Floorplan flows from curves and arches
by RaeAnne Marsh

With an aspect of wide‑open welcome, this new $2.3 million house in the new Cave Creeksubdivision of Mesquite Ranch is situated on a two‑acre lot across the end of a cul‑de‑sac.

Presently under construction, this 6,000 square foot abode is expected to be finished in December.

It will afford views of surrounding mountains and, from its west‑facing patio, panoramic sunsets above the Rancho Mañana golf course greens.

Set back from the street behind a low, gated wall, a Tudor style tower draws attention to the entry, which feature a forged‑iron entry door. Inside, the arch design continues through the entrance hall which has a 17 foot high ceiling.

The flow of the design will carry guests forward to where the barrel ceiling opens upward to the beamed ceiling in the living room. The eye may well be drawn further forward to the expansive view out the glass patio doors, but there is much of interest being incorporated into the living room itself. The centerpiece will be the fireplace, centered on one wall and flanked by deep display niches. Stone on the fireplace and its bench hearth will be balanced by the warmth of heavy timbered beams spanning the ceiling and set as a lintel across the niche openings.

Adjacent to the living room is the dining room. The two are separated by an open hallway that connects the north and south sides of the home across the entertainment portion of the living room, dining room and kitchen in the center of the floorplan. Open to the entrance hall through its other doorway, the dining room is situated at the front portion of the house and features an eastward view through a window that dominates one wall. A niche in the side wall is lighted from above.

A soffit around the perimeter of the ceiling frames a wood plank ceiling in which the chandelier will be installed.

Beyond the arched hallway opening and on the other side of the hallway, a butler’s pantry allows easy access between the dining room and the kitchen. It is also the convenient spot for a large, temperature‑controlled wine cellar. Below another barrel ceiling, at a more intimate height than that of the entrance hall, the butler’s pantry will feature a granite counter‑top sink.

The line of granite countertop will be continued along the length of wall extending across the side of the kitchen where the butler’s pantry enters, as well as along the opposite side, broken only by the refrigerator. Between the parallel lines of cupboard and counter is a large work island. With the sink in the island, the refrigerator to its side and the Wolf range in its own stone‑faced alcove facing the sink, the kitchen is designed with the optimally efficient work triangle. And added to that efficient design, there is a walk‑in pantry conveniently situated at the corner of the triangle.

A breakfast area is designed as part of the kitchen, extending in an apron outward to a rounded wall of windows that look out on the patio and take in the vista north and west. The rounded line of the wall is continued in the curve of ceiling that helps demarcate the kitchen, with its flat ceiling, from the taller family room, with its beamed ceiling, just beyond.

The second of three wood‑burning fireplaces (the third is in the master bedroom) fills a rear corner of the family room, angled so that it can be enjoyed from the kitchen and breakfast area as well. A niche is built into the wall to accommodate a plasma television. The main part of the entertainment system is fitted here, with speakers for the whole house.

 The home’s design offers an elegant and exotic view from the family room. A hallway runs from one corner of the family room along a side wall of the kitchen and connects near its other end with the perpendicular hallway alongside the dining room. A series of arches mark the length of the hallway.

Located on this side of the house are a powder room and smaller bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and walk‑in closet. In addition, there is a home theater/ game room on this side of the house. Double doors give the theater room a grand entrance and the atmosphere is enhanced by a soffited ceiling edge with indirect lighting. Built‑in cabinets include a small refrigerator and space for the electronic equipment. Screens in the ceiling will be able to be activated to come down and cover the windows.

There is a spacious laundry room at the end of the hallway leading to the four car garage. The laundry room, in addition to being outfitted with washer‑dryer hook ups, will have cabinets, a sink, and a wall‑mounted ironing board.

The master suite and an office are located on the opposite side of the house. The office has its own bath, sitting area and an outside door to the side of the house. Other details include a coffered ceiling with a checkerboard pattern of beams.

A short foyer opens off the house’s entrance hall under an arched doorway to give access to the office from inside the house.

Another arched doorway from the entrance hall leads to the master suite, where bedroom and bathroom open to the left and right, respectively, from a central domed tower. Details in this area of the house include a pocket door to the closet, allowing the room to be closed without sacrificing wall space for a hinged door, a walk‑in shower with body sprays and an overhead rain shower, a separate alcove for the Jacuzzi tub, and travertine tile all around. In the bedroom, a fireplace completes a cozy sitting area in another circular‑walled space.

An exercise room is also located on the master side of the house. It includes a long, narrow bathroom that is close to  the living room and features a second door that opens to the covered patio.  The homebuilder will build a swimming pool in the patio area.

A self‑contained, one‑bedroom guest “casita” is situated at the rear of the house. It will have the same luxury features of the main house, including wood‑framed windows, travertine tub and tile surrounds, and oil‑rubbed bronze faucets.

The home is being built by Eldred Construction, Inc., a local custom home‑builder. It is offered for sale through Linda Salkow, of Exclusive Properties (480) 620‑3511.