Building Your Dream Home
Scallon Custom Homes

With its unique rustic Tuscan look, inviting design, and upscale amenities, this home, located on Cedar Rapids’ northeast side, is a beautiful example of the award-winning work of Scallon Custom Homes.

“The homeowner tells me that she feels like she’s on vacation every day in this home,” says Paul Scallon, who worked closely with the family to create a legacy home of their dreams.

Right away, a visitor can tell this is a special home. Rustic stone, stucco, and brick make up the exterior, and faux dormers bring interest to the roofline, especially at night when the dormers can be lit. A stone-look walkway leads to the front porch, where a wood column and beam give a sense of the home’s style. Double front doors welcome guests into the spacious foyer area.

From the foyer, the home’s great room beckons. A soaring cathedral ceiling with rustic wood beams draws the eye up to a line of high-level transom windows. Just below those are huge windows looking over the home’s wooded backyard. On an adjacent wall is a built-in fireplace made of stone and brick going up to the lofty ceiling. Built-ins flank the fireplace, and more wood gives a cozy feeling.

Just beyond the great room is the home’s kitchen. Cabinets line the walls--in rustic wood, painted wood, and distressed painted wood, using every nook and cranny for storage and beautiful design. Stone and brick form the kitchen’s backsplash, a nod to the fireplace and exterior look of the home. Corbels below the stove’s hood add a touch of class.

In the center of the kitchen is a large island with sink, dishwasher, and more storage. Along one edge is a breakfast counter--with space for six people. Pendants above shed light. For more seating room, the large breakfast nook next to the kitchen has space for a large table. Throughout the great room and kitchen, hand-scraped hardwood floors create a sense of unity. The angled kitchen means the floor planks are at a diagonal there, a stunning look.

If the weather is nice, the family can walk out one door to a covered deck that overlooks the backyard. Another door leads to a three seasons room. Memory vinyl windows can be raised or lowered, depending on the weather, so that this room can get lots of use. Wood trim and beams create the same rustic look that’s found elsewhere in the home.

The master suite, on this floor, features a spacious bedroom with a view of the back yard. The master bath has tile floors, and more warm wood in the cabinets and along the sloping ceiling over the dual vanity. A walk-in shower and whirlpool tub await, offering a spa experience at home. Near the entrance to the master bath is another luxury: a bedroom coffee station to make waking up that much easier.

Also on this floor are a guest room with adjacent bathroom, laundry room, and drop zone near the garage entrance. Scallon found hard-wearing oak for the drop zone lockers, and gave them a distressed-look finish.

“The homeowners didn’t want a ‘museum’-type home,” says Scallon. “They wanted someplace where family and friends could feel comfortable.” According to the homeowners, it’s already served its purpose.

With 23 years in the homebuilding business, Scallon knows how to help homeowners get the house they want while staying within budget. “I pride myself on being detailed and thorough up front which helps the process go smooth,” says Scallon, whose many years of experience help him anticipate potential issues. “My hope also is to alleviate concerns about building a home whether they have never built a home before or are just apprehensive about the building process in general.”

The lower level of this home offers lots more room for living and entertaining. One area features durable stained concrete floors where a pool table stands ready. Soft carpeting delineates a family room area, anchored by another stone fireplace, television, and comfortable lighting. There’s also a second family room for the children’s toys, a full wet bar, and three bedrooms, two of which share a Jack and Jill bathroom, and another that has access to a full bath in the hall.

Walk out through a door on this level to a large patio with an in-ground pool. A changing room on this level makes it easy to take a swim.

With all the luxurious appointments and a design that is reminiscent of southern Italy, it’s no wonder the homeowners feel like they’re on vacation when they’re at home. And Scallon Custom Homes made the building process smooth for everyone. “It was easy and fun,” the homeowner said.