Featured Homes
Homes of the Year 2014
From a stately English Manor to a home boasting a plethora of Old-World flare, these homes are among the most beautiful we’ve ever featured. Let us take you inside this year's Homes of the Year.
By Jennifer Adamson and Savannah Waszczuk
Nov 2014

Earlier in the summer of 2014, we invited southwest Missouri builders to show us their very best work for our annual Homes of the Year contest. The entries were plentiful, including nearly 20 top-notch homes that were all well worthy of the honor. Next, a panel of judges narrowed the list down to the five best in four price categories. The winning homes range in style, featuring everything from clean lines and modern color palettes to chunky wooden beams and one-of-a-kind rustic touches. From a stately English Manor to a home boasting a plethora of Old-World flare, these homes are among the most beautiful we’ve ever featured. Check them out, learn the details and start planning your own dream-worthy space.
Meet the Winners
Get to know the creative masterminds highlighted in the 2014 Homes of the Year Contest, each of whom has years of experience building and designing one-of-a-kind dream homes.
JAY KRAUSE
Krause Construction
Custom builder Jay Krause started working in construction at an early age when his father, LeRoy Krause, started Krause Construction Company on Table Rock Lake. During his high school years, Krause’s summers were filled with pouring concrete, framing houses and more. He eventually worked his way into drafting plans, and then even became a general contractor at a young age. Krause worked with the company for decades, creating a plethora of resorts and custom homes, many near Table Rock Lake. In 1993, Krause purchased Krause Construction Company with his wife, Tricia, and the two have been leading the way in quality construction ever since. With five decades of building on Table Rock Lake, the company is well known for its quality and innovation.
RON HILL
Euro World Design
Custom Home Designer Ron Hill has been designing houses since 1978. It all began when he studied industrial technology and business at School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks), where his studies were heavy on the residential side of the curriculum. Directly after college, Hill worked as a paramedic and designed homes on the side, and then he later studied at the Drury School of Architecture. Hill opened Finley River Design in 1992, and he moved to an office in Millwood in 2000. Next he designed many Millwood homes, eventually starting Euro World design in 2003. Since that time, Hill has designed everything from a custom dog house to homes larger than 20,000 square feet. He serves clients both all over the United States and abroad, including a couple in Australia.
RICK RAMSEY
Ramsey Building Company, LLC
Well known for designing and building quality homes all around 417-land, custom builder Rick Ramsey began his building career in 1995. His journey first started when he began building rental homes to create his own rental portfolio. This didn’t last long, as he was quickly approached by people who wanted to purchase these rental properties. Ramsey found himself putting a one-of-a-kind twist on each home to suit each client’s taste, which led him to becoming a custom builder. Today, Ramsey Building Company constructs homes all throughout southwest Missouri, and Ramsey says each has its own special touch.
ADRIAN RHOADS
Rhoads Design & Construction
Before he became the established custom home designer and builder he is today, Adrian Rhoads received his degree in architecture from Drury University. After graduating, Rhoads worked in commercial architecture for four years, and in 2004 he started Rhoads Design & Construction. In the beginning, the company primarily renovated existing homes, and it grew into constructing custom-designed homes. Over the years, Rhoads Design & Construction has been successful in both markets of design and construction, and it eventually added a full-time architect to its team. Rhoads says the company prides itself on focusing on relationships built with each client and, in turn, offering high quality services and craftsmanship.
RUSTY MACLACHLAN
J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes
Home building has been passed down from father to son for more than seven generations in Rusty MacLachlan’s family. After earning a degree in business management, MacLachlan decided to try building, and he found he was passionate about creating homes for people to meet their needs. Now he has been building custom homes in 417-land for more than 30 years, and his wife, Julie, is the designer for many of his projects. Custom designing and building new homes is MacLachlan’s specialty, and he works hard to please his clients and provide them with accounts and balances throughout the process. By building his business on honesty and integrity, MacLachlan has acquired repeat customers: One current client bought their first home from him, and they had him design and build two others as their family grew. Now, he’s building their retirement home.
Old World Meets New World
Combining mixed materials and shapes and modern conveniences and style, this lake-house getaway has an updated, European vibe.

Growing up with a father who worked as a contractor, builder Jay Krause of Krause Construction figured he’d end up in the construction business. What he didn’t count on was being asked to build a 17,000-square-foot luxury home overlooking Table Rock Lake.
Although he’d worked for the homeowners previously, this was the first time he’d built a home of that size. “I think they were attracted to the high quality we put out,” Krause says. “Customers want the best of the best, and that’s what we give them.”
Krause has owned Krause Construction in Kimberling City since 1990. For this project, he enlisted custom home designer Ron Hill to enliven the clients’ European-style vision.
Hill knew attention to detail was critical. Now, as the owner of Euro World Design, precision matters. “Our job is to take the family’s ideas from conceptual to buildable drawings,” Hill says. “We will create a home that specifically caters to your individual specifications.”
Euro World Design is known for architecture influenced by the rich history of Old-World home construction, which favors restoration over ruin. As a result, many of Hill’s plans incorporate changes in materials and shapes. This estate is no exception.
On the exterior, a round stone turret suggests French country, while sharp lines of timber add that mixed-materials effect. On the interior, beautiful post-and-beam work extends throughout the home’s seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, imparting a woodsy, cozy feeling, especially when combined with a warm color palette.
Krause is proud of his collaboration with Euro World Design and the finished product. “I think it’s probably one-of-a-kind in our immediate area,” he says.—Jennifer Adamson
Old World Meets New World Resource Listings:
BUILDER
Jay Krause
Krause Construction
Kimberling City
417-739-5480
CUSTOM HOME DESIGNER, PLANS, ELECTRICAL
Ron Hill
Euro World Design
1929 Tanglewood Lane, Nixa
417-581-6057
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Emily McKee
Euro World Design
1929 Tanglewood Lane, Nixa
417-581-6057
ELECTRICAL
The Lighthouse Gallery
4113 S. National Ave., Springfield
417-889-1088
PLUMBING
Southern Materials Company
3358 E. Division St., Springfield
417-865-2822
CABINETS, HARDWARE
Alpine Wood Products
614 W. Jonathon Dr., Marionville
417-258-2584
COUNTERTOPS
Solid Surface Designs
233 Lambeth Rd., Billings
417-258-2787
DOORS/WINDOWS
Alpine Wood Products
614 W. Jonathon Dr., Marionville
417-258-2584
Meek’s Design Center
3231 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-889-1929
CARPET
Stoneridge Flooring Design
16838 State Hwy. 13, Reeds Spring
417-272-8155
STONE/TILE
Fraley Masonry
2726 N. Biagio, Ozark
417-582-1715
Mussino Tile
3045 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
417-889-8453
WOOD FLOORS
Heartwood Lumber
6701 Selmore Rd., Ozark
417-443-2322
CUSTOM WOODWORK
Wood Merchant
Rick Braun
49 West Hwy. 86, Lampe
417-779-5324
CUSTOM PAINT WORK
Mark McCauley
Lampe, 417-337-1868
APPLIANCES
Metro Appliances and More
3252 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-833-1113
ARCHITECTURAL MOLDINGS
Alpine Wood Products
614 W. Jonathon Dr., Marionville,
417-258-2584
Ozark Timberframe
12425 S. 425 Rd., El Dorado Springs
417-278-3320
The English Manor
Overlooking an Ozarks prairie, this six-bedroom, five-bathroom custom-built home boasts clean lines and a modern color palette.

When Rick Ramsey was in kindergarten, he loved to stack blocks. He also loved helping his parents as they built his childhood home. Sometimes, he’d discover scrap materials around the site and use them to make things.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find Ramsey at the helm of his own construction company, using skills he developed at a very young age to handcraft quality homes that reflect his clients’ characters and lifestyles.
“I started building rental homes 19 years ago and had several people inquire about buying them,” Ramsey says. “I started selling some and keeping some and honed my skills with smaller homes until I worked my way up into the custom market.”
Ramsey Building Company, established in 1995, engineers one-of-a-kind, made-to-order homes in many of southwest Missouri’s most prominent communities.
Two years ago, Ramsey was commissioned to build a 12,000-square-foot English manor in east Springfield, one of his largest projects to date. The opulent plans were an exciting challenge, and he was eager to take on the job
“I enjoy the challenge of coming up with new ideas, finding the products and craftsmen to bring those ideas to life, and then putting it all together for a seamless finished package,” Ramsey says.
Last June, Ramsey handed over the keys to a stunning six-bedroom, five-bathroom house situated on a ridge overlooking miles of Ozarks prairie. In addition to clean lines and a neutral color palette throughout, walls of windows welcome natural light and call attention to the owners’ simple and classic aesthetic.
Despite the estate’s grandeur, a sense of comfort is not lost, nor is Ramsey’s commitment to quality workmanship. “I strive to ensure that my clients are at ease with the process and enjoy their home-building experience,” he says.—Jennifer Adamson
The English Manor Resource Listings:
BUILDER
Rick Ramsey
Ramsey Building Company
201 N. Main St., Nixa
417-725-5545
DESIGNER
A. Deckard Interiors
411-D Northview Rd., Nixa
417-831-9300
PLANS
J.L. Thompson Design Group
966 Bear Creek Rd., Walnut Shade
417-230-2524
ELECTRICAL
Davis Electric
1615 N. State Hwy. CC, Nixa
417-725-9205
PLUMBING
Harry Cooper Supply
605 N. Sherman Pkwy., Springfield
417-865-3777
Precision Plumbing
806 Heritage Rd., Strafford
417-840-4926
HVAC
Long Heating and Cooling
1301 S. Third St., Ozark
417-581-8138
CABINETS
Cabinet Concepts by Design
4123 N. State Hwy. H, Springfield
417-725-3400
COUNTERTOPS
Unique Tile
1364 N. Kelly Ave., Nixa
417-725-5515
Advanced Welding & Ornamental Iron
651 S. Kansas Ave., Springfield
417-886-8032
HARDWARE
National Home Products
2726 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-731-3220
DOORS/WINDOWS
Meek’s
735 N. Massey Blvd., Nixa,
417-725-2725
CARPET, STONE/TILE, WOOD FLOOR
Midwest Rug
911 W. Sunshine St., Springfield
417-869-3030
CUSTOM WOODWORK
Tru Construction
810 N. Lexington Ave., Springfield
417-689-6593
DECORATIVE PAINT CONTRACTOR
Wonder-Faux Finishes
2350 W. Auburn St., Bolivar
417-326-8743
APPLIANCES
Jacobsen Appliances
713 S. Jefferson Ave., Lebanon
417-532-7152
GARAGE DOORS
Renner Supply
3252 N. Glenstone Ave.
Suite B100, Springfield
417-833-1201
LANDSCAPING
Vox Landscape Design
Springfield
417-868-8278
Elite Outdoor Innovations
2733 E. Battlefield St., #152, Springfield
417-885-9898
ARCHITECTURAL MOLDINGS
Stone Legends of Texas
301 Pleasant Dr., Dallas, Texas
214-398-1199
Beauty in the Details
With a beautiful free-flowing floor plan and several outdoor living areas, this dream home is the ultimate spot for entertaining.
Rhoads Design & Construction, 1435 S. Enterprise Ave., Springfield, 417-889-6000 | Photographer: Randy Colwell

In addition to custom-designed common living areas, this home was created to include multiple living spaces and entertaining zones. “The homeowners wanted different areas to entertain based on function,” says custom builder and home designer Adrian Rhoads of Rhoads Design & Construction. “They also wanted an open floor plan.”
With these goals in mind, Adrian Rhoads and his team got to work designing and building this ultimate four-bedroom, three-bathroom dream home that’s complete with a free-flowing living room and kitchen area, a basement with a wet bar and a dream-worthy outdoor space that includes two large screened-in porches, a beautiful covered deck, a concrete patio and an outdoor fire pit. “During the design process, we really focused on how the space would flow during an event, like a dinner party,” Rhoads says. “We kept in mind how it would flow from the inside to the outside.”
To capitalize on the home’s open feel, the structure of the house was intentionally designed with steel beams, engineered I-joists and roof trusses, which not only minimized material costs and environmental impact but also allowed for the desired open floor plan to exist without the need for exposed beams or columns. And the interior’s open spaces are further emphasized by large window openings throughout the house, most of which provide views to the tranquil wooded surroundings.
As for the exterior, the homeowners wanted to hint at an Old World style. Rhoads and his team successfully achieved this look by using a combination of brick, real stone and tasteful copper detailing. Now that it’s complete, the home proves to be the perfect place for both living and entertaining, which is exactly what the homeowners wanted from day one. “With any home we build, we try to really focus on partnering with the clients and working very closely with them,” Rhoads says. “That relationship is very important to us. The success of the project is often a result of that relationship."—Savannah Waszczuk
Beauty in the Details Resource Listings:
BUILDER, DESIGNER, PLANS, CUSTOM WOODWORK
Rhoads Design & Construction
PO Box 14021, Springfield
417-889-6000
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Brooke Cinalli
bcDESIGNGROUP
417-693-4002
ELECTRICAL
J&J Lighting & Electrical
333 S. Union, Springfield
417-869-8100
PLUMBING
Draper Plumbing
Ozark
417-844-7501
HVAC
Comfort Mechanical
6431 E. Ridgeline Dr., Springfield
417-827-3422
CABINETS
Buchholz Custom Woodworks
1410 Taylor St., Aurora
417-846-5189
COUNTERTOPS
Unique Tile
1364 N. Kelly Ave., Nixa
417-725-5515
HARDWARE
National Home Products
2726 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-731-3220
DOORS/WINDOWS
Meek’s
1551 Mount Vernon St., Springfield
417-862-9287
CARPET, STONE
The Carpet Shoppe
1827 E. Seminole, Springfield
417-883-6455
WOOD FLOORS
Bold Wood Floors
22129 Lawrence, Aurora
417-224-3692
DECORATIVE PAINT CONTRACTOR
B Precision Painting
2173 N. Farm Road 81,Springfield
417-827-1415
APPLIANCES
Metro Appliances & More
3252 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-833-1113
GARAGE DOORS
Overhead Door Company
707 N. Grant Avenue, Springfield
417-862-8332
LANDSCAPING
Myron Royce Gardens
430 Shady Oaks Dr., Ozark
417-443-2648
ARCHITECTURAL MOLDINGS
The Millwork Shoppe
2115 N. Sports Complex Lane, Nixa
417-725-5220
Built to Perfection
With an appropriate blend of tasteful woodwork and contemporary accents, this custom-built home boasts an eclectic style of its own.

Adrian Rhoads and his team worked hard to design and build this home in a way that would best take advantage of its open country setting. Sitting just west of Springfield on 10 acres, the house is carefully positioned to not only take in the best surrounding scenic views but also absorb the most sunlight. “A lot of times, you’ll have a lot that only has one spot where the home can really sit,” Rhoads says. “That wasn’t the case this time.”
The four bedroom, four-and-a-half bath house features low-pitched roofs and an inset second floor, which helps with energy efficiency. The floor plan is open and free-flowing, featuring an exposed Douglas fir post-and-beam structural system that allows it to extend vertically from the main living area to the second floor. “The kitchen sits in between two large openings, and together it’s open, light and airy,” Rhoads says. And the flow is further enhanced through the clerestory windows and an integrated catwalk that connects each end of the second floor to the staircase.
Two sets of barn doors fabricated from reclaimed wood highlight the recreation room, which sits near the main living area. “Now, it’s more and more common that people want their homes to be the chosen hangout spot for their kids and their friends,” Rhoads says. “This room was designed with that in mind.” The barn doors also allow efficient circulation into the adjacent living space, and they provide the option for privacy. “This room was also designed to be a support space for a possible future pool,” Rhoads says. “When designing and building, we try to think outside of immediate needs. Since the homeowners may add a pool one day, we made a space that would lend itself to that.” The space offers a wet bar and bathroom, and it’s directly accessible to the exterior. Topping off the gorgeous house is a dream-worthy outdoor space that includes a large screened porch with a stone fireplace, a covered walkway, a covered front porch and concrete patios for entertaining.—Savannah Waszczuk
Built to Perfection Resource Listings:
BUILDER, DESIGNER, PLANS, AND CUSTOM WOODWORK
Rhoads Design & Construction
1435 S. Enterprise Ave., Springfield
417-889-6000
ELECTRICAL
J&J Lighting & Electrical
333 S. Union, Springfield
417-869-8100
PLUMBING
Draper Plumbing
Ozark
417-844-7501
HVAC
Comfort Mechanical
6431 E. Ridgeline Dr., Springfield
417-827-3422
CABINETS
Buchholz Custom Woodworks
1410 Taylor St., Aurora
417-846-5189
COUNTERTOPS
Taylor Marble
1660 Skyline Ave., Ozark
417-581-6888
HARDWARE
National Home Products
2726 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-731-3220
DOORS/WINDOWS
Meek’s
1551 Mount Vernon St., Springfield
417-862-9287
CARPET, STONE
The Carpet Shoppe
1827 E. Seminole, Springfield
417-883-6455
PAINT/PAINTERS/DECORATIVE PAINT CONTRACTOR
B Precision Painting
2173 N. Farm Road 81, Springfield
417-827-1415
APPLIANCES
Metro Appliances & More
3252 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-833-1113
GARAGE DOORS
Overhead Door Company
707 N. Grant Avenue, Springfield
417-862-8332
LANDSCAPING
Trimworks
3328 E. Linwood, Springfield
417-840-0282
ARCHITECTURAL MOLDINGS
The Millwork Shoppe
2115 N. Sports Complex Lane, Nixa
417-725-5220
Moving On Up
With a classic Old World Style and many rustic touches, this 3,130-square-foot home is perfect for the Williams family.

When Doug and Diane Williams were ready to build their retirement home, they turned to Rusty MacLachlan of J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes. The couple has known MacLachlan for many years, and although they built homes themselves in the Joplin area, Doug always told MacLachlan he would have him build his house one day. “They had dreamed and planned for quite some time,” MacLachlan says. “They wanted it to be the nicest home they’ve ever lived in.”
MacLachlan acted as both the designer and builder for the home, starting with an initial sit-down meeting where the clients expressed they wanted a home that would be timeless, practical and a sound investment. The Williams were after a home with an Old World look, and Doug had several wishes, including a heated shop and a man cave. MacLachlan was able to meet all their needs, creating a 3,130-square-foot dream home with four bedrooms, a bonus bedroom and bathroom, a man cave and a heated and cooled wood shop connected to the three-car garage. And as with many spaces, the beauty is in the details at this house, which features high-end custom-built cabinetry, vanities and bookcases, wood closet shelving, mortise and tenon beams, a custom-designed doorless walk-in tile shower, custom landscaping, custom copper roof vents and finials and much more. “This project is what can and should happen when builders and homeowners communicate open and honestly with each other,” MacLachlan says. “The Williams were open about their budget and prioritized what they wanted in their home. Their openness and willingness to look at all options objectively allowed us to provide them with nearly everything they wanted.”—Savannah Waszczuk
Moving on Up Resource Listings:
BUILDER, PLANS
Rusty MacLachlan
J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes
4735 S. Turnberry Ave., Springfield
417-838-9645
DESIGNER
Julie MacLachlan
J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes
4735 S. Turnberry Ave., Springfield
417-838-9645
ELECTRICAL
Doug Chamberlain
Springfield
417-593-0827
PLUMBING
Farr Better Plumbing
Republic
417-864-8703
HVAC
Skaggs Heating & Cooling
4347 W. Calhoun St., Springfeild
417-831-6606
CABINETS
Cabinet Concepts by Design
4123 State Hwy. H, Springfield
417-725-3400
COUNTERTOPS
Solid Surface Designs, Inc.
233 County Road 60-8C, Billings
417-258-2787
HARDWARE
National Home Products
2726 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-731-3220
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Meek’s
1551 Mount Vernon St., Springfield
417-862-9287
CARPET, STONE, TILE
The Carpet Shoppe
1827 E. Seminole, Springfield
417-883-6455
WOOD FLOORS
Vermillion Flooring
1207 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
417-862-3785
CUSTOM WOODWORK
J&M Custom Woodworking
1339 Hawthorne Rd., Highlandville
417-839-7148
APPLIANCES
Metro Appliances & More
3252 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
417-833-1113
GARAGE DOORS
Renner Supply Company
3252 N. Glenstone Ave. B100, Springfield
417-833-1201
LANDSCAPING
Greenside Up, LLC
Rogersville
417-753-7227
Fischer Final Grading
Springfield, 417-839-4988
ARCHITECTURAL MOLDINGS
The Millwork Shoppe
2115 N. Sports Complex Lane, Nixa
417-725-5220
Neighborhood Watch
Angie Mullings, broker/owner of Century 21 Integrity Group, dishes on some of 417-land’s most booming neighborhoods. While many of the areas were originally developed in the mid-2000s, they are now seeing increased construction activity.
Clover Hill Estates, Battlefield
Located directly west of Springfield, the city of Battlefield is booming with construction and is particularly popular for first-time home buyers. Clover Hill Estates features a variety of all-brick homes, with ranch homes from $180,000 to finished walk-out basement homes from $240,000. The homes are located in the Republic School District.
Kelby Creek, Nixa
Located south of Nixa, Kelby Creek boasts a picturesque setting and upscale comfort. The neighborhood features larger lots, and homes currently under construction start at $240,000. The community currently boasts a clubhouse that overlooks lakes and waterfalls, illuminated fountains, landscaped grounds and a swimming pool.
Ruskin Heights, East Springfield
Conveniently located just east of the intersection of Highway 65 and Battlefield, this neighborhood features many basement homes and lots that will accommodate basement homes. It sits near the new 36-acre Jack Henry campus and is just down the road from Dan Kinney Park. Prices range from $350,000 to $450,000.
The estates at Summit Ridge, East Springfield
Pairing privacy with convenience, The Estates at Summit Ridge features 24 lots that range in size from 3 to 11 acres. Homes feature gated entrances, paved private drives, lush landscaping and underground utilities. Lots start in the $190,000 price range.
Vintage Hills, West Springfield
Homes in this neighborhood currently start in the $175,000 price range. It is located near Rutledge-Wilson farm, plus shopping and walking trails. Amenities include a clubhouse, a zero-entry waterfall pool and a basketball court. These homes have Springfield addresses, but they are located in the Willard School District.
Creek Bridge, Ozark
New construction homes in this neighborhood start in the low $180,000s. Located just off Highway 14 and U.S. 65, the neighborhood boasts an ideal location and isn’t far from downtown Ozark. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a pool and a playground.
What's On Trend
The winning custom home builders and designers share a few on-trend ideas and tips to consider in your custom home build.
A lot of people are having fun and mixing up the wood species throughout the home. The variety of looks add to the charm and personality of the space.—Rick Ramsey, Ramsey Building Company
We build a lot of curved islands in kitchens. This is a better choice for creating a friendly conversation area.—Adrian Rhoads, Rhoads Design & Construction
We are doing our best to move dining rooms from the front of the house and bring them into the main living area.—Ron Hill, Euro World Design
We are adding more and more black doors to homes. Solid-core wood doors that are painted black add a nice, unexpected look, especially to homes with a lot of brown. They make the trim pop.—Rusty MacLaughlin, J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes
We are seeing more covered decks and porches for living and entertaining areas off the main level, as opposed to multi-flights of stairs to a lower walk-out area.—Jay Krause, Krause Construction
Quartz countertops remain a top pick. They are environmentally friendly, non-porous, which gives them antibacterial qualities, and extremely low-maintenance.—Adrian Rhoads, Rhoads Design & Construction
A lot of people are making their large walk-in closets in the master bedroom accessible to the laundry room. It’s a very user-friendly approach to building.—Rusty MacLaughlin, J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes
The top lake style right now is the heavy wood and stone lodge look with open rooms and abundant glass for maximum views.—Jay Krause, Krause Construction
It’s important to plan now to save later. Invest in the infrastructure of your home for long-term energy efficiency, such as the insulation, heating and cooling system and windows.—Rick Ramsey, Ramsey Building Company
We have been working to incorporate larger prep pantries with things like baking stations, dishwashers, oven stacks and more into the design.—Ron Hill, Euro World Design