Jamie Kirchhofer begins her mornings gazing over the still waters of the lake cove, sipping coffee on the porch of her family retreat on Lake Keowee. The peaceful tranquility lends itself to quiet reflection and reverence, something the Kirchhofers longed to share with their growing family.
In late 2019, Jamie and husband Bruce began dreaming of a place for their family to gather with their six, soon to be seven, grandchildren. A space apart where the little ones could be away from screens and distractions and immersed in nature and play. Avid golfers, the couple was immediately drawn to the Cliffs communities on the clear waters of Keowee, and the idea of boating to not one, but two immaculate golf courses sealed the deal.
The couple, originally hailing from the suburbs of Chicago and more recently Nashville, currently split their time between Florida and South Carolina, and find the foothills along Lake Keowee mild enough in summer and fall.
Dillard-Jones, a design/build/dwell corporation, ensured a seamless experience, even as the Kirchhofers oversaw most of the construction process remotely. “It was so seamless, the team was so easy to work with. They take pictures each week, and you can go online and check in remotely.”
Dillard-Jones: Design-Build-Dwell Approach
Jessica Smith, vice president at Dillard-Jones, says that is by design. “Our Design-Build-Dwell approach was created to give our clients peace of mind,” she says. “Even if they aren’t local, they feel connected to the process.” The family was also able to make four site visits to see the building process in person.
The home’s design is tranquility realized. The welcoming charm of the arched front doorway and English cottage facade opens to rooms decorated in soothing hues and minimal lines. “We loved the design for so many reasons,” Jamie shares, “but especially that each room has an uninterrupted view of the water, from the great room to the kitchen—even the laundry room looks out on the lake.” Nothing hinders this focal point, window treatments are light and airy.
A gabled roofline, arched doorways, and stonework accents lend a timelessness to the home’s design. “It was really important to me that our home was welcoming and warm, and that it will look as good today as it will decades from now,” Jamie continues. She put extra thought into the foyer, knowing that the first impression needed to be inviting and hospitable. Choosing dynamic artwork from Breckenridge artist Kristof Kosmowski fills the space with tranquil shades of blues, while the front door’s archway bends and softens the more modern lines of the space.
The Dillard-Jones team brought the Kirchhofers’ vision to life, framing the living room windows with airy curtains to keep the focus on the lake view and outfitting each bedroom with ample king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms for luxury and convenience. The color scheme is light and cool with hues of gray, blue, and white, complementing the transitional lines of the contemporary furnishings and an open-riser stairwell alongside more traditional elements like the rustic stone fireplace and exposed wooden beams in the living area. The kitchen is light and open, ready to host and take care of the family for years to come. “
“Nothing gets lost in translation when our architects, interior designers, and construction professionals hear the same thing directly from our clients and then we are able to work together to make it a reality,” says Smith.
While the design is a hallmark of the home, its use is of the upmost importance for the Kirchhofer family. For Jamie and Bruce, when the home is filled with family and children, it’s then that their lake home feels most complete.
Did you know?
Dillard-Jones recently won a Best Overall Bridge Award in its category from the Home Builders Association of Greenville, which recognizes excellence in craftsmanship. “We have a lot of pride in their work and truly believe they deserve all the accolades,” homeowner Jamie notes. “They are such a hard-working, dedicated team. It’s well-deserved.”
Photography by Inspiro 8 Studios.
