Elevated Sunset Charm - Kansas City Homes & Style

A breathtaking cliffside makeover in Sunset Hill blends timeless elegance with modern luxury.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek

Nestled in the picturesque Sunset Hill area south of the Plaza, this historic home offers enchanting sunset views and overlooks the iconic Plaza skyline. Though built in 1926, the house exudes timeless charm despite not holding an official historic property status. The original blueprints reveal a design that emphasizes its scenic location, particularly the backyard. Years of neglect had left this outdoor space in disrepair until the current owners embarked on a remarkable transformation upon moving in five years ago.

The challenge of restoring the backyard was significant due to the property’s unique geography.

“From front to back, there is a 30-foot drop in elevation. Essentially, the house is on a cliff,” noted Brian Faust, the contractor overseeing the project. This intricate undertaking required innovative solutions and unwavering dedication from everyone involved.

To address the dramatic elevation change, a massive foundation was constructed to support a stunning gunite pool. Heated and saltwater-chlorinated, this pool features auto-fill functionality and recirculating pumps. LED lights within the pool create a mesmerizing nocturnal ambiance. The secluded backyard, which drops an additional 10-12 feet beyond the pool, offers unmatched privacy.

Another one of the standout features of the backyard is a meticulously crafted pergola made from Accoya wood — renowned for its resistance to rot and pests. Reflecting traditional Japanese architectural design, the pergola boasts custom curved trusses, designed by architect Mark McHenry, that span over 20 feet without mid-support columns, blending functionality with aesthetic elegance.

Beneath this pergola lies a fully equipped bar area, perfect for relaxation and entertainment. This space includes a fridge, ice maker, sink, and a backsplash featuring iridescent Italian tiles in blue and brown hues. The bar counters, crafted of bluestone from Sturgis Materials, perfectly complement the cabinetry made from the same durable Accoya wood.

Faust emphasized the homeowners’ dedication to their home and outdoor living spaces.

“The owners of this home are the perfect owners for it, as they take great care of it all,” he said. “Their meticulous commitment is evident in every aspect of the newly transformed backyard.”

The space is enhanced with copious limestone stonework and bluestone pavers, arranged in a random blend that adds character. Even small details — like an old bell from the 1920s that once announced ice deliveries — now serve as unique garden accents. Adjacent to the pool, a storage space made from the same Accoya wood as the pergola houses the pool equipment, ensuring functionality without compromising aesthetics. A fire pit area, crafted from crushed granite and featuring vintage Russell Woodard furniture, adds rustic charm and operates as a wood-burning feature. To ensure year-round comfort, the pool decking pavers are heated, making the space enjoyable even in cooler months.

Collaborating on this project were skilled professionals, including McHenry and structural engineer Mike Skeens, who brought the vision to life and ensured the structural integrity despite the cliffside location. Faust commended their efforts, highlighting that the project’s feasibility and success hinged on their ingenuity.

“They truly were an integral part of this design,” he expressed.

The homeowners’ journey from initial purchase to the completion of their backyard oasis was one filled with challenges and triumphs.

“When we bought the home, the backyard was a jungle, neglected for several years,” the homeowner recalled. Clearing the overgrown space allowed Faust and his team to reimagine the area entirely. Their first steps included removing old retaining walls and relocating power and sewer lines, setting the stage for a multi-level backyard featuring an upper terrace, pool level, and fire pit area.

The pool itself is a marvel, adorned with four fountains and integration with smartphone-operable control features. Sweet bay magnolias in planters behind the fountains, combined with a strategic drop wall, enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the space, supporting the pool’s weight while blending seamlessly into the overall design.

Interestingly, the renovation left no grass in the backyard, sides, or front of the home. Clearing mature trees allowed for unobstructed views and broader design opportunities. Facing Ward Parkway, a fountain wall serves a dual purpose: it enhances visual appeal and drowns out street noise, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

One of the more challenging tasks was moving an 800-pound stone dining table into position, underscoring the meticulous effort and commitment to quality poured into this project. The terrace’s fountain channels a Romanesque vibe and exudes soothing white noise, enhancing the tranquility of the outdoor space.

Crafted with family gatherings in mind, the backyard includes a gas-fed fire table and an upper terrace where breathtaking sunset views can be enjoyed. Vertical surfaces throughout the space are adorned with hand-cut Indiana limestone crafted by skilled artisans, while polished bluestone covers all horizontal surfaces, tying the various elements of the backyard together harmoniously.

The transformation of this backyard from neglect to nirvana is a testament to the homeowners’ devotion and the expertise of the professionals involved. This multi-faceted project not only revitalized a previously overgrown space but also significantly added to the property’s value and functionality. The completion of this extensive renovation symbolizes a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The owners’ love for their home is apparent in every carefully considered detail, and their collaboration with skilled professionals has yielded a backyard paradise that exemplifies the potential of thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. This historic home now serves as a stunning example of how vision and dedication can redefine luxury living.