Cozy interiors and outdoor living reflect a couple who values comfort, connection, and year-round entertaining.

Finding a forever home is a large ticket to fill, especially when looking for something close to town, some acreage, some privacy—a bit of an oasis, if you will. It took some time, but one day a young family turned onto a driveway and over the hill they saw a home surrounded by a lake, a pool and pool house, and a shop. It soon became apparent that dreams absolutely can come true.

Entrance: Tucked into a quiet nook just outside Jefferson City, this property is close to every convenience. It presents as a quiet piece of land on 16 acres, with a driveway that circles to the front of a lovely home with an arched entryway, flanked by the quintessential front porch columns and rock accents anchoring it all. The front door is bedecked with a seasonal floral and ribbon arranagement by The Schaefer House, letting visitors know the inside of the home will be as delightful as the outside.

The Great Room: Walking through the front door reveals a traditional home refreshed in warm white tones and grounded by dark hardwood floors that add depth to cream walls and coffered ceilings. To the right, the dining room features a large oak table with pinstriped linen chairs, ready for family gatherings. The living room centers on a fireplace and built-in shelves set against gray and cream damask wallpaper, with a plush sectional for relaxed evenings. A wall of windows and doors opens to a spacious deck overlooking the lake and pool.

Kitchen area: The open floor plan flows into the kitchen, where a large island with live-edge ivory and chocolate granite contrasts with traditional dark cabinetry. A walk-in pantry, double oven, and gas stove elevate the space, while the central sink keeps prep and hosting at the heart of it all. Just as importantly, it keeps the sounds of little feet within view and earshot—the true rhythm of the home.

Bedrooms: Three bedrooms sit on this level, all to the left of the entrance, marked by black-painted doors against cream walls. Two children’s rooms feature checkered rugs, light oak cribs, and large windows overlooking the front lawn, sharing a moody, color-drenched bath with open storage, gold fixtures, a classic toile shower curtain, and a thoroughbred horse print.
Across the hall, the primary suite offers a calm retreat with a tray ceiling, dual closets, and a spacious en-suite. The homeowners removed a door to open the arched shower, now wrapped in stone with a generous bench. Private doors to the back deck create a quiet escape for a morning coffee.

Downstairs: An entire living space unfolds downstairs, offering ample storage, extra bedrooms, and additional room for gathering, and entertaining. Epoxy high-gloss, square-scored concrete floors pair with rustic tin ceilings that echo the tall bar’s facade. The bar’s built-in shelving creates a natural home for a curated whiskey display, while a wood-burning stove adds warmth to the industrial setting. Cowhide accents, cattle-inspired decor, and sports memorabilia add personality throughout.

Decor, lighting & vignettes: The entire home demonstrates thoughtful choices throughout—at times utilizing local vendors for statement lighting choices and eye-catching vignettes that anchor spaces while elevating the room. The decor consists of family heirlooms and items purchased on shopping dates from favorite places in Jefferson City.

The lake: A path leads down to the lake, which is stocked with fish and edged with a multi-layer concrete patio with multiple seating options. Turkey and deer often make an appearance, along with the occasional eagle. An essential ropeswing hangs from a nearby tree. Across the lake, trees are uplit in the evening, lending to the picturesque vista. The homeowners say that one of their favorite ways to end their day is sitting outside and absorbing the stillness.

The pool, pool house & shop: The path from the lake meanders over to a 20 ft. x 40 ft. saltwater heated pool, incorporating a tanning ledge. The homeowners say the ledge is everyone’s favorite place to congregate. Additionally, there is an open-air pool house with a striking wood plank ceiling, multiple seating areas, an outdoor kitchen, large screen TV, fireplace, and a bathroom/shower for all the convenience of outdoor living.

This property already possessed beautiful bones, and the new owners are grateful that what was once a loving and thoughtful home to another family has now become their own personal forever home. “We can go from anywhere in the home to anywhere outside the home, and enjoy everything around us and have all these different experiences right where we live. There is always room for more family and friends to come over. We are homebodies that have to pinch ourselves that that is where we get to live.”

Shoutouts: Builder Mark Gerlach of Gerlach Construction, Adam Brenneke of Archway Construction, Painters Tom and Rita Lindenbusch, Shannon Kenworthy of Kenworthy Construction, LaBelle Cabinetry & Lighting, The Schaefer House and Janet Whacker, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, and Dogwood Vintiques.