Porch Dreams

The lot next door inspires a St. Louis family to expand their horizons with a new, custom-built forever home designed to suit their vision for the ultimate dream porch. 

By Jeanne de Lathouder 
Photography by Megan Lorenz
Interior Design by Cure Design Group
Architecture by Schaub Projects Architecture + Design
Custom Build by Bozich Construction

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A bespoke project from the ground up, this elegant new build in St. Louis’s posh Town & Country neighborhood was fueled by the owners’ vision of a dream porch. Situated next door to their previous home—which lacked a screened-in porch—the adjacent lot had been on the couple’s wish list for nearly a decade. So, when it finally became available, they were quick to act. “The design concept for our new home was formed around a porch large enough for entertaining and as an extension of the kitchen and main living area,” says the owner, who, along with his wife, had been inspired by multiple new homes in the area. “We wanted a more traditional-style home with neutral stucco and stone, along with a dark roof, trim and spires. Many aspects are reminiscent of our previous dwelling, including high ceilings and a spacious basement for hosting large extended family gatherings.” 

Completed in the fall of 2025, the sprawling 12,900-square-foot home was designed to exacting standards by architect David Schaub, founding and managing partner of Schaub Projects Architecture + Design, along with his son, CEO and partner Drew Schaub. “The owners wanted a home that was large for entertaining yet felt cozy and inviting when it was just the family getting together,” David notes. “The exterior architectural aesthetic emulates an English Cotswold style, known for its idyllic charm, interesting geometry and blend of materials —primarily stone, stucco and timber. Inside, the aesthetic melds into a more relaxed, transitional style seen in the interior detailing, fixtures and furniture selections.”

Having worked alongside the owners on a previous residence, senior interior designer Cori Dyer and associate designer Grace Gettemeier, both of Cure Design Group, brought a deep understanding of the couple’s design sensibilities into this home. “This continuity allowed us to curate an enduring composition of upholstery and case goods that feels authentic to them—timeless rather than trend-driven,” says Dyer. “The architectural layout, thoughtfully developed by the Schaub team and the homeowners as an evolution of their previous residence, created a strong foundation for both form and function.”

Adds the owner, "We have worked with Cori since moving to St. Louis in 2017," and the minute we met her, we knew we had found someone who really cared and was incredibly passionate about her work."

Among the couple's talented team, custom home builders Kenny LeMay and Colton Bates of Bozich Construction were both instrumental in making their dream home a reality. “From the beginning, the owners had a solid vision for a timeless architectural style with natural stone, strong rooflines and spaces that feel both refined and comfortable for everyday living,” LeMay notes. “Our role was to take that vision from the architect and interior designer and make sure it was executed properly throughout the construction process.” Notes the owner, "This being our first time building a home from the ground up, Kenny and Colton made the experience fun and relatively easy, knowing they would help us avoid mistakes."  

The home's strategic floor plan includes a lower level with a fitness room enclosed with a floor-to-ceiling glass expanse that borrows light from the adjoining spaces, reserving the main window views in the house for the entertaining spaces. A casual bar station is positioned to serve the billiards area, the golf simulator and the outdoor pool patio. On the first floor, the entry foyer features a gracefully curved staircase with windows above, allowing abundant light while preserving privacy at the front of the home. Soaring ceilings in the living and dining rooms combine with sweeping windows that offer dramatic views and natural sunlight. A large pocketing sliding door unit allows the entire wall to open effortlessly onto the screened porch. 

"The Schaub team walked through our old home with us and listened intently to what aspects we wanted to replicate," says the owner. "We met with them only a few times in person, but ultimately, their initial plan was so close to what we wanted that the process was quick and seamless. A fun example, we mentioned we wanted to see our kids—now teenage triplets—in the pool from the kitchen sink/window, and they delivered just that. We also have an incredible view of our back yard due to them." 

The building team paid meticulous attention to the architectural details and craftsmanship throughout the house, with standout elements including the exterior stonework, the custom entry and the outdoor living area, which showcases a vaulted ceiling and a full masonry fireplace. "Inside the home, spaces including the kitchen and the lower-level bar feature extensive millwork, cabinetry and finish coordination to ensure everything came together cleanly," notes LeMay. "Projects like this work best when everyone is aligned, and this was a great example of that. In the end, it’s a home with a lot of character, strong architectural presence and spaces designed to be enjoyed for years to come.”

While designing interiors within grand volumes can often pose challenges in achieving intimacy, Dyer and her team approached the interior spaces with a focus on warmth and depth—layering materials, textures and tones to create a sense of comfort without compromising scale. One of the defining elements that guided both the furniture placement and overall spatial composition within the great room and dining area was the presence of oversized stained ceiling beams. 

"These architectural features naturally established a sense of delineation within the open floor plan, allowing each space to feel both intentional and highly functional while maintaining visual continuity," Dyer notes. "The home’s aesthetic is also deeply connected to its setting, surrounded by a secluded landscape. Intentional in drawing the eye outward while honoring the home’s verticality, we implemented custom draperies in the great room designed to frame the view and accentuate the ceiling height, creating a striking moment upon entry while reinforcing the home’s connection to its environment."

Dyer’s custom color palette throughout the main living areas was thoughtfully inspired by a striking Janina Ellis artwork, which served as a foundational reference. "We carried its rich undertones through the design by layering bespoke rose dining chairs, blush detailing in the drapery trim, and nuanced accents in varying shades of blush and ruby, says the designer. "These moments of color were balanced by neutral furnishings, where warmth was introduced through materiality—most notably in the wood and leather inlay detailing within the sofas." 

Fortunate enough to live in the neighborhood during construction, the couple walked by the house nearly every day to see the progress. As their new home evolved, some of the most memorable standout features included dual climate-controlled wine rooms, a hidden pantry with garage access for groceries, and lavish outdoor spaces with extensive landscaping and lighting. 

“Without a doubt, the screened-in porch is definitely the heart of our home,” says the owner. “Expansive 10-foot pocket doors open from the dining room, revealing a massive wood-burning fireplace and outdoor kitchen, all enclosed by retractable screens. Electric ceiling-mounted heaters and a heated floor truly make the space multi-seasonal. It’s our favorite place to unwind, play games, eat family meals, and overlook our beautiful backyard and pool."