Buying time

Fabulous investment opportunities abound in real estate market

Published On: April 30, 2009

At the end of the day, we have our family and home. And while family matters most, home ranks a close second, being one of the largest investments most make in a lifetime.

While the economy may be a bit pinched at the moment, to put it mildly, the value of land stands strong. Think Gone with the Wind, the red earth clenched tighly in Scarlett's fist. So why not just get on out there and buy yourself a new home?

And who knows? Your wise investment just may be what this economy needs to get things moving onward and upward. So buy a home and save the future.

Ciao amore! Love is in the details
What: Completed in 2006, this approximately 10,400-square-foot hard coat stucco estate offers six bedrooms, 7-1/2 baths, 4-plus car garage on .86 acre
Where: 1065 Vaughn Crest Drive, Franklin
Asking Price: $2,900,000
What you should know: This estate is located inside LaurelBrooke, one of Southern Land Company's premier gate-guarded communities. Residents enjoy full use of the clubhouse, its media room and fitness center, the heated pool, paved walking trails, lighted tennis courts, playground and stocked fishing ponds. The private community is convenient to both public and private schools, Cool Springs and Green Hills.
Listing Agents: Mary Sue Dietrich and Janet Jones of Worth Properties at 250-7880

A buyer can benefit from a fastidious seller who paid attention to every detail during and after construction. Recently, in the estate section of LaurelBrooke, a three-year old Italianate estate came on the market. Built by Adam Stern, it's grand and absolutely elegant as it unfolds gracefully to capitalize on its corner lot.

Sweeping arches and expansive windows frame the wooded views. Wrought iron railings, wood and stone floors, sculpted carpet and faux finished walls complete the European backdrop. The balance between entertaining spaces—public and private—is noticeable. The outdoor living areas on both the front and rear elevations are defined to provide even more options. There's even room for a pool.

With a central hall and elevator accessing all three floors, this home could easily accommodate multiple generations, overnight guests or large families. The office/study and dining room straddle the entry which leads to the vaulted great room where an impressive view is balanced with such unique architectural details as a wine grotto.

One end of the first floor is devoted to the master suite with its generous sitting area, master bath and dressing area that could rival any home on today's market. At the other end of the home is a guest suite, and near the gourmet kitchen, there's not only a butler's pantry but also a caterer's kitchen, main laundry and craft room area. This is the perfect first-floor space that most homes—even this size—don't offer.

Upstairs, each of the guest suites is generously sized. There's also another study with walls of built-ins and a bonus room. On the lower level, there's another kitchen, perfect for entertaining, while guests can shoot pool or chill out in the home theater. There's also a home gym—again, this could rival any on the market—down the hall. Tucked against the back solid concrete wall is a craft room and more living quarters that were built as a storm shelter in the event of an emergency.

Car buffs will love the four-plus car garage and anyone into house construction will appreciate the insulated walls throughout, the two Marathon 110-gallon in-series water heaters and HEPA air cleaner system tucked inside the walk-in storage room. Overall, the home is divided into 16 zones using four units. "There's a thermostat control in almost every room," the owner explained.  

Perhaps the best part of the estate is all the kinks of a new house have been worked out without it looking like anyone has lived here. It's as if the current owners have been prepping it for the next buyer the entire time they've lived there.

—Marilee Spanjian

Livable luxury—A stately manor offering comfort and glamour

What: A majestic southern colonial with 7 bedrooms, pool and hot tub, pool house on 2 acres
Where: 827 Tyne Boulevard
Asking Price: $2,250,000
Listing Agent:  Larry Lipman with The Lipman Group/Sotheby's International, 364-3333

Home is not only where the heart is—it's also the one place that offers a true refuge from the demands of the cold, cruel world.  

And now that home is more important than ever, each individual has a complicated set of requirements that defines—for them—what constitutes a suitably appointed home. Today's buyer knows exactly what he or she wants, yet that list seems to have contradictory demands. A buyer might say, "My house must be spacious yet still feel intimate." Or they might declare, "My ideal house should have every possible kitchen appliance and gadget, but I don't want it to seem ostentatious." This desire for seemingly contradictory features is akin to well-known concepts such as shabby chic or fusion cuisine."

A potential homeowner wants their home to be a physical representation of their own personality as well as a statement about how he or she lives.

In other words, we all want what we want, when we want it and how we want it. Nowhere is this more apparent than in choosing a house.

With that in mind, take a look at this family fun house on Tyne Boulevard, directly across from Oak Hill School. This stately Southern Colonial home sits on nearly two acres of tree-shaded paradise, complete with a nearby historical marker commemorating the Battle of Nashville.

The regal columns, third-floor dormers, warm-toned brick and balcony over the front door all say traditional, but once inside, you can't help but notice that this house exudes warmth and a sense of family. Is it possible for a house to be both stately and cozy? (There's that seemingly contradictory strain again.) This house answers that question with a resounding "yes."

This property might look like an antebellum mansion, but its numerous amenities and features are strictly of the 21st century. There's the pool house, or more appropriately, "The Gentlemen's Retreat." At nearly 1,300 square feet, it could be a stand-alone residence. The custom-milled, solid mahogany doors, the soaring 18-foot cathedral ceiling clad in bead board and the antique beams from a 100-year-old Kentucky tobacco barn all contribute to its clubby, intimate, decidedly male atmosphere.

Then there is the third-floor "crow's nest." This oversized suite with full bath and walk-in closet could be a semi-secluded bedroom for an older child who has been given the privilege to be separated from his younger siblings on the floor below. Or it could be the perfect space for a live-in nanny or housekeeper.

Unique spaces are the norm in this home. On the second floor, four spacious bedrooms and two compartmented bathrooms offer plenty of living space for siblings or guests, and there are two generously-sized living areas as well. The game room has two walk-in closets and beautiful raised-paneled walls while the media room offers more than 500 square feet of space and features an outside door with a stairway leading to the backyard.

Descending from the private quarters down to the main level and the public areas, the spaciousness of the high ceilings and curved main stairway are hallmarks of traditional architecture, but the walls have been embellished with decorative painting techniques and attention-to-detailing that makes walking into each room feel like a protective, paternal hug.

The current residents, a music industry executive and his wife, raised four children in this house. Although the interior appointments are luxe, it still feels like it has been a place where family members and guests are always welcomed, and where their needs have been attended to with love. This now-empty nest will be sorely missed by the couple's adult children and grandchildren. They frequently return to their childhood home to use the pool, hang out in the carriage house or use the game room, according to their dad.

The first-floor Florida room with three walls of glass allows you to sit and survey the pool and green, rolling lawn. There's an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, a private office with outside entrance and a swimming pool with diving board.

The pool also has a submerged shelf, or ledge, that runs the length of one side. This allows small children to wade, grown-ups to sit semi-submerged with adult beverages in-hand and water-loving canines to step out into the pool.

When your family chooses this warm, inviting house, be sure and give it a proper name. Anything with cozy in the title would be too corny, but whatever you name it, make certain it conveys the sense of an idyllic home life and a happy family. Might I suggest Heaven Hill?

—Mark Lee Taylor

A classic southern plantation—Retreat into the hills of this sprawling country estate

What: Built in 1992, this 12,034-square-foot estate sits on nearly 30 acres just south of Nashville above a breathtaking valley. The home offers seven bedrooms, five full and two half baths and a four-car garage with an elevator from the garage to main level.
Where: 5195 Old Harding Road, Franklin
Asking Price: $3,975,000
Amenities: Stacked rear porches stretching 55-feet long offer plenty of space to kick back and watch the clouds float by. Or, if in the mood for more, the Natchez Trace Parkway is just minutes away and has plenty of scenic trails for biking or horseback riding.
Listing agent: Steve Fridrich at Fridrich & Clark Realty, 327-4800

Natural beauties have one thing in common. All their parts are in the right places and what's not quite perfect can be adjusted without altering basic bone structure. In 1992, this stunning plantation house was built high on a hilltop overlooking a humble little valley of horse farms. With white plank fencing and 30 surrounding acres dotted with mature shade trees and evergreens, it became an instant landmark.

Seven years ago, new owners recognized its strengths—the setting, magnificent views and classic architecture and noted the necessary improvements. They saw past the peach, teal and white (think South Florida) interiors and dated exteriors.

Their makeover worked; however, because they're spending more time out of state, the owners have decided to sell. For the discriminating buyer who craves breathing room and is drawn to traditional architecture, this just might be your match as these owners took great care to preserve its beauty. In fact, the entire furnishings are negotiable, making it possible to move right in and enjoy pampered country living.

Imagine winding up the long drive, pristine lawns to one side and thick woods to the other, as you enter through iron gates and circle round the grand fountain in the brick courtyard. Inside, the grand entrance hall stretches front to back and is flanked by formal rooms. A central circular staircase climbs three floors. New marble and refinished wood floors complement the intricate wood trim that's found everywhere. Transom windows above doorways allow light to dance into every corner.

Nothing was overlooked in this renovation. Every inch has been transformed and improved, including the elegant kitchen with its Jerusalem limestone floor and top-of-the line appliances—a five-burner gas Thermador cook-top, double ovens, Sub Zeros and dishwasher drawers.

Perhaps what's most memorable about this home is the original layout's timeless appeal. While there is a dramatic owner's suite on the second floor with two other bedroom suites, there are also two generous guest suites located on the first floor off the solarium at the opposite side from the home office. For an aging population, this could easily be a second owner's suite or appropriate for elderly parents. And still, there are two more bedrooms on the lower level.   

But, the greatest renovation happened in the back. Keeping with the plantation's classic style, the new pool, spa, cascading water fountain and lower pool and fountains are timeless. The stone work and wood arbors accentuate and create living areas while still being respectful of the setting. After all, it's the views—what came with the original land—that are priceless. This natural beauty needed no improvement there.

—Marilee Spanjian

A French chateau—C'est magnifique!

What: Chateau de Chambord offers 11,203 square feet with six bedrooms, seven full and three half baths and a five-car garage on two acres.
Where: 828 Windstone Blvd., Brentwood
Asking Price: $3,975,000
What you should know: Located across the street from the Residents' Clubhouse and pool, the estate offers complete privacy as well as a community lake and amenities.
Listing Agent: Patty Carter with Zeitlin & Co. Realtors at 371-0185

If you're not paying attention, you might pass by Windstone. From the road, the new gated community west of I-65 in Brentwood is impressive but not obtrusive or garish. In fact, it's impossible to fully appreciate this enclave until you wind back into the hidden valley. 

Like every Southern Land Company development, the landscape is pristinely manicured and planned down to the last detail. When completed, there will be 110 homes with prices ranging from $795,000 for the townhomes to more than $7 million for the grand estates. Surprisingly, it's just minutes west of I-65, local shopping and Green Hills/West End, making it a desirable address.

 The private setting and ideal location are two reasons builder Ron Davis of Classic Design Homes built this dramatic French chateau in Windstone. After 20 years crafting homes in some of Middle Tennessee's finest, he says this is one of his best developments. "There is no interstate noise and it's only one and a half miles from Brentwood Country Club and shopping," he said.

Against a wooded hillside, Classic Design's French estate was inspired by Chateau de Chambord in France's Loire Valley. The architecture, a blend of traditional French medieval and classic Italian lines, is memorable. As you step inside the grand entrance hall, the limestone floor leads you past the wide staircase into the gathering room where the massive masonry fireplace is the focal point. Beyond, windows line the gallery overlooking the deep covered porch and expansive yard that's suitable for a pool.

Every design detail has been carefully planned by Ron's wife Caye and designers Marcia Knight, A.S.I.D., and Connie Vernich, Allied A.S.I.D. of b. Wilker & Co. in Nashville.  For example, the dining room's hand-painted ceiling is refined and understated. African mahogany panels the study walls where there's also a private side porch. The owner's bath's limestone shower with multiple heads and a deep spa tub take center stage. And without sounding absurd, the master closets are not to be missed as every hanging rod is encased behind glass doors. (Not only for her, but him!)

Dual staircases and an elevator lead up to the bedroom suites and down at one end, a glass-walled walkway over the porte-cochere leads to a separate nanny's quarters with its own full kitchen (and private entrance) above the two-car garage. Across the (hidden from the street) motor court above the three-car garage, there is an exercise/home office/guest suite that offers privacy.

There is nothing trendy about this estate.  When asked if the fireplaces were true masonry built, Ron said, "Yes, nothing's contrived. I never like fake. This is real limestone," he added, pointing to the fireplace mantel.  After all, a French chateau, whether in France or tucked in the hills of Brentwood, should be authentic. Anything less could be considered an imposteur. No translation needed. Anyone with a discerning eye will appreciate the authenticity.

—Marilee Spanjian

An ultimate oasis—I just want to go home
What: A 19,849-square-foot estate on more than 8 acres in Bancroft with towering views, dream kitchen, sports room and private
Where: 39 Bancroft, Nashville
Asking Price: $8,750,000
Listing Agent: Rick French with French, Christianson, Patterson & Associates, 604-2323 or 297-8744

On a brilliant, sunny spring day, we turned off Hillsboro Road and drove through the gate at Bancroft, a new-ish neighborhood of mini-estates. This section of the county, with its rolling green expanses and dense leafy woodland acreage is, perhaps, the finest example of a classically picturesque Middle Tennessee landscape.

To some people—this writer included— there are few places on earth any prettier. Gazing upon it, I can't help but remember the words of Gerald O'Hara, Scarlett's father, when he told her, "Land, Katie Scarlett O'Hara. It's the land. It's the only thing that matters." And this land, folks, is beautiful.

After driving up the meandering driveway at 39 Bancroft Place and walking down the front sidewalk, another word sprang to mind—estancia. Perhaps you only know this word from a wine label, but estancias are ranches on the Argentine Pampas that were built in the 19th century by wealthy European settlers as elegant outposts for their aristocratic lifestyle.

These landed estates, with their magnificent haciendas and fragrantly cool, tiled, vine-hung verandas and gardens were, and in some cases, still are, working farms with gauchos riding vast herds of prize beef cattle, thoroughbred stallions and world-champion polo ponies.

There were no four-legged animals around 39 Bancroft in Forest Hills except a handsome Labradoodle, but this hacienda is as magnificent as any true estancia. Once inside, it was clear that this was not exactly a hacienda in Argentina, but a home that evokes the laid-back, yet entirely swank, lifestyle lived by a privileged few in the Sonoma or Napa valleys.

Who would love this house? How about a professional athlete or performing artist who requires a spacious venue for entertaining large groups and needs plenty of sleeping and living areas with privacy for all? Or, it would be great for a family with two or more tweens or teens. There's adequate space for each sibling and Mom and Dad to have all their friends visit and never run into one another—if they so choose, of course. This house would definitely be the place where everyone would want to "hang," regardless of their age.

Similarly, this would also be a great house for empty-nesters who entertain frequently, desire their own luxury accommodations with pool, or have a large, extended family they want to bring together for memorable occasions. Involved and indulgent grandparents or godparents would have a home that could provide a place to live a beautiful life.

Some of the features that make this a place anyone would rarely want to leave include: covered parking for 10 cars, a basement recreational area of about 3,000 square feet, a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, covered porches around the entire house and a kitchen large enough for Danielle and the staff at Kates Catering to crank out a feast.

The beauty of this estancia is comprised of many components. It's built of superior quality materials. Both the husband and wife who built it have family ties to the homebuilding industry, so they were understandably discerning about the materials used. The listing agent says this house "probably has more steel in it than a lot of office buildings in town."

The finished surfaces—the glass tile, countertops, cabinetry, flooring—are all luxurious, yet totally adaptable and workable with virtually any style of furniture or interior design the buyer chooses. The house could be "California casual," "soft contemporary" or full-blown Palm Beach or Beverly Hills elegance. And, the high-ceilinged rooms have great flow. There's a definite advantage when a buyer does not have to expend a lot of resources in order to rip it out, tear it down and start over.

In addition to all these selling points, it's rare to discover eight acres of seclusion so close to Green Hills, Belle Meade and Brentwood.

It seems every homeowner has their own dream about how their dream home will be. The owners of this estancia have created and built this property in a manner that will make it relatively easy for the new residents to use what is a magnificent starting place and make this dream their own.

—Mark Lee Taylor

Best of both worlds

Where: 1003 West Main Street, Historic Franklin
Asking Price: $1,595,000
Listing Agent: Brentview Realty: Andy Beasly, 373-2814

Don't be deceived by the historic brick exterior of the Turley-Faw home, located in the heart of the Franklin historic overlay. Although the house remains true to its 1880 roots in almost every design detail, Gary and Michele Cooper's painstaking restoration of the property did not skip out on any of the modern day amenities of a luxury home. Every brick, tile and even light fixture in this five-bedroom, five-bath home was selected both for period accuracy and for utmost comfort. The result? 4,780 beautifully appointed square feet on an unheard of .8 acre neighborhood lot.

In 2007, the Coopers acquired the structure at 1003 West Main Street, a home with a storied past. The property was originally constructed as a two-story Italianate frame house; in 1926, fire damage inspired its owners to remodel, making many changes including a bricked exterior. When the Coopers moved in, they discovered a home that had great bones, but needed a lot of work. They quickly decided that the home deserved to "be restored and treated the right way." Thus began a four- month, day and night renovation and restoration project, with simply breathtaking results.

From the moment you enter the home, period opulence shines. Hardwood flooring in the entry hall is two-toned, restored from the original walnut, oak and maple with perfect polish. Above, a custom tiered chandelier, imported from Spain, hangs from the 14-foot ceiling, adding to the natural light brought in through the eight-foot glass door and transom.

Moving through the first floor, many of these special touches reappear, along with several other unique details. Every ceiling is a towering 14 feet high, although carefully selected period wall paper, oversized baseboards and custom milled crown moldings keep the rooms cozy. All the light fixtures in the home were imported from England, Spain and France. To maintain the authenticity of the home, special switches and cover plates were ordered from Rejuvenate magazine to capture the look of the original fixtures. The only difference is that these switches have a more modern feature—each fixture allows for a dimmer function, setting the appropriate mood for any entertaining situation.

The public spaces are certainly highlighted, but it is the first floor master retreat that is the home's true star. Walking through the door, which like all others in the home was restored from the original wood and accented with a glass door knob, your eyes immediately travel upward. The ceiling features a custom stenciled, metallic painted bronze design pattern created exclusively for the property. Moving into the master bath, mahogany paneling and marble flooring with built-in heating tantalizes. A claw-foot tub with a body sprayer promises relaxation, as does the shower, carefully constructed from just four slabs of marble, each weighing over 600 pounds! Careful lighting and warm toned floor-to-ceiling cabinetry complete the intimate environment, but here too, modern demands were not forgotten. Behind a period appropriate vanity, careful construction allows for a fully lit, pull-out makeup vanity, complete with extra storage space and enough outlets to accommodate every curling iron, blow dryer and anything else you might need for your morning routine.

Throughout the rest of the home, this mingling of old and new brings charm and beauty. In the kitchen, a farmer's sink, tin ceiling and checker board tile floor are accompanied by restaurant-quality stainless steel Viking appliances. On the second floor, the focal point for the state-of-the art media room is an exposed brick column, still displaying evidence of the fire it survived in the 20s. Even the second-story exercise room, with built-in surround sound and a flat screen TV, shows old-world charm thanks to stained accent ceiling beams and a charmingly sloped ceiling. When you factor in the home's other special details, such as the uniquely Southern sleeping porch and custom beveled windows throughout, it becomes clear that 1003 West Main Street is a home to be treasured. Mixing the best of old and new world home design, the property begs to be explored—that is the only way to discover all its hidden jewels.

—Jordanna Rothstein White

A view and a conscience
Where: 3540 Trimble Road, Green Hills
Asking Price: $2,285,000
Listing Agent: Pilkerton Realty; Mandy Wachtler, 383-7914

High atop the second tallest hill in Green Hills sits a home that epitomizes the phrase, "room with a view." Clever construction by builder Rogan Allen has given the 7,441-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath home 360 degree views without sacrificing privacy. Better yet, despite being new construction, conscientious use of reclaimed materials has left the property with a clean, fresh look and a smaller environmental footprint.

As you approach 3540 Trimble on a sunny afternoon, light bounces off the numerous windows, giving the home a soft glow. This is no happy accident—the home was carefully oriented to the northwest to capture sunlight from dawn until dusk.

Entering the home, you notice the gleaming black walnut hardwood flooring. But, unlike many new homes, this floor did not sacrifice any new trees—all the wood for the home's flooring was reclaimed from a location in North Carolina.

Moving into the kitchen, you immediately see the gleaming, new stainless Electrolux appliances, cherry and birch cabinetry, granite countertops and the sleekly modern stainless backsplash and hood. What you don't see, however, is the hidden features that have been built in to save money and energy. The ceiling lights that give the kitchen its sunny atmosphere are all energy-saving LED lights. Hidden behind the walls lies special Bioseal Foam Insulation, a green insulator made from recycled soy bean products. Together, these features have been proven to cut electric bills by at least 35 percent--smart and sustainable.

Walking from the kitchen through the dining room, you arrive at the screened porch. In winter, the room can be completely closed off with plexi-glass windows; in the spring and summer, switch out the plexi-glass for screens to enjoy the warmer weather. Another great feature for cooler evenings, regardless of season, is the stacked stone fireplace, one of three in the home. And, once again, instead of using new materials, Rogan's construction plan called for the use of reclaimed stone to build these hearths, as well as the stacked stone pillars scattered throughout the main floor.

Stepping out onto the main terrace, it's only natural to pause a moment, lean against the custom-iron railings and take in the view, which stretches from Bellevue to Vandy without impediment. And you can't forget to take note of the lovely cushioned material on which you are standing—the elegant black flooring is actually constructed from recycled rubber pavers.

Coming back inside, walk down the concealed hallway, specially constructed for maximum privacy, and step into the main floor master suite. Here you will find the luxury that you would expect for a home of this grandeur—a private terrace, massive his-and-hers walk-in closet, a personal laundry room and, of course, the master bath, which dazzles with silver travertine flooring and a unique black pebble backsplash that is repeated on the floor of the separate shower.

When you're ready to leave the main level, you can take the fully functioning elevator to the top floor or climb the stairs, which are lit with a skylight by day and built-in light niches (also great for storing collectibles) by night. At the top, you'll be greeted by the perfect space for entertaining—a lovely loft area with a built-in wet bar, wiring for a home theatre and built-in cabinet storage to keep the area tidy. The rest of the top level houses three more bedrooms, bathrooms and a second laundry room, making it a great teen retreat.

Finally, travel all the way downstairs to the home's basement, which still enjoys natural light and breathtaking views. You can enter the home on this level from the attached three-car garage, house guests or family members in the mother-in-law suite or entertain a crowd in the airy, spacious room connected to the refrigerated wine cellar, which is stocked with reclaimed heart-pine shelving. Additional space is wired to fill your heart's desire—build a media room (the glass doors are fitted with drop-down, black-out shades for optimal viewing) or set up an exercise room and sweat it out while enjoying the exterior monkey grass beds visible through those same doors. As with the rest of the home, the important decisions have already been made—now it's up to the owner to make all the fun ones!

—Jordanna Rothstein White

Treasure trove—a home that surprises and delights as it unfolds
Where: 1229 Nichol Lane
Asking Price: $2,200,000
Listing Agent: Ellen Christianson with French Christianson Patterson & Associates, 300-7190

Nichol Lane, a charming street that runs parallel to Belle Meade Boulevard, is a fabulous place to live. Neighbors know each other, children play, bikers and joggers dart down the street. It's an idyllic, charming neighborhood.

And there's a house on this street that, from the outside, matches the whole charming theme. But take one step inside the home, and you're transported to a completely groovy, hip place that unfolds in layers as you wind through it. We're talking jaw-dropping hot. And while considerably different than most of the other homes, it's by no means pretentious. It's livable.

And that's just what the owners wanted. Livable luxury. Scott and Teresa Siman have traveled the world with Tim McGraw, whom Scott manages, and discovered exactly the kind of escape they wanted their home to be. Decorated by interior designer Kathy Anderson and updated by Gilbert McLaughlin Architects, the house begs for entertaining. The warm-hued yet cool, sleekly modern design is the perfect marriage for those who want organized, clean easy-living that's still inviting. A little more explanation: How about a handsome screened-in porch that opens onto a sprawling pool and deck—complete with a full outside kitchen, grilling area and bar, thank you. And, that's one of three full kitchens in the home. Really handy when you don't want to eat breakfast in pajamas with your house guests. Back to the outside area—lest you not want to run inside to a cool, air-conditioned house wet from the pool, the Simans built a lovely outdoor bath and shower.

There's really never a reason to leave this magical oasis—you can close in part of the porch so that it's screened or leave it open to have the full effect of living outside. Plus, there's a hot tub and putting green outside, too.

Well, actually, staying only outside means you would miss the open kitchen/living area and the spa—or the three fireplaces. Or the fitness center that has swell collection of working trains running around the perimeter of the room. L&N would be jealous. And, there's another highly enviable characteristic about this house. Separate quarters. Very nice. The home winds around itself in a sense, creating distinct areas for children, guests and working out. And for the cars. Let's not forget the cars. These garages are fit for royalty. Heated, cooled, polished, decorated. The cars don't want to leave. Believe me. I asked them.

The real shame about this home is that owner Teresa doesn't come with it, since she has the organizational skills of Martha Stewart to the 9th power. No lie. This woman has a serious gift with the label maker. Any future homeowners will benefit greatly from her skills.

—Ellen Nelson