Putting Green at Hand

When Jerry Mitchell of West Des Moines wants to improve his golf shot, he just walks across his patio to an at-home version of a 3-hole putting green. The lifelong sports enthusiast enjoys practicing his new-found game at home. And inside the home is a golf simulator.

“He loves the putting green,” says Rose, his wife. “He spends hours both outside and with the simulator.”

The putting green is part of the beautiful patio area of the couple’s home in Forest Pointe, a new cul-de-sac area of West Des Moines. The home opens onto a patio that catches all the breezes. For now, the views are still a lush green expanse. In the future, homes will likely be built, but for now the Mitchells enjoy the rural vibe.

“We have been greeted by a family of turkeys and two groups of deer,” Rose says. “On the night we moved in, we heard two coyotes wailing welcoming greetings to us.”

POP OF COLOR

Rose wanted a pop of color on the patio. She got it with bluestone, a slice of slate from the Northeast complete with fossils embedded in the stone. Subtle nuances in the stone come forward when it rains, and the blue deepens and richer earth tones come to life.

Keegan Lare of Ted Lare Design + Build designed the patio area that includes both bluestone and limestone around the wood-burning firepit. Surrounded by four light blue Adirondack chairs, the patio is perfect for s’mores and conversation. “It helped to be involved during the entire building process,” says Lare. “For example, the homeowners did not want gutters to show and be prominent. Therefore, we had them go under the walkway instead of above it, which could cause ice to form in the winter. This way, there are no problems.”

Lare says, “Working with Cade Kelly of MainBuilt Custom Homes, who built the home to be zero-entry with no steps anywhere, worked beautifully. He runs an efficient and tight ship. We worked well together. We both took a lot of pride in our work here, and it shows with the final build.”

DROUGHT-RESISTANT PLANTS

Rose requested several drought-resistant plantings for the patio area and decided on yucca and hydrangea varieties. In addition, Karl Foerster grasses wave in the wind as well as several junipers, five Northwind and Japanese maple trees, day lilies, and catmint. For touches of drama, oversized pots and urns are centered with huge spikes and flowers plus a variety of other plantings to carry through the summer.

“We were lucky that the Mitchells were willing to step up to interesting light fixtures for the patio area. They really add to the ambiance of the area,” Lare says.

With a potential look to the future, the Mitchells chose ADA-width doors and lots of pocket doors for easy access and mobility.

“It feels really good to be here,” Rose says. “We are thrilled with how we can take care of the maintenance. We did not want it to overwhelm us.” •