WentzDesign: A Timeless, Classic Home in Indian Hill

WentzDesign: A Timeless, Classic Home in Indian Hill

When Jay Takach, principal designer at Evolo Design, was tasked with finding the right architect for a new home build in Indian Hill, he knew who to call: Mike Wentz of WentzDesign. 

WentzDesign has made a name for itself in full-service residential custom design. Every project is designed around the client to create unique, beautiful and functional spaces. 

For this project, the family wanted a timeless, classic home that would be a place to gather for their large family and a warm space to entertain. Wentz and Takach and their teams collaborated to bring the house to life. 

“We did most of the outside work,” Wentz says. “And [Evolo] did most of the inside. I think we collaborated on one of the nicest and finest homes in Cincinnati. I think it’s phenomenal. We’re very proud of it.” 

The family purchased the lot they wished to build on — a beautiful spot in Indian Hill with mature trees on top of a hill. But the plot did come with some constraints. While the lot had width, Wentz had to design the plans around a lesser amount of depth. It was important to the client that the home be timeless, long-lasting, and fit in the neighborhood. 

Takach says the family was delighted with the architectural plans. “WentzDesign brought the layout, and it was exactly what they wanted.” 

The home is built with brick and stone, with limestone trim. The dark bronze windows with metal at the box bays and entry gables make everything feel both classic and modern. 

Standing at the warm and friendly front doors, you can see through the house, welcoming guests inside and peeking at the beautiful out- door space that includes a pool and pool house. 

“The proportions are lovely,” Takach says. “WentzDesign really spaced things appropriately. Although it’s a large home, it feels cozy and comfortable.” 

Evolo Design was the creative team behind the interior design and consulted throughout the project, leading finish selections and adding several custom architectural details, such as the beautiful custom millwork in the dining room. Specializing in solving complex design challenges with craftsmanship and refinement, Evolo’s designs beautifully complement Wentz’s architectural plans. 

Inside, almost everything is custom designed with artisan-level craftsmanship. From the millwork to custom wallpaper to landscaping done by Joe Morganoth of Stephen A Smith Associates, the home is designed much like the great estates of the past. 

A love of family is found throughout the home. There are various areas to entertain, and the pool house is an optional living space for adult children, in-laws or guests. 

Takach took inspiration from a Chagall-designed cathedral in Switzerland to design the agate-backlit stone bar in the pool house. The entire design of the pool area feels like you’ve left Cincinnati and are re- laxing on the coast. There is a fire pit and spa area, including a custom- designed steam room and full size washer and dryer. 

When you leave the pool area, you can enter the breakfast room in the main house. The wool draperies feature a bird and floral pattern by renowned designer Nina Campbell. That motif repeats throughout the house in charming and subtle ways. The custom-built table seats 10, perfect for entertaining a large family. Venetian plaster is found in this room and throughout the house. 

In the rear hall, the custom wool and silk carpet from Edward Fields shows off the intersecting barrel vaults of the large airy windows. In the Great Room, a beadboard ceiling showcases the custom-designed lighting features. The handmade bar with metal shelves around a beautiful curving wall has luxurious detailing. 

The home features multiple kitchens, including a butler’s pantry and a “catering” kitchen, so there’s plenty of space for dinner parties and family holidays. The main kitchen features a 137-inch marble island and walnut custom cabinets. The rear kitchen drops the 11-foot ceilings to nine feet for a cozier feel and features a second dishwasher and plenty of storage. 

The stairwell, often the feature in an estate home, has a more subtle design in this lovely house with a graceful wrought-iron handrail. On the other side of the stairwell, the team cleverly incorporated a book- case into the curve. It makes the front library a uniquely warm space to read or watch television. 

The dining room features another custom-built table and four chandeliers that spotlight the room instead of one prominent central lighting feature. The clients wanted a dining room for hosting multiple dinner guests and one that could transform into a dance floor or reception area for parties. 

Everything in the house is created to honor the hopes and dreams of the family that lives there. Whether they wanted a pickleball court in the yard or a stage for puppet shows in the lower level, every detail was designed with the family in mind. 

“We’re very client-focused,” Takach says. “Collaboration is the key to success, and everyone brought their A-game.” 

“The client is part of that design team,” Wentz adds. “It was a great collaborative effort.” 

Do you want to build your custom dream house? Contact WentzDesign at wentzdesign.com for more information. Need a full-service, luxury interior designer? Visit Evolo Design at evolodesign.com to learn more.

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