A Blissful Interlude

“Selecting unique pieces with perfect scale is the secret.” – Pamela Calvert, Allied ASID, interior designer

A cathedral ceiling in the great room makes even this expansive space seem cozy.

The lower level entertainment oasis invites you to sink into the natural cowhide chairs, enjoy the big-screen TV or pull a chair up to the bar for a cool refreshment. The surround-sound system extends to the outdoor living area so those enjoying nature can also enjoy the big game on TV. “We can be watching the Cardinals game downstairs on the big-screen TV, and anyone who's outside on the deck or down by the lake can hear it too,” says Tim.

The master bedroom is a true retreat for Diane and Tim. “All the fabrics used in this home wrap you up in comfort,” says Pamela. The space is serene and comfortable, with a bay window overlooking the lake.

A natural marble stone vessel bowl with a polished interior basin and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, along with limestone floors and a shower surround, add to the rustic elegance in the master bath. Soft, inviting rugs tempt bare feet.

A tangerine-colored ball of sunshine slowly dips its sleepy head beyond the distant horizon. The deep-blue waters of the tranquil lake reflect memories of the day's many activities. The rolling hills, verdant in summer and snow-covered in winter, provide a serene backdrop for a second home that is perfectly in harmony with its natural surroundings. For the Fogerty family, this idyllic setting is their weekend reality.

As CEO and owner of a booming St. Louis-based company and an active member of several local boards, Tim Fogerty had always imagined a place where he could escape the demands of work and truly relax with his family and friends. His wife, Diane, a busy mother of three and devoted volunteer at DeGreeff Hospice House in South County, shared his vision of a place where “getting away from it all” was the number-one priority – creating a place that offered a blissful interlude from everyday life.

The resort community of Innsbrook was calling their name. Only 45 minutes west of St. Louis, this wooded sanctuary boasts 7,400 acres and offers residents and visitors a myriad of activities for outdoor fun coupled with a relaxing lifestyle. With more than 100 lakes, Innsbrook is one of St. Louis' premier lake communities. And it was on the biggest of these lakes, Alpine, that the Fogertys set out to make their dream – a getaway home – come true.

But as Cinderella found out, dreams sometimes need a little help. Enter fairy godmother, Pamela Calvert, ASID Allied Member, Senior Designer and Senior Associate with Lawrence Group/Niche. “Pamela was so easy and fun to work with,” says Diane. She truly helped us create the weekend ambience we were hoping for. Pamela was the bridge to get us where we wanted to go. ”

The Fogertys' well-thought-out plan for their home revealed a rustic-yet-elegant ‘‘cabin'' feel they had always envisioned. “It was easy to see their vision and to design and deliver a home of their dreams,” says Pamela. Deliver she did! The gorgeous home has the look and feel of a genuine mountain retreat. As one guest describes, “It feels as if you are in Colorado,” in reference to the timeless, classic home that seems to transcend time zones.

Mark Brodland, Construction Manager of Custom Homes at Innsbrook, went the extra mile to make sure the Fogertys got the home of their dreams. “The house we wanted to build wasn't the norm,” says Tim, “but Mark made it work.”

Despite its 6,000 square feet, Pamela's distinct sense of design and space planning make the spacious home seem cozy. “Creating multiple conversation areas is a great way to make a large area work well,” she says. “We wanted to make every room a room with a view and invite nature's beauty inside. The soaring windows in the great room offer spectacular, unencumbered views of the magnificent natural vistas.”

A crowning jewel in the home's design is the large, open, family-friendly kitchen. With a love of entertaining and with three older kids and lots of friends, the kitchen gets a lot of use – especially from Tim. Fondly referred to as, “our weekend chef,” Tim can usually be found “up and at 'em” on weekend mornings, whipping up stacks of his famous pancakes. Also an avid barbecue king, he enjoys the well-equipped and beautifully designed outdoor living area with a cozy fire pit that provides a fun place to gather on chilly evenings. 

For the Fogertys, Innsbrook is truly a family escape. Chrissy, 19, a freshman at Creighton University, held the ultimate after-prom soirée here. Her brother, Danny, is 15 and a freshman at St. Louis University High School. He couldn't be happier to invite friends for the weekend to golf, fish, go horseback riding, boat or just hang out in the expansive lower level game/media room. Katie, 24, is engaged to John Joe and no doubt has visions of spending more time here as her family grows. And with four bedrooms and a bunkroom that sleeps 12, there will always be plenty of room.  Even the family's golden retriever, Coach, loves the lake house!

“It's so wonderful to share this home with our kids,” says Diane. “We wanted them to feel comfortable coming here on their own, and someday with their own families. This home is our dream come true. It rejuvenates our spirits. We plan to keep it forever.”

“It's so funny,” says Diane. “Tim and I travel a lot, and so many people have no idea what St. Louis is really like. I love to show them my ‘mountain home' smack dab in the middle of the Midwest and say, ‘Look what's here!'”