Luxurious country living with Bluegrass style in Cambridge Estates

It took a little salesmanship on Evan Mossbarger’s part to convince wife Debbie that Cambridge Estates was the right spot to put down roots and build their dream home.

“I grew up in Stonewall in Lexington where we had big lots,” Evan said. “We wanted to find a lot where you can play ball in the back yard and that kind of stuff.”

“The first time we drove out here she said ‘It’s too far out!’” Evan said. Of course Debbie knew she would be the one doing the bulk of driving their son back and forth to Lexington Christian Academy and other activities.

“I timed it, and it was only seven minutes from Man-O-War,” Evan said.

Debbie loved the classic Bluegrass scene across from what would become their back yard – quiet pastureland, two large ponds, wooden fences and grazing horses.

“We ended up being one of the first few homes built here, and that was almost 17 years ago,” Evan said. “For me the best part is living in the country, but being just minutes from the city.”

MADE TO ORDER

There were some practical as well as some whimsical architectural and design ideas Debbie had from the outset that were incorporated into their emerging 6,195 square foot, 5 bedroom, 6 bath home.

Among those were: lots of natural light in every room, plenty of decorative wood moldings, a piano room, a main floor master bedroom and a large eat-in kitchen with a separate little “cozy room.” She also wanted to create the kind of “house where all the kids came.”

In the kitchen Debbie wanted more of a furniture look for the cabinetry and chose solid maple throughout with the help of kitchen designer Greg Butcher. Ubatuba granite from Brazil gives the countertops and island a luxurious feel. The built-in pebble ice machine is a cherished indulgence.

The “cozy room” or hearth room off the kitchen is a favorite. “I just wanted a little hang out with comfortable furniture, bookcases and a fireplace,” Debbie said. During the planning stages Evan failed to see the benefit of the room.

“I said we will never use this room,” Evan said. “But now it’s where we stay all the time. It’s a wonderful spot.”

The full finished basement features custom cabinetry, kitchen, plenty of space for both ping-pong and billiards, and a full bath.

“On Wednesday nights for three years, we had about 40 kids from Southland Church here for youth group,” Debbie said. “It became an area where kids came, which was our intent.”

GOLF COURSE LIVING

Although the home is not right on a golf course, Debbie and Evan are positively steeped in golf these days. Several courses are within a mile. There’s Keene Trace which is the name of the newly combined Champions and Keene Run courses. And Golf Club of the Bluegrass is also nearby.

Evan, who sold his Lexington engineering firm a few years back, is on to a new venture as co-owner of Keene Trace Golf Course, where a major PGA event is coming in July – the Barbasol Championship. “Who would have dreamed all this?” Evan said.

With son Clay through college and out of the house, the Mossbargers are reassessing the need for their large home.

Debbie, co-owner and founder of Queen Bee Gifts in Palomar Centre, recently sold her interest in the business. “With the PGA going on this year, I wanted to travel with Evan,” Debbie said. “We’re doing a lot of travel in preparation for the tournament.”

The Mossbargers like the patio homes at Brannon Gardens, but haven’t settled on a plan. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do,” Evan said. “Except have fun.”

This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Luxurious country living with Bluegrass style in Cambridge Estates."