C8 | Saturday, October 27, 2012 | The UnionBrett Bentley, Features Editor, (530) 477-4219, home&garden@theunion.com

HOME & GARDEN

No matter what happens with the economy, a uni-

versal and lasting truth to know about home ownership is that

location matters. Location, loca-tion, location! A good location is one that suits your preferences. Good locations add value, not just in dollars when you sell but value for you as you live your life in your home.

You cannot easily change an area, a neighborhood, views or the topography and natural land-scape of a property. But you can alter any house to suit your style and become your dream home.

Proof is in this exquisite modern home, which I designed working closely with the owners. The remodel was executed by general contractor Len Stevens Construction of Penn Valley.

There was nothing terrible about the house. It was just not the style these owners prefer. My design brief was to add a second two-car garage for recreational vehicles and trailers, add an office and increase and open the living spaces to each other. I was to maximize lake views and to make the lake a prevalent star in every space the owners used most. Most important, I was to transform the common ranch-style aesthetic of the home into a custom, modern masterpiece.

This was quite a list for a nar-row lot with limited expansion opportunities. And the owners knew this, and they also knew it would be costly. But the property is beautifully situated on a lake, facing east so that the hottest afternoon sun is behind the house. This was essential for these own-ers who did not want to be forced indoors and forced into closing window coverings every after-noon. This property was the best site for their preferences.

Some aspects of the floor plan

changes were fairly easy to design. I consulted with local engineer-ing firm Huber Engineering, to discuss (conceptually) whether I could remove certain walls. Interior walls and most of the rear wall were removed, and the house was extended so that much of the rear porch was enclosed, and it became interior living space.

Probably the best thing I recommended is most easily over-looked. And maybe that speaks to its success.

The owners work often and even spend leisure time through-out the day at computers. So early on, I suggested that we put the office along the lakeside view wall. This probably goes against the instinct of most homeowners

and even most designers and architects. Often, a dining room is placed in the best view loca-tion. But dining rooms are rarely used, and we often eat after dark.

I believe our most common daytime activities deserve the best views.

So I designed the office at the lakeside wall, dropping it 18 inches below the dining room floor level. The result is not just an office with stellar views, but the kitchen and dining room enjoy views right over the top of the office with no obstructions!

Another significant change to the living areas is the result of roof changes. Before, the ranch-style home had windows facing the lake, but the low roofline of the covered deck squeezed the views down to just a sliver. And the deck

railings were heavy and painted white, so they stopped the eye before you could appreciate the lake.

We replaced the living room roof with a tall, rear-facing gable, which frames expansive and dramatic lake views. Extended over the rear deck, the new roof also brings comfortable living out-doors. And we spent extra time measuring exactly how large the rear deck should be and at what height in order to not block any lake views from inside. We went through many design options to minimize railings while still keep-ing the deck safe.

Ultimately, these owners have their dream … the lake feels close enough to reach out and touch from the moment you enter the home. They enjoy the lake views throughout the day as they work together in their sunken office. And aesthetically, every surface and material is clean-lined and modern, which makes them feel at home.

(Look for more on the interior and exterior transformations in future editions). Erin Miller is the owner of Erin Miller Designs in Grass Valley. Erin can be reached at (530) 477-1401, or at erinmillerdesigns.com.

Where common became customMODERNDREAM

The sunken office provides stellar lake views.

Submitted photos by Erin Miller

LIVING SPACE BEFORE (shown here): The home’s living area provided limited views of the lake. LIVING SPACE AFTER (shown at top): The roof over the living area was altered to maximize views to the lake. Rear walls were pushed back to enclose what was previously a covered porch.

Submitted photos by Erin Miller

CURB APPEAL BEFORE (shown here): This ranch-style home had country charm and details common to this area. CURB APPEAL AFTER (shown above): The new exterior reflects the modern feel of the interior.

ERIN MILLERDrawn Home

■■ CLUB NEWS

The Nevada County Democratic Women’s Club

We are hosting our annual Eleanor Roosevelt Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on November 3 at Trolley Junction Restaurant in Nevada City. This event helps fund our annual scholarship to a local high school graduate in 2013. Speakers will be Kimberly D’Urso and Lily Marie Mora on the quote, “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World,” by Mahatma Ghandi. They will share their experiences in Charlotte, North Carolina where the Democratic Convention and the People’s Convention were held in September 2012.

One of our members will receive the 2012 Eleanor Roosevelt service award as well. Reservations for this luncheon must be received by today, Oct. 26. Cost is $27 per

person. Luncheon choice: 1.Chinese Chicken Salad; 2. Baked salmon w/vegetables; and 3. Vegetarian Pasta. Include your choice with your check and send to: NCDCC PO Box 1573, Grasss Valley, CA 95945.

Call Sally at (530) 273-3051 or email at sjyws@yahoo.com for information.

The Nevada County Astronomers Club

We will meet at 7 p.m.on Nov. 7 at the Madelyn Helling Library, 900 Helling Way Nevada City. We will have a DVD by Professor Alex Filippenko – his subject will be “SUPERNOVAS.”

Motherlode Toastmasters

We are inviting residents to our open house to meet current club

members, hear speakers, and experience a club meeting. The meeting is open to the public and will be held from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Monday downstairs at Eskaton Lodge, on Eskaton Drive in Grass Valley. Our goal is to demonstrate how the Toastmasters communication and leadership skill-building programs will help members become more successful in both their professional and personal lives. A complete Toastmasters club meeting will be conducted during the open house, with prepared and impromptu speeches and speech evaluations.

For more information about the event and club, please visit motherlode.toastmastersclubs.org.

See CLUBS C6

Since 1976

Grow Organic... For Life!

(530) 272-4769 x116 · 125 Clydesdale Court, Grass Valley · Mon-Sat 8-6 · GrowOrganic.com

Workshop with Carolyn Singer

Water Effi cient & Deer Resistant LandscapesSaturday, November 3rd9:30-11:30 am • $15A comprehensive look at natives and Mediterraneans suited to our foothill climate. Power Point presentation.Workshop participants receive 10% off products under $200!

Pre-Registration required - Call Peaceful Valley @ 272-4769 x106

Garlic Seed Sale Buy 3 lbs get 1 lb Free!Garlic Seed Sale Buy 3 lbs get 1 lb Free!

Fall Nursery Clearance 50% off Plants!While Supplies Last - excludes items in greenhouses

Fall Nursery Clearance 50% off Plants!

50% off PVFS Veggie & Herb Seed Packs!While Supplies Last - Peaceful Valley Seed Packs only