Rustic Ambiance

For Steve Patton, partner at Frank Patton Interiors, the decision to design and build a warm, comfortable second home for his family on Alpine Lake at Innsbrook Resort was seemingly destined from an early age. Building a rustic log home inspired by his grandfather’s home and farm in Illinois has been in the planning, in a sense, for a lifetime.

Details of the home resemble those from a nearby Truesdale barn and small schoolhouse near Innsbrook’s west entrance. “I accumulated ideas over the years from various favorite places, along with my fond memories of both my grandfathers’ farms, to create a home with a Missouri farmhouse vernacular,” says Steve.

The stone facing, plank siding and gabled windows over an inviting wraparound porch create a rustic, natural retreat. The interior space is heated with a Vermont Castings wood stove that uses efficient catalytic technology and emits almost no smoke. Steve used solid pine five-panel doors, knotty spruce window and door casings, and distressed hickory hardwood floors – along with stained smooth cedar paneling on the ceilings – to give the home a provincial feel.

Infused with personal mementoes that combine both Midwestern and Southwestern touches, the Pattons created a 2,900-square-foot getaway spot for relaxing and enjoying family time together amidst Innsbrook’s appealing, serene atmosphere. Steve’s love of the country is woven through the simple, natural furnishings and lodge-like accessories.

Having vacationed in one of Innsbrook Resort’s classic A-frame chalets for almost seven years, the Pattons knew that the resort community, only 50 miles from their Kirkwood home, would be the ideal spot for a second home. “Every room has a great view of the lake,” Steve says, “with Alpine Lake being just one of Innsbrook’s 96 lakes.”

According to Charlie Boyce, whose father founded Innsbrook in 1971, half of the residents have their second home in the resort community. “It is the quintessential getaway spot for weekends or to live year-round, with added security on the resort property and a sense of quiet simplicity.”

 The Pattons’ lake home is a bridge between the traditional Innsbrook A-frame chalet home with wood paneled walls, and their suburban residence. With the help of a graphic designer, Steve worked on the home’s design for nearly a year, perfecting each detail in order to create a peaceful getaway spot on Lake Alpine to enjoy weekends with his wife Cindy and daughter Stephanie.

The 240-acre lake, with over eight miles of shoreline, provides a natural panorama for Steve, Cindy and Stephanie to enjoy. “Cindy, an active volunteer for Juvenile Diabetes, and my daughter Stephanie, look forward to the weekend getaways. Stephanie enjoys doing her artwork at her drafting table by the window overlooking the lake. It’s a quiet, peaceful retreat. And the lake is so calm – we enjoy riding our hydro-bikes together. Cycling over the water in our human-powered watercraft is a great family activity,” says Steve.

“Eight summers ago, when our daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, we decided on a lifestyle change – one with an emphasis on exercise and healthy living. Spending as much time as we can in our new lake home, Cindy enjoys preparing nutritious recipes that complement our favorite summer barbecue dishes,” he continues.

“After dinner, we can take a peaceful evening cruise on our electric pontoon boat to enjoy the lake’s tranquility at night. All the natural beauty that Innsbrook has to offer makes it a perfect retreat and an ideal location for a second home.”