Old-style character, modern conveniences
Building your dream home may seem like a bucket list item, but Tom and Michele Kelly were able to cross it off their list three years when they built their 4,700 square foot custom ranch in The Hamptons in Elkhorn. The home is nestled in a wooded area surrounded by bur oak trees and an evolving parade of wildlife. Designed and built by Curt Hofer Construction, the home is currently on the market and ready for the right family to continue enjoying its charm.
The Kelly’s moved to Omaha from West Point, NE to be closer to family. “We’ve loved being able to entertain and have our four sons and their families visit, but now we’re ready to downsize,” Michele said. “This house would be perfect for a family with teenagers since there’s three bedrooms in the basement, and they could have their own living space.”
The home has an open floor plan that stretches across the sloping lot, giving it different levels across the main floor with stunning views. There are windows that look out onto the trees from every room of the house, including the walk-in pantry. The lower level is especially unique in that it has its own deck rather than a patio like most walk-out basements. “It’s my favorite place to sit and listen to the birds,” Michele said. “It’s like our own private aviary.”
The Arts and Crafts style, also known as Craftsman, is another unique feature of the home. Arts and Crafts houses became popular in the U.S. in the early 1900s, following the movement in England. It’s identified by homes that use lots of wood, stone, numerous windows — often some with stained glass, built-in cabinets, and seating with straight edges. The Kelly’s home has all of these, including a custom-designed stained glass window between the office and master bedroom closet that was made by Lambrecht Glass Studio in downtown Omaha.
Michele decorated the home, choosing all the granite countertops, tile backsplash, and lighting. She worked closely with Marshall Wallman, Vice President of Design with Curt Hofer Construction. “The Kelly’s were wonderful people to work with,” Wallman said. “It’s a home that presents a lot of character. It has a lot of charm you find in older homes, but with all the new home conveniences.” Some of these include a large center island in the kitchen, three gas fireplaces throughout the home, a three and a half car garage, and walk-in master bath shower.
One of the Kelly’s favorite rooms in the house is the four seasons sitting room off the kitchen. “The pine walls and ceiling make it feel like a little cabin in that one room,” said Steve Huber, President of Curt Hofer Construction. “We used lots of natural products, such as stone on the exterior and lots of wood, which goes with that Arts and Crafts style.” The floors in the home are made of Brazilian cherry wood, there’s Ipe decking outside, and all the cabinets are oak.
The Kelly’s enjoy the privacy that living in a wooded area brings, but they are still less than ten minutes from the city. “I wanted to move to Omaha, but I’m also a private person,” Michele said. “It’s just so peaceful here.” Michele’s husband, Tom, is able to work out of his home office on the main floor that also offers lush, tree-lined views. He said he enjoys the laid-back nature their home provides, but they’re also able to socialize. “We love this neighborhood and our neighbors,” he said. “It’s been the perfect home for us.”
