While many residences in this area of the Lake Country are historic lakeside homes and traditional country farmhouses, this home features comfortable, spacious rooms with modern amenities. Built in 2004, this 5,400-square foot home is a comfortable retreat for family and friends who gather for casual celebrations. Its neutral and earth-toned decor was designed to focus on its greatest asset the lake and the breathtaking views out every window of the home.

Its predecessor was an old house on a flat piece of land; the homoeowners transformed this parcel to gently slope toward the lake. It features exceptional landscaping that enhances privacy and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. They built their two-story Nantucket-style home to include a walk-out basement overlooking 125 feet of sand bottom frontage and completely unobstructed views of the lake.

Upon entering this home, the spacious front entryway opens into the great room with high ceilings and sweeping views of Lac La Belle. This gathering space includes comfortable seating and a beautiful natural fireplace and blends seamlessly into the dining room. Adjacent to these more casual spaces, the state-of-the-art kitchen serves as the official hub of the first floor. Beautiful cherry flooring runs throughout the entire entertainment space and complements the custom cabinetry in the kitchen and dining room. Completing the kitchen space are stainless steel appliances, a professional six-burner stove with double-oven and granite countertops.

A light and airy screened porch located off the kitchen is the perfect spot to catch a cool lake breeze or exit to the deck and the stairs leading to the backyard.

If you’d rather sit back and soak up the lake scene, sailing regattas occur every weekend and can be viewed while relaxing in the eight-person hot tub.

The lower level provides additional entertainment space including a family room complete with a pool table area and a “summer kitchen” with wet bar and wine refrigerator. When they’ve had enough fun in the sun, the media room is a favorite hangout for the homeowners and their guests. Up to eight people can relax in leather recliners and watch their favorite movies, television shows, concerts or sporting events play out across a 100-inch screen, while the added affect of surround-sound makes you feel part of the action.

Through the gates and over a stone bridge, a winding driveway leads to this stunning home surrounded by pristine gardens and landscaping. Built in 1995, it was designed to be a contemporary version of a classic prairie-style home featuring modern amenities within a solid structure showcasing quality craftsmanship. An exceptional estate, this home has 9,100 square feet of living and entertainment space. It’s the perfect venue for both casual family gatherings and more formal occasions.

The foyer features cherry wood floors and open staircase to the upper level. Access to the west wing of the house, featuring the master suite, is accommodated through the foyer. The cherry-paneled library with built-in bookcases and coffered ceiling provides privacy and a comfortable workspace. The large master bath features Venetian plaster treatment, heated marble floor, marble shower stall and whirlpool tub surround, double vanities and his-and-hers walk-in closets. The spacious master bedroom features a comfortable sitting area and additional his-and hers walk-in closets. French doors lead to a private patio and garden.

The upper level includes four additional bedrooms and two full baths with generous views of the grounds. The grand living room is the physical center of this home and offers breathtaking views of the backyard through two-story transom windows. While seasonal views continue to captivate, the two-story custom-built fieldstone fireplace truly stands out as one of the most dramatic design elements in the room. A hand-carved cherry mantle custom-made in California completes the ambiance. Barreled ceilings are featured again in the living and dining rooms. The maple and cherry flooring is included in both rooms, as well as several built-in cherry cabinets. Cherry paneling in the dining room includes a hidden door with access to the butler’s pantry and wet bar that leads into the kitchen. A large laundry room, small office and powder room complete the main level and connect to a two-car attached garage. A detached, two-car garage is also included on the property.

The finished lower level offers outstanding options for all ages. In 2005, more than 3,000 square feet of carpeted living space was added and includes beautiful millwork and custom-built maple cabinets with cherry trim in the full kitchen with bar. It also includes a pool table, game room, sportsman room, exercise room, full bathroom and over 800 square feet of unfinished space is used as a storage room. The most amazing feature of the lower level is the state-of-the art theatre room. This room includes tiered seating with eight large recliners and custom-designed and lighted maple cabinets in which to store an extensive movie library, as well as equipment.

Lush landscapes on quiet streets are a striking contrast to the city–one cannot help but enjoy life in these idyllic surroundings. Homes here range from understated to more lavish designs.

One home of historical significance is located at 8315 North River Road. As you approach this stately home, you recognize it as a timeless classic. Built in 1930 by Paul Starrett (designer and builder the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Penn Station, the Plaza and Biltmore Hotels in New York, as well as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.), it’s constructed of solid steel and concrete with a Lannon stone exterior. Situated atop a gentle slope, it proudly commands center stage on an expansive seven acres lot.

With great attention to detail, Starrett designed this to be, first and foremost, a family home. A large foyer at the center of this home provides entrance to the formal living room, sunroom, dining room, library and incredible kitchen. Featured throughout the home are several natural fireplaces updated with gas starters providing cozy ambiance and modern convenience.

Interior design elements, such as neutral walls and beautiful fabrics, complement the home’s history and colonial architecture. The occasional use of bold color provides a subtle, contemporary feel. The brightest room in the house is the sunroom and with a heated floor, this room and its views can be enjoyed year-round.

The kitchen includes state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar, casual dinette and family room. Another family-friendly dining space is adjacent to the kitchen. With abundant cabinetry and a generous butler’s pantry, the casual cook or consummate entertainer enjoys the benefit of ample storage. Windows run along the length of this room and provide lovely views of the backyard. With access to one of two patios, dining alfresco under a starry sky is an option in the summertime.

A 1,400-square foot guesthouse featuring two bedrooms, two full baths, kitchen and living area is a highlight of this property. It opens to the refurbished pool and tennis court, both added to the property in the 1990s.

Located on six lush acres in a secluded setting in River Hills, this casual retreat is a sprawling home that exudes warmth throughout the spacious rooms.

Originally renovated to be a quiet haven for family and friends. The center of the home is truly where everyone gathers. Elements of nature were brought in to connect the living space with the outdoors. The original fireplace is a focal point in the living room that blends directly into the formal dining room. The renovation included a private main floor master bedroom suite and a second story loft bedroom complete with a full bathroom.

After considering a few design options, the homeowners decided to add a west wing to the home that included two additional bedrooms, a full bath, half bath, den and sunroom. Five natural fireplaces throughout the home provide coziness year-round.

A three-tiered pond system and beautiful plantings can be seen from every room. The ponds are aerated with a sophisticated monitoring system. The greatest advantage of this system is the reduction of mosquitoes during the heat and humidity of the summer months.

A few graceful willows can be seen throughout the property, including one that is most likely as old as the original farmhouse and is featured prominently in the landscape. Several patios and areas for outdoor entertaining including one equipped with an eight-person hot tub dot the back of the house and overlook the ponds.

In addition to the open concept of the main floor, the finished lower level is a diverse space that includes a family room, entertainment area, a wet bar with granite countertop, a full bathroom and a custom wine cellar with space for over 700 bottles of wine.

The sunroom, located in the newest section adjacent to the den, is a simple room that is always filled with light. With ambient heat in the slate tile floor it is the warmest room in the house even during the winter months.

As you make the scenic drive into quiet lake country of Waukesha County, you instantly understand why John and Dyhanne Neuens designed and built the ideal home for entertaining.

Situated on an inlet of Okauchee Lake in a tiny hamlet nestled in the Town of Oconomowoc this exceptional home sits atop a parcel that gently slopes down toward the water’s edge. With the open flow of the rooms coupled with windows at every turn this home is poised to provide generous views of the lush surroundings of land and water from just about any vantage point on the property.

Over a century ago, some of the more prominent families in the area built stately summer homes that lined the shores of many small, inland lakes. Throughout the years, most of these homes were converted for yearround living and full enjoyment of the four seasons. Some smaller homes have been razed to make room for custom-built homes with more modern amenities. The Neuens did exactly that when they discovered the perfect place to build the home of their dreams.

John and Dyhanne, spent many months planning how their dream home would look, but more importantly, they wanted to create a distinctive space in which to spend time withfamily and friends. The result is a stunning combination of contemporary design combined with old world influences and warmth throughout the uniquely appointed spaces. It is truly the 21st century version of a luxury lake home which conjures a bygone era.

With more than 8,400 square feet of living space, the home is warm and welcoming from the minute you walk in the front door. A lofty expansive foyer with a Brazilian cherry wood floor features an inlaid medallion design as you enter the heart of this home, the great room. Here is where you have the best of everything from the large windows that look out onto the deck and beyond to the lake views to the cozy seating in front of the gas fireplace with inset television above. “We love the great room. It is the perfect place to snuggle and watch TV,” Dyhanne explained.

The full bar includes beautiful 1922 Art Deco lamps at either end and black window treatments with sparkles that catch the light and allow you to imagine the glamour of another era.

Interesting architectural elements, such as arches, insets, wood columns and beams, are utilized throughout the home. John and Dyhanne were meticulous in selecting the decorative touches from an extensive palette of earth tone inspired paint colors to multi-tiered lighting and rich fabrics. “We had a lot of fun putting it together,” added Dyhanne.

The most stunning features incorporate the custom-designed woodwork. John estimates he used 20 different types of wood that draws the rustic beauty of the lake setting directly into each room. With no detail left unattended, John’s vision included designing and building most of the furniture within the home as well.

Quite simply, this home is a work of art and the result of John’s talent and experience. Many of his clients appreciate the diversity of the pieces he designs and so much of this isshowcased in the variety and richness of all the wood in his home.

“I wanted to show that you could do a warm contemporary and have it still look and feel like a home,” John emphasized.

The great room is the center of the home and opens into a large, beautiful kitchen with island bar, built-in desk, casual dining area, a lit built-in china cabinet and an abundance of storage. The room features a rich combination of sepele and sepele pommele wood throughout that blends well with granite countertops.

A few steps away from the kitchen, the formal dining room features one wall of refrigerated wine racks of mahogany and madrona burl wood that can hold up to 950 bottles of wine.

Directly opposite the kitchen is “the club room” which has the ambience of a sophisticated nightclub. Complete with a curved black bar, a casual lounge space and gas fireplace, this room is the star on the main level. The full bar includes beautiful 1922 Art Deco lamps at either end and black window treatments with sparkles that catch the light and allow you to imagine the glamour of another era.

“You’re at the lake, but it feels like you’re downtown,” John said, as he described the atmosphere in this space. This room is the most versatile in that it opens to both a pergola with casual outdoor seating at the front of the house and an enclosed section of the multitiered deck that wraps the back of the house. The club room is equipped with a television above the bar and control panel for the high tech Creston audio, video and security system that extends throughout the property. A spacious home office, powder room and laundry room completes the first level.

John and Dyhanne planned the second level with their children and grandchildren in mind. Each of the bedrooms features custom woodwork and a private bathroom.

The master bedroom is the perfect getaway for the busy homeowners. As you enter this large room, you immediately notice the beautiful views of the lake and convenient access to the deck made of Ipiea SouthAmerican wood that is the most durable for outdoor use. The room includes a king size bed frame and built-in dressers made by John using a combination of both cherry and madrona burl woods. A comfortable sitting area is complete with media center above another gas fireplace surrounded in mocha travertine marble.

This suite features a luxurious spa bathroom, which includes a walk-in shower, double sinks, a large Jacuzzi tub, ample counter space, storage, and an additional sitting area. This breathtaking room also includes windows that face the lake for the ultimate retreat. Light-colored ceramic tile complements the warm walnut wood tone. “It is my wife’s Zen bathroom,” said John, as he smiled. A walk-in closet of birch includes builtin wardrobes for each of them, as well as a secure jewelry display case.

John used a mixture of media to make each room interesting. The infusion of many textures and looks of the woodwork in the home include finishes that are dull, glossy, leather, wood and metal. With a variety of entertainment and living spaces, all vantage points focus on the lake.

The lower level walk-out is the ultimate entertainment space that features a deluxe home theatre that comfortably accommodates up to 16 people. Just outside the theater is a built-in bar complete with a traditional movie candy counter. A large gathering space with a variety of seating options is at lake level and provides great outdoor viewing. This level includes a gas fireplace. A fourth bedroom with a private bath, a whimsically decorated game room and large exercise room, where Dyhanne teaches yoga classes, completes this space.

The outdoor amenities are many and include a hot tub, two fire pits, a boathouse with rooftop party deck and ample docking spaces. And nothing beats the spectacular evening view of this masterpiece from the lake. Eternal flame torches across the main deck level alight this home that exudes warmth every season of the year.

A LOVE OF entertaining, combined with a love of nature, inspired Peggy and Jim Vinson to design the ultimate haven for family and friends on more than three tranquil acres in northwest Mequon. Nestled among gentle, rolling hills in horse country, the roads that lead to this home are dotted with farms amidst this lush landscape north of Milwaukee.

As one of only 13 homes in the Highland Ridge subdivision, this premier residence is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac that offers plenty of privacy without sacrificing a connection to nearby neighbors. This home is perfect for the busy family who enjoys access to the city, while living in a quiet sanctuary. “It’s all about the land,” explained Peggy.

The natural setting is what drew the Vinsons to this location to build their ideal executive home. According to Peggy, their home design fits into the natural neighborhood whose properties are only manicured to a point, so as to showcase the beauty of their wooded surroundings. This custom-designed home allows Peggy and Jim the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful and natural setting. With over 6,000 square feet of living space, the open floor plan features 12-foot ceilings and rooms that seamlessly flow from one into another. The whole backside of the house, which faces east, features windows that bring in an abundance of light and generous views of the four seasons.

Celebrate the season with this everlasting holiday centerpiece composed of natural looking greens, berries and cones and highlighted with ribbons and mini lights. Created by floral designer Sue Morgan of Monches Farm.

To create this piece Sue used the following materials:

• 19″ Grapevine tree form base
• 1 short string of Christmas tree mini white lights
• 3 artificial pine stems with cones
• 3 artificial spruce stems
• 3 stems winter frosted artificial leaf stems
• 12 clusters of artificial red berries
• 36″ artificial twig & berry garland
• 9 small Christmas ornaments
• 12 ribbon strips, 8″ long
• Single large pinecone

To create centerpiece:

• Wind string of mini lights evenly around tree form.
• Cut stems of pine, spruce & frosted leaves into 4-inch to 6-inch pieces and glue into place on tree form, arranging stems in a natural fashion to resemble the growth of a tree.
• Push stems of berry clusters into base, distributed evenly.
• Wind twig & berry garland around tree.
• Fold 8-inch strips of ribbon to create 4-inch loops, wire base of ribbon and glue evenly around tree form.
• Glue in small ornaments of your choice. (mini red globes used here)
• Glue single large pinecone on top of tree.

Design Originals Floral and lead designer and owner created this lovely artificial door charm to “welcome spring” and welcome guests to your home.

Charlene Jung with over 29 years experience in the floral field, used an array of traditional spring flowers like cherry blossoms, iris and hyacinth. She gathered them into a simple hand-tied bouquet and finished it with two lovely butterflies hovering around it.

Many other spring flowers, like tulips, paperwhites, apple blossoms or forsythia are also available at Design Originals Floral and would create an equally stunning presentation for your door. They can custom create one just for you. Call them at 262-673-6844.

Materials:

• 3 branches cherry blossoms
• 4 blue hyacinth
• 3 purple iris
• 2 stem fuschia cosmos
• 4 branches willow
• 2 purple butterflies
• florist wire
• floral tape-green

Instructions:

Bouquet is a hand-tied style
.
Start with the cherry blossoms fanned out and add the 2 stems of cosmos: one behind and one in front of the cherry blossoms. Next add 3 iris staggered while holding all the pieces together. Arrange the hyacinths next and lastly add the willow stems scattered throughout the bouquet. Bind all together either with florist wire or floral tape at the central spot just below all the blossoms. Shape a lovely bow out of the ribbon and wire onto the bouquet at the same spot it was bound together. Lastly add a loop of wire at the back to form a hanger and secure 2 butterflies to the arrangement as a finishing touch.

An abundance of lush everlasting greens and blossoms in a moss covered base is evocative of wandering into a woodland clearing and discovering the remains of a long ago garden, now gone wild. Floral designer Johanna Kleckner of Monches Farm created this piece using the verdant green tones of spring foliage woven with the floral splendor of early season flowers. The arrangement rests in a terra cotta base painted with green to suggest a moss covered finish.

Monches Farm’s floral designers Johanna Kleckner and Sue Morgan have been creating floral art of dried and silk flowers for over 25 years. They can work with you to create a custom everlasting piece for your home using your design colors and reflecting your personal style. For a consultation, call 262-966-2787.

To create this piece Johanna used the following materials:

• Woodland-look terra cotta planter (10″ tall)
• floral foam
• 6 stems bicolor tulips
• 2 stems blue hyacinths
• 2 stems blue delphinium
• 2 stems rose masterwort
• 3 branched stems variegated honeysuckle foliage, cut into individual stems
• 7 stems foliage of your choice
• 4 stems rose-purple mini clematis vine
• 7 stems deep purple mini morning
• glory vine
• sheet moss

Cut floral foam to fit container and glue into base. Arrange tulip stems evenly with some facing upward and some facing out. Place two stems of delphinium upright in center, one slightly lower than the other. Place hyacinth stems on either side of delphiniums. Place rose masterwort on the other two sides of the delphiniums, near base. Arrange individual stems of foliage loosely at a variety of angles throughout piece weaving them together visually (drape some over the top of the container to soften the edge). Add mini morning glory vine, arranged facing upward as though they are twining up towards the sun. Arrange mini clematis trailing downward with their flowers facing out. Finish with sheet moss around top of container to conceal foam and give woodland look.

Now is the time to celebrate the benefits of your beautiful plantings with a gorgeous Fall arrangement!

Combining extra-ordinary bursts of Autumn colors, create your own, or order one of the arrangements featured this season.

Twins Flowers, Gifts & Decor recommends this spectacular showing of the seasons bounty for fall celebrations, weddings, your home entrance, fireplace hearth, restaurant entrances and housewarmings. A smaller version can also be created for table centerpieces, powder rooms, hospital deliveries and more! Having over 20 years of design experience, “The Twin” sisters, Liz & Theresa would be happy to answer any questions, or make your event memorable with a personalized arrangement to fit your needs. You can reach them at Twins Flowers, Gifts, & Home Decor at 262-679-0707. (See their ad in this issue) Appointments are suggested, but not always necessary.

Theresa gathered the following fresh supplies:

• (Start with) an earth tone ceramic pot
• Plastic liner for pot w/ oasis to fit snuggly
• 3 pcs. Lavender Astilbe
• 1-1/2 bunch Cattails
• 1/2 bunch Flax
• 6 med. Sunflowers
• 1/2 bunch Cottage Yarrow
• 7 Snapdragons (2-tone)
• 1 decorative pumpkin w/ long floral pick
• generous length of Mossy Green roping

Directions to duplicate this look:

• Insert soaked oasis into plastic liner.
• Stabilize soaked oasis with floral tape.
• Insert liner with oasis into ceramic crock.
• Place cat-tails into crock 1st, leaving stems approx. 35″ high.
• Add Sunflowers, staggering them throughout the arrangement.
• Insert floral pick into bottom of pumpkin.
• Insert pumpkin w/pick along front, top side of pot.

Add remaining materials in the following order:

• Flax
• Lavender Astilbe
• Snapdragons
• Cottage Yarrow
• Tie Mossy Green roping around top lip of ceramic pot.

ENJOY!!!