Courtyard chic

Few regions in Europe provide as much inspiration for traditional-style homes as the Tuscany region of Italy, with a rich architectural tradition that stretches back hundreds of years.

Combining an antique Tuscan look with modern functionality and strong indoor-outdoor flow was the starting point for the development of this home, says Adam Knecht of Domanico Custom Homes.

"We wanted an open feel to enhance the experience of living in a traditional courtyard home," he says.

"As the project progressed, we worked with the architect to remove some structural walls and open up the home more than originally planned."

The 13,800sq ft six-bedroom home, which took two years to build, sits on a level plot of just under one acre of land. The home sits within the Southern Highlands Estate Golf Course on the outskirts of Las Vegas, a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

"The rolling terrain of the golf course, together with the city lights and mountain views, provides a dramatic desert backdrop for this home," he says.

Features of the home include an exercise room converted by the homeowner into a spa and massage area a bar and games room and two home theatres. Fifteen date palms, interspersed with pine trees, provide architectural planting and showcase the home's central pool and courtyard.

Knecht believes that homeowners' attitudes have changed significantly over the years.

"Customers still appreciate the aesthetic qualities of traditional Mediterranean architecture, and the Tuscan look is still very popular, but expectations have increased, particularly in the last five years," he says.

"People are more aware of features such as home theatres and integrated systems. Our task for this home was to combine these state-of-the-art facilities with traditional architectural design and finishes."

Domanico Custom Homes specializes in high- end custom residences in Las Vegas. Many of its properties, such as this one, are built within gated and guarded golf course communities.

The Southern Highlands Estate Golf Course is ranked among the country's top 100 modern courses. It offers a par-72 facility for golf enthusiasts, and a Tuscan-inspired clubhouse and spa.

For more information, contact Domanico Custom Homes, 10789 W. Twain Ave, Ste 100, Las Vegas, NV 89135, phone (702) 221 0338. Or visit the website: www.domanicocustomhomes.com.

Story by: Trendsideas