Rural Refuge
Words by Gloria Gale | Photos by Matthew Anderson
An equestrian estate in Miami County saddles up with Mediterranean and Old World influences.
ut beyond the hustle and sprawl of Johnson County lies a vast expanse of land, a perfect canvas for one family’s home, fueled by their imagination. The allure of this property was undeniable—hundreds of acres of pasture and woodland. Frequent commutes between their city home and the land inspired the owners to embark on a dream: building a home imbued with a true sense of place.
“It made far more sense to create their sanctuary on their own land, a tranquil retreat blending luxury with carefully integrated natural elements,” says Troy Moore of MMH Experience, the couple’s builder.
Specializing in one-of-a-kind homes, Moore was thrilled to work with the couple.
“It all started with a relationship,” he says. “Friends of our client suggested us as their builder. Referrals like that are always gratifying.”
He listened and leaned in to the couple’s passion for their hobbies. The husband—an outdoors man—and the wife—an avid equestrian— imagined a secluded estate where family and lifestyle converged. Their sprawling pastureland, with its picturesque terrain and pond, could easily accommodate both.
With no neighborhood restrictions, they were free to custom-design the house however they wished.
“Our client wanted a big house but not one that felt ostentatious. Comfort was her priority,” Moore notes, adding that their ideal dream home was one “where you could kick off your boots and feel at ease.”
This vision inspired practical choices, like 4,000 square feet of durable radiant tile flooring covering nearly all of the first level, paired with traditional Ralph Lauren-inspired furnishings and an equestrian aesthetic.
NSPJ Architects designed a radial layout with four distinct wings branching out from a central, two-story great room. Each wing serves a unique purpose: garage and mudroom, kitchen and keeping room, the primary suites, and a wing with a study and guest bedroom.
The four wings balance functionality with luxury, from the kitchen’s convenient access transitioning to the great room, study or primary suites’ refined appointments.
“In my master bathroom, not only is it a beautiful space, there’s even a view to the barn,” remarks the homeowner.
Views of the scenery and a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors were priorities for the couple. The architecture incorporates front and back courtyards, creating the feel of expansive outdoor living spaces.
Clint Evans, a principal of NSJP Architects, says, “There are many unique design elements throughout, but I can point out the lanai serving as a sheltering, outdoor room with the roofline overhang. When people want to eat outdoors, there’s sliding, horizontal windows providing convenient serving directly from the kitchen.”
Mediterranean influences also guide the design. Arched entryways and rustic oak timbers welcome guests into the 24-foot-tall gathering hall.
The great room is a showstopper, filled with natural light streaming through high clerestory windows. A two-story cast-stone fireplace is an eye-catching focal point that accents the thoughtfully arranged conversation areas. The entire effect is one of intimacy despite its grand scale.
Carlie Goss, interior designer and manager of Nell Hill’s, collaborated on this aspect of the project, providing warm neutral tones and soft plaids for an inviting aesthetic. She says the two most important requests from the homeowners were timeless and comfortable furnishings.
“Troy kept emphasizing the equestrian estate feature, so we used what the homeowner already owned by customizing or brought in new furnishings. This was an excellent lesson in how to work with a client’s inventory,” she says.
The great room transitions effortlessly to the home’s other rooms. The lanai at the home’s back entry is a case in point, offering serene views of the prairie and pond. And, like the home’s front approach, the land is a crucial focal point incorporated into the site placement.
Best yet, from any angle, the home has no obstacles impeding the view. What it does offer is not only a place to relax but an easy walk to the stables. It dovetails a detailed, refined aesthetic with the comfort and functionality needed for an outdoorsy lifestyle.
Every element reflects the couple’s personal style—a rustic Mediterranean sensibility that feels both timeless and contemporary. As Evans summarizes, “The home design strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.”
Resources:
Architect: NSPJ Architects, @nspjarchitects
Builder/Interior Designer: MMH Experience, @madimalihomes
Interior Designer: Nell Hill’s, @nellhills
Landscaper: Hermes Landscaping
Appliances: Ferguson Home; Williams Sonoma
Countertops: Rocktops
Flooring: Kenny’s Tile and Hardwoods; MMH Experience Rug Collections; Carpet Source
Hardware: Locks and Pulls
Masonry: ADI Designs; KC Stone
Custom Cabinets: Gillpatrick Woodworks
Other Resources: Gutter Cover of KC; Keith Scott & Company; Lost Path Iron; McCray Lumber; Midwest Fireplace; Rensen House of Lights; RoyCo Roofing; The Decksperts; The Hayes Company; United Heating & Cooling; View Solutions Group; Wilson Lighting
You may also like these articles.
The Pavone Effect
An event pro’s lower-level lounge struts its stuff with moody, Italian-inspired boutique hotel bar vibes.
Five Stars
A multi-zone basement remodel in Old Leawood showcases seamless flow, standout style, and the final flourish of veteran designer Gayle Jagoda’s career.
Tranquility Within
A lower-level remodel in Platte City turns a family home into a year-round wellness retreat.
Color-Filled Corners
A teensy Drummond renovation leans into midcentury whimsy, becoming a photographer’s dream.
An Unexpected Sky View
When demolition shows a new path mid-route—and the client leaps in wholeheartedly—the end result is transformative.
Porch with a Purpose
A cozy, covered outdoor living area becomes a stepping stone to a future indoor kitchen renovation.
Troy Moore
ALWAYS thrilled to be a part of DesignKC! Thanks for the beautiful feature! We love our partnership with you all and look forward to the next one! Who else wants to have that MMH Experience with Madi Mali Homes? :-)