There is nothing more captivating than a stunning view. When that view is right outside your home, it makes the rest of the world fade away and is a treasure that’s part of your everyday life. That’s the type of view that stretches across the west side of Sogno Palazzo, or “dream palace”—an exquisite property in West Omaha that overlooks the Elkhorn River bluff. It’s the sole reason owner Roland Manarin originally purchased the land in 1980, and it’s what makes it so desirable today.
Manarin’s Italian heritage influenced many aspects of the home, which sits on 4.72 acres. His father was in the terrazzo tile industry, which instilled his fondness for marble floors, and Sogno Palazzo’s floors are covered in marble from around the world. “Marble floors are as common in Italian homes as carpet is in the U.S.,” he said. Manarin grew up in his great-grandfather’s home in Northern Italy, which was built with 3-ft. thick stone walls and withstood an earthquake in the 1970s that nearly destroyed the rest of the region. He moved to America when he was nine years old and kept the memory of that home with him. “I wanted my home to be able to withstand a tornado, so it’s built with double thick walls as well.”
Manarin lived in an existing home on a neighboring property while he built Sogno Palazzo, which was completed in 2001. He had envisioned the type of home he wanted, and scoured home design books, noting photos of elements he wanted to incorporate. Attention to detail is prominent throughout the home, from the intricate iron staircase to the carved lion heads in the great room fireplace to the glass beads hand-applied on the dining room walls. Designer Lisa Marie with Wine About Your Space recently updated the décor, marrying Italian style with modern living.
The three-bedroom home features a gourmet kitchen surrounded by ample areas for entertaining, from the formal dining room to the sitting room, and out into the all-seasons patio. The lower level has a large wet bar, game area, living room, hidden temperature-controlled wine-cellar, and walk-out access to a vast patio complete with pool and gazebo that overlooks the river bluff. It’s so picturesque, two weddings have even taken place on the property.
Other features include garage space for up to 11 cars, multiple walking paths that lead to the Elkhorn River and private pond stocked with catfish, a waterfall, dock, and fire pit. “It’s so serene by the pond,” Manarin said. “It’s the perfect place to get away from the world, to meditate, and enjoy solitude while still being right next to the city.”
The property is also lush with vegetation—fruit and nut trees, raspberry bushes, and even grape vines. Manarin said when he was growing up, food was often scarce, so he feels a sense of security from having a self-sufficient property. Not to mention, the orchard and vineyard adds to the country estate allure. But his favorite part of the home is far and above the view. “It’s stunning to sit in the living room and watch the sun sets, a storm rolling in, or to wake up and see a blanket of snow covering everything,” he said. “It’s the perfect place to witness all four seasons.”
It’s also the perfect place to entertain, which Manarin did often. He regularly entertained clients of his investment firm, either with groups of 30-40, or even open houses that welcomed hundreds of people and even built a parking lot on the north side of the property to accommodate large groups. When not entertaining, he would enjoy cooking a quiet dinner, spending time in the home’s library, or occasionally fishing at the pond.
Now retired, Manarin is busy fulfilling his bucket list, traveling around the world, recognizing that the home he built from scratch is meant for new owners. With the convenience of having a pond, river, 4.72 acres all right at home, it is a place that someone with a busy life can still enjoy many hobbies and create countless memories. “It’s ideal for someone who likes to entertain and who also values solitude,” he said. “It has everything—breathtaking views, lots of room to play, and peace and quiet. And it’s a home built with a level of quality that will last.”
For more information on the property or to schedule a showing, contact Michael Evans with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 402-616-1610, Facebook.com/MichaelEvansRealtor.
