There’s a stillness that permeates the air of John and Teresa Perlebach’s 320-acre family farm every morning. As the sun’s rays gradually brighten the corn and wheat fields that stretch beyond their back door, Teresa settles onto the deck with a cup of coffee to enjoy the solitude.
“It’s my favorite way to start the day, but it doesn’t last long,” she sighs. “By the time I am half a cup in, it’s over. The boys are up and playing outside, and John is tinkering with something.”
But the mom of two wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, it was John and Teresa’s hopes of having seven-year-old George and three-year-old Axel develop a strong connection to the family land that prompted them to leave their comfortable suburban community and build a 4,500-square-foot home in the country.
“It had always been my dream to build a house on the land,” John says, referring to the property that his grandfather purchased 35 years ago that allowed him to grow up riding horses, dirt bikes and four wheelers. “I wanted the boys to have the opportunity to do those things, too, and it’s easy to get them outside here,” he continues.
The couple set out to build a place that would connect well with their family and the land. “We wanted the house to look like it had always been on the property, rather than just being placed there,” explains John. They explored log homes, but ultimately decided a timber frame would best fit their prairie surroundings. “With the cedar siding and the way the house was designed to fit the landscape, it just looks like it belongs,” says John.
The nearly imperceptible divide between indoors and out — created through the extensive use of large-pane windows across the entire rear of the home and the continuation of wood and metal elements from the exterior to the interior — is what PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes designer Alex Kuzmenko says contributes to the structure’s seamless integration into the countryside.
“All of the glass gives you an immersive experience. Plus, there is no break in finishes, such as the tongue and groove that continues from outside to the indoors,” Alex points out.
The abundance of windows has an additional benefit: “The boys can hop on their dirt bikes or four wheelers, and I can oversee everything from the kitchen,” says John. Teresa agrees that the open layout reinforces the feeling of connection that they craved: “The house is so open, it keeps everyone near each other,” she says. “In the evening, we’re all in the kitchen helping with dinner, and at night, we’re hanging out in the living room by the fireplace making s’mores.”
When anyone does need to slip away for a bit of solitude, the lower level, which sports a home theater, wet bar, wine room and a hobby garage for all of the recreational toys, serves as a go-to retreat. But it’s the home’s primary suite that takes the prize as John and Teresa’s favorite respite. A resort-like haven, the space boasts well-appointed interiors, open air passage to the spa-inspired bathroom (upon John’s recommendation, the construction team removed the wall and door to reinforce the open feel of the room) and direct access to a Jacuzzi on the rear deck.
“In the summer, we sit in the hot tub and watch the lightening bugs over the corn fields, and then in the winter, everything is snow covered,” says John. “We may be in Nebraska, but to us it feels like a forever vacation.”
Home Details:
Square Footage: 4,500
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3.5
Timber Provider: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes
