When planning to build a house, most homeowners have certain requirements to meet their lifestyle. For Rebecca and Darrin Jackson, the list was short but important to them: a large mud room with wall-size family organizer; second-story laundry room large enough to accommodate two sets of washers and dryers; an outdoor pool; and a wrestling room where their three sons could train.
After deciding to work with local builder ADC Homes, the Jackson’s were approached about turning the project into a 2012 Street of Dreams Home, which was being held in their Coventry Estates neighborhood. As soon as they agreed, custom touches were incorporated throughout the two-story, five-bedroom, 5,500 sq. ft. home.
As a former teacher, family organization was imperative for Rebecca. As a result, a wall-size dry-erase master calendar was incorporated into the oversized mud room. “It’s the life center of the house and has been one of the best things we’ve ever done,” she said. There’s also a study/play room for the kids, with a large desk and three work stations. The lower level wrestling room can double as a gym, and a filtered water drinking fountain sits by the pool entrance for when the kids and their friends come inside.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the home, and interior designer Libby Pantzlaff came up with creative touches in every room. A built-in fish tank adorns one of the second-story bedrooms, and another has double built-in bunk beds with stairs designed to look like stacked books leading up to them. “We always have kids sleeping in the bunk beds on any given weekend,” Rebecca said.
The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances and a stove-top focal point surrounded by stone that matches the stone in the living room’s fireplace. Kitchen cabinets are made of knotty alder, and the granite countertop has a leathered-look finish. The earthy wood and wall tones are extended into the main level guest bath that features a built-in sculpted tree complete with lights in the end of its branches.
The master suite includes heated bathroom floors and black-out shades for the large windows, as well as a direct water line to the coffee station—another must-have at Rebecca’s request. The walk-in master closet opens to the laundry room, which was built to house two sets of washers and dryers—a necessity for three boys who are all involved in wrestling. Other family-friendly features include the lower level home theater with large built-in bar. The bar’s unique top is river stones encased in glass. There’s also a true fifth bedroom and two large storage rooms, one with an indoor sauna.
While all of those features provide the home with unique elements, Darrin is proud of the craftsmanship throughout. “Even though the home is beautiful, it’s durable and meant to be lived in,” he said. Features such as 8 ft. doors, 10 ft. ceilings in the lower level, and a climate controlled four-car garage top his list. Although the desk-top in the study room that contains his childhood penny collection is a design detail that holds special meaning for him.
Admittedly, the Jackson’s are going to miss the home but are ready for their next phase in life now that their sons are older. “This house is ideal for a family,” Darrin said. “We love the neighbors and there are kids of all ages. For us, this house has become the place where all of our kids’ friends hang out, and we love it that way. It’s a traditional home with some neat aspects that’s warm and friendly for everyone.”
