Living in the Midwest doesn’t come with an ocean-front or mountainside view, but every now and then a hidden gem is tucked away with a view that rivals other parts of the country. Mary Fitzpatrick’s home in Elkhorn certainly does, with its breathtaking views of the Elkhorn River bluff, Riverside Lake, and surrounding lush woods full of wildlife and offering complete privacy.
Fitzpatrick’s home-building journey is as unique as the house itself. After spending years collecting antiques at her 150-year old home in Omaha, in 1989 she decided to venture into modern art, which would require a different style of home. She found the perfect lot along Skyline Drive in Elkhorn and bought it within 24 hours. However, it was thick with trees, and a culvert ran through the property. But that didn’t deter her from building her dream home.
“For two years I would come out to the lot with a ladder and move it around to see what the property looked like since it was all woods,” Fitzpatrick said. “Then I would sit there with my glass of wine and decide which views I liked.” She was able to determine how to sculpt out the land and visualized what she wanted it to look like. Fitzpatrick also hand-picked the architects to help her design the home exactly how she wanted it, and three years later, she finally moved in.
The views from the multi-level home can only be described as breathtaking. The oversized picture windows on the west side of the house overlook the Elkhorn River Bluff, and on a clear day, visibility can go for 15 miles. The house is carved into the lot, with views of trees, deer, turkey, and bald eagles on a daily basis. “The sunset every night is like a piece of artwork,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s a place to feel like you’re outdoors, even when you’re inside.”
The 4,700 sq. ft. home has three bedrooms, each on a different level. The walk-out lower level includes a kitchen, large living room, and a paved patio for outdoor entertaining. The main level’s gourmet kitchen houses high-end stainless steel appliances, stainless steel convection double ovens, a wine fridge, and a Samsung Smart refrigerator. The main floor living room is striking with its 8’x12’ modern art piece above the couch. In fact, Fitzpatrick’s art collection is displayed throughout the home. “This home is meant for someone who is visual and artistic,” she said. “Someone who is in tune to a contemporary style will find it very comfortable.”
A master suite sits on its own level of the house, and a large lofted room can serve as an office, media room, or bedroom. In addition to the lower level patio, there’s a deck and a separate screened in porch off the kitchen, as well as an additional paved patio next to the pond water feature toward the front of the house. “It’s a unique home for Omaha,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s right off of Dodge and merely minutes to everywhere, but as soon as you turn down Skyline Drive it’s totally private. It’s like coming home to your own retreat.”
Fitzpatrick is in the process of remodeling some aspects of the home, such as installing granite countertops in the kitchen and a few bathrooms, but buyers have the option of putting their own style into the home. After 25 years of living there, Fitzpatrick said she’s ready to make a move and plans to retire in the Southwest. “I’m in love with the land, and it was a difficult decision, but I’m ready,” she said. “The person who buys this house is going to buy it for its spectacular setting. It’s like being on vacation every time you come home—total serenity.”
