And according to the Census Bureaus American Community Survey data which includes all occupied homes, not just newly built ones only 4.3 percent of Massachusetts properties have five or more bedrooms. So its fair to say that a five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house could be considered very, very big by most standards. Generally speaking, there is a movement toward smaller, more efficient, comfortable, and intimate spaces, said Peace Nguyen, an agent with Engels & Vlkers in Wellesley. But while most people dont want or, perhaps just as likely, cant afford a home that size or larger, theres still plenty of appetite for big homes, she added, especially among the well-heeled.

Doug McNeilly, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Wayland, said the tipping point in his area is about 4,500 square feet. His buyers like big homes with four or five bedrooms, an open-concept kitchen and family room, and a three-car garage, he said but once those boxes are ticked, most start to think about trading any excess space for better proximity to work and shopping. Many buyers want a master with a large walk-in and decent size master bath, McNeilly added. [But] they dont need a 1,000-square-foot master suite.

What were finding is a lot of people are looking for amenities, but not so much the square footage, said Karen Landry, a luxury broker at RE/Max Destiny in Cambridge. Because theyre not just buying one home anymore, theyre buying that second vacation home. Millennial millionaires 5 percent of whom live in Massachusetts own an average of three properties, according to a recent Coldwell Banker report, and Landry said they want homes that are easy to maintain and manage.

Matt Dolan, a broker with Sagan Harborside Sothebys International Realty in Marblehead, has seen a similar trend, with high-end second-home buyers topping out around 5,000 or 6,000 square feet. A lot of times people are saying, you know what, any more than that, Im not going to be there enough to really do anything with it, he said. And one thing we are seeing as we get younger buyers more in the millennial bracket, they tend to want to do less and less work.

It can be tough to find the right buyer and balance for a large home, Landry said. Some buyers want to entertain and enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle, she said, but dont want to be burdened by a lot of upkeep or landscaping. And then you have the others who say, "If I have a house this big, I want everything else that comes with it: I want the yard, the pool, the tennis court.'

Far more important than sheer size, Dolan said, is whether the space complements the intended lifestyle of the home. It really matters how that space is used. Thats the key, he said. In Salem, for example, there are beautiful old mansions with grand parlors on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor. But on the third floor, Dolan said: Youve just got more rooms and rooms and rooms. And that originally would have been where the staff would stay, but now people dont have staff like that they have apps and dishwashers. It can be a challenge for modern homeowners to utilize that space in a useful way.

Likewise, Dolan recalled an expansive $6 million-plus home with three bedrooms on the first floor and two more in the basement. What do you do if youre a family of four? This amazing giant home isnt going to work that well, he said. You have 6,000 square feet, but its in the wrong spots.

Dolans also seen car collectors who would trade interior square footage for a bigger garage. Sometimes you have 6,000 square feet but a two-car garage. Well, theyd give up 1,000 square feet if they could for a six-car garage, because otherwise they dont have a place for their collection, he said. So its all about does that space match the lifestyle.

After all, isnt that the point of a huge home: a more comfortable setting for a happier life? Maybe not entirely. A 2019 research paper explains that even as the average American house has grown larger, were collectively no happier with our properties than we were 40 years ago and its largely due to envy.

At any point in time, households living in bigger houses tend to be more satisfied with their home, wrote the studys author, Clment Bellet, an assistant professor at Erasmus University in the Netherlands. However, they start to feel worse about their own house if nearby homes get bigger. The effect is so pronounced among those whose homes are in the second-largest tier, Bellet estimated, that it can trigger something of a suburban arms race, spurring homeowners to build additions and take on debt to reclaim their status.

Size is just one way buyers might quantify a homes value, however. For many wealthy buyers, Dolan said, its more about making sure a home speaks to their success. Their real estate is part of how they describe themselves to the world. so when they step up, they want to be able to make sure that people recognize the step up, he said. So it has to have certain features, like a grand entryway or a view it has to have that wow factor.

And just as a picture says a thousand words, a spectacular view is sometimes the best way to communicate grandeur. You can have a fabulous master bath, but its going to be out of style in 10 years," he said. "A view is timeless, and when people come up to a truly breathtaking view, they wont even notice your kitchen cabinets. Theyre entranced.

Another reason some wealthy buyers are cautious with oversized homes is financial prudence, Dolan said. The top end of the real estate market naturally has a smaller buyer pool, and Boston-area luxury properties took an extra 41 days to sell, on average, according to fourth-quarter 2019 data from national brokerage Redfin. Theres not a lot of liquidity in that market, he said, so some homeowners with huge homes consider cashing out into something smaller.

If a homeowner is selling a Colonial in a good neighborhood, and theyve made smart choices with their renovations over the years and stage it to have that Pottery Barn antique look, Dolan said, the home will probably sell very quickly. But once you get north of $2 million, he said, the market is less predictable, and the perfect house is in the eye of the beholder. One person may value something, and the next person may not like it at all, Dolan said. So what that leads to at the high end is sometimes homes sell immediately, or they take forever.

David Brookes, principal at Brookes + Hill Custom Builders in Waltham, notes that his wealthy clients know exactly what they want. Hes built homes up to 20,000 square feet with high-end craftsmanship and sometimes lavish touches, like real gold-leaf molding. But as a custom builder, Brookes has to please only one client and doesnt have to worry about marketing the home to a broader market. I would be really nervous if I was doing that, he said.

Size can become a liability, too, when a home is starting to feel outdated because theres just so much more that needs updating. McNeilly said there was such a glut of large 1990s houses on the market in Sudbury in the middle of last year that, at one point, there was 72 months of inventory in the $1.25 million to $1.49 million range. Anything over six months is generally considered a buyers market, he noted.

The seasonal winter slowdown brought those inventory levels back down to normal, McNeilly said. But the same thing could happen again this summer, he added, because a lot of those houses are starting to show their age and the prospect of updating something that size can overwhelm buyers. A 6,000-plus-square-foot house built in the late 1990s with minimal or older updates might need a new kitchen, updates to all four and a half baths, new flooring, and interior paint, he said. That can easily top $250,000.

The fact is, the bigger and more expensive a house is, the farther it is from the norm. That might make it more enjoyable to own but as an outlier, it can also be inherently more difficult to sell. Higher-end, older, dated, and more unique homes take longer to sell, in general, Nguyen said. It is possible to find that one buyer who falls in love, but there are fewer of them.

See the original post here:
At what point does a home become too big to sell? - The Boston Globe

Litz & Eatons portfolio includes Liberty Place at Lockerbie Square.(IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

Indianapolis-based development firm Litz & Eaton Investments LLCwhose principals are entangled in several legal battles as part of a messy splithas sold three properties to other local companies who plan to move forward with developing the sites.

Brad Litz and John Eaton agreed to sell a one-acre lot at the southwest corner of North Park Avenue and East North Street to Integra Builders, a Fishers-based custom home builder.

The sale, which closed Jan. 9, will allow the Liberty [emailprotected] Square projectan $8 million, 12-unit condominium development comprised of five buildingsto move forward as planned, Litz said in an email to IBJ. The project had been expected to be finished by February.

Integra also this month bought the firms Fall Creek Villas townhouse project at the southwest corner of Delaware Street and East Fall Creek Parkway South Drive. The $2 million project comprised of five 2,100-square-foot town homes, was supposed to be completed by mid-2019.

Litz said Integra plans to break ground on both projects in the near or immediate future, but he did not offer specifics on the firms timeline. Both he and Eaton will are expected to consult separately on the projects.

In addition to the properties bought by Integra, Litz & Eaton also this month sold five lots along Leon Street, just south of the Liberty Square development, to TKW Builders, which plans to construct five single-family homes. Litz is consulting on the project.

Financial details of the three sales were not disclosed.

Integra has built several upscale condo, townhome and custom home developments throughout central Indiana, including several in Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville. The company declined to comment.

The projects on the lots bought by Integra each stalled after Eaton and Litz split in June amid allegations of financial misconduct. The breakup has spurred a handful of lawsuits against the men, separately and jointly, including one Eaton filed against Litz.

One such suit was directly tied to the Liberty Place property. Elements Financialwhich in April 2019 agreed to provide a $5.8 million construction loan for the projectfiled suit in October and placed a lien on the property in hopes of forcing a foreclosure on the loan.

Elements filing sought to recover an outstanding balance of $1.1 millionin addition to interest, legal fees, collection costs, and late feesfor land acquisition, architectural fees and other pre-construction expenses.

To settle the dispute and avoid foreclosure, Eaton and Litz agreed to deed the property to an Integra subsidiary, SIG LLC. The transfer released the lien Elements filed on the property and the lawsuit was dismissed Jan. 14.

An update on the Liberty Place project will likely be heard by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commissionwhich has authority over development in the historic Lockerbie neighborhoodin the coming months, after updated filings have been submitted.

John Eaton did not return a call requesting comment.

Read the original:
Litz & Eaton sells three stalled properties to other developers - Indianapolis Business Journal

Posted: Jan 30, 2020 / 01:15 PM CST / Updated: Jan 30, 2020 / 01:15 PM CST

Buying a home can be an exciting and stressful process. If youre in the market then Lynn Robin with On Air Realty has some homes youve got to check out.

What makes Haden Custom Homes so exciting to work with?

Chris Williams Haden custom homes manages each building project, he is on site daily and builds a gorgeous high end home.

What makes Haden Custom Homes different then other builders?

Chris is the project manager so he doesnt pass the building process off to a superintendent.

Why did you want to work with Haden Custom Homes as a real estate Broker?

When I saw his quality of work, and met him and he explained his work ethic I wanted to partner with him and sell his product.

On Air Realty real estate show offers home decor ideas, tips on making the buying process easeier and an over of their newest listings. It airs every Sunday at 10 am on KBVO. For more information visit them online at http://www.OnAirRealty.com .

Sponsored by On Air Realty. Opinions expressed by the guest(s) on this program are solely those of the guest(s) and are not endorsed by this television station.

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On Air Realty Shows Why Haden Custom Homes Need To Be Seen - KXAN.com

Northwest Natural has announced plans for the 2020 edition of the annual Parade of Homes, presented by DeWils and HomeStreet Bank.

A kickoff ceremony will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 5 at Magnolia Heights in Washougal. The site is built off of Southeast McKever Road, which branches off from Southeast Crown Road.

The 38-lot development from Vancouver-based Waverly Homes includes seven lots set aside for the parade. The developments lots average about 8,500 square feet, and the overall site plan calls for homes ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet and a price range from $850,000 to $1.3 million.

Last years Parade of Homes opened to the public during September and featured six homes at the Dawsons Ridge development in western Camas. The 2020 parade will be the third in a row in the east county; the 2018 parade was at the Camas Meadows Golf Course.

The parade homes are typically pre-sold and built to match the specifications of the buyers; but once theyre complete, they become part of the public parade tour for about two weeks before the owners move in. The parade typically includes a mix of homes from several builders.

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Parade of Homes kickoff will be at Magnolia Heights in Washougal - The Columbian

McLean-based Capital City Builders, LLC (CCB) has been named the 2019 Custom Builder of the Year by Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA). The prestigious honor was presented on Saturday January 25, 2020 at the NVBIA Presidents Ball.

Ali Khazai, Owner and Managing Partner of CCB, said, "It is an honor to be a member of the Custom Builders Council of the NVBIA, which comprises the best builders in the area. Its even a bigger honor to be voted Builder of the Year by the best in our industry! I am truly touched and proud to accept this award on behalf of my staff, sub-contractors and vendors. It exemplifies our pursuit to perfection to which is only possible with our passionate and gifted team. Without them none of this would be possible. We have also been lucky to work with some of the greatest clients. Almost all our past clients have become close friends which is a blessing."

About Capital City Builders, LLC

Capital City Builders, LLC, has been in continuous operations since its establishment on July 6, 2001 in Virginia with over three generations of experience. CCB is family operated and a past Great American Living Award "GALA" recipient with development projects in Northern Virginia specializing in areas of McLean, Vienna, Annandale, Alexandria, Arlington and Washington D.C.

By being a small family owned custom builder, CCB can do the job the old fashion way without reporting to a board or shareholders. CCB aims to keep clients happy each step of the way by focusing on customer satisfaction with quality work so that the clients can refer them for years and future generations to come.

As CCB continues to grow, they look forward to being recognized for the quality in their work, their passion for what they do, and the integrity in how they do it. This is their signature for the future as it has been for the past three generations.

For more information, please visit http://www.capcitydb.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200129005232/en/

Contacts

Capital City Builders, LLC,Ali Khazai - Media Relations akhazai@capcitydb.com 6921 Arbor Lane McLean, VA 22101Office: (703) 351-0909Fax: (703)852-7364

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McLean-based Capital City Builders LLC is the 2019 NVBIA Custom Builder of the Year - Yahoo Finance

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via higharc.com

Tech start-up Higharc aims to "reinvent home design for the digital age," reports the Financial Times.The company uses iterative design to create "custom" 3D models and plans. Algorithmic design isn't new to architecture, but it looks like Higharc seeks to do away with "expensive, architect-designed plans that take forever to produce."

According to theFinancial Times, Marc Minor, founder and CEO of Higharc, said that the company's system is "faster than existing best-in-class design software for homes...there are sophisticated algorithms behind the scenes continuously determining crucial details that typically take hours of manual effort."

Additionally, Pamela Wallgreen, co-founder of a start-up calledFinch 3D, "whose software that automates repetitive tasks and guides architects through the design process" through simulation and AI encouraged architects to take advantage of these new emerging technologies.

Excerpt from:
A new start-up wants to use AI and algorithms to replace "expensive, architect-designed" homes - Archinect

Geordie Murray packed a lot of fun and adventure into his life, says his mother. When he died last week in a hunting accident near Calgary, he left behind a huge group of people who will be forever touched by the kindness he always showed in whatever he did, said Kath Murray.

He lived so fully and were just grateful we had him for 30years.

Kath said her son had gone to Calgary to pick up some parts for a vehicle, met up with friends while he was there and went hunting.

Geordie suffered a gunshot wound and died, despite first-aid efforts.

He had been married for almost two years to Shauna, who is expecting a baby in July. An online fundraising page has been started on her behalf.

Kath said Geordie had challenges stemming from some serious concussions, including one in a car crash, but he worked through them.

In some ways, he probably learned compassion more because of the brain injuries and of the subsequent mental-health issues that he had, she said.

And in some ways, that makes him even more special, because he was so determined to keep getting up, day after day after day.

His strong commitment to his faith was a major part of that, Kath said.

One of five children for her and Ted, Geordie attended Keating Elementary School, Bayside Middle School and Stellys Secondary School. He went on to take classes at Camosun College and Okanagan College.

In school, Geordie was blessed with teachers and principals who worked with him, Kath said.

Fellow Stellys student George Ellsworth took Geordie under his wing and saw that he finished all of his carpentry assignments in high school, she said. Geordie spent a lot of time at the Ellsworth home and on one occasion was there when an early-morning fire broke out next door. Thats when his character shone through, she said.

Geordie was in his boots and out that door so quick, Kath said. The house was on fire he ran in and got somebody out and then he went back in.

He ended up getting three people to safety, the last one after he went directly through the fire.

There was also the time he and some friends offered to tow a stuck vehicle up a snowy hill. Another vehicle would show up and they would tow it, then another, until theyd towed about 10 people.

Kath said her son was just so eager and happy to help.

Geordie was a Red Seal carpenter and worked in Vanderhoof for about a year before spending time working with a builder in Calgary. He moved from there to Salmon Arm and then back to Victoria to build custom homes, and started his own business, Country Way Contracting.

His idea was that its kind of the old-country way, shake a hand on something and theres some integrity there, Kath said. That was very important to him.

As a hospice palliative care nurse, she said, she has had a lot of exposure to death.

But we werent planning in it being Geordie.

His funeral is being held at 1p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 701 Mann Ave.

jwbell@timescolonist.com

> Fundraising page: gofundme.com/f/remembering-geordie-supporting-baby-murray

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Saanich man, about to be dad, remembered as 'so eager, happy to help' - Times Colonist

As we inch ever closer to the new year, were all in on the 2019 reflection process. With that in mind, we tapped some of our favorite local interiors experts and pro builders to share their most memorable building and design projects of 2019. May this kick your creative juices into overdrive as we embark on 2020!

Ridley Wills, Owner & Design Director

These are photos of a playhouse we built for Cheekwood. It was our most fun project of the year because it brought great delight to the children visiting Cheekwoods gardens throughout the summer. It was based on E.B. Whites classic Charlottes Web and complemented an exhibit of original artwork from that and other childrens books.

A nod to the classic Charlottes Web, this wonderful playhouse was designed and created by The Wills Company for Cheekwoods Storybook Houses exhibit. Image: The Wills Company

Check out Charlottes web! Image: The Wills Company

Wilbur played a starring role in this whimsical design. Image: The Wills Company

Mark Holliday, President

Traces most memorable project in 2019 was the home created by combining and completely reconfiguring two condominium units in Nashvilles 505 building, at the corner of Fifth and Church. The project was for new Nashvillians (by way of California) who wanted to downsize from their traditional family home. They did not want a copy of their old home in a new setting, and they did not want to end up with a cold, contemporary white box. To the rescue: Trace Ventures talented design-build team.

This project was memorable because it was fun. It incorporated luxury finishes and fixtures (examples include a floating walnut vanity and Moroccan trellis tile) as well as artistic yet functional solutions such as a curved architectural ceiling to hide pipes and wires, and a custom cabinet that transforms into a bed or craft table. The end result is an expression of warm sophistication, with layered neutrals and bursts of saturated earth tones, forming the perfect backdrop for sunrises and sunsets. Cozy gathering areas for lounging, entertaining and relaxing overlook stunning views of downtown Nashville.

Luxury finishes with functional solutions are just a few of the key features in this memorable project. Image: @360Nash

We can only imagine the sunrises and sunsets viewed from this beautiful bedroom with a view! Image: @360Nash

Sara Ray, Owner

We were lucky to have a lot of really memorable projects in 2019! One of our favorites was a renovation and decor project in Westhaven. Our client and her husband have lived all around the world, and our goal was to incorporate many of the special pieces from their travels into the overall design aesthetic. This project consisted of a master bathroom renovation and two guest bath renovations, plus furnishings and decor for the living room, foyer, powder bath, master and guest bathrooms, and guest bedrooms. The most memorable aspect of this project, which made it so special to us, was the endearing stories she told about the collected pieces we placed throughout her home whether they were family heirlooms or keepsakes from time spent abroad. It was truly a pleasure to create spaces where these memories can be seen and enjoyed every day. Extra fun project!

With pieces collected from their travels, this couples home has memories around every corner. Image: Kristen Mayfield

Tyler F. LeMarinel, Partner

As a smaller, local architecture firm, we dont often get the opportunity to work within a high-rise building. Needless to say, we were all very excited when we were approached by Dave Haverkamp, a local realtor and developer, to take four one-bedroom units within the ICON and combine them into one incredible suite. When Dave bought them, the four units had already been demolished down to the shell. The previous owner had aspirations of doing something similar, so the work had already begun. The biggest challenge, as with most high-rise buildings, is to work within the framework of the buildings systems. Because all floors above and below share plumbing, HVAC lines, etc., we had to design around many lines that simply couldnt be moved. With that in mind, we set out to create a suite that felt clean and modern, with ample natural light and large open spaces. The suite actually has frontage on three different sides of the building, so preserving the incredible views of downtown were of paramount importance. In the end, this one-of-a-kind space speaks to a laid back, luxurious lifestyle overlooking the hustle and bustle of downtown.

This modern suite has an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light filtering in from its many windows. Image: Jeff Graham

This reading chair offers the opportunity to relax and dig into a good book or gaze at the Nashville skyline. Image: Jeff Graham

Blair Parkes, Interior Designer & Co-founder

This was such a fun renovation because its a wonderful family that we have been working with for a few years now. We first started decorating the house, and then the family decided to do a renovation for a large portion of the house. The kitchen, bar and breakfast areas were our favorite part of the renovation because they combined a current look with the clean lines of the shaker cabinets. The cabinets were painted in a crisp, warm white yet still embedded organic elements such as a plaster hood, handmade tile and honed quartzite. And, of course, we always want it to be reflective of the clients style, which is livable, comfortable, organic and extra-durable with their three small children!

The clean lines of the shaker cabinets lent a beautiful aesthetic to this kitchen space designed by Parkes & Lamb. Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

This lighting fixture stands out as a focal piece against the white kitchen backdrop. Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

A classic breakfast nook | Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

RELATED: 10 Next-Level Bathrooms by Top Southern Designers

McLean Barbieri, Interior Designer & Partner

While I do primarily residential projects, getting to work on Robbins Plastic Surgery (RPS) with Lesley Beeman of Zeitlin Architects was a treat. In the waiting room, the custom lighting that mimics the RPS logo leads the eye to work by local artist Tess Davies. In another nook, we highlighted a photograph by Caroline Allison. At every turn in this office, Dr. Robbins wanted to use art, furniture and rugs that speak to his personality, and it made the project a joy.

McLean Barbieri, of Annali Interiors, reflects on her design for Robbins Plastic Surgery. Image: Cassidy Pflibsen

Neutral colors create a serene atmosphere while you wait. Image: Cassidy Pflibsen

Paul Hammond, Co-founder

This project was a whole-house overhaul. We took the home from a very dark and gothic (think gargoyle statues and all dark colors) home to one filled with natural light and updated modern finishes. The original home was built in the early 70s, with several subsequent additions/remodels over the years. Some of the unique interior design challenges that made this home special were the porchs custom ceiling work and custom linear fireplace with a floating hearth, the random master bath tile pattern with brass inlay strips, the book-matched walnut cabinets in the kitchen, the custom tarnished brass shroud at the kitchen hood and the inset LED strip light above the kitchen island, by Alloy LED.

In addition to the whole-house overhaul, Hammond & Brandt converted a horse stable into a party barn/studio/guest house. We salvaged some of the original stall wall lumber for use on the ceilings in the new spaces, added a sleeping loft, custom nine-foot-tall sliding doors, kitchenette and full-tile bath.

With custom finishes and an updated design, Hammond & Brandt modernized this early 70s home. Image: Kristen Mayfield

Paul tells us that one of the unique features of the design is the custom tarnished brass shroud at the kitchen hood.He explains that the brass-wrapped steel post directly behind the hood is a major structural component supporting the entire center of the home. Image: Kristen Mayfield

RELATED: What to Know BEFORE You Renovate: Experts Weigh In

Let there be light! And note the book-matched walnut cabinets that line the kitchen. Image: Kristen Mayfield

The aforementioned random master bath tile pattern with brass inlay strips | Image: Kristen Mayfield

(Editors Note: Paul would like to recognize the contributions of architect Steve Durden of Durden Architecture and interior designer Lori Paranjape, who both collaborated on the project!)

Brad Ramsey, Interior Designer & Founder

For me, the most memorable project of 2019 was designing and moving into our new studio space. We did the remodel at the end of 2018 and spent the beginning of 2019 getting organized and settled in. To best be able to design for others, I have to feel like the space I am working in is organized, beautiful and has good energy. We worked hard to create a space that reflects our design and also functions well for us.

Brad says he set out to design a space thats organized, beautiful and has good energy. Mission accomplished! Image: Oh Hey Photo!

We worked hard to create a space that reflects our design and also functions well for us, Brad says. Image: Oh Hey Photo!

Mark Simmons, Interior Designer & Founder

Our most memorable project of 2019 was a little different, as it was on wheels! We got to help a client turn their Sprinter van into an English cottage they could enjoy wherever they venture complete with pull out sofa, swing arm lamps with custom shades, and pop-up desk for on-the-road work.

An English cottage on wheels, designed by Mark Simmons | Image: Mark Simmons Interiors

Would you be able to tell this was a Sprinter van? Image: Mark Simmons Interiors

Adam Floyd, Owner

The House Beautiful project was certainly a highlight of 2019. The level of detail and depth of thought that went into each space was really something incredible. The caliber of design talent from across the country, as well as right here in Nashville, was like a witches brew. We all pushed the envelope and went outside our comfort zones, with deadlines that are not typically that tight or stakes that high. I like that feeling, and I enjoyed getting to see my team rise to the occasion. I am proud of how our little part turned out.

Talk about a custom closet! This design from The Closet Company, created for the House Beautiful home, is nothing short of a dream. Image: Adam Floyd

Wishing you and yours a creative and inspired new year!

**********

Check out ourhome and interior design archivesfor more inspiration!

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Local Builders' & Designers' Favorite Projects of the Year - StyleBlueprint

Variations of the interior can be speced, including different color palettes and materials, with the first car getting a full cage, quilted leather door inserts, quilted Alcantara, carbon-fiber-backed Recaro SPX seats, and a set of 6-point Sparco racing harnesses. Helping customers pilot the Baja is a Motec digital dash, knobs to adjust brake, torque, and differential bias, and a more traditional Sparco steering wheel.

"I spent about 8 months trying to convince myself that this was an avenue I needed to pursue," Russell told The Drive. "It wasn't long before I was test fitting prototype suspension components on Singers customer shells that were in the shop for fabrication."

After seeing other Safari builds pop up, whether that was Luftauto, Kelly-Moss Road and Race, or Leh Keens The Keen Project, he knew he had to go to another level.

"At the beginning of 2018, I had done enough planning and thinking that I dove 100% into this endeavor," he said. "I realized if I followed through to the best of my abilities, made the highest quality parts that could possibly be mounted on this car, and stayed true to the Porsche gods by keeping my designs looking as if it was something that might have come out of the race factory in 1990, that there would be a market for that."

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The $650000 Russell Built Baja 911 Looks Ready to Conquer Its Namesake - The Drive

Currently situated among only five other custom homes in Aledos new Cline Park, the house at 13708 Nouvelle Circle is ready for its first owner.

Colloquially known as Walshs Dream Home for its designation as Fort Worth Magazines 2019 Dream Home, the house offers the best of smart-home technologies and amenities, as well as countryside views.

The houses architectural style is described as a contemporary hacienda, and it includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half bathrooms.

1/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

2/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

3/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

4/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

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6/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

7/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

8/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

9/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

10/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

11/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

12/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

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15/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

16/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

17/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

18/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

19/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

20/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

21/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

22/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

23/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

24/24A look at the property at 13708 Nouvelle Circle in Aledo, Texas.(Austin Denny)

Builder Sean Knight said the house is equipped with a Crestron Pyng smart home system that gives the homeowner complete control over several systems including lighting, a built-in sound system and security cameras.

The houses smart home capabilities also give its owner remote control over things like the HVAC system and the ovens preheat settings via a cell phone.

The house, Knight said, is designed with entertaining in mind. As a result, a small formal sitting space, the kitchen and dining, and the living space create an open-concept floor plan that opens out to an outdoor grill area and pool.

The rear of the house overlooks Paladora Drive and Walsh Village, an area at the heart of the 7,200-acre Walsh development. On that vantage point sits a Puryear custom pool with an infinity-edge spa and a tanning ledge.

The houses master suite takes up an entire wing of the house and includes a bathroom, walk-in closet and bedroom with direct pool access.

The upper floor includes an open entertaining area, a wet bar, a bedroom, a finished-out room intended as a media room or home gym and an unfinished room.

Knight said the unfinished upstairs room could serve as storage or a fifth bedroom and bathroom as it comes pre-plumbed for an additional bathroom.

The 5,928 square foot Walsh Dream Home is listed at $1,585,000.

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Look around this new five-bedroom home in Aledo's Cline Park that's already received accolades - The Dallas Morning News