On approach to the Telluride’s massive, gleaming custom mahogany front door in Rodrock Homes’ Summerwood Estates, it’s natural to have a sense of deja vu. Exterior flagstone entry, wavy lap cedar siding, native stone and distinctive architecture reminiscent of a Colorado lodge leave you wondering: Is there a mountain peak off in the distance? Have I been transported from a quiet suburban enclave to the Rockies’ visual beauty? 
The striking, modern mountain-inspired residence, designed by acclaimed Kansas City architect Fred Kohlmeyer, is indeed situated on a cul-de-sac in an Overland Park zip code. Despite its 5,347-square-foot size, the Telluride’s aesthetic — enhanced by lush landscaping and interior innovations — has a warm and inviting vibe. Rodrock Homes’ entry in the much-anticipated Artisan Home Tour, now through Sept. 20, the four-bedroom Telluride is a natural attention-getter.
Visually stunning
The home seamlessly incorporates extensive use of hand-selected materials including reclaimed wood from Missouri and Kansas barns built in the 1920s and stone, metal and iron. Interior designer Kristen Ridler’s creative interpretation of contemporary family living is captivating — from the dramatic foyer light fixture cascading from the second floor to the lower level in a breathtaking 22-foot drop to sumptuous Macaubas granite in the gourmet-equipped kitchen, the attentiveness to detail will attract the most discerning buyer. 
Brian Rodrock, president of Rodrock Homes, thinks the heirloom estate home showcases old-world craftsmanship exuding the essence of artisan. “This home has been in the planning stages for years,” Rodrock said. “We’ve researched home styles from Colorado to California and have collaborated with professionals like Fred, Kristen and our vendors. The result is a unique property certain to resonate with Midwest buyers.” The team bringing the Telluride from drawing board to reality strived to source materials that translate well to the Midwest while enhancing the modern-mountain ambiance. “I’m particularly taken by the reclaimed barn wood,” Rodrock said. “That historical element gives the home a true, emotional sense of place.”
Custom features throughout
Punctuated by clean, straight lines, the Telluride’s stunning interior boasts a floating staircase with a custom iron handrail; soaring ceilings; and a spectacular linear fireplace in the great room, framed by Black Hills stone and a pre-cast concrete mantel. Adding to the harmony of rustic and contemporary artisan materials are glowing multi-species wood floors; open ceiling joists in the formal study where the wood is harvested from a Macon, Mo., barn; an exposed steel beam; and a timeless blend of glass, stone and wood in every meticulously designed room. Generous in size but intimate in nature, the Telluride beckons family and friends to create lifetime memories by gathering in the great room, the hearth room or by the fireplace on the covered patio. Expansive windows allow natural light to illuminate rooms, creating a refreshing interior accented by a soothing palette of charcoal, gray and cream. “The Telluride’s streamlined open floor plan is for everyday living and gracious entertaining,” Ridler said. “The primary kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Thermador appliances and a smaller kitchen supports it — a cozy space to brew morning coffee, where kids can grab after-school snacks, a place to stage for a party.” 
The kitchen/butler’s pantry features a glass reach-in Thermador refrigerator, microwave, a commercial-style swinging door and a modern glass subway tile backsplash. Another highlight is custom electric metal-and-glass doors that mimic miniature garage doors, concealing shelves ideal for stashing small appliances. A grand hallway with a vaulted ceiling opens into the main level’s sweeping master suite, that is complete with a private entrance to the covered patio. A spa-like master bath has his-and-hers vanities with Travertine counter tops and a deep freestanding tub juxtaposed against an open glass-and-stone shower. The master closet has custom drawers and cabinets offering ample storage and beautiful light fixtures that cast a warm glow on the exotic plush antelope-print carpet. Off the four-car garage is an open-concept mom’s office and large mudroom, outfitted with lockers and drawers. Also on the main level is a guest powder room with a live-edge wood and stone counter and artful stone backsplash; a laundry room with a built-in ironing board, marble floors and cabinets and drawers for optimum organization; a bar off the hearth room and another powder room with a hand-carved stone sink.
Form and function combined
“Part of the Telluride’s beauty is not just in its form, but its function,” said Rodrock Homes project manager Tim Suiter, who has directed every aspect of bringing the Artisan Home to completion. “This is a place destined for memories and life’s events — busy schedules, family meals in the eat-in area off the kitchen, holiday gatherings.” Three bedrooms and baths, an airy loft space and a second laundry room are located on the second level. Summerwood Estates is a serene community within the top-rated Blue Valley School District. The congenial neighborhood features a private stocked fishing lake with fountain, kid-friendly sports court, more than two miles of nature trails, zero-depth entry lagoon-style pool with cabanas, scenic views and spacious home sites surrounded by more than 50 acres of natural green space. Rodrock helms the company known for creating premier communities and homes in Johnson County where lifestyle is just the beginning. Rodrock’s progression into the custom home market means buyers can build an estate home, such as the Telluride, on a site in a Rodrock community loaded with amenities or in a handpicked neighborhood anywhere in the Kansas City area. A collaborative partner, Rodrock works with architects and interior designers to complete a custom home project. “We don’t just build structures, we imagine places where families can live and share and dream,” Rodrock said. “The Telluride is the pinnacle of that vision.”
