When building a home for a large family, thoughtful design isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. To carry out a stately 7,118 square foot custom build for their clients, George Custom Homes used their client-centric approach to deliver a beautifully functional and aesthetically warm home both inside and out.
For Chris and April George, owners of George Custom Homes, building a home is never just about bricks and blueprints. It’s about understanding the heartbeat of a family and creating spaces that truly reflect the people who will call them home. Their process begins long before the first line is drawn, rooted in the belief that every home should be as unique as the family it shelters.
They start the homebuilding journey with intentional, in-depth conversations that go further than architectural details. From preferred palettes and window placements to where muddy shoes get kicked off at the end of a long day, Chris and April’s relationship-centered approach allows them to design homes that are as emotionally resonant as they are structurally sound.
“We have a deep understanding of construction,” says April of their experience in the industry. “We help clients see how individual selections affect the broader structure, functionality, and aesthetic.”
The curated experience continues throughout the process with Chris and April personally attending all design and selection meetings, offering expert guidance on everything from tile and fixtures to layouts and finishes. This ensures that every choice made reflects the homeowner’s vision and aligns with the overall architectural integrity of the home. Their hands-on involvement means clients never feel abandoned during the complex decision-making process that defines custom home construction.
At the heart of this 6-bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home is a large family who needed both a functional layout and a place that felt right for their lifestyle. They started with a floor plan that was zero entry, allowing all ages to use the home without barriers. The home also features an incredible dual suite configuration with the homeowners’ primary suite located on one side of the home and the other tucked thoughtfully on the opposite side, providing privacy and flexibility for multi-generational living or guest accommodations.
The open concept, main level unfolds into a gorgeous living area with towering ceilings that reach 21 feet, featuring an upper-level catwalk, an elegant floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and a wall of windows that drench the area in natural light. Engineered hardwood floors run underfoot in a lovely herringbone pattern, and lightly colored walls keep the room grounded in serenity. The soaring space creates an immediate sense of grandeur while maintaining warmth and intimacy through careful material selections and thoughtful proportions.
The kitchen and dining room are gathering places and offer ample space, practical amenities, and luxurious finishes. There are also sliders to the rear deck that provide a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor hosting. The walk-out deck wraps behind the home and connects to the master suite, offering panoramic views over the pool and backyard haven.
Because the Georges have such a client-centered focus, they have a keen understanding of how to represent each member of the family in their own spaces. For instance, each of the kids’ bedrooms is located upstairs and has distinctive design flourishes that reflect their individual personalities. From whimsical blush-toned wallpaper to calming blue ceilings, the bedrooms incorporate everything that makes these quarters comfortable and uniquely stylish. While two bedrooms share a handsomely decorated Jack and Jill bathroom, the others have their own, each reflecting an individualized style.
Understanding the clients’ need to maintain the busy schedules of their large family, the Georges designed a mudroom with custom lockers to keep the chaos of daily comings and goings beautifully contained. This practical solution demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform potentially chaotic spaces into organized, efficient areas that enhance daily life.
Anyone with a bustling household understands the importance of laundry management, and this home certainly makes it both convenient and private. A generously sized laundry room sits on the main level, effortlessly connected to the master closet via the master bath, keeping it away from the sightlines of guests. A cleverly integrated chute from the kids’ bedrooms funnels clothes directly to the central hub. For lighter loads, a laundry nook was installed upstairs while a stackable washer and dryer help with cleanup after backyard fun.
The backyard feels like a private resort complete with a 52-foot concrete pool, an in-ground trampoline, and a fire pit area. Pavers host rows of chaise loungers, while the heated pool and hot tub invite year-round fun. Meticulously landscaped with tall trees for privacy and giant planter beds, the outdoor space is divided into zones, each the perfect retreat for relaxing, playing, and entertaining.
Working closely with a landscaper, the Georges and their clients embraced a “start big, then refine” philosophy. The yard’s design, fenced on the perimeter, was purposely decorated with hardy low-maintenance plantings and a thoughtful mix of sod, concrete, and pavers that balances beauty with practicality. Hydrangeas and other easy-care plants add lush greenery without the stress of a robust maintenance schedule.
Not surprisingly, the indoor entertaining space on the lower level matches the functionality and vibe of the exterior. This level has its own open concept with a cozy conversation area incorporating a multi-purpose family room, a well-appointed wet bar and lounge area, and walkout to the rear patio that mirrors the square footage of the overhead deck, increasing both the usable space and the entertainment factor. A standout feature is the entertainment garage with a full glass overhead door and epoxy floors, an ideal hangout zone for post-swim wet feet and game nights. It’s where the kids can bring their friends, parents host casual get-togethers, and the vibe is relaxed, chill, and undeniably cool. The other side features a core floor that can be used for storage of pool or seasonal equipment and supplies.
“Our conversations explore exterior aesthetics, how the family envisions living in the space, their children’s needs, entertaining habits, cooking styles, careers, vehicles, pets, and much more,” April adds about the thoughtful, relationship-driven approach. “This ensures that every home is not just beautifully built, but deeply personalized.”
From concept to completion, George Custom Homes walks alongside each homeowner to mitigate the complexities, making the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Their commitment to understanding each family’s unique story ensures that every custom home becomes a true reflection of the people who live there, creating spaces that function beautifully for years to come.