Situated on a sprawling 13-acre site in the Arkansas countryside near Fayetteville, this 7500-square-foot custom home exudes the gracious elegance of a historic estate, yet pampers its owners with modern amenities.
"My clients wanted this home to have an aged look to it, both inside and out," says builder Gary Striegler of C & S Custom Homes, who complied with their wishes by combining modern materials with time-tested craftsmanship.
The home is both impressive and inviting at the same time, and that’s just what the owners were looking for, according to Striegler.
The charming alcove in the home’s main entry hall provides the ideal spot to watch the world go by. Flanking it are large storage closets.
From the street, its asymmetrical design gives the house the appearance of a rambling estate with a carriage house. Borrowing elements from English and French country architecture, it features a dramatic sweeping roofline, motor court, porte cochère and columned entry pavilion.
In terms of the interior living space, Striegler’s clients had a desire for a home which was less formal than their previous residence, yet they did not want to sacrifice any of the quality they were accustomed to.
The home’s interior is spacious and accommodating. It includes a formal living room, dining room with butler’s pantry, family and breakfast rooms, even a home-office. The main-floor location of the spacious master retreat makes it possible for the owners to enjoy a single-floor living arrangement if they desire. Three bedrooms upstairs, and a fourth on the walk-out lower level, ensure there is space for everyone to spread out. Closets flank a charming sitting alcove, with barrel ceiling located in the home’s central stair hall.
Ornate beams on the ceiling and wide-plank oak floors give this great room a luxurious yet informal warmth.
Striegler did not shy away from taking advantage of the latest technology to give this home its historic character. Computer-aided design, for example, allows the client to view the kitchen, with cabinetry in place, before it was built.
While not as stately as the front elevation, the rear of the home is just as impressive. The natural-looking pool adds to the inviting charm of the backyard area.
The home features a variety of display niches and built-in shelves and cabinets, all trimmed with highly detailed molding.
Hard costs for the home, completed in September 1998, were approximately $120 per square foot.