The real estate developer and art collector was also an avid golfer and a friend of golf legend and Columbus native Jack Nicklaus. Hubly was one of the first members to join Muirfield Village Golf Club when it opened in 1974, and he was among those who helped Nicklaus organize the first Memorial Tournament in 1976.

Apropos, then, the panoramic windows lining the back wall of the house at 8853 Birgham Ct. N give way to a stunning view of the sprawling 220-acre golf course's fifth and sixth holes.

The 1979 blonde brick and wood, 4,700-square-foot space sits in a cul-de-sac on nearly three-quarters of an acre, one of the largest lots in the prestigious Dublin community. When Hubly bought the property in 1994, its dated 1970s-style design hardly took advantage of its prime location, with minimal windows and chopped-up rooms that seemed to ignore the surrounding scenery. He commissioned local firm Sullivan Bruck Architects to transform it into a modern, luxurious home that's equally stylish and comfortable-not to mention a great place to throw a party. It's surprising to learn the renovations are 20 years old.

"It was a very progressive design for its time but one that still works today," says Hubly's son, Michael. His father's goal was to create volume, Michael says, a vision realized both in the great room's 20-foot-high cathedral ceiling and open segue into the equally spacious kitchen. Sleek dark hardwood floors extend from the foyer, and a cozy den with built-in bookshelves provides charm. A carpeted staircase with glass sides leads to two of the home's five bedrooms, roomy and well-lit with natural sunlight.

The first-floor master suite also boasts vaulted ceilings and copious windows, a walk-in closet for two, a spa-like bath suite and French doors that open to a private raised patio overlooking the backyard and the golf course's rolling hills and winding creek.

A former All-American swimmer and candidate for the 1952 Olympics, Hubly installed an in-ground pool in the backyard, accessible by way of curving stairs that cascade from the wooden deck and enclosed by neat rows of small, pointed evergreen trees-smart landscaping that provides both privacy and beauty.

With two guest suites and a full kitchen in the finished walkout basement, the house is ideal for entertaining visitors. Nicklaus wasn't Hubly's only pro-golfer pal; touring PGA stars in town for the Memorial Tournament would frequently stay with him. The spirited parties he hosted annually for the golf tournament were "great fun," Michael says, and attracted an eclectic group of guests, from athletes to business moguls.

With its timeless design and party-perfect layout, this house will continue to welcome cherished memories, fun-loving partygoers-and a good bit of relaxation-for years to come.

Have a real estate lead? Send it to msullivan3@columbusmonthly.com for consideration.

8853 Birgham Ct. N, Dublin

List Price: $900,000

Listing agent: Joan King, ReMax