Wilmette family’s perfect custom home makes it easy to stay in.
After years spent obtaining the perfect Wilmette property, this family wasn’t willing to trust their design and build to just anyone. “This being our third custom home project, we were very selective,” recalls the homeowner. “In the past, we have worked with architects and builders large and small. We’ve found that Pickell offers an incredible design group along with a building group that can actually carry out the vision and make necessary adjustments on the fly.”
Much-appreciated individual spaces and amenities.
The family began planning their dream home well before the pandemic, but many of their decisions paid off when it became time to quarantine.
For example, the design included an attic office space for occasional days working from home. Throughout 2020, that office was called into heavy service. “The space is quiet, has great views of the lake and park, and has an ensuite bathroom so I don’t have to leave the floor during the workday,” notes the homeowner. “It’s actually better than being in my downtown Chicago office, and the lack of commute allows for much more productivity.”
A freestanding art studio provides a separate she space away from the main house to focus on and explore creativity as an artist, as well as provide space for never-ending school projects and letting guests tap into their creative sides.
What’s more, with teens all attending high school virtually, the decision to include ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom has worked out well. Each is able to study and complete homework in their own environment without distraction and they don’t need to leave their own spaces until they’re ready for a break, something to eat or time with family.
Thoughtful additions enhance family wellness.
“The Pickell team helped us achieve our dream of having an everyday oasis—a place we don’t have to vacation from,” adds the homeowner. “During this extended time at home, life hasn’t changed much for us. We don’t really miss traveling, because the home makes so much of our surroundings.”
The front porch is an ideal place to enjoy breezes off the lake. The three-season room—perhaps the most used room in the house year round—features a cozy fireplace. The backyard spa has proven tremendously popular. And the well planned and designed kitchen has been made cooking and eating a pleasure while everyone has been eating all meals at home.
Plus, with high-school athletes in the home, the inability to train and practice has been a challenge. The custom gym in the basement has allowed the whole family to work out and the teens to stay in great shape for varsity sports.
“No matter what season or time of day, we have spaces inside and outside to enjoy,” notes the homeowner. But there’s one thing the family didn’t need to do. “You hear about everyone cleaning out garages and closets during quarantine, but Pickell’s closet and garage designs have kept us organized years after moving in.”
Building on the relationship.
“We truly are thankful for choosing Orren Pickell Building Group to help us build our dream home on our dream site, and this quarantine has made us realize just how thankful we are for the partnership,” comments the homeowner.
“Building a custom home can be stressful at times, and this talented team is there when you need them. The design-build process has been honed over many years and many projects, and we were pleased that we can follow through the various stages right on our own client website. But the greatest asset of a company is its people, and that’s where they really shine, with a team that’s experienced, talented and easy to work with.”