Everyone has visions of retiring, but few people put as much energy into the plan as Linda and Jerry Hayes. Marking pages in magazines, viewing countless floor plans and taking copious notes, they planned their future, filing away not only features that they might utilize as they age, but also making it the personal home of their dreams today.

By Noma Fowler-Sandlin Photography by Lora Fairchild

When attending the yearly Parade of Homes in 2012, the Hayes kept their ears and eyes open for details in houses they liked, and afterward based on what they saw, they hired Duggan & Fine Construction to build their custom home. In turn, Duggan & Fine directed them to Crawford & Associates who created the plans that ful lled the Hayes wishes. Construction began in February of 2013, and with a smooth turnaround, the couple moved in just last June. They had, however, spent considerable time before the building process even began, nding just the right subdivision in which to build. They toured many, and ultimately chose Kingston Plantation in Benton in which to settle due to details like excellent drainage, sidewalks and curbs, street lighting and great communication with the developer. The 3/4 of an acre gives them elbow room, as does the more than 5,000 square feet of home. Right before moving in, the Hayes thoroughly enjoyed participating in the 2013 Parade of Homes, which allowed them to share their new home with the community.

The outside of the house features a lovely sunset glow color, with interesting details around the windows including lines of bricks containing eur-de-lis keystones, and gorgeous stained-wood shutters. Through a wood, glass and iron scrollwork front door, the entryway boasts the rst of several decorative tiled mosaics. One of the best features in the adjoining formal dining room is the dramatic crown molding, with staggered corner pieces that add visual interest. Lovely arches allow egress to the rest of the house. Legs on chairs have been tted with pads that slide easily across the oor with little effort, as ease of care and movement is a big part of this home’s design.

The living area of the home is a large space with open vistas to the outdoors. Jamestown molding frames windows open to views of the backyard which sparkles with a lovely pool and waterfall.

The landscaping gives a nod to the future. Many palms were used instead of trees so there would be little raking in the future. Additionally, the sprinkler systems were installed in both the front and back yards. Inside, lush comfortable furniture welcomes lounging in front of the television and the corner replace. Wall accents in iron scrollwork give the room a feel of strength and permanence.

The kitchen is a grand room where you can almost feel the laughter of the couple’s three daughters and their children, who visit regularly. A huge kitchen island was fashioned from exotic granite that ows with rivers of gold, beige, brown and black. The stone continues throughout the kitchen, which also has many other features that Linda appreciates now and will continue to as time passes – Lazy Susans in corner cabinets, drawers that pull out and close with a ngertip touch, appliance garages and for fun, a television tucked neatly away. The cabinetry made of beech, and stained with a “secret recipe” that their painter devised, is accented with barley twists and rope trim. Chosen by Jerry, black and brass ttings, along with oil rubbed black faucets add an extra touch of drama. Linda is the decorator of record, a fact she takes pride in, and well she should. The golden-yellow glow of the walls, and hand-scraped hardwood oors were just a few of the great choices she made.

Off the charming breakfast room at the end of the kitchen is the rst of four bathrooms, all of which have tankless waterheaters, as well as a door to the fabulous four-car garage which is lled with ample storage, and a door to the pool, allowing swimmers to slip quickly into the bathroom. The home’s second oor also rises from this area. Upstairs is a well- tted guest room with antique touches, and a king-sized bed. Jerry also spends time in the upstairs media room, decorated with taxidermied trophies from favorite hunts of elk, deer and mountain goats. Comfy chairs, a television and his computer desk tucked neatly into the corner make this a perfect getaway. An upstairs bath completes the nished part of the second oor, but there is also an ample un nished section of the attic that has been put to excellent use. Spray foam insulation was used for its ef ciency, and it keeps this area at a comfortable temperature year round making it the perfect large storage area.

The master bedroom suite is on the lower oor, and its door, as well as most others in the home, are 36 inches wide, allowing for wheelchairs and walkers should they be needed someday. A tray ceiling rises above cheery yellow walls decorated with prints and paintings. Floral bedding and colorful parrots incorporate an indoor-outdoor feel.

In the master bath, the tub and it’s beautifully-framed beaded screen with a parrot image is a stunning focal point. It has all sorts of features to soothe bodies of any age – aromatherapy, light-therapy, air and water jets, and other bells and whistles designed to make a person feel great. Its placement also allows views of a television, tucked neatly and nearly unnoticeably, above the door. The couple each has a sink and vanity of their own, all backed with counter to ceiling mirrors which re ect light, and make the room seem even larger. The shower is designed to accept accessibility aids should that need arise, and is also quite beautiful, with rectangular tiles running vertically, and plenty of stone accents.

Downstairs has two en suite guest rooms, both similarly attired in Parisian accents, and a black on cream color scheme. The king beds have classic, tailored looks, interesting lighting and soft, compelling carpeting.

In designing their home for retirement, Linda and Jerry Hayes certainly created no retirement home. Instead, they opted for an energy-ef cient home perfect for the aging of the planet, and multiple options for any scenario concerning their health and mobility as they age. With plenty of room for visitors, but with the core of the home on the lower oor, they have assured that their custom home will last them for the rest of their lives.

Contributors to the Hayes Home

Duggan & Fine Builders

Crawford & Associates - Custom Plans

Barrett Appliance & Home Products

Bill’s AC & Heating

Coburn Supply Co.

- Tubs & Plumbing Fixtures

Danny Corley - Painter

Glass Contractors

H & H Electric

La Borde Cabinetry

Sew Elegant Designs - Custom Blinds

Snyder’s Flooring

Southern Stone

True Blue Pools

Whitlock Plumbing