An opportunity to raise funds for an important cause awaits you in this uniquely beautiful home situated in the exclusive Loch Lloyd community.
Story by Ann Butenas
Building a new home is always an undertaking but constructing one with a greater purpose in mind makes that challenge far more inspiring. When the owners of this one-of-a-kind private family home in the exclusive Loch Lloyd community were introduced to Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer before they even broke ground on the construction of their own home, they instinctively knew this was the journey they would take, as this local organization with a global passion truly touched their souls.
Named after Braden Hofen, who was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma at three years of age, he was given just a 30% chance of survival. He endured 18 months of treatment and three months later, he relapsed, reducing his odds of survival to just 10%. Two months after his relapse, Braden’s mom, Deliece, was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer but was fortunate to have numerous treatments available to her. Together, they courageously fought cancer, but it was during this time Deliece realized how little research and funds were targeted towards childhood cancer. Childhood cancer is the #1 killer by disease among children, and it has consistently lacked the same attention as adult cancer in terms of funding and research. Braden, now age 13, is in full remission and thankfully, so is Deliece, who now focuses her efforts to raise awareness about Braden’s Hope and childhood cancer.
Serving on the Young Professionals Board for Braden’s Hope is Lindsay Weiss, whose home was featured as The 2016 Home of Distinction to raise funds for Braden’s Hope. While on a tour of Weiss’s home, the homeowners of this Loch Lloyd residence were introduced to Braden’s Hope, an initial encounter that led them to offer their own home for the tour.
“They knew in the back of their minds at that time they were going to build a home, and shortly thereafter they contacted Deliece and said they were up for it,” recalled Weiss. “The homeowners were eventually connected with me, and I walked them through the process of what it takes to do this.”
The owners were inspired to build their new home in Loch Lloyd for a host of reasons, most notably because the relaxed and friendly essence of the neighborhood reflected their own down-to-earth and approachable style.
“We drove through this area before we made our decision to build here and were drawn to its tranquility,” said the wife. “We knew this is where we wanted to build our new home.”
But that inaugural visit didn’t come without some uncertainty in the beginning.
“As we were driving around the area, we came upon a dirt street and thought to ourselves how cool it would be if they would open that up for more homes,” said the husband. “The real estate agent then told us there were six lots available along that dirt road and we were fortunate enough to get the lot we wanted.”
While this reverse two-story home by Larson Building Company is certainly one of distinction in terms of style and design, it also presented the builders with a unique challenge.
“There is quite a slope on the backside of the home, with 15-foot ceilings on the lower level,” explained the husband. “A lot of engineering has gone into the construction of this home.”
Construction began on January 17, 2017 and has truly been a labor of love. At 5,300 square feet, it is rather modest compared to its neighboring counterparts, but everything about the home is sized just perfectly for the family.
“It is a long and narrow design that offers enough space for all of us,” said the wife, noting the home has “every bell and whistle” for which they could ask.
Due to the unique grade of the lot, the home could only accommodate 2,300 square feet per level, but the builders definitely pushed the distance with respect to those measurements.
“We opted to install a 43-foot-long, zero-entry infinity pool which has been designed with acrylic walls on the east and west sides of the pool, so you can see through it to the lake, giving it the look and feel as if you are actually swimming in the lake,” commented the wife.
The overall floor plan of the home boasts three bedrooms, an office, two living rooms, six bathrooms, and an attached casita.
“We plan to use the casita as a pool house and playroom for our two girls,” explained the wife, noting it has a shower and a vanity.
Acting as chief designer, the wife refers to herself as an interior designer in training and is using this project to work towards her full certification. She spends a portion of each day going out to the home to oversee the progress and install her own creations.
“I have learned so much about interior design from this experience and it is a great platform for me to showcase my work,” she noted.
Becoming involved with Braden’s Hope was an easy decision for this couple. As owners themselves of an organization that raises funds for kids, this charity spoke to their hearts.
“We appreciate that the organization is local,” said the wife. “When we learned about it, we decided to offer our home for the fundraiser because we believe it is a great cause, plus it teaches our own kids what it takes to work for something you want to accomplish.”
The homeowners are clearly individuals for whom compassion is an instinct. “They have the biggest hearts,” indicated Weiss. “And this particular home will knock your socks off.”
Located at 16509 MacAllister Court in Loch Lloyd, the tour begins with a preview party on Friday, June 1, 2018 and the tour dates run June 2-3 and June 7-10. Go online at bradenshope.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
