This custom built Insignia estate is special on so many levels. Built in 2014, it was a collaboration of many talents including Jeff Visser as architect, Franchesca Owings Interior Design, and Wendy Finch Interior Design (to update bedroom features as the three kids got older). As we walked through the home, the owner pointed out many, many “smart” features. She reiter-ated this throughout our meeting, noting that she insisted upon useful, workable, intelligently used space, materials, and floor plan. She didn’t want a big house just for the sake of having a big house, and she didn’t want it to feel cavernous. It’s gorgeous yet unimposing and understated from the street view … but don’t let that fool you!
One of the most functional and fabulous homes I’ve seen to date, this home’s main floor area, kitchen, and general living space is truly a masterpiece. Extra wide hallways make everything feel open, along with 9 foot tall solid doors topped with transom windows. Floor to ceiling windows looking over the backyard, including more transom windows, brings in a ton of natural light. One of my favorite features is the kitchen area. It is wildly spacious and open with incredible attention to every little detail. A huge seamless granite center island lends itself to congregating and offers plenty of seating. The glass backsplash and blend of Caesarstone counters is a great compliment to the island, along with stainless Wolf appliances and twin Bosch dishwashers which she says really never stop running since all the kids’ friends are always at the home. There is also a clever adjacent walk-through pantry directly behind the kitchen which is a perfect staging area for parties, and for keeping unnecessary items off the primary counters throughout the kitchen. So much extra space to store larger kitchen items.
The interior feels incredibly welcoming and has plenty of cozy spots to sneak away if anyone wants their privacy. The overall decor is what many now call “transitional.” It’s a modern blend of neutral colors with sleek features, gorgeous dark wide plank wood flooring, grays and whites, striking light fixtures, and a mix of rustic touches with contemporary comfort. These details don’t get missed in the main floor master suite either. It feels like a very posh suite in some fancy resort, with a flawless view over pool, pond, and woods, and a balcony overlooking the expansive yard. The master bath features a large soaking tub and a shower big enough for, say, six? I lost count of how many spray nozzles are in that shower, but it’s like a car wash. And then there’s the walk-in closet; tons of built-ins for shoes and all the necessary attire. Plenty of drawers, shiny lighting, and a marble-topped island in the center for folding and organization.
Overall this home is just under 7,000 square feet finished on all levels. It has seven bedrooms, most of which have their own private bathrooms. In total there are five and a half bathrooms. There are multiple living areas on each level, a bonus family room on floor two, a dance floor on the walkout level, a main floor office with awesome built-ins and safe, and for the busy family, it even has a four-stall garage.
Walk through one of the many access points to the backyard and you’ll be amazed with what you see. Rooks Landscaping and Acme Pools paired together to create an enviable summer oasis. The pool has a shallow area where you can sunbathe or put a table and chairs, and of course, there is an attached hot tub. Not surprisingly, the tiered landscaping is also picture-perfect. Outside there are multiple areas to congregate; around the pool, on various levels of decking and patios, at the firepit, or on the dock that’s stretched out over their semi-private pond. At any given time you may find their young and playful black lab Rocky sunbathing himself in one of these places. The pond apparently also makes for an excellent skating rink in the chilly winter months. Personally, I’d rather focus on the summer fun …. not unlike the owner’s several children. This home is wonderfully kid-friendly, and perfect for entertaining adults too!
