kentucky homes & gardens magazine

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14 Antiques Mad for Mud Men

16 Homescapes Deck Maintenance & Repair

18 Landscapes The Value of Mulch

21 Gardens Structured Simplicity

24 Special Feature Palatial Pools

30 Artist The Catherine Bryant Studio

34 Love at First Site42 Building Their Own Dream Home50 Artful Abode64 Discovering Kentucky Tiny Treasures

Contents

On the Cover: photograph by Walt RoycraftPalatial PoolsTurn to page 24 to see more.

Kentucky Homes & Gardens May/June 2014 Volume 11 Issue 4

Contents1614

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ContentsContents

A Master Pool Builder Since 1965

www.gymandswim.com502.426.132610630 Watterson Trail

Louisville, KY 40299

Published by RHP Publishing, LLCPO Box 22754Lexington, KY 40522859.268.0217

Publisher: Rick [email protected]

Associate Publisher: Carolyn [email protected]

Associate Publisher: David [email protected]

Circulation and Distribution:[email protected]

Account Executives:Lexington/Central KentuckyRick Phillips859-268-0217 • [email protected]

Mimi Leet859-273-7616 • [email protected]

Kristi Yahn859-619-4960 • [email protected]

LouisvilleBen Ruiz502-244-6778 • 502-558-7083 C • [email protected]

Editors: Rick Phillips, Carolyn Rasnick

Senior Associate Editor: Kirsten E. Silven

Photography: Walt Roycraft

Contributing Writers:

Art Direction & Design: Meghann Holmes [email protected]

Printing: Freeport Press121 Main St.Freeport, Ohio 43973

Kentucky Homes and Gardens is published six times a year by RHP Publishing, LLC. 859.268.0217www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.comAll rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.Subscription price: $24.95 for one year (six issues). Single copies: $8. Kentucky residents add 6% sales tax. Subscriptions and change-of-address should be sent to Kentucky Homes and Gardens, Subscriber Service Center, PO Box 22754,Lexington, KY 40522

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Antiques

BY JERRY SHROUTPHOTOGRAPHY BY

WALT ROYCRAFT

for Mud Men

Mad

1 Male and Female Chinese Mud Men, ca. 1940.

2 An assortment of Chinese Mud Men, demonstrating a variety of colors, details, and scale. Ca. 1890-1920.1

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The origin of the highly collectible Mud Men figures can be traced back 1000 years, to Chinese landscape bonsai during the Tang dynasty. These landscape scenes included rocks and plants reminiscent of a particular mountain region or rural area. Over time, these landscapes began to include the use of figurines in order to give scale to the size of the forests and mountains depicted by the Bonsai.

While once a market dominated by fine porcelain, the Chinese export market began to decline by the end of the 18th century during the Manchurian dynasty. After this decline the market began to be dominated by cheap pottery and the age of the “mud man” was born. Mud men were brightly painted men, wise men, and much more rarely, women, who were often depicted fishing, holding musical instruments, scrolls, rice buckets, or simply sitting or reclining. Each mud man was hand made by individuals, and the production of mud men became a cottage industry.

The establishment of this industry was probably created for economic reasons, as Chinese villagers experienced “down” time after rice harvesting was complete. These workers utilized the production of figurines as an additional income source. Primarily, production was taking place in the Shiwan area of the Guandong Province, as well as other areas of China. However, one popular form, the water carrier, is believed to have originated in Jiwah, near Hong Kong.

The process of making Mud Men took place in stages. First the mud was formed to create a torso, then the head and other extremities; and finally hair, clothing, and any other features necessary to complete the representation. Finally, facial features were added to complete the detail of the piece. Once the villagers completed their works, the entire assemblage was gathered together to fire in the kiln. Sometimes even fingerprints of the original sculptor can be seen in the fired clay, which adds character to these pieces.

Common colors seen on Mud Men include mustard yellow, celadon and jade greens, cobalt or turquoise blues, and whites. Bases or other objects upon which Mud Men were seated were often painted dark brown or black. Some believe the darker the mud, the older the Mud Man, but this is not correct. The color of the clay is derived from the area in which the Mud Man was made, and different color clays were purposely used depending upon he subject. For example, whiter clays were often sought to depict female characters.

www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com 15

Nearly all Mud Men being collected today date from 1890-1940. It is interesting to note that production seems to have halted during World War II, giving birth to some urban legends as to the reason. One theory is that the original molds used to make the Men were destroyed in bombing raids. Another is that the original kilns used for making Mud Men were used for conversion to weapons to protect China from Japanese invasion. A new, mass manufactured generation of Mud Men began in the 1950’s, but these items, made for the decorative market, lack the unique and charming detail of their predecessors and thus are not nearly as desirable.

Since most of them are small, a collection of Mud Men can easily be incorporated into most homes, and their unique aesthetic blends easily into more traditional or even the most contemporary décor. Over the years in my business, I’ve worked with a lot of interior designers. One of the most talented I’ve ever known once told me, “every room should have a touch of Asian.” Perhaps a Mud Man collection could be an appropriate Oriental accent for your home. Happy collecting!

Jerry Shrout is the proprietor of Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington. He can be reached at 859-233-9375 or [email protected].

3 From left to right, reclining Mud Man, ca. 1890, double Mud Men with table and scroll, ca. 1920, and highly detailed Mud Man with sandals, ca. 1915.

4 Rare “water carrier” Mud Man form with rice buckets, ca. 1890.

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Summer is here and now that you are actually able to spend time out on your deck, you may notice it needs a little TLC. However before you start to do some deck work, it might help to actually know the correct way to maintain and repair your deck in order to enjoy it for seasons to come. We asked Jim Topolski, President of American Deck & Sunroom, to help us sort through some common myths when it comes to deck maintenance and repair.

Staining a deck preserves the lumber—Not true. “Pressure treated lumber is already preserved and in most cases for life,” explains Topolski. “The stain merely gives the lumber protection from UV rays that turns the wood gray and oxidizes the wood. Many stains also include chemicals that prevent and or resist mold and mildew from forming on the wood in shady damp locations. That resistance lasts for 2 to 3 years until the next coat of stain reinforces the prevention.”

Stain is meant to seal the deck from water penetration—Not true. “Water does not harm pressure treated lumber,” says Topolski. “In fact, pressure treated lumber prefers to be moistened by water a lot more than it likes being dried out by intense summer sunlight.” Direct sunlight without relief is the single biggest enemy of pressure treated lumber. “If you see advertising that highlights the ability for water to bead up on the deck after being stained, it’s simply a marketing tool to sell the stain,” he advises. “It’s accomplished by adding silicone or paraffin to the stain. The ability to bead water on the deck in most cases only lasts for a few weeks.”

You need to wait a year after the deck is built before you apply the first coat of stain—Not true. “If you wait for a whole year before staining the deck, the wood

Deck Maintenance Repair&

BY CHRISTINA NOLL

1 The secret to this ten-year-old deck looking like new is the shade from a wood backyard that provides cover most of the day. Upkeep was much easier as a result and the deck was lightly sanded before the last stain job. The color was a very light natural color, dark enough to bring out the highlights in the wood and provide the necessary UV protection from the sunlight.

Homescapes

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will be dead, dried, cracked and already have turned gray,” says Topolski. In other words, the battle will have been lost before your first brush stroke. Pressure treated lumber is full of moisture. A good deck builder will install new decking with no spacing between the boards. “When the wood dries, it will automatically shrink leaving gaps between the boards which are necessary for drainage to prevent mold and mildew from forming on the decking,” he explains. “When these gaps appear, it’s evidence that enough moisture has left the wood to allow stain to penetrate the material sufficiently enough to protect the new wood from the harmful effects of the sun.”

It’s necessary to also stain the underside of a deck—Not true. “Remember the stain’s main purpose is to protect the wood from the harmful effects of direct sunlight,” says Topolski. “The underside of a deck by its very nature, never sees direct sunlight, so stain under a deck is not necessary. If you don’t believe me, go on a really old gray cracked deck and turn a board over. The underside will look nearly new. No sun. Having said that, no sun can cause mold and mildew to build up on the underside of decks. Staining the underside of the deck will prevent that from occurring on decks where the underside will be seen as a part of the outdoor living space.”

You need to stain your deck ever year—Not true. The less direct sunlight your deck is exposed to, the less frequently you need to stain it. “Decks on the north side of a house, under the canopy of a wooded yard with mature trees or under the cover of a pergola or roof structure will increase the number of years a deck can go before additional staining is required,” says Topolski. In contrast, extremely sunny locations with no hope of shade from morning until night would require a deck to be stained every year. A deck that sits under a roof may not need to be stained again for up to ten years or more.

Clear stain is an acceptable and attractive color to choose—Not true. Clear stains offer little to no protection from UV rays. Always choose a color.

Power washing is the best way to clean a deck—Not true. Never power wash a deck. Oxygenated bleaches are available in a liquid or powdered form that are mixed with water and sprayed on a deck with an inexpensive pump sprayer. “Do this on a cool overcast day, even right after a rain when the deck is still wet,” suggests Topolski. “Let the

mixture stay on the deck for 15 minutes, being sure to not let the deck dry the whole time. Then simply broom it in and rinse off thoroughly with a garden hose.” This biodegradable product will not harm your plants or pets and it will not gouge out or “fuzz up” the wood like power washers are known to do. If the deck is really dirty and old from years of neglect, the deck can be power sanded if the quality of the wood is good and the deck is screwed down and not nailed. Then rinse, allow time to dry, and stain. The deck will look like new. Never use Clorox bleach to clean a deck. Its not very good at removing stain from deep in the wood and it will corrode all the fasteners used to hold the deck together. Cleaning a deck once in the Spring and once in the Fall is all that is normally required.

Spraying or rolling the stain on a deck is a better and quicker way to apply stain to a deck—Not true. “Both spraying and rolling a deck with stain doesn’t work the stain into the wood sufficiently,” explains Topolski. “Working the stain in with a brush after applying with a sprayer or roller is a good plan.” The other down side to spraying is two fold: First, some stains are very expensive. Spraying wastes a lot of stain that simply gets carried away in the wind. This leads to the second problem—unless it’s a perfectly still day, the spray gets everywhere. Even if you take the time and spend the money to tape off critical areas to keep them safe from over spray, it doesn’t always protect the neighbors’ cars and belongings from over spray that lightly and secretly drifts with breezes throughout the neighborhood.

There are products today that make decks maintenance-free—Not true. Composite boards, paver patios and even concrete patios will all need to be cleaned and repaired occasionally. They are all outside products exposed to the elements 24/7/365.

New composite boards are expensive but do minimize the amount of maintenance it takes to keep a deck looking good. “At the very least, there are aluminum spindles and composite caps for railings that take a lot of work out of upkeep for the hardest part of the deck requiring stain: the railing.”

Following the above guidelines will keep your deck looking good for years to come and if the time and trouble to maintain your deck becomes too much for you, there is always the option of hiring a professional to do the work.

2a & 2b Applying the right stain in the right color can make all the difference in creating a space that you can truly enjoy outdoors all season long. These photos show the same deck a)before and b)after maintenance.

2a 2b

18

Spring has sprung and now is the time to start thinking about mulching and the benefits it gives to your lawn and gardens.

Some of the benefits of mulching are: • Significantly reduces soil moisture evaporation, cutting the cost of watering • Suppresses weeds • Insulates soil from extreme temperatures, which creates better growing conditions for plants • Reduces soil erosion • Will decompose over time adding valuable nutrients to your soil • Makes landscaping more attractive • Acts as an insect repellant depending on the type • Minimizes maintenance

Mulch can be composed of almost any material imaginable, so long as it satisfies some of the above needs. Some of the material that can be used for mulch: • Shredded tree bark • Ground tree trimmings • Pine boughs • Leaves • Shredded auto tires • Crushed rock, brick, shale or even coal • Smooth river pebbles • Beach glass • Newspapers • Landscape fabric • Oyster shells • Carpet remnants • Pine needles • Cocoa bean shells • The list is endless While all of these are effective mulch materials only the organic ones actually make any positive contribution to improving soil quality, and quality soil is the foundation for everything. Therefore, everything you do in your garden and landscape should trend in the direction of embracing your soil as your essential partner. Select your mulch materials carefully so that they contribute to your soil quality and do not deplete it.

I use hardwood bark mulch sparingly since it is useful for new planting in helping them adjust to a new site or transplanting. The ultimate outcome is for plant materials to consume the bare ground and cover the blank spots. After that, the bark look needs to go away.

BY BILL HENKEL

Value of MulchThe

1 Mulch is an essential partner in landscaping, making it more attractive and minimizing maintenance.

2 Add only 1” or less of mulch to existing beds.

3 Mulch insulates soil from extreme temperature, creating better growing conditions for plants.

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Landscapes

Bark is helpful around plantings that are remote or located a long distance from view and care. It helps with moisture retention, weed control and soil temperature stabilization. Bark can be useful to help with establishment of plants that are intended to reduce erosion or it can also simply improve the look of our gardens and beds.

Some thought should be given to the use of bark, although it isn’t necessary to blow bark all over everything in sight. Consider these guidelines: • Apply mulch when needed • Mulch depth for new trees and shrubs should be 2-2 ½” and everything else 1” • Add only 1” or less of mulch to existing beds • Manage your mulch throughout the growing season and over several seasons • Avoid mulch build up on the trunks and branches of your plant • Use layers of hardwood bark for an impervious barrier that sheds water and prevents air movement • Remove bark that has been in place more than 12 months (it is of little value now)

Most importantly, use mulch that is at least 50% compost. This is one of the best practices for soil building and creating great gardens. Compost feeds your soil and brings it to life, like yeast is to bread.

Compost or compost blended with hardwood bark may have a faint fragrance of soil or wood however if your mulch is pungent and stinks, don’t use it. Fully composted materials should be light, granular and friable, with a faint fragrance of soil.

In closing, use your mulch sparingly, at the right time of the year, for the proper application and most importantly, be certain of the composition of your material. Compost is King!

Bill Henkel—American Society of Landscape Architect’s, Partner Henkel Denmark Leading Landscape and 100% Bluegrass. [email protected]


Value of Mulch

“a handful of soil 1 gram of sod containers 10 billion bacteria

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~E.O. Wilson

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Gardens

BY KIRSTEN E. SILVEN

Structured Simplicity

This central Louisville-area garden is brimming with possibilities year round thanks to carefully selected plantings that provide structure and color throughout every season. The outdoor areas were updated recently, along with the addition of a screened-in porch and wood-burning fireplace (not pictured) to enjoy on cooler evenings. This new addition opens to both the indoor and outdoor spaces, including the front and rear garden areas.

“Our approach works within the style of a home’s architecture, responding to existing contexts in an effort to integrate the outdoor spaces with the home itself and its interior,” shared Patrick Henry, ASLA, with Henry|McGalliard Landscape Design + Build.

The project involved the challenge of working with a 35 to 40-foot elevation change that takes place from the front to rear of the lot. Since the home itself is positioned near the halfway point on the slope, it was imperative to prevent water from running downhill onto the new terrace. To accomplish this, Henry designed retaining walls to define the space and created several redundancies to effectively catch and properly redirect runoff from heavy rains at several points throughout the property.

1 This view shows the home’s rear entrance, which typically serves as the main access point since the property features a rear-entry drive and no front parking. The steps are centered on the main doorway, while a second door to the left provides easy access to the kitchen. The upper beds are surrounded by Taxus hedges to provide a crisp border and filled with Black-eyed Susans, a variety of different herbs, irises and other perennials. Three slender silhouette sweet gums lend vertical drama in the background framing the terrace, rising up from beds lined by boxwoods and filled with knockout roses, hostas and hydrangeas.

2 Brightly colored lantanas and boxwoods adorn this bed, which is located near the home’s rear parking area and boasts a rock-faced limestone border set against brick laid in a herringbone pattern, which lends added texture and drama to the substrate.2

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Henry also chose to use several different types of substrate for the hardscape, including limestone, brick and bluestone. This lends added texture, visual interest and also helps to tie the outdoor space more closely to the home itself. The result is a highly functional and inviting outdoor area, which is well-loved and used often by the homeowner, who enjoys the space throughout every season thanks to the boxwoods, evergreens and other plantings that provide color year round.

The terrace is positioned close to the kitchen, making it the ideal location for impromptu al fresco dining, while the addition of the screened-in porch has made the space more social, prompting the homeowner to invite neighbors over for a cup of morning coffee at a moment’s notice. Although the property is centrally located not far from downtown Louisville, the immediate area is teeming with wildlife and more heavily forested, which makes for an interesting mix of birdsong and muted city noise.

“We created a space that includes structure but is not too rigid,” shared Henry. “The hedges provide a framework and within that we have planted a variety of perennials to lend a looser, organic feel to the overall design.”

Always a work in progress, this charming garden space will evolve over time as the plantings continue to mature and new elements are added, providing years of enjoyment and a dynamic space to entertain, or just relax after a long day.

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Garden Credits:LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Select Plantings

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Henry McGalliard

Landscape Design+Build

SELECT PLANTINGS, LANDSCAPING, GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Sermersheim Landscape Co.


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3 Sweet Bay Magnolias frame this view of the home’s detached garage and bluestone patio area, which is bordered by limestone that has been given a textured, rock-faced edge, both around the water feature and atop the retaining wall. Boxwoods provide structure for the plantings, forming a neat square in which they can thrive yet remain contained, creating organic shapes within neat, geometric forms.

4 Raised beds atop new retaining walls work to separate the parking area and driveway from the home’s main terrace, while the limestone steps create a spilling effect as they reach out beyond the wall’s perimeter, leading to the detached garage beyond.

5 Whimsical bronze sculptures of children are nestled amid the hostas and other plantings, which are neatly bordered by a boxwood hedge. Evergreens, purple irises, slender silhouette sweet gums and knockout roses form a dynamic perimeter for the property’s rear terrace, which affords the homeowners a great deal of privacy.

6 This charming bridge is surrounded by colorful plantings and carefully pruned boxwoods, which line a walkway that leads to the home’s front door.

7 As the garden continues to mature, these hydrangeas and boxwood hedges will fill in this space even more than they do here, creating a colorful yet contained bed to border the window view from both inside and outside the home.

8 A clinging ray of sunlight illuminates these cheerful Black-eyed Susans, which are located in raised beds near the home’s rear terrace.

Special Feature

BY KIRSTEN E. SILVEN

PalatialPools

1 Bold and dynamic in every way, this vibrant pool and outdoor living area features two shallow tanning ledges complete with bubblers, one of which even boasts three lounge chairs for ultimate comfort. The decking and coping is by Hartstone Tile, while the raised pavilion affords views of both the pool, as well as a decorative pond (not pictured). Dual fire bowls perched atop intricate columns flanking a sheer descent four-foot wide waterfall lend additional drama to the space. Designed and constructed by Rushing Design. Pool installation by Geddes Pools, Inc. Photography by Shandon Cundiff.PalatialPools

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Water provides a link to the senses that incites the imagination while promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Swimming also happens to be an excellent form of exercise for virtually any age group, and is even used in a variety of different therapeutic treatments. Today’s luxury pools provide endless possibilities when it comes to shape, color, amenities, style and efficiency, born from a design process that relies heavily on intuitive thought, technical skill, professional experience and close collaboration with the homeowners to achieve a plan that is both elegant and buildable.

“It’s never too early to begin the planning phase,” shared designer Doug Parker of Gym & Swim. “The length of time a project takes depends on a variety of factors, including the location and the types of features that will be included.”

Essentially, any poolscape is a blank canvas that could be transformed into virtually anything imaginable, within the obvious constraints of space and budget, of course. Options range from designs that more closely resemble a formal English garden or reflection pool than a traditional swimming area, to kid-friendly wonderlands that incorporate slides, boulders, rock waterfalls and other natural elements.

“Our custom pools incorporate hand-hewn stonework and a variety of plant materials to create a natural, inviting atmosphere,” shared

Josh Samples, co-owner and designer at MINKS Swimming Pool • Landscape • Maintenance. “The goal is to perfectly marry the pool with the garden and other outdoor living areas.”

For example, the total plan should work with the home’s structural materials and architecture, blending seamlessly with other outdoor living areas. A variety of elements, including carefully selected plantings, furniture, lighting and even artwork will eventually be added to complete the look, turning a formerly mundane outdoor area into a go-to retreat for family and friends.

“When building a luxury pool, there is so much more to consider than just the pool itself,” shared Rick Rushing, owner of Rushing Design and a registered landscape architect in the state of Kentucky. “Many clients add outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, patios, fire pits, seat walls, shade structures, lighting and audio/visual components to complete their backyard resort. The pool and its related amenities should appear as an extension of the home, incorporating materials, shapes and colors to reflect its architectural flavor and style.”

Important points to consider include decking, traffic patterns and space allocation, so it’s essential to work with an experienced professional to guide you through the process. The difference is always in the details, many of them small and unseen, but

2 This naturally curving pool contains a 55-foot lap lane marked by tiles along the bottom, along with a slide, waterfall and grotto, two fire blows, a spillover spa and deck jets. The project required extensive work to accommodate the lot’s 18-foot slope, resulting in an 11-foot retaining wall to support the pool and outdoor living area area. Limestone decking with hand-cut coping completes the look. Design and installation by Gym & Swim. Photography by Birds-Eye Foto.

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collectively work to make or break the project’s long-term success, both from a construction and from a design standpoint.

“There are countless design options available today and pools are so much easier to care for than ever before,” shared Pat Brennan, president of Mid-American Gunite Pools. “Sanitizing and cleaning technology has also come a long way, and a variety of energy saving and remote control options are also available.”

Interior pool finishes have also come a long way in recent years. Colorful aggregate surfaces are available in an astonishing array of colors and textures, creating a mesmerizing substrate that sparkles brilliantly in the sunlight, or lending a dazzling cobalt, gray or even beige hue to the underwater surface.

“We’ve also seen a big push lately for eco-friendly and energy saving options,” shared D.J. Geddes, vice president of Geddes Pools. “Other trends we’ve noticed include requests for sun ledges, benches and shallow areas, which are great for children.”

Regardless of the pool’s features or the amenities that are included in the surrounding outdoor areas, it’s essential that the project ultimately represents the transformation of a dream into reality.

“It’s important to build a strong relationship with clients in order to create a finished design that will provide value and enjoyment for years to come,” shared Tommy Humphries, owner and builder at InLand Pools. “A successful luxury pool project will create a living space that enhances a home’s outdoor areas and avoids cookie-cutter design.”

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3 Boasting an organic shape and natural lagoon look, this custom pool features a beach entry, infinity edge and three waterfalls (not pictured) and an underwater bench that winds around the edge. A variety of perennials, ornamental grasses and seasonal tropical plants create a lush environment. The pool is positioned so the sun sets over the vanishing edge, while a black Marcite finish on the bottom lends a stunning cobalt hue to the water. Design and installation by MINKS Swimming Pool • Landscape • Maintenance.

4 Designed to fit perfectly with the French country manor style of the home, this chic, formal pool boasts subdued materials and colors, but also incorporates a bit of drama in the form of a spillover spa, two fire bowls and a tanning shelf complete with a geyser and six deck jets. Hartstone Tile decking and a variety of carefully selected plantings completes the look. Designed and constructed by Rushing Design. Pool installation by Mid American Gunite Pools.

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5 This backyard oasis would be right at home in a resort environment, featuring a beach entry, dual fire pits with waterfalls, a swim-up bar, deck jets and fiber optic lighting. A Diamond Brite finish on the pool’s bottom gives the water a natural look, while a variety of tropical plantings, ornamental grasses, evergreens and perennials complete the look. Design and installation by MINKS Swimming Pool • Landscape • Maintenance.

6 Arched windows on the home (not pictured) are mimicked in the curving edge of the pool, which features a circular spillover spa, overlooking rolling green pastures that are quintessentially Kentucky at its finest. A Tahoe Blue Diamond Brite finish on the bottom gives the water a striking hue, while Hartstone Tile decking and coping completes the look. Designed and constructed by Rushing Design. Pool installation by Mid American Gunite Pools.

7 Rising a full 18-feet from the ground at its highest point and featuring an infinity edge flanked by two fire bowls, this stunning pool appears to be perched amid the treetops. Boasting an Olympic-length lap lane with two eight-foot wide waterfalls, deck jets, a spillover spa and five geysers on the tanning shelf, the pool is centered on the back porch and was designed to reflect architecturally several arched windows on the home (not pictured). Designed and constructed by Rushing Design. Pool installation by Mid American Gunite Pools. Photography by Jacqueline Rushing.


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98 Elegance and grace abound in this stunning pool and garden area, which was designed to resemble an English country estate. A whimsical bronze sculpture depicts children playing leapfrog in the foreground, while vine-covered trellises flank both sides, lending vertical height. Three pedestals serve as steppingstones across the water at the far end of the pool, which was designed with a black aggregate quartz finish on the bottom to lend a more formal feel. Design by Rushing Design. Pool installation by Geddes Pools, Inc. General Contractor: Burchfield & Thomas. Photography by Walt Roycraft.

9 Straight lines and geometric shapes blend seamlessly with curving, organic contours to create a pool and outdoor living area that is both modern and contemporary, yet natural it its design. Special features include an L-shaped peninsula that serves as a sun shelf and divides the 40-foot lap lane from the rest of the pool’s swimming area. Also, the reef area at the entrance displays the pool’s dark gray finish, which appears brightly illuminated here due to the evening light. Decking by Hartstone Tile, limestone coping, natural stone, dual cascading waterfalls and two fire bowls complete the look. Design and installation by Gym & Swim. Photography by Birds-Eye Foto.

10 Located near downtown Louisville, this pool blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape and accompanies a charming carriage house. Hartstone Tile was used on the decking and coping, but there is no coping on the far edge, permitting the water line to meet the landscaping, creating a natural look and feel. Gothic arches on a nearby church (not pictured) were used as inspiration when designing the pathways, as well as the pool’s organic shape and the landscaping. Pool design and installation; carriage house construction by InLand Pools. Landscape, pool and carriage house design by Architectural Artisans.

ARTIST


Catherine BryantBY KATHIE STAMPSPHOTOGRAPHY BY GEOFF CARR

For Louisville artist Catherine Bryant, art is the breath of life. “I’ve always done it and it has always followed me,” she said. “I can’t imagine my life not creating in some way.”

When she grew up in Oldham County, Bryant’s teachers always called on her when they needed something artistic done. “I knew I had that skill but I always thought I would be a business woman,” she said. Art followed her, sure enough, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at the University of Louisville in 1985. Before, during and after her college career, Bryant spent time in advertising as a graphic designer, and then she was able to combine art and business by building her own studio that she could operate from home, while raising her two children with her husband of 44 years, John Bryant.

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1 On Belgravia Court, which runs perpendicular to St. James Court in Old Louisville, the artist often finds architectural and natural scenes to paint. Titled “William Dodd’s French Chateau,” this 14” x 11” oil on canvas is of a residence designed by architect William Dodd.

2 Louisville artist Catherine Bryant. Photo by John Bryant.

3 Bryant paid homage to artist Fred Rigley in this 24” x 18” painting, “Gone, but not Forgotten.” He was a well-known painter in Brown County, Indiana, who was in his mid-90s when he passed away in 2009. 3

After college, Catherine Bryant went to California for a month to learn marbleizing techniques and other finishes. “I came back here and started knocking on the doors of top interior designers in town,” she said. “They kept me busy for 25 years.” She went to people’s homes and office buildings throughout Louisville to paint trompe l’oeil murals on walls and ceilings, and to create artistic finishes on furniture.

“I could see climbing three tiers of scaffolding was asking too much of myself, so I started concentrating on fine art,” she said. For most of the 2000s she had a gallery on Frankfort Avenue with a partner and now she is painting out of her home studio or in the great outdoors. Bryant works in oil, acrylic and encaustic (bees wax). She favors oils when she is painting outside, in the style of art known as en plein air, French for “in the open air.”

Her plein air paintings are framed in solid wood with no visible mitered corners, which is the standard for plein air. When she is outside with her canvas and easel, painting in a particular location, Bryant still takes photos and makes quick sketches and notations to take back to the studio. “A lot of times I use my sketches and photo references to make a larger piece,” she said.

She teaches art classes at Preston Arts Center in Louisville and offers individual instruction at her own studio. “I love teaching,” Bryant said. “I love to watch my students grow and learn and get excited about something new. Some have been through a divorce or a sad time in their life. We have fun and they learn and increase their skills. The excitement they feel is just so rewarding.”

Bryant is as comfortable teaching as she is creating her own art, and she is equally fond of painting animals and human figures as she is landscapes. Her artwork is found at Edenside Gallery in Louisville, Hoosier Salon in Indiana and online at www.CatherineBryantArt.com.

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4 “Sunset on Purple Barn” depicts an actual purple barn in New Harmony, Ind. Bryant had to paint very fast that afternoon because a storm was coming in as the sun was setting, making the immediacy of this 11” x 14” painting noticeable.

5 Catherine Bryant visited Noves, France, where she was charmed by a sleeping dog at the top of some stairs, and a bicycle with a hand-fashioned basket made of striped fabric. This 10” x 8” oil painting is titled “French Porch.”

6 When a string trio called Hot Club of Derbytown performed at the Belvedere, a public space in downtown Louisville, the artist captured the musicians on a 30” x 24” canvas and called it “1st Notes of Spring.”

7 “Cool Shadows” is a 12” x 16” painting of a gravel path near the Wabash River in New Harmony, Ind.

8 A river wrapping around a gambling boat in Rising Sun, Ind., inspired the artist to paint “By the Light of the Moon,” a 36” x 48” oil on canvas.

9 On a trip to the Tuscany region of Italy, around the town of Cetona, the artist took photographs of large cedar trees, which she then translated into an oil painting called “Italian Cedars.”

LoveBY MARY CYNTHIA MARTIN & JOE MARTIN A.S.I.D.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT ROYCRAFT

at First Site

1 When Bill Pirschel, rolled into Montgomery County he asked his realtor “to give him a taste of the area.” Even though this home was not for sale at the time the realtor drove him down the tree lined drive up to the front door and proclaimed “This is Montgomery County.” For Bill, it was love at first sight!

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I t was “love at first site” says Bill Pirschel, of first laying eyes on Fairway Farm. A West Virginia native, he was looking to put down roots in or around Lexington, Kentucky, but wasn’t having much luck so he broadened his viewing area. The first home he was shown in Mt. Sterling was Fairway. “It was distinctive, different from any home I had ever seen before,” he said. Unfortunately, the year was 1984 and the home was still occupied by the original owner, Albert Clay, a renowned thoroughbred breeder and owner and the man behind the vision to build Fairway.

Bill and Karen Pirschel went on to make Mt. Sterling their home, first with a purchased house, then in 1987 they built a custom home overlooking rolling hills and Fairway Farm. Bill, an accomplished pilot, found the flight pattern to the airport went right over Fairway so not only did he see the farm from his home, but also from the air and it became a constant reminder of the home that had captured his heart. Life moved on, they raised two sons, Karen retired from teaching gifted students grades 1-8 and life was good. However their love of animals never wavered and soon they realized they had an entire new family albeit of the four legged kind. Their rabbits, dogs, cats and horses required acreage and although their custom home had every convenience, it lacked enough acreage and it was getting a little crowded. Every day, from their second floor windows, Fairway beckoned, so it was no surprise that when the property became available for the first time in history, they moved on it and made it their own.

With any older home there is work that is needed and this house was no exception. The house needed new copper gutters, windows, outside painting, new lining for the pool, a new patio, newer farm buildings, the barn needed work etc., but it was an undertaking the couple embraced. Bill, a mechanical engineer entrepreneur with a penchant for detail, did his homework to assure the house operated smoothly and the architectural details stayed true to the original vision. “This house has enough concrete flooring to be a missile silo. All the walls are plaster and in 45 years they haven’t moved so we don’t have to deal with cracks from the house settling,” Bill said.

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2 Upon entering the vestibule of this classic Federal Style home, visitors are immediately treated to a fine example of style and symmetry indicative of the Federal period. Even though this home was started in 1967 and completed in 1969, the architects paid close attention to staying true to the nuances of classic design. Adam Demilune cabinets and commissioned oil paintings of Kentucky landscapes flank either side of the entrance to the back terrace and pool. A special mix metallic gold paint was used on the ceilings.


When asked which rooms are you favorite? Karen immediately answered “all of them.” She went on to say, “we use every room in this house. We have breakfast, dinner or drinks on one of the porches and in the winter we always have a fire burning in the fireplace.” The basement level, formerly the servants quarters, now houses Karen’s scrapbooking room, along with an artist easel and a full bath and entertainment room.

I had the pleasure of working with Bill and Karen on their custom-built home years ago and I was probably as excited as they were about their acquisition. It is rare to find a home where the molding is to scale for the rooms, the outside columns follow the Greek law of proportion and the room sizes are conducive to furniture flow. So many times, as a designer, I have to compensate for disproportionate features, but in this case it was just a matter of complementing rather than correcting.

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3 The kitchen received a complete makeover. The owner, who enjoys cooking wanted a fresh, light feel and to keep a classic country kitchen ambiance. Cream colored cabinets melt into cream colored porcelain floors to give the illusion of spaciousness. Ceilings were painted light blue, a receding color, that creates the illusion of height. Blue dog themed wallpaper is a nod to the owners love of dogs. A large 8 x 20 foot butler pantry and a separate freezer closet completes the storage and serving area.

4 Affectionately termed “the rooster room,” the informal dining room pays tribute to the owners love of animals. The themed room contains a china cabinet displaying the owners collection of fine porcelain roosters, hens, and rabbits. Rooster motifs are found throughout the room in the wallpaper (Thibauts Country Chicken) the hand-forged chandelier and in the 18th century Trevor Jane oil painting above the fireplace. Snowball, one of the owners many animals makes an appearance under the table.

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I knew this couple’s color palette fell to the hues of blue, green and cream with accents of gold and corals. Their actual interconnecting color path for the entire house is blue and can be found in every room through different applications. For example, upon entering the house, blue is found in the oriental rug and adjacent to the hallway in the “the rooster room” there are tempered blues making a serious presence in the wallpaper, upholstery, rug border and ceiling paint. The visual flow carries over into the dining room with blue in the window treatments application and the wallpaper. The sunroom also heralds a blue patterned tone-on-tone sculptured area rug.

Bill and Karen were inspired by the peaceful settings of this 52 acres and asked that I translate the materials and attitudes into a home conducive to a casual lifestyle where animals abound both inside and outside. The house also showcases a pool and terrace area that connects to the house via the “swimmery.” This was the

name the tile layers gave the rooms with doors leading to the pool area. Neither Karen nor I had heard the term “swimmery” but the defining new word stuck, so now the “swimmery” consists of a pool dressing area, lounge and full bath.

The personality of the house is classic comfort with a nod to nature and when entering or leaving the hallway you hear the chimes from the 1760 J.C. Jennings signed London Grandfather clock in a Christopher Goddard case. The clock sends the most beautiful sounds through the hallway to the tune of the English nursery rhyme “Whittington.” Part of the rhyme is as follows:

Make your fortune, find a good wife,You will know happiness all through your life

This bespeaks of their story.

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5 18th Century Mahogany furniture styles were mixed to compliment a William and Mary Chandler Walnut sideboard. The fretwork chairs are Chippendale, the large table and breakfront are Queen Anne and the smaller dining table is Duncan Phyfe. Brunswig and Fils Arabesque Wallpaper in hues of red, gold, blue and green provides the air space needed to counter balance the depth of the wood.

6 The navy blue ceiling showcases the elaborate walnut stained dental molding and wainscoating, the focal point of the library. This tends to be Bill’s domain with a working desk and ham radio. Accents and accessories that reflect his varied interest line the bookshelves. An 1800 currency scale, a gift from his wife, sits atop the coffee table.

7 The Grand Living Room, complete with working fireplace adjacent bar area and outside bricked patios, beckons to entertain. The room is large enough for two conversation areas. The couple, who wanted to veer away from a “velvet rope” approach, elected to enhance the existing marquetry floors with a leaf design motif as opposed to an oriental rug. Upholstered furniture is put your feet up worthy yet the case goods are a combination of French and English.

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House Credits:ARCHITECTS Wiggers and Daniel, Cincinnati, Ohio

INTERIOR DESIGN Martin Durr Caldwell Interior Designers, Mary Cynthia Martin, Danville, KYCABINETS Mt. Sterling Woodworking, Mt. Sterling, KY

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8 Majestic views of rolling hill vistas are found on every side of the house. The sunroom, which faces northwest, is bathed in subtle afternoon light and therefore was designed to capitalize on the natural exposure. Hues of blue and green on the walls and ceiling were used to cool down the room and to bring the colors of nature inside. Coral accents were added through the fabric on the club chairs and in the Scalamandre drapery.

9 Gold fixtures, china knobs, marble countertop vintage crystal chandeliers and a hand painted Sherle Wagner sink pay homage to a time when hours were spent on one’s attire. This vanity room supplies a respite for the owner where she can just get away and decompress. A vertical stripe in coral accents the walls and was chosen for warmth and to create height.

10 Even though the first floor has a full Master suite, the primary Master takes up the entire second floor with a study, dressing room, vanity room and full bath. Another nod to nature can be found in the garden themed Master Bed design. Karen wanted a warm paint color to simulate sunlight for the room is used mainly in the evening. Benjamin Moore Buttermilk 919 is the wall color. Shades of coral were interspersed through window dressing, upholstery, bedding and wallpaper.


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As the owners of Captiva Luxury Homes, their family-operated business, Rory and Nikki Dannenberg built

their own custom home in Central Kentucky.

BY KATHIE STAMPSPHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT ROYCRAFT

1 Located on five acres in Jessamine County, the homeowners planted 92 trees in the front of the home, including cypress trees, sugar maples and autumn maples. The barn was already on the property and is around 70 years old; the homeowners use it to store tractors and building materials.

Building Their Own DreamHome

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2 Four ovens, two islands and a walk-in pantry make this a dream kitchen, with its KitchenAid and Whirlpool appliances. The island on the left is used for baking, while the one closest to the refrigerator is used strictly for cooking. The islands and counters have Normandy granite tops. There is a double oven on the left-hand side of the kitchen, and another double oven with a cook top across the room. Danny Castle, of Castle Cabinetry in Richmond, built the custom cabinetry.

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ory Dannenberg has 20 years of experience as a custom home builder. He attended the University of Arizona School of Architecture and has been building high-end estate homes since he and his wife started Captiva Luxury Homes in 1992. “Captivating architectural design is our slogan,” he said.

Five years ago the Dannenbergs moved from Cave Creek, Ariz., to Kentucky, leaving the western part of the United States to be a little closer to family in Chicago. As their own clients for a custom home, the couple purchased five acres of land in Jessamine County, just south of Lexington, to build their dream house. They started construction in late February 2013 and moved in six months later, over Labor Day weekend.

“I’m very fortunate and blessed that I’ve seen so much,” Rory Dannenberg said. When he was out west his mind was filled with creativity, and when it came to building his own home he was able to implement the themes he really wanted. The couple had built a 10,000-square-foot home in Arizona, and went a little bigger in the Bluegrass State. Their Jessamine County home is 12,000 square feet.

“It was stressful, but fun,” he said.

“It took us many years to design the floor plan,” Nikki Dannenberg said. “He has a vision,” she said of her husband. “He did an awesome job putting it together.”

Outside, there were already a couple of tree lines in the back of the property. Recently, the homeowners planted 92 trees in the front of the house, including sugar maples, autumn maples and dogwoods.

As the owner of Captiva Luxury Homes, and a draftsman and builder, Rory Dannenberg specializes in custom designs that fit the unique lifestyle of each client. The company is also noted for building energy-efficient homes, based on the structural design, energy systems and appliances, for efficiency through and through. When working with clients, Dannenberg typically starts with a conversation, to go through the homeowner’s daily motions, asking questions like, “When you get up in the morning, what’s your first activity? Going to the washroom, or getting cereal?” When it came to designing their own home, the Dannenbergs asked themselves the same types of questions, to create formats for hobbies and habits.

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The Dannenbergs have two small children, a son and daughter, so it was important to have a separate play area for the kids. Located on the second floor, the 300-square-foot playroom is accessed by each child’s bedroom. There is also a full-scale laundry room and two full baths off the play area.

On the main floor, the couple put quite a bit of thought into the details of the kitchen design. Nikki Dannenberg grew up in the restaurant industry, and was used to the convenience and practicality of double ovens. This kitchen has two double ovens.

“I love the dual island,” she said. “One side is strictly for cooking and one side is for baking. I can bake cookies and not have them taste like lasagna from the night before, which is a big factor.”

Calling themselves “furniture-poor,” Rory Dannenberg said he and his wife are thinking of it as a fun work in progress. “As much as I’d like to have every room filled to the ceiling with knickknacks, it’s a process,” he said. “We’re not in any hurry.” He likes the idea of furnishings and accessories being associated with memories, from visiting a particular vacation spot, for example, rather than just purchasing pieces for the sake of filling up a room.

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3 Distressed with some Old World wrought iron hammered steel, the front door is made of oak. Above it, an arched window opens to the two-story covered front porch.

4 The dining room has a very creative architectural ceiling. The splash of cabernet color on the walls was pulled from the fabric of the dining room chairs. From the entry foyer, the arched entry of this space is framed by plant shelves, and while the greenery may look fake, these are real plants. Pemberton’s Greenhouses in Lexington provided irrigation for the plants.

5 The upstairs playroom is a space for the couple’s two small children spread their wings and be themselves. At first, the homeowners were going to paint primary colors on the walls from floor to ceiling, but they found it more aesthetically pleasing to use vibrant colors on the bottom half of the walls. In addition to toys, the playroom has a little kitchen set, train table and lots of Legos. As the kids grow, so can this space, to accommodate desks and computers.


With its Old World architectural style, this brick and stone house is a story and a half. The homeowners are still finishing the walk-out basement. From the front door, the formal living room and master suite are on the right, while the great room, dining room and kitchen are to the left. There are five bedrooms, four full baths and two powder baths in the house.

The homeowners’ love of the southwest is evident in the architecture and décor, with rustic touches in the form of woodwork, stonework and distressed beams, hand-distressed hickory wood flooring, and plenty of arches. There are arched windows, doorways and openings throughout the house, and along the way there is a touch of medieval Old World style. All of these architectural elements and design features work in perfect harmony and look right in place in this new Kentucky home. 5

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6 Stone and arches are the name of the game in the great room, which has a wet bar, TV screen and plenty of cabinets for storage.

7 Looking through the great room is the breakfast area, which is connected to the kitchen. Distressed ceiling beams are one of the signature design features of the homeowners’ company, Captiva Luxury Homes.

8 The master bedroom is a haven within a haven for the homeowners. Instead of hardwood flooring, there is carpet in the master suite, the children’s bedrooms and two guest rooms. The homeowners are taking their time to choose window treatments and other furnishings for the master suite.

9 The master bath has beige travertine flooring and stone throughout. On the wall next to the Kohler aerating tub, there are diamond cutouts to hold towels. Behind that wall, and visible through the cutouts, is a walk-in shower large enough not to need a door. Adjacent to the bath there is a laundry room and a 300-square-foot walk-in closet for the couple.

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BY KIRSTEN E. SILVENPHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT ROYCRAFT

Artful Abode

1 Situated in one of Louisville’s exclusive east end communities, this elegant home boasts pastoral views and a clean, graceful façade, providing homeowners Dick and Ardi Wilson with the ideal space to showcase their incredible sense of style.

Artful Abode

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2 A variety of colorful, sports-themed signed and numbered prints by famed artist LeRoy Neiman, which depict the Kentucky Derby, the LeMans Grand Prix and the New York Marathon, work to lend visual interest and height to the décor in the home’s entryway, which also boasts a decorative tray ceiling and open staircase leading up to the library (not pictured). Standing sentry on the landing, a whimsical painting of Santa Claus that was found in Louisville’s Butchertown Market at Work the Metal is just visible and a brightly hued glass egg hand-blown by an artist in Czechoslovakia adorns the table.

3 Function and aesthetics combine in the kitchen, which features a wine cooler built into the center island, along with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Hanging under the flat screen television is a framed recipe for vegetable soup that was handwritten by Ardi Wilson’s mother before she passed away.

4 As part of a recent remodeling project and addition, the dining room was designed to blend seamlessly with the home’s existing interior spaces and new outdoor living areas, which were part of the project and are located just beyond the double doors seen here. The painting on the wall is one of the homeowners’ favorites and was found on a trip to Cuba, while the multi-tiered chandelier was custom designed for the room by a glass artist in Georgia and complements a similar piece hanging in the breakfast nook crafted by the same individual.

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ight years ago, Louisville residents Dick and Ardi Wilson had just three weeks to move from their prior residence into this home, which was newly built at the time. The move offered a fresh venue to display their amazing art collection and unique sense of style, which has grown and matured over the years.

The home is designed to flow organically from one area to the next and the Wilsons have added many custom touches here and there since moving in, truly making the entire space their very own. So far, this has included a major remodeling project, which added a new dining room, outdoor living areas and a new outbuilding. In addition, they have selected custom-designed stained glass windows for the master bath, a custom glass door leading to the lower level and hand blown glass chandeliers for both the formal dining room and the breakfast nook.

“I enjoy the sense of loose formality we have achieved in the dining room, which offers great views of the gardens and new outdoor living areas,” shared Dick. “Visually, it’s just a nice place to be.”

Another striking aspect of this home is the amount of natural light that floods each of the rooms, illuminating the Wilsons’ stunning art collection and providing a cheerful, pleasant atmosphere year round. In addition, rustic natural vistas and green pastures stretching into the distance rise to meet almost every window view, lending a private, country estate feel to this neighborhood residence.

“We often get to see the deer up close and personal as they enjoy eating our flowers,” quipped Ardi. “They really will come right up to the windows.”

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The Wilsons’ art collection even extends to the outdoors, where a life-size bronze sculpture of a marathon runner from the University of North Carolina—found at the St. James Court Art Show—can be seen making his never-ending journey across the grassy knoll behind the home. In addition, a stainless steel vase topped with a limestone angel is visible from the den and was given to the Wilsons by a much-loved aunt on a trip to Seattle, where, at the age of 89, she received an award for surviving breast cancer and for her work to fight the disease.

Although it will be always evolving, always a work in progress, Dick and Ardi Wilson have built a lasting legacy in this artful and inspired home, which already has so many wonderful stores to share.

“We love things that make us happy and the things we’ve acquired together,” shared Ardi.

5 The hearth room serves as a wonderful example of the Wilsons’ talent and combined sensibilities when it comes to matters of quality, art and style, boasting a Henredon sofa, along with chairs and a glass coffee table by Roche Bobois. Other notable pieces include the eclectic “Heart on Wall” sculpture, hanging left of the mantle, which Ardi Wilson found on a girls’ trip to Las Vegas, as well as a piece titled “Circus” by Guillaume Azoulay, which is just visible behind the column. The stunning piece above the mantle was painted by a street artist and discovered on a trip to Vietnam, while the brightly colored piece hanging just to the right of the mantle is by Cynthia Torp and was part of a collaborative project pairing artists with critically ill young children.

6 This view of the home’s hearth room shows the expansive feel of the space, which boasts a decorative glass door leading to the lower level that was custom made by Louisville architect and glass artist Steve Heine. The kitchen is just visible through the doorway beyond the baby grand Yamaha piano, while a visually stunning piece depicting a bright yellow rose by Patricia Addy was found on a trip to Santa Fe, and a painting of galloping horses by Guillaume Azoulay hangs to the far left.

7 Cozy and charming with an elegant flair, the home’s den lies just off the kitchen and also houses a breakfast nook that is lit by a 60-pound hand blown glass chandelier custom made by an artist in Georgia to complement the fixture hanging in the dining room. The vaulted ceiling is coffered for added visual interest, while a bronze piece by Erte and sofa by Ralph Lauren complete the space.

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House Credits:BUILDER Ron Wolford, The Wolford Team

BUILDER (NEW ADDITION) Mike Blacketer, The Blacketer CompanyARCHITECT (NEW ADDITION) Timothy R. Winters

8 The lower level offers a variety of entertainment options, including a pool table custom made for the Wilsons by Jim Graven of Steepleton Billiards, along with games from around the world, including Nepal, Peru, Africa, Vietnam, Cuba and England. Ardi Wilson’s personal collection of special charity bears, which are donated each year at Christmas to thousands of children in need, are just visible in the background, while four vivid R.C. Gorman lithographs adorn the far wall.

9 At once opulent and unassuming, the master bath features separate his and hers counter areas with custom cabinetry grounded by neutral-hued travertine tile on the floor, tub surround and shower façade, which is also quietly adorned with decorative components. A freestanding soaking tub divides the space, while the two oval stained glass windows are an added touch, custom designed by an artist they discovered at Louisville’s annual St. James Court Art Show. Antique chair from Goss Avenue Antiques and Interiors.

10 With bucolic views and muted jewel toned accent pieces that are beautifully complemented by earthy hues on the comforter, walls and tray ceiling, the master suite is also equipped with a sitting area and serves as a home for a few of Ardi Wilson’s special bears, which are given away to children every Christmas and add a personal touch. A bronze sculpture is barely visible through the window, depicting a marathon runner from the University of North Carolina; part of a series, the piece was crafted by an artist the homeowners discovered at the St. James Court Art Show. Painting by premier Navajo artist R.C. Gorman, titled “Secrets.”

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updates on large wooded lot Rick Queen 859.221.3616

3105 Warrenwood Wynd $2,695,000 Contemporary w/generous rooms,

pool and a grand pavilion Becky Mobley 859.321.0819

642 Headley Ave. $425,000 West 6th Brewery District, Downtown 3BR/ 3.5 BA, state of the art rebuild, Jim 859.619.9993, Jimmy 859.221.2575

31 Ave. of Champions $994,900 Impressive 5BR/5.5BA, 12,988sq ft. backing to golf course, 5 car garage

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1336 Strawberry Lane $823,500 Desirable Shadeland Area. Custom bath, kitchen and 1st fl owners suite

Kevin Martin 859.619.3232

609 W. Short Street $925,000 Historic Western Suburb, Downtown Exceptional kitchen & baths, 1/3 acre

Jim 859.619.9993, Jimmy 859.221.2575


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Professionally Marketed by Semonin Realtors® New Construction SpecialistsWanda Powers

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409 M ki bi d T D i j t 7 i t f D t

Distinctive Living

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REAL ESTATE

Morning favorite.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Kentucky’s rolling hills on more than 900 acres of upscale country living—just 40 minutes from Lexington. This beautiful community is designed for entertaining and relaxing with such amenities as a lighted walking path around the lake, a six-mile riding trail, and a community pavilion with a fireplace and waterfall. The perfect lot for your dream home is available, but not for long! Make an appointment today and come see for yourself.

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REAL ESTATE

Susie RodesAssociate BrokerABR, CRS, GRI, SRES859-619-8730

homesinlex.comConsistently a Top 3 Sales Producer!

Immaculate Bluegrass Estate11+ gently rolling acres. Spacious Kitchen, 1st floor Master with spa Bath. 5 BR, 5.5 BA. Finished lower

level. Flexible separate building. Prime location.$1,095,000

30 Pristine AcresStunning open design with gourmet Kitchen, 4 season Sunroom, gated entry, 3-car garage,

6-stall barn, and a pond with fountain. $1,595,000

Beautiful Lake FrontageStunning home on half-acre lot. Spacious & filled with light. Huge Master Suite. 2 Family

Rooms. Covered veranda overlooks lake.$998,000

Greenbrier Estates MansionOverlooks 18th hole of Greenbrier

Championship Golf Course. 9000+sf, 7BR, 9BA. Finished lower level. 3-car Garage.

$1,298,000

Right in the Heart of TownNice 5 BR home on half acre lot. Gracious formal

rooms. 1st floor Master Suite with spa Bath. 3 fireplaces. Finished lower level. Deck & patio.

$645,000

Custom Low-country StyleOn 15th fairway of Old Silo Golf Course,

Kitchen with sitting area, home Office, finished lower level, Geothermal HVAC, Workshop.

$598,000

Hartland ExecutiveCompletely renovated with gourmet Kitchen,

Library, luxurious Master with fireplace and spa bath, and outdoor covered patio.

$699,900

Brand New TownhomeGated community adjacent to Greenbrier Golf & Country Club. Over 3,800 SF with 3 BR, finished lower level. Gourmet Kitchen. Filled with light.

$750,000

Stunning Elegance Bright, open townhome. 1st floor Master. Kitchen

has granite island, pantry. Keeping Room with bar. Professionally landscaped. Many amenities.

$799,000

Sophisticated TownhomeOpen plan. 2-story Great Rm with fireplace. Gourmet Kitchen. 1st floor Master, with luxurious bath. Walled,

landscaped courtyard. Finished lower level. Loft. $798,000

Peaceful Country Setting4 BR ranch on 10 acres. Lower level with Family Rm, Bath & more. 5 car Garage & shop. Gated

entry. 3 stall barn, paddocks & run-in shed. $898,000

Williamsburg EstatesStunning custom home, exceptional materials & workmanship. Luxurious Master. Beautiful Kitchen. Private yard. Great for entertaining.

$928,000

Wonderful in TuscanyBeautiful, well constructed home. Open plan. 1st

floor Master. Office, loft & study. Excellent for entertaining. Finished lower level. Sun porch.

$575,000

A Special Place to Call HomeStunning end unit with open plan in Hamburg.

Balcony overlooks the Great Rm. 2 Master Suites & elevator. Courtyard with dog walk.

$345,000

Extremely Rare OpportunityCharming stone cottage has private access to

Arboretum. Graceful arches, hardwood floors, many built-ins & special features. Lovely yard.

$293,000

Bring Your HorsesEnjoy the view from lovely sunroom with wall of windows overlooking 5 acres. Open plan. 4 BR, 3 BA. Finished walk-out. Barn with tack room.

$375,000


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“That is amazing!” “I can’t believe the detail!” “I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

These are just a few of the things you hear people say as they leave The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville. The museum, housed in a 6000 square foot historical building, showcases over 200 dollhouses, miniature buildings, and room boxes with a focus on social history, architecture, lifelike detail.

The Museum unveils a surprise around every corner, with dollhouses that have come from all over the country and Europe. One part of the exhibit takes visitors on a visual journey through United States History from Native American through Colonial, Old West, early Southwest and modern eras. In Copper Hollow, circa 1910, hundreds of antique and artisan-sculpted, historically-dressed citizens interact with family, friends and business associates amid mansions, businesses, retail and factory districts as well as a Shaker village. Another favorite area is the Fantasy Forest, with its fairy houses, walk-in dragon cave and mystical creatures, including faeries, elves, witches and trolls.

Each part of the exhibit invites visitors to interact, rather than just view. Historical facts and/or hints to the story going on in the particular miniature world are offered throughout the display. Each house in one section, for example, tells a story of how that house’s occupants are relating to a wedding going on in the town.

“The stories are there to create an experience,” explains Lori Kagan-Moore, Director and Curator of the Museum. The stories attract visitors of all ages, male and female, whether you are a miniaturist or not. “More traditional and formal museums are artifact oriented,” explains Kagan-Moore. “That’s not the focus here. We don’t want people to be admiring the workmanship of a particular item, although the workmanship is there, so much as we want them experiencing it.”

Visitors like the exhibits that have the funniest or most meaningful stories. “They are fond of Gregory, who is dyeing the white Persian cat using his Easter egg kit. He’s in his mother’s bedroom, and you anticipate the cat leaping lightly onto the white satin bedspread,” Kagan-Moore says.

The Museum is constantly changing, as the exhibits are updated and more detail is added or houses and scenes are finished. “Right now I’m

enjoying working on the tenement district, because it involves distressing and aging all the miniatures,” says Kagan-Moore. Her daughter, Hannah Kagan-Moore designed and painted the tenement district, and was also the creative force in assembling the Fantasy Forest. She is Assistant Curator at the Museum and is working on her Master’s Degree in Art History. “There are stores downstairs—the old, urban butcher shop, florist, neighborhood grocer, corner cigar store—and upstairs, poor tenants, circa 1910. It provides a striking contrast from the opulent, rich homes of the mansion districts. The clothing, the furnishings—even

the foods—are very different.”

Aside from the exhibit hall, the Museum features a very extensive dollhouse and miniatures store where visitors can purchase furniture, accessories, fixtures and building components in all price ranges. In addition, there is a spacious classroom where storytelling events, miniatures workshops and other events are hosted. “We also host birthday parties, scout groups, schools, senior, church, homemaker and red hat groups, among others,” says Kagan-Moore. “With children’s groups, we do an extensive room box project after the kids have lunch in the banquet room. Each child takes home his or her finished room box.”

The Museum was designated one of Kentucky’s top 50 attractions by the State tourism cabinet, in their recent search for globally unique destinations located in Kentucky. For inclusion in There’s Only One, Tourism determined that there was no other place like these fifty anywhere in the world. In addition, the Museum was voted Best Cultural Attraction in the United States in Rand McNally’s 2012 Best of the Road Competition.

One major reason the Museum is such a well-loved attraction has to do with the experience based exhibit. Kagan-Moore says, “It’s very warm; it’s very American, because we’re an American story.”

DISCOVERING

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IF YOU GO: The Great American Dollhouse Museum is located at 344 Swope Drive in Danville, approximately 50 minutes from Lexington and 90

minutes from Louisville. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-5pm. Call 859-236-1883

or visit www.TheDollhouseMuseum.com for ticket prices and additional information.

The Great American Dollhouse Museum delights with unexpected adventure in miniature form

KENTUCKY

1 Music room by renowned miniaturist Brooke Tucker. Photo credit: Jon Sachs

2 The nanny thinks Gregory is in the kitchen with his stamp collection, but—as is often the case with this Museum’s stories—the viewer finds the truth. Dollhouse by architectural miniaturist Liz LeBosse; “Bad Kitty” by Alice Zinn. Photo credit: Jon Sachs

Tiny Treasures

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Celebrating 148 years in lighting!

Builders and Designersagree that good lighting

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