Photos: Landmark Photography
A family of five moving into The Ranch of Credit River was looking for their home to offer convenient day-to-day living while also serving as a beautiful venue for entertaining family and friends. With help from Highmark Builders, David Charlez Designs and Ruby+Suede interior design, they realized their dream with a transitional farmhouse designed to meet the needs of their growing family. “Flexibility and flow were important, as well as creating spaces that feel inviting, comfortable and refined without being overly formal,” says David, principal and founder of architectural design firm David Charlez Designs in Lakeville.
“This home is a great example of how clients can achieve a one-of-a-kind custom design that is efficient, tailored and visually elevated without pushing the construction budget into an unreasonable range,” David says. “Thoughtful planning and prioritization can create a home that is both highly functional for daily life and exceptional architecturally.”
Outdoor Entertaining
An outdoor pool played a large role when it came to orienting the home on its lot. The pool was placed near a wooded area, which offers both privacy and a beautiful view. “Planning for a pool starts before the house is ever even placed on the lot,” says Matt Eastman, vice president of Highmark Builders. “We shifted the position of the home specifically to accommodate the pool.”
Since the family likes to entertain, the pool deck offers ample space for gathering. The main room in the home’s lower level offers excellent sight lines to the pool, allowing for indoor and outdoor entertaining, and a bathroom was placed in a convenient location for swimmers.
An exterior deck connects the upstairs dining room to the pool area. “Outdoor living was a priority, so the main level walks out to expansive decks and patios that cascade down to the pool level,” David says.
Main-Level Living
A primary suite on the main level, with other bedrooms and a guest suite located on the lower level, provides extra privacy for parents and allows for the home to grow with the family’s changing needs. “Without a second story above the main living areas, we’re able to design more dramatic ceiling volumes, exposed beams and taller glass walls that bring in natural light and uninterrupted views,” David says. “This trend is a response to lifestyle, aesthetics and improved livability.”
The lower level bedrooms are laid out to keep the guest suite separate from the kids’ room for comfort and privacy, David says.
When it came to designing the rooms, Jen Zweber, interior project manager at Ruby+Suede, says a lot of thought was put into making the fabrics, finishes and furniture kid-friendly.
New Neighborhood
This home is one of the first few to populate The Ranch of Credit River, which features gently rolling hills and lots around 2 acres. “It truly is an architectural development,” Eastman says. “Everything goes through an architectural review process prior to being approved, and that’s really what keeps the consistency of development true from beginning to end.”
Open Kitchen
A large island with enough room to seat the entire family anchors the kitchen, which has designated room for entertaining and prep work. The kitchen is conveniently nestled between a sizable, well-appointed butler’s pantry with room for appliances and a second oven and a dining room with access to a deck overlooking a wooded area. “The open-yet-defined kitchen, dining and great room layout encourages connection while still giving each space its own identity,” David says.
Three Tips for Building a Forever Home
- Plan the exterior along with the interior. Do you want a pool or a big garden? Sharing that information with your architect and builder will allow them to make the best use of the lot.
- Don’t stress about square footage, says Matt Eastman, vice president of Highmark Builders. Instead focus on the spaces you’ll want. Figure out what you need first: How many bedrooms? Do you entertain around the holidays? Plan spaces for your lifestyle, and it will ensure that every square foot works for you.
- Get an interior designer involved at an early stage, says Jen Zweber, interior project manager at Ruby+Suede. An interior designer can catch details, like whether you’ll need a beam to mount your dining room light fixture or where you’ll want outlets to complement your furniture arrangement.
David Charlez Design
Instagram: @david.charlezdesigns
Highmark Builders
Instagram: @highmark_builders_
Ruby+Suede
Instagram: @rubyandsuede
