 Few
things can test the fiber of a marriage the way building a new house
can, but for homeowners Jimmy and Cheryl Bare it's just business as
usual. In 2005, the couple set about building not their first, but their
fifth home, on nearly 30 acres in a quiet community in Calvert County.
Through hard work combined with a sense of adventure, the couple may
have produced a home that exceeds even their expectations. Successful
realtors by trade, Jimmy and Cheryl have seen a lot of houses over the
years and that experience has paid off with the creation of a home that
reflects both their gracious sense of style while providing a warm
inviting retreat to escape their otherwise hectic lives.
The design of the house was based on a model home the couple fell in
love with, and with the help of Built Rite Builders, the original floor
plan was modified to suit the family's needs.
Both Jimmy and Cheryl took special care in creating a home that is
stunning both inside and out. By removing 12 feet of elevation from the
original lot, the home boasts commanding views of the surrounding
countryside without overpowering its neighbors. Lush landscaping and a
soothing koi pond welcome guests to the front of the house.
Inside, the home's open floor plan and high ceilings are tempered by the
use of an inviting mix of colors, textures and materials. The large
foyer features a spiral staircase and walls painted a tone on tone,
which creates a subtle stripe drawing the eye upward.
Off the foyer is the formal dining room, which features pierced back
chairs, a large breakfront cabinet, and an oversized table all in rich
cherry wood. The large table is a French reproduction and even has
drawers on either end, which were originally meant to hold dueling
pistols for those unexpected dinner guests. Wide moldings, a gilded
chandelier with alabaster globes, elegant draperies, and Brazilian
cherry hardwood flooring give the room a sumptuous feeling.
A sunken family room flows off the foyer and is painted a warm cocoa
color. Custom cabinetry by Calvert Woodworks, soft comfortable leather
furniture, and a handsome concrete fireplace mantel and surround help to
ground the large room making it a warm intimate space. Large windows
overlooking the back yard and upper patio are framed in panels of jewel
tone striped fabric.
The kitchen is a place worthy of being the heart of this home. The large
granite topped island provides plenty of workspace, storage and seating
for this busy family of five to come together. Designed with the help of
Beautiful Kitchens in Owings, the room has an understated old world
ambiance. Maple glazed cabinetry, commercial grade stainless steel
appliances, and a custom carved vent hood infuse a Tuscan feel into the
space. A handmade kitchen table fabricated of Corian® with a metalwork
base created by an artisan in Ohio allows the family to overlook the
pastures and woods surrounding the home while enjoying a meal.
Also on the main level of the house are his and her's offices. With the
variety of business interests the couple is involved in, including their
latest venture as co-owners of "Saphron," a restaurant scheduled to open
this fall in Prince Frederick, Jimmy and Cheryl spend a lot of time in
their home offices.
Cheryl's office is a mix of Asian inspired furnishings juxtaposed
against cinnabar colored walls and a voluminous vaulted ceiling. A large
palm leaf fan along with a delicately carved desk and secretary create a
tropics-inspired room with a delicate feminine touch.
Jimmy's office has a much more masculine aire with a dark stained cherry
office suite, deep sage colored walls, and even a bar refrigerator and
sink. Their children's sports plaques, swords and an LCD TV adorn the
walls. Also on the walls are framed cards sent to each of their three
children from the White House in honor of their births. Jimmy used to
work closely with the White House, prior to his current career, and
other framed pieces of memorabilia can be found throughout the house.
Upstairs, the home has four bedrooms including the master bedroom suite.
Latte colored walls, a tray ceiling painted a deeper shade and accented
with wide white molding, and large windows make the spacious master
bedroom both soothing and inspiring. Sumptuous fabrics in shades of
black and tan play off the rich wood tones of the furnishings. A sitting
area with a see-through glass fireplace makes the room a relaxing
retreat at the end of a long day. The master bath with his and her
vanities, Jacuzzi tub surrounded by windows and seamless glass shower
with triple rain heads only adds to the suite's calming allure.
A full basement and oversized three car garage give this family plenty
of space inside, but the outside of the home gives the Bares even more
freedom to spread out. Ornate stonework designed by JMS Pavers and
terraced landscaping composed of lilies, palms, and knockout roses
fashioned by Wentworth Nursery, create an almost magical setting for the
pool. A custom Amish-made barn, painted a deep red and featuring a
cupola, lends a timeless feeling to this new home and provides a cozy
home for the family's two horses.
With all of this, it's hard to imagine that the Bares would ever want to
leave this one-of-a-kind property. But with their keen sense of style
and willingness to accept the next opportunity, who knows what the
future will hold for this daring family. For right now, they have found
their own little piece of Southern Maryland heaven. |
