FROM SPEC TO SPECTACULAR A five-year collaboration with Heller Built results in a “forever home” for a Lexington family.
Written by Bridget Williams / Exterior Photography by Tony Bailey / Interior Photography by Rachel Lutz of Andrew Kung Photography “I have a key to every house we’ve built in the last five years,” says Austin Heller of Heller Built. The remark isn’t made in a cavalier fashion; rather, Austin brings it up to underscore the earned and implied trust between builder and client, a relationship that can take years to cultivate and seconds to crumble. Positive affirmation of Heller Built’s obsession with excellence sits on a leafy street in Lexington’s Chevy Chase neighborhood. What started as a spec home has turned into a five-year relationship and multiple significant projects as the homeowners bring their vision of a “forever home” into focus. Heller Built is a true family business, with Steve Heller working closely with his sons Austin and Max and his daughter Hollis HellerRigdon. “We’re a family that works for families,” said Hollis. The architecture of the four-bedroom home is based on a 2015 Southern Living house plan of the year. Working with interior designer Mary Lou Yeary of Gallery Interiors, framing was complete and the finishes selected when the current owners purchased it, transforming the project from a spec to a custom build. Remarking that Yeary has “exceptional style,” the 66 slmag.net
homeowners said they didn’t make many changes to her interior design plan. As a family with three teenage boys, the floorplan, which includes a first-floor primary suite and a trio of en suite bedrooms upstairs, is a perfect fit. The first floor boasts a largely open floor plan. The homeowner says that the dining room, located immediately to the left of the entry, is her favorite space. “We don’t use it as much as I like, but when we do, it’s really special,” she added. Adorning the wall behind the dining table is a series of 18 pressed botanical prints from Uttermost. The majority of upholstered pieces and case goods, selected for being timeless and able to stand up to an active family, were purchased from Arhaus specifically for this home. A gas fireplace with a stone hearth is the focal point of the living room. It is flanked on either side by a shiplap accent wall and freestanding bookcases. A large bank of windows looks out to an expansive covered terrace with a fireplace and a newly added pool and pool house. Overhead a box-beam ceiling adds visual interest, as does a trim package noticeable for its skillful execution that’s not too over-the-top.
