- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
BY JULIA VERSAU
Special to the Times | Saturday, October 18, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
Just beyond the decorative gate, lily pond fountains, and lush landscaping at the front entrance of Morningside Estates are two exquisite homes. Built by Wagner Homes, the residences are the first to be built in this exclusive gated community in Crown Point.
Few aspire to be the princess, but many appreciate the fact that homes exist that would fit the residential requirement. Expertly designed and stunningly appointed in every detail, the homes on Whitehall Drive and Hampton Court are indeed worthy of royalty.
The Morningside Estates enclave has been designed to be different: homesites have been carved out of stands of magnificently tall oaks, the entryway is constructed of brick pavers, and the landscaping is abundant and rich. Wagner Homes is the select builder at Morningside, chosen by developer Whiteco. Of the 17 unique home sites that will comprise Morningside, only eight are still available. Wagner Homes has set the tone with two homes that are quite different architecturally, but that share attributes: unique design, extraordinary attention to detail, and rare features and amenities.
The Millstone Concept Home, now nearing completion, has been designed to replicate English Cottage House design. With its light chocolate limestone and cedar shake exterior elements, it looks woodsy yet regal. The interior artistry includes elements like a cast concrete fireplace in the kitchen-hearth room, a space ringed by windows to wooded views on three sides. Black cabinets with rope detailing and cherry trim are works of art in themselves; a maple butcher block island, detailed with columns and wood cut-outs and resting beneath an exquisite light fixture, will elicit as much comment as any art that's hung on the walls.
The level of detailing is extraordinary: every room offers a harvest of visual treats, custom-made and usually handcrafted. Even the exterior trim -- the shutters, cupolas, and other elements -- has been constructed to exacting standards by craftspeople. A tour of the home provides one "ooh-aah!" moment after another: a butler's pantry off the formal dining room with its mottled concrete countertop and dark pewter fixtures; faux-textured paint in the powder room; a den/study with handmade cherry desk with granite top and built-in shelving with hardware reminiscent of Rene Mackintosh; niches and built-ins throughout the home; hardwood floors on the main level; a stairway to the upper level constructed of artistically rendered iron rails.
"We've used traditional materials and methods not seen much anymore," said Gary Green, project director for Wagner Homes. "The emphasis is definitely on artistry and craftsmanship."
The home, built around a central courtyard, has a comfortable scale for its large size. Its layout is traditional, with public rooms and spaces in one section of the main level, the master suite in its own area on the main level, and private bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. In fact, a second, private stairway to the upstairs, accessed via the hearth room, accommodates family members.
A massive finished basement with high ceilings and few load-bearing columns offers perfect space for a home theatre room and other uses. The home also has a 3-car garage. Plans for the site call for construction of a carriage house with its own 2-car garage for guests.
If one could picture a famous author writing a groundbreaking novel in the den of the Millstone, one can immediately see that the house at 1200 Hampton Court is the place for an exquisite home wedding. The bride can walk from an upstairs suite down the broad gallery that overlooks the huge 2-story formal living room. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room would be a good place for vows-with-views.
There are so many unique features in this home it is difficult to take them in all at once. Even standing outside is a delight. The brick paver circle drive is crowned with a concrete fountain, the roof -- of black and terra cotta tile imported from Germany -- is beautiful, and the entry door, with beveled and etched glass, is a gorgeous creation.
The house has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a full basement, and accommodations for four cars (in architecturally concealed 2-car garages on both sides of the home). Each upstairs bedroom has its own bathroom and closet; two have their own balconies. On the main level one finds the formal living room, formal dining room, massive kitchen with adjacent sunroom (and a nearby main level laundry), a study/office, and master suite.
There are so many distinctive visuals. The den, with its patterned wood floor, built-in cherry cabinetry, sculptured ceiling, and eye-catching light fixtures, will be a favorite space. The master suite is truly magnificent: the huge space features a pass-through fireplace between the bedroom and bath, a French marble floor, his and her water closets, a large glass-walled shower, a jacuzzi. The master and mistress of the home will enjoy their own massive walk-in closets, already outfitted with shelving and amenities like jewelry cabinets. A deep tray ceiling outside the shower features celestial motifs in baby blue and gold.
Every room has artistic focal points -- even the spaces between rooms, with their beveled and leaded glass transoms. Visitors will note expertly executed tray ceilings, including a "floating ceiling" in the dining room; a crystal chandelier, also in the formal dining room; the breakfast bar adjacent to the master suite; the entertainment cupboard that allows the homeowner to control music throughout the house; and the terrace sunroom with windows all-around, terra cotta floor, skylights, and stenciling. The kitchen features a butler's pantry, gourmet cook stove, Birdseye maple cabinetry, and a built-in hutch.
Downstairs, the atmosphere is both lush and fun. Here's where the homeowners and their guests will enjoy a theatre room, wine tasting alcove, and billiard room (with a special fan installed to remove smoke). There is a bathroom in the basement, and a small kitchen, too, for drink service and preparation of snacks. There is plenty of light, and the carpeting is thick and luxurious.
Few homes anywhere in the country enjoy the quality of design and construction, and originality of detail and decoration, of these Morningside residences.
While the houses constitute another feather in the cap of the Wagner Homes staff, they also add distinction -- and a touch of glamour -- to the residential inventory of Northwest Indiana.
For more details
Take a virtual tour (and see more photos) of the homes at www.suzygrcevich.com.
To arrange a private showing, call Suzy Grcevich of Century 21 Executive Group at (219) 548-7820. For more information about Wagner Homes, visit www.wagnerhomes.com.
Back to story No comments posted.
- It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
- It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
- It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
- It promoted violence or illegal acts.
- It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.
In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.
Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.
Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.
If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.
For more information please read our Terms of Service.
Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.
» More Homefront Stories