One of the most coveted views in West Omaha is one that overlooks the Elkhorn River bluff. Only a few homes can boast having that view while still enjoying privacy, and one in particular has an especially exquisite combination of both. Situated on top of a hill along Skyline Drive in Elkhorn, is a sprawling 9,500 sq. ft. single-owner home with a spectacular view that stretches all the way to Fremont.
Built in 1992 by one of Omaha’s premier home builders, McNeil Company, the majestic 1.5 story home with a finished basement had unique beginnings. The lot it was built on sat empty for 20 years. The homeowner took daily walks past the empty lot until one day noticing a for sale sign in the corner. Not knowing if it was even possible to build on top of the hill, she asked her father, who was a builder out of state. His response was, “You can build on anything.” So the homeowners ran the idea by McNeil Company, who said they could modify the nearly 2-acre lot in order to make it suitable to build.
The homeowners borrowed a floor plan from a house in Atlanta they liked and had McNeil alter it to the fit the lot. Their goal was to have enough space for their family of four as well as space to accommodate large groups for entertaining. They had no problem accomplishing both. The five bedroom, 6 bathroom home provided plenty of space for individual family members to spread out, especially in the basement, with its oversized living room, pool table room, home gym and sauna, as well as the golf simulator room, which can be converted into a home theater.
The entry way opens up into a grand living room with 20 ft. ceilings, windows, and double doors that open onto a sweeping patio that looks onto the priceless view. In fact, the homeowners often had live music playing on the patio while guests mingled both indoors and out, flowing into the lower level with its full bar and walk-out access to another covered patio and entertainment area.
Equally impressive is the 21 x 23 ft. kitchen, which was remodeled several years ago. Not only can a large family all gather in the room for a holiday get together, but it has enough counter space for multiple people to cook at once. The homeowners held an annual cookie party in which 20 ladies would all bake simultaneously. Likewise, the formal dining room is large enough to seat that many guests.
Attention to detail in the craftsmanship is also prevalent throughout the home. Solid woodwork, arched doorways, and ornate crown molding give it a stately look and feel. Baldwin hardware was also used on all doors. The master bedroom and bathroom were also remodeled that includes a giant walk-in shower, custom his and hers closets, and a Victoria Albert bath tub. The entire exterior of the home is solid brick, and the roof was one of the first in Omaha to use DaVinci slate.
The home’s décor is a mix of traditional and contemporary. Many of the home’s pieces were purchased during the homeowner’s travels, such as the light fixtures from New York, the master bedroom fireplace from France, and a number of antiques from around the world. A number of rooms in the home are also adorned with unique styles of wallpaper that still have a timeless look.
Even with a home of its size, there is plenty of room to grow. There’s the capability for a fourth space on the current three-car garage, room in the back yard for a pool, and other areas where the house could easily be modified. Lush landscaping with unique varieties of trees and flowers surround the home as well, all of which compliments that view. And although it’s difficult for the homeowners, who are ready to downsize, to give up, they are ready for someone else to enjoy it as much as they have. For more information about this home, contact Ralph Marasco, CBS Home Real Estate, 402-690-7777.
