Home of Distinction Tour - Kansas City Homes & Style

Local children’s charity KidsTLC benefits from tours of this dynamic custom residence.

Story by Rachael Hedgcoth | Photos by James Maidhof

Nestled on a private street, the palacial 2015 Home of Distinction speaks volumes of the efforts of a tremendously talented team of individuals – from architect Scott Bickford of Bickford + Company Architects, homebuilder Starr Homes and celebrated interior designer Janet Alholm to myriad craftsmen and suppliers instrumental in this home’s creation.

An 18,876-square-foot one-of-a-kind jewel, this stone and stucco French country estate has curb appeal that never ends, as illustrated in our exclusive feature on the following pages.

With four floors, seven bedrooms, 10 baths and amenities including an elevator, indoor sport court, home cinema, arcade, fitness gym and a luxurious pool and spa, this home is destined to intrigue anyone’s imagination.

While it can be difficult to fully comprehend the dimensions of this home, 10 furnaces, 10 air conditioning units, four tankless water heaters and four mechanical rooms hint at its tremendous scale and scope. But while the home is massive in size, it was intended to provide a sense of warm casual comfort to its resident homeowners and their four children.

Beyond the family, thanks to a successful six-day tour which took place in late November 2015, the home also provided substantial proceeds for KidsTLC, an organization which offers children a continuum of care through innovative and successful psychiatric treatment, community outreach, outpatient behavioral health, autism and wellness programs.

Nearly 5,000 people purchased tickets and toured the home, resulting in $57,402 being raised for KidsTLC. Additionally, the tour represented a prime opportunity for vendor participants to showcase some of the latest materials and design trends in homebuilding. Leawood-based TLConcepts orchestrated the extensive details of the tour.

Of course, this entire project would not have been possible without the homeowners’ generosity and willingness to share their home with so many prior to moving into their new home. “We really built this house to give back,” said the homeowners, who added that they plan to host future charity functions at their suburban sanctuary.

Referring to the butterfly-shaped architecture of the home and the way it envelopes the front and backyard, the homeowners added, “We like to think of this house as two hugs.” A truly fitting sentiment given the blessings this home has already helped generate and the ways the homeowners hope to use it to benefit the community in the future.

~ ENJOY THE TOUR !

The home’s stone and stucco exterior, paired with the dramatic roof line and lush landscaping, set the stage for immediate appeal and magnetic charm. A combination of flagstone and concrete pavers lead up to the home’s main entrance where the motor court showcases a porte cochère and five garages. Roughly six months in planning and 14 months in the making, this awe-inspiring mansion is testament to the powers of creative design and impeccable attention to detail.

While the Home of Distinction’s exterior showcases a decidedly French country flair, the interior imparts a soft casual style paired with rustic elements and elegant appointments. Ornate pendant lighting, beveled square mirrors inset in the wall and hand-scraped hickory hardwoods under a silver-leafed dome hint of this home’s expansive size and exquisite style.

There is no doubt that this well-appointed kitchen is sure to be the site of many gatherings where family, friends and food will make up the heart of the action. Top-of-the-line appliances complement the glazed custom cabinetry and mirrored cabinet that cleverly conceals the refrigerator. The spacious alder wood island is topped with a quartz countertop and fringed by a walnut dining shelf.

The kitchen’s faux-finished silver range hood provides a sleek focal point while 12-by-12-inch tiles with an inset stainless steel circular motif add visual interest above the cooktop. A variety of drawers and cabinets offer ample storage space and the island’s prep sink ensures functionality. The circular elements of the unique light fixture over the island continue the backsplash’s design theme.

An expansive wall of windows fills the hearth room and kitchen area with an abundance of daylight and picturesque views. Most of the home’s furnishings and appointments, such as those in the hearth room, were locally sourced in the Kansas City area. Local businesses supplied furnishings from rustic leather chairs and custom sofas to opulent light fixtures and pops of pillow color, including all the drapes and bedding throughout the home.

An eye-catching gabled roof tops the main floor’s four-season lanai where stone flooring and plenty of natural light blend outdoor serenity with climate-controlled environs. Sweeping exterior views coupled with cozy seating options, soft uplighting and a fireplace make this airy room the ideal spot for a little reading or TV.

Throughout the home is a display of a variety of specialty faux finishes and glazes. With textured gray ceiling beams that meet at a circle coffer, the formal dining room showcases unique architectural elements, quiet hues and an elegant chandelier. The dining set fuses the natural appeal of a solid wood table and modern metal chairs with the room’s silver-leaf detailing.

Earthy elements prevail in the spacious master suite thanks to a stone fireplace, hand-scraped hickory flooring and rustic beams. A vast ribbon of LED tape light frames the ceiling’s perimeter in a seamless glow while also providing efficient lighting. At the far end of the suite, the sunlit sitting area is home to two chaise lounges under a square cupola. Panoramic outdoor vistas top off this blissful retreat.

Adjoining the master suite, the master bath is truly breathtaking. While the bath is dressed in shimmering shades of beige and silver, it is the center of the room that demands attention. A custom creation by interior designer Janet Alholm, the dramatic column stands floor to ceiling and is adorned in pencil accent tiles and beveled mirrors. Porcelain and marble tile flooring, a freestanding tub, an oversized shower and a luxury walk-in closet round out this lavish salle de bain.

The lounge bar is easily the high point of this room. The Patagonia granite atop the curved bar largely consists of natural quartz and effortlessly reflects light from the fixture above, which is a piece of art – literally. Created specifically for this home, this stunning element resembles a long rustic branch with icicle-like lighting. Mirrors behind the bar and LED lighting lend brilliance to this cosmopolitan setting.

The lower-level 450-square-foot home cinema is a treat for any fan of film. With a barrel-vaulted sky full of fiber optic stars, stadium seating and a granite-topped bar, this room is destined to be a family favorite. Padded fabric walls promise a sensational sound experience and a mini-fridge and wine cooler ensure no thirsty guests. Pass the popcorn please!

The walk-out lower level is also home to a handsome lounge area complete with three flat screen TVs, billiards and a dazzling bar. While entertainment was the main goal of this space, style has not been sacrificed for fun. Porcelain tile flooring trimmed in a river rock border, stone columns and headers, and a mix of leather and fabric furnishings combine in a fusion of rugged appeal, polished sophistication and uncomplicated leisure. Winding further around the lower level, entertainment options continue with an Xbox room, arcade and home gym.

This home is full of so much more than meets the eye. Consider, for example, the secret spiral slide tucked into a lower-level bookcase which slips into the basketball court in the sub-basement. Take the stairs or take the slide to shoot some hoops or just expend some extra energy. Spectators can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the action from overstuffed leather chairs around a driftwood coffee table.

When it comes to outdoor living, this private backyard oasis delivers. A pool with three infinity-edge waterfalls, spa and pergola take the traditional poolside experience to a whole new level. Even movies under the stars are possible with the drop-down 15-foot outdoor screen on the pergola. Whether inside or outside on one of the balconies or patios, this home guarantees an unparalleled approach to relishing family, friends and cherished moments.