Owner Dan Kirchhoefer fell in love with Heather Hill Lane when he first drove down it more than a decade ago. Other owners were tearing down its 1950s-era houses and rebuilding, so Kirchhoefer decided to buy property there and do the same. He wrote letters to homeowners on the street, asking if anyone was looking to sell—and fortunately, someone was.
Kirchhoefer says he wanted to rebuild in grand style. He drew up most of the floor plan himself, and worked with builder R.J. Barry to bring the new home to life. “My daughter and I are the only people who have lived here,” he notes. “And I’m a stickler for keeping things in beautiful shape, inside and out. So it’s unusually pristine for a 10-year-old house.”
There were two ‘must-have’ features on Kirchhoefer’s list: lots of room for entertaining and a large wine room for his extensive collection. Natural light was also a priority, so he designed large windows throughout the house. There’s lower-level space that would work well as a guest suite, and a fitness room with plenty of space for large equipment. And the expansive master suite features a custom-designed, walk-in closet big enough for two wardrobes. “I’m a bit of a clothes horse, so I really like that feature,” Kirchhoefer says.
He plans to downsize to a smaller house in the area, but says he’s created some wonderful memories. “The most enjoyable times have been when my sister brought her seven kids and 25 grandchildren to dinner for the holidays,” he notes. He describes the house as “made for fun,” with its large kitchen, spacious yard, outdoor patio and wide-open interior perfect for mingling and socializing. Kirchhoefer says he spends most of his relaxation time in the sunken hearth room because it has “the best sound system and TV setup.”
He feels equally attached to the beautifully appointed study and recreation room. “I always seem to end up there to unwind after parties and family gatherings,” he says. The quiet street and neighborhood have made life pleasant as well: “There’s never any road noise, and the house’s high-quality construction makes it even more peaceful here.”
It all adds up to a house Kirchhoefer has been proud to call home. “I know every nail, screw and piece of wood,” he says. “I did a lot of research when I was designing it, and I think it’s one of the best-built homes in Olivette.”
listing price | $1,574,000
listing agent | diane patershuk of berkshire hathaway homeservices alliance real estate
Photos: Rod Patershuk
