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Living in Peace
Timber Homes Illustrated, 1999 Buyers' Guide
Written by Stacy Durr Albert | Photography by Roger Wade
A Michigan couple finds tranquility after building their dream home
If there's one place where you can find inspiration in life, it's in a church. And we're not just talking about spiritual inspiration. When Howard and Mary Houchen first walked through the doors of Holy Trinity Church in Hillsdale, Michigan, they were amazed by the glorious timber-frame structure they found inside. The couple immediately decided to follow up on their dream of owning a timber home.
"We just really liked the way the timbers looked," says Howard. "We had gone through many magazines and discovered Riverbend Timber Framing -- the company who built the church. Once we attended some of their open houses, we knew the company was the right one for us."
After looking through Riverbend's plan book, the couple came up with a design for their dream home. They decided to modify the company's basic Sharon Valley plan by moving two bedroom from the loft level down to a walkout basement level. This allowed more space up top to be left vaulted.
"We really wanted to create a feeling of wide open space, says Howard. "Timber homes allow you to do that -- it's such an attractive look."
As soon as the revisions were made, it was time to set the plan into motion. Riverbend provided the timber frame, panels and installation. It also provided wooden foundation panels for the lower level. Once its work was done, a team of carpenters took over the building process. The company -- Buelow Construction of Allen, Michigan -- completed the project with ease.
"They were really good people to work with," says Howard. "when you work with somebody who really knows what's going on, you can do almost anything you want with a timber home."
Looking at the breathtaking Jonesville home, it's easy to see that Howard and Mary got everything they wanted and more. The main level and loft of the home occupy some 2,900 square feet, while the walkout basement level provides another 1,600 square feet of living space. Just as the Houchens wanted, there is a great sense of roominess.
"The openness of the home is a real conversation point," says Howard. "When guests walk in, they just say, "Wow" They are also amazed by the size of the timbers."
The oak timbers used throughout the home actually cover a wide range of sizes. The way they are artfully displayed prevents the large beams from overpowering the decor of the rooms. The paneling is a 1-by-8-inch tongue-and-groove pine that really complements the massive beams. All of the interior wood is finished with a clear Swedish oil that allows the natural beauty of the grain to shine through.
The layout of the home takes advantage of both practicality and aesthetics -- the rooms are set up in a way that allows functional living and provides glorious views of the Saint Joseph River. The main level houses the entry area, living room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook, the master suite and a hot tub room. The loft simply has a study and a bathroom. The walkout lower level has plenty of room for guests -- two bedrooms, two full baths and a main family room. Additional living space is provided by the exterior wraparound porch and the 2 1/2-car garage that has its own bathroom.
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To give their home a truly personal look, the owners did all of the decorating themselves. Most of the furnishings were found locally, such as the dining room table -- they bought it unfinished and transformed it into a professional-looking piece. Some of the other accents found throughout the home are items that Mary collects. "She collects birdhouses right now, but that could change tomorrow," says Howard, laughing.
The exterior of the home hints at some of the rustic details found inside. Set in a wooded area filled with pines, oaks and maples, its cedar paneling nearly blends right in. Howard enjoys landscaping and is still fixing up the property. "There's always a project in progress," he says.
When they're not busy working, Howard and Mary love to relax in their dream home and take in the setting. Since they live in such a quiet place, it's not uncommon to see deer, raccoons and other wildlife passing through. Whether they sit contemplating the river or watching their grandson toss stones into its waters, Howard and Mary know they have finally come home.
Note from Riverbend Timber Framing: The Sharon Valley Plan is Copyright 1992, Plan 259 by Donald A Gardner Architects, Inc. modified by Riverbend Timber Framing with permission. |
