Parklike setting in the heart of Ankeny.
Story by Carol McGarvey
Photography by Mirza Kudic, Courtesy of Kimberley Development
Featured in March/April 2021
When planning for their new home, an Ankeny couple desired to have their dream home located on an acreage. However, they did not want to be located in the country. When they found an existing 3½ acres in town, they knew they had the right location.
The home was built by Kimberley Development of Ankeny. As the wife says, “We wanted a modern minimalist look, similar to ones we had seen in Seattle and other spots on the West Coast. We like the fresh, open look with Midcentury Modern design touches. Our previous home was a Tuscan design with lots of stone, dark woods, and an all-around heavier look. This home puts forth a modern vibe with lots of glass and an airy feel that takes in spectacular views of the scenic property from all interior spaces.”
The builder, Bill Kimberley, says, “The exterior of the house is a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design with natural limestone, black ledgestone, and stained-cedar soffits and siding accents. The walk-out ranch has 4,552 square feet, along with generous outdoor living spaces and a four-car garage. The property is bordered on one side by a meandering creek with a stone bridge that simulates the famous Augusta Golf Course’s Ben Hogan Bridge. The property is surrounded by a 6-foot-tall black wrought iron fence and gated entry.”
Open concept
At the front entry there’s a commanding 4×8-foot front door. Nearby is the home office with contemporary glass sliding doors for privacy, contemporary built-ins, and a credenza. The office has a 15-foot unique wood ceiling.
The open-concept main floor works well for family get-togethers and entertaining. Kimberley says, “The great-room with its 15-foot modern lineal fireplace surrounded by massive slabs of natural stone from Brazil is the focal point. Warm cherry wood panels with metal banding strips on the sides of the fireplace, the back of the 12-foot center kitchen island, and on the vented gas range hood bring color and continuity to the contemporary space.”
A 12-foot sliding door leading to the deck makes a bold statement in the dining area, which overlooks the saltwater swimming pool and the pool house.
The open kitchen uses a mixture of high-gloss white cabinets along with brown-stained cherry accent cabinets for the center island and the cabinets containing double ovens and a tall wine cellar. Cabinets extend to the 10-foot ceiling. On an adjacent wall are a wine bar and a massive 8-foot refrigerator. The large walk-in pantry has extensive cabinetry and a built-in coffeemaker.
Master retreat
The luxurious master suite is a cozy space with large windows starting at floor level. Powered window shades—also all over the house—provide privacy.
The master bath, with heated floors throughout, is a dream, with 12-foot ceilings and his-and-her vanities. There’s a large natural stone soaking tub and a 7½ x 7-foot walk-in shower with multiple shower heads, body jets, and indirect LED strip lighting. There’s a water closet room with a bidet toilet and urinal.
The walk-in closet, the size of a bedroom, has a center island, multiple-drawer cabinets, and generous amounts of shelving and hanging space.
Special features
The home has a large laundry/mudroom located directly off the four-car garage. The space contains extensive cabinetry for storage and a center island for home projects. It has a sink, hooks for coats and hats, a custom sitting bench, and heated floors, along with a steam appliance for removing wrinkles in clothing and space for the family pets, two Cavalier King Charles puppies.
The home has 10-foot or higher ceilings throughout, 8-foot-tall solid-core doors, and windows starting at floor level. The open staircase to the lower level is surrounded by glass panels and indirect LED lights for the steps for a spacious feel. The main floor and stairs have white oak plank floors. The entire lower level has large porcelain tiles on the heated floor. For easy maintenance, the home has no carpeting.
Off the dining room is a 24×17-foot covered veranda with easy access to the kitchen for grilling. The area has automatic roll-down screens to keep bugs at bay, a warm cedar ceiling, and a 75-inch television.
The whole house is controlled by Smart Home technology. Kimberley says, “For music, video, security, and heating and cooling, it’s amazing that it can all be accessed with your phone.”
Lower level
The walk-out lower level for casual living features a black, white, and gray theme. The fireplace in the family room has oversize tiles in a textured black design. The wet bar with its black cabinets and lighted shelving on each side of a large television is for game watching with friends.
It also has an exercise area, two guest rooms, and two bathrooms, including a spa bathroom. The spa bathroom is completely finished in black tiled and stone walls; black plumbing fixtures, including a urinal, ceramic tiled shower, and sauna; and, yes, even black toilet tissue.
A large sliding glass door opens to a covered patio with comfy furniture, twinkle lights, a firepit, and a hot tub.
Kimberley credits TNT Landscaping of Ankeny with enhancing the property’s design with lighted brick walking paths and landscaped gardens, featuring black slate and tall grasses for a modern look.
“No detail was spared in making this home beautiful, fun, and functional,” says the builder. •
Resources
- Home Builder Kimberley Development