Lure Summer 2018

ABOVE: The outdoor patio is partially covered by the upper
level deck. BELOW: A drawer in the master bath contains
a strip of electrical outlets to keep Sara's hair styling tools
handy, but out of sight. The master bedroom features
walnut flooring hung horizontally on the wall in place of a
headboard. The bed frame and nightstands, also in walnut,
are built into the wall.
Evolving Plans
Their initial plans for a cabin evolved
into a house. In November 2013, the
foundation was poured and plans were
underway to build a four-bedroom,
three-and-a-half bath dream home
where they would soon find themselves
spending most of their time.
Fast forward almost eight years to
this summer, when Jeff and Sara will
permanently move to their Lake Macbride
address.
“We never bought it with the intent
of staying here,” Sara said. “But we just
love it.”
There’s a lot to love.
The home was designed by Cedar Rapids
architect Greg Sundberg and built by
Flynn Homes. It’s a stunning combination
of art and nature, with every detail accounted
for to suit the couple’s interests.
Natural Entertainment
Jeff and Sara love to cook together, so the
kitchen is located the middle of the main
level rather than to one side so they can
enjoy the view of the lake while standing
at the stove or sink.
On the opposite side of a breakfast
bar topped in Brazilian granite is the living
room, with comfortable seating facing
the floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s
no flat screen TV above the stone-front
fireplace, and that’s by design.
“This is our entertainment,” Sara said,
gesturing toward the lake. “We want to
look outside.”
The home features nearly a dozen
varieties of wood, which adds to its
architectural interest.
The varieties include hickory in the
kitchen, mahogany in the den, red birch
in the mud room and lower level bath,
knotty alder doors, two kinds of oak,
beech in the laundry room and walk-in
closet, bamboo in the master bath, walnut
in the master bedroom, and a knotty pine
ceiling in the living room.
It’s also special at every turn.
While floor-to-ceiling windows face
south, windows on the east and west
side of the home offer privacy for the
Clarks and their neighbors. The north
windows are above the sight line, much
closer to the ceiling than the floor. On the
west side, a grid of 12-inch square glass
blocks — flood the home with light on
the first and second floors.
The floor on the main level is Number
2 oak, meaning it has knots and an
oiled finish that makes it appear matte
instead of glossy. The planks are also of
various widths, adding to the already
unique character. >
20 LURE SUMMER 2018