Farmhouse on the Lake
Let’s start with the fact that Granbury has been recently voted as the #1 Small Town in America. Combine that with All Over Solutions being voted the #1 Contractor in Hood County for two years in a row, and you have a sure-fire winning combination for owners Jim and Patti to realize the retirement home of their dreams on beautiful Lake Granbury.
We have learned that our clients are our greatest advocates. Jim and Patti are no exception. On their search for the right builder, they quietly watched one of our quality homes being constructed on a nearby golf course, and fell in love with the design. “Each week I would golf and watch this house go up,” says Jim. “It was so beautiful and unique. I took Patti to see it and she was amazed at the quality and creativity of this house.” After some research, Jim and Patti found us on Houzz and arranged to meet with the entire AOS team. “Heather was dazzling and helped us design our dream home from the existing plan. BJ was creative and so knowledgeable. He suggested things we absolutely loved. We wanted a farmhouse and redeveloped this existing plan to make it ours. They were so willing to make every change and satisfy our desires in a new home. The agreement spelled out everything with every detail included. There were no hidden costs. AOS did a fantastic job. They led us through this entire building process.” There is no doubt that the popularity of the modern farmhouse has gained a strong, enduring foothold in the architectural styles of our region.
Here, it is achieved by modifying some of the traditional elements to make this home suitable for lakeside living. For example, painted brick is combined with board and batten siding for an exterior finish that means less maintenance and more time to enjoy the lake, while still achieving that relaxed, understated vintage look. Multiple angles and rooflines break up the elevation to avoid the boxy look of more traditional ranch and farmhouses, while those desirable metal shed roof dormers over the windows and garage increase the curb appeal. The cedar posts and lintels hint at design elements waiting to be discovered inside.
Jim and Patti have been so enthusiastic about their new home, we’ve asked them to take us inside for the “grand tour.” We’ll make comments along the way, but with this Lakeside Farmhouse, its best to let the owners tell the story! Trying to pinpoint a favorite feature was difficult for Jim. When we asked him what it might be, his reply was, “Everything is probably not the answer you are looking for, so we will pick! The great room is so livable and stylish. Patti loves the shiplap and the lighting fixtures with beams as they really capture the idea of a farmhouse. It is a true ‘open concept’-we love that!” Here we will point out that Patti’s shiplap seems so appropriate for a lake house, giving it just enough of a beachy vibe without “going overboard!”
You’ll find it accenting the painted brick fireplace, feature walls, and the master tub surround. As for the cedar beams throughout the home, they provide the warmth and character promised from the home’s exterior, as well as the beautiful smeared brick columns; a subtle divider between living and kitchen areas. “We love the kitchen,”
Jim continues. “The 13-foot island is our gathering place. The 7-foot reclaimed wood coffee bar with wine and drink refrigerators are such a great design idea and we use it constantly. There is a lot of granite counter space and a large window over the farmhouse sink allows natural light in and has a great view.”
For us, we cannot leave the kitchen without mentioning the design elements that really make the center of the home come together: the island’s custom corbels antiqued in black, it’s shiplap veneer painted in a soothing blue and coordinating with the custom media cabinet across the way in the great room, and the beautiful vintage tile accent behind the cooking vent, providing a visual focal point opposite the fireplace. The black on white trims are really anchored in this feature.
We could linger in the kitchen for days, but let’s move on to the master suite-another favorite of Jim and Patti’s. They made a smart choice with luxury wood-look vinyl flooring throughout the home. After all-this is a lake house, where living is all about water, and bringing the outdoors in. (Even the family dog, Maisy, has her own private entrance from the backyard!) Jim points to the clerestory and other windows which can be found in almost all the rooms, yet another element that marries this farmhouse to its gorgeous surroundings. “A large lake view window with plantation shutters and windmill fan overhead makes us want just to hang out in the master bedroom.” And there’s another place to linger: “The walk-in shower is perfect! We included an overhead rain shower option-it makes me stay in there too long!”
Go ahead and stay in there as long as you want, Jim. With an energy efficient propane gas system providing “on demand” hot water and fuel for the furnace, fireplaces, and outdoor grilling, a long shower is a luxury you can afford! For Patti, his and her vanities, a soaking tub, and a generous walk-in closet with easy access to the laundry complete this dreamy master bath.
In the guest wing, a second bath provides a walkout to the home’s lakeside pergola, patio and dock. Jim credits Heather with clever design modifications to the bedrooms that allowed for an additional media room. “Oversized seating and a TV screen covering one wall all fit perfectly,” says Jim. “We are really comfortable there.”
Friends tell Jim and Patti that their Farmhouse on the Lake looks like it’s right out of a magazine or HGTV. What could be a better compliment than that, other than living in it? It’s a beautifully designed, energy efficient, functional and affordable home that hits all the right buttons for this retired couple. Jim adds, “Thanks to AOS, we have our dream home, but more importantly we have new friends. I learned to trust AOS and their process and they were “right on the mark” with quality and trying to get the product we wanted just like they were doing it for themselves. AOS has great integrity and is honest. This was the first time we had a home built for us… BJ and his team made sure it was a great experience. Thank you all! Much love from Patti and me!”
It was a great experience for us too, Jim, and we are happy that you and Patti are now a part of our growing family at All Over Solutions!
