Welcoming Its Homeowners Home - Kansas City Homes & Style

Memories made at this lake house will last forever.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Bill Mathews

Some folks have been quoted as referring to Lake Quivira as “God’s Country.” Well, if that’s the case, then homeowners Steve and Cherie Roellchen are enjoying their little slice of Heaven on Earth.

When the Roellchens decided to remodel their Lake Quivira home, they went all out. What was formerly a Tuscan-style home heavy on scrolls and arches has become a 3,400 square foot mid-century modern to transitional reverse home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one half bathroom. While no walls were torn down to complete the remodel, each area of the home did get a new personality, with one exception.

“We did not reconfigure the kitchen, and we kept all the cabinets,” noted Cherie.

The Roellchens moved to the lake in 2000 but sold that home 15 years later and moved to a condominium on the Country Club Plaza. It didn’t take too long for them to realize just how much they loved lake living and decided to return to where they knew their hearts belonged, purchasing a home in 2016 and then initiating a complete remodel two years later. Located on the second tier of the community, Cherie and Steve have a lake view for roughly eight months out of the year.

“When the tree canopy blossoms from May to mid-September, that is when our view is somewhat limited,” she expressed.

This home is the perfect place to live for Steve, Cherie and their three dogs. The upper level features two bedrooms (one of which is the master suite), a living room, the kitchen and the dining room. The lower level has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a large living area, which is a popular gathering spot when the grandkids come over for a visit.

When it came time to decorate their newly-remodeled home, the Roellchens didn’t have to draw upon any outside experts. As owner of One Stop Decorating with her husband and their son Brandon, Cherie is an experienced Interior Designer (ASID) and Window Covering Professional.

“We did all the decorating ourselves,” she indicated.

The master suite is a delight, with its spa-like bathroom, complete with a free standing tub and a zero-entry shower. A plethora of LED lights strategically illuminate the space, from the recessed lights in the shower shelf to the under-cabinet lighting on the perimeter cabinets. The glass closet door provides a subtle element of sophistication to the space. The 3-D wall in the master bedroom is a strong focal point with its deco art wall panels.

“These panels come in square shapes and you can design them as you wish,” explained Cherie.

The kitchen countertops are made from a Cambria solid surface and new decorative lighting was installed to accent the space. Contiguous to the kitchen is a breakfast area and a hearth room. The fireplace divides the hearth room from the formal living room. There is an additional fireplace downstairs. A unique feature just off the kitchen in the adjacent hall is the wine refrigerator.

“The wine cooler used to be a coat closet,” noted Cherie.

Other talking points include the sputnik spheres light fixture in the entry way; the dining room with its Drum chandelier and accent mirror wall; and ample cubbies just off the garage entry hall for additional storage space, creating a clean and inviting look as you walk into the home from the garage, which has a story of its own. From the street, the home appears to only have a two-car garage. However, behind the house is a lower level tandem garage. There is never a problem grabbing a parking spot here!

In keeping pace with technology, the residence operates as a Smart home and has been modernized to be compatible with the latest technologies, many of which can be operated from a cell phone or a tablet. The window coverings are all automated to maximize energy efficiencies.

Cherie indicated one of her favorite spots for relaxation is the living room, as it offers the best view of the lake. However, depending on the season, her views could change.

“In the spring and summer, we tend to spend most of our time upstairs or on the deck, but in the fall and winter, you can find us down stairs most of the time,” she noted.

Besides the lot, the view and the overall community, Steve and Cherie fell in love with the obvious curb appeal of the home.

“The landscaping was one of the reasons we wanted this house,” Cherie emphasized. “What we have now is what was there when we purchased the home and we absolutely love it.”

Making sure this home truly reflects their family life, Steve and Cherie added some very personal touches to it. The photos on the lower level walls include one wall dedicated to pictures of family members and another wall dedicated to photos of friends.

“And in the middle of the wall are black and white photos of multiple generations,” said Cherie, who also indicated the photos in the front bedroom upstairs display a cornucopia of photos of the places to which they have traveled throughout the years.

“We love living here,” smiled Cherie. “This is a great house and Lake Quivira is a wonderful community.”