Photos by Amoura Productions
Moore’s Hilltop probably isn’t a housing subdivision in Omaha that is familiar. That’s because only one home comprises Moore’s Hilltop as recognized by Douglas County, and it’s owned by Jeff and Diane Moore. When they purchased the full acre lot in 2009, they knew they wanted to keep as many of the existing trees as possible, and that they wanted a mountain, wood craftsman style home. After working with Curt Hofer & Associates, they built their dream home.
Building a home isn’t always a stress free process, but the Moore’s said they had a fantastic experience. Their previous home was only six blocks from the new one, so they walked to the construction site to check on progress daily and kept a photo album of the entire process. They also designed the home to fit within the wooded lot, and temporarily moved a number of trees to Lanoha that were later replanted around their new home. And every single tree survived.
The design of the 5,000 sq. ft., four-bedroom ranch was a true collaboration. Some of the home’s features, such as the custom walk-in wine cellar, were specific requests the Moore’s wanted. Others, such as the barrel vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams were suggestions from the builder. “There are so many details throughout the home that make it unique,” Diane said. The hardwood floors on the main level are character grade walnut, there’s crown moulding throughout, plenty of built-in shelves, and energy efficient geothermal heating and air.
The chef’s kitchen opens into the great room, and an additional dining room and four seasons room that can double as an office are also on the main floor. The large master bathroom includes an air tub and custom walk-in closet. The spacious lower level’s unique sunken bar features a hand-painted mural, sunken living room, large, daylight windows, and the climate-controlled wine cellar. There is also surround sound throughout the entire home.
With the help of interior designer Susan Mccalum with Design Options, they chose a more rustic décor, with oil rubbed bronze hardware, warm wall colors, and an overall softened, Colorado lodge look and feel. Diane’s favorite area of the home is the kitchen and great room, where they spend the most time, and Jeff is partial to the lower level bar and wine cellar. But both agreed that the private, tree-filled lot is one of the home’s best features.
“This is more of a relaxed, casual home right in the city, but with all of the privacy you would find in the country,” Diane said. “We fell in love with it because of all the trees, and yet we’re five minutes to everything and two minutes to school.” Located in the Millard School District, the home is very close to Zorinsky Lake, which Diane walks to every day. They also recently built an outdoor gas fire pit, which accompanies the covered stone patio overlooking a water feature, and the back yard includes a half basketball court. There is also space to build a pool, and the wooded area also attracts plenty of wildlife.
The Moore’s said the ideal home buyer for the property would be a family with kids who want to be in the Millard School District, but who would also enjoy the seclusion the home offers without living outside of town. “This home is perfect for someone who loves that mountain home feel and who understands what goes into a well-built house,” Jeff said. “The trees on this lot are 40-years-old, and I appreciate Hofer’s ability to put this house on this lot without losing any trees,” he added. For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Jeff Cohn or Cindy Hartzell with Omaha’s Elite Real Estate Group at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ambassador Real Estate, 402-957-1116.
