Discover the Unexpected
Article by Cindy Hadish
CEDAR RAPIDS - A new home by Dream Builders of Iowa is brimming with pleasant surprises.
The 3,300-square-foot home, at 6102 Sanden Rd. NE, features soothing earth tones on the exterior and unexpected amenities inside.
A split three-stall garage, tucked to the side, makes the front of the house prominently visible, adding to the home’s curb appeal in the popular Wexford Heights subdivision, conveniently located off of Blairs Ferry Road. The five-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home was featured on the Fall Parade of Homes.
Pull into the garage with a load of groceries and the first of those surprises is hidden behind a mini pass-through door that allows bags to be placed directly from the heated garage into the home’s walk-in pantry. The kitchen itself is full of features that similarly offer conveniences for the homeowners. For example, a step stool slides under a section of cabinets to hide out of the way until needed to reach higher shelves.
Jason Ainsworth, owner and president of Dream Builders of Iowa, used his carpentry skills to add even more features into the cabinets, such as spice racks and custom cookie sheet storage. A tip-out tray under the sink even includes a spot to hold a wedding ring while doing dishes or cooking. Another drawer pulls out to reveal a split spot for recyclables and trash.
“We try to make every space usable,” Jason said. “There are all kinds of extras.”
At the same time, the mitered cabinet doors add to the upscale feel of the kitchen – stretching the full height of the 10-foot ceilings – as well as bathrooms and the laundry room, with detailed profiles and elegant design. The laundry room features plenty of storage and a drop zone off of the garage entrance has a bench and hooks for purses, backpacks and more.
A real stone floor provides a light-colored contrast for the dark cherry wood in the cabinets and even deeper hued granite counter tops, which repeat throughout the house.
One of the most striking features is the brick, see-through fireplace, visible both in the great room and, on the other side, in space that can serve as a hearth room next to the kitchen. A reclaimed barn beam serves as a fireplace mantle in both rooms, as well, offering a rustic addition to the home, with hand-hewed ax marks in the rugged wood.
A dining nook could serve a myriad of purposes, including a sitting room, while a deck with a gasline for a grill is just outside. Just off the dining area is another pleasant surprise: a three-season porch with vinyl windows that open to let in the breeze during warmer weather and a view to the backyard, which overlooks the neighborhood’s large pond – stocked with fish – and surrounded by a trail.
Lower-level storage space is conveniently located under the main garage; large enough for a lawn mower or even a kayak or canoe to use on the pond. A well-landscaped yard features flowers and more to be enjoyed in the warmer days ahead.
Back inside, the upscale ambiance reverberates throughout the home with three-piece crown molding – more evidence of Jason’s craftsmanship – and lighting behind the tray ceilings to offer a soft glow at night.
The three bedrooms on the main floor are located on one side of the home, with a linen closet in the hallway that could be converted to a coat closet. A three-zone system provides energy efficiency and comfort with a thermostat that can be adjusted for heating and cooling for the three bedrooms, one in the kitchen/living area and one in the lower level.
“That way, you’re not heating the entire house and it’s easier to control the temperature,” Jason said.
Split “his and her” closets are located just off the spacious master bedroom, while “his and her” sinks are featured in the master bath, along with a tiled zero-step entry shower and elegant, free-standing tub.
Windows provide abundant natural light in all of the upper level rooms, as well as the lower level, which features another “secret” space: a closet under the stairs. The entire lower level is fully finished and move-in ready, with spacious bedrooms and another bathroom.
Unique red doors reveal a large theater room with tiered level seating so every spot has a perfect view of the jumbo 160-inch screen. The bar area offers space for a pub table or poker table, just off of a sliding door that connects to the outdoor patio; another spot for entertaining and to enjoy the view of the pond.
Dream Builders of Iowa can be reached at (319) 929-3771. See more at dreambuildersia.com
Building Team:
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