Dayton September 2023

Yours and mine, to ours
The couple was ready to create a home
that checked all the boxes for each of
them. After a serious amount of digging
by Jen, (“Jen has the ability to research
like no one I have ever seen,” says Bob.)
the two chose to build a single-family
courtyard home in one of West Chester’s
55-and-over communities. (Although, it’s
important to note that Jen’s not yet 55!)
When it came to selecting the lot, it
was all about location, location, location.
The half-acre parcel they chose was at
the end of a cul-de-sac and backed up by
green space. The Mill Creek runs along
the northern side of the property. (Jen
checked the creek’s flood plain before
settling on that location.) And it’s just
an overall “super convenient” location.
Kroger is within easy walking distance
and Dorothy Lane Market, a favorite of
Jen’s, is a quick trip up I-75.
The characteristics of the lot were
extremely important to the couple. “We
wanted a lot of privacy and a yard for our
dogs,” Bob says. Their dogs are 80-pound
Brady and 22-pound Sammy. And the
yard is an appealing playground for pets
and people alike. The couple owns a section
of the rear tree line, but they planted
liberally to protect their view year-round.
“We brought in 30 to 40 trees,” Jen
says. “Mostly a variety of arbor vitae and
pines.”
Holding center stage in the yard is an
inviting pergola with comfy seating, a
paver floor and a stone fireplace. Just
in case the fire doesn’t keep the couple
warm enough on chilly nights, they can
supplement the heat with a powerful
heater they’ve nicknamed “Tron.”
“I will sit out here even if it’s 30
degrees,” Jen says. It’s a great spot for
enjoying a glass of wine.” ➻
20 housetrends.com