INDIAN HILL AMORE

Written by Matthew Millett / Photographed by Jessica Whitt

Turning into the private gated entrance onto the crimson and golden-brown driveway, this rustic Italian-influenced estate rests within the pristinely kept grounds of the large Indian Hill lot. A small iron bench nestled under a tree on a side hill is the perfect spot to sit and take in the beauty of the estate grounds and home. The homeowners enjoy meticulously maintaining the gardens by personally planting the flowers and tending to the yard and flower beds year-round.

The main home is oriented at the back of the lot and prominently looks over the state-of-the-art horse stable and large fenced pasture. Immediately one notices the home’s warm earth tones and striking combination of brick, stone, and wood elements on the exterior and façade. Rustic wood shutters flanking the front windows emulate the large garage doors and beam headers seen from the side of the house. Stone and brick appear on the secondary structures, with hand-tossed brick framing the large arched entrance and windows.

Much of the same natural elements appear inside the home. Oversized archways open to rooms on either side of the grand double staircase foyer. Custom artisan-built steel and bronze handrails inlaid with mica stone inserts pick up on similar mica elements appearing in many of the main floors’ lighting fixtures. The main first-floor walls are faux-finished in a light beige, offering a soft background for warm rustic beams, brick, and wood elements. Beautiful chevron-patterned inlaid floors lead to the dining room, living room, and great room.

Heirloom art and furniture appear throughout the residence and represent generational family collections. Landscapes and pastoral scenes displayed in arched niches decorate the walls and make you feel at home in the warm Italian-influenced home.

The great room soars two stories with oversized windows on the backyard landscaped pool area. On one side, a stone fireplace ascends the wall flanked by rustic-designed inlaid cabinetry. On the other side of the room, the same hand-tossed brick holds the arch to open into the kitchen and dinette area.

The kitchen oven area mirrors the same fireplace stone design and sits under a hand-tossed brick arch. Cabinets rise to the ceiling and touch the distressed beam work. Custom wood paneling hides the high-end Sub Zero and Wolf appliances. Pass under another archway into the dinette area and look beyond three beautiful custom-arched doorways. One of the home’s seven fireplaces awaits to warm any winter breakfast.

Down the side hallway leads guests to the paneled study and master quarters. A stately executive desk sits prominently under a mica light pendant suspended under a beam-trimmed arched ceiling, nestled in an arch-bayed window area. The desk faces built-in bookcases on one side and a fireplace with plank and beam mantel.

The primary suite is adjacent to the study. The bedroom has a substantial wall of tall windows with a pool view. Across from the bed is a fireplace built into a slate accent wall. Overhead, beams support a wood-arched ceiling. The primary bath centers around a soaking tub resting inside a cream-tiled accent wall that conceals a walk-in double shower spa. Vanities on either side of the oversized bath offer both partners ample room to prepare for the day and take in the warmth from the bathroom fireplace.

The lower level is an entertainer’s dream. Large stone columns and arches surround the wine-tasting area and house a 300+ bottle display and storage area. A bar flanks the wine area on one side and a theatre on the other outfitted with eight adjustable reclining leather chairs. Behind the wine and theatre area is another lounge, this one cozier with a leather sectional facing a pass-through fireplace and television area. A game room outfitted with covetable and classic arcade and pinball games and a mirrored gym round out the lower level.

The outdoor lounge offers another spacious entertaining space. While multiple seating areas surround the home’s exterior, the main focal point is the six-waterfall-laden zero-entry entry pool. Complete with a slide and hot water spa, the waterfall edge pool is the landmark water feature for the estate. Various sitting arrangements surround the pool area and are decorated appropriately in hues that mirror specific flower arrangements.

A one-of-a-kind retreat, the grounds and façade of this rustic Italian abode frame a perfect homage to Italian hospitality.