An innate knack for architecture and design fueled the inspiration behind this exquisite new build in Chesterfield. Situated on a tree-lined swath of land overlooking Chesterfield Valley, this custom split-ranch-style home emphasizes intentional beauty with exclusive finishes and lavish outdoor spaces, which, in turn, pay homage to the property’s scenic location. “We chose an end lot that backed up to Chesterfield Valley and overlooked the Spirit of St. Louis Airport,” says owner John Churchill, who conceptualized the 5,000-square-foot home’s architectural design. After bringing in a professional architect to tweak his plan, John and his wife, Kim, began building in August 2025.
Drafted with an open floor plan, the home’s custom-cased openings create a seamless transition from room to room. Expansive windows and slider doors invite amazing views and natural light into the house. Custom accent walls serve as artwork in several rooms and hallways, with Restoration Hardware furnishings and lighting placed throughout to create continuity. Beamed ceilings laced with crown molding draw the eye upward, emphasizing the dramatic ceiling heights throughout the dwelling. An elegant design with effortless flow, the home features living spaces both inside and out.
“This is a traditional home with a twist,” notes Kim. "We chose a split-bedroom ranch style, opting for lots of windows and sliding doors to make it feel open and larger than it is."
A neutral palette and custom wallpapers provide a subdued backdrop, where the outdoor scenery can take the spotlight. Custom Lutron-powered shades throughout enable push-button operation, as does Lutron lighting. Sonos wireless speakers, both inside and out, add seamless audio capabilities to each room separately or synchronized for a party atmosphere.
“The overall aesthetic of this home is best described as modern traditional—a balance of timeless architectural elements with a fresh, updated approach to finishes and furnishings,” says Tiffany Nimmons of Glorifying Design and Staging, who had worked with the homeowners previously on multiple residences. “Our intent was to create a home that feels timeless and sophisticated, yet inherently livable. And because the homeowner played a direct role in the architectural design, the interiors were very much a continuation of that vision.”
Nimmons’s familiarity with the owners’ aesthetic paved the way for a highly cohesive and collaborative process. She and her team leaned into clean lines, a neutral, layered color palette and a mix of classic and elegant materials. “Our role was to soften and personalize the space,” she adds, “while bringing in texture, warmth and livability through curated finishes. We focused on creating a home that feels unified but still relaxed enough for everyday living.”
As you enter the residence, the great room grabs attention with a soaring box-beamed ceiling and 12-foot slider doors that open onto a deck overlooking the scenic back yard and valley below. A custom fireplace with a built-in and floating shelf flanks the fireplace. "The relaxed ambiance invites you to take a seat, read a book, have a glass of wine or just sit and visit," says Kim.
Flowing effortlessly from the kitchen, a hearth room features a vaulted, beamed ceiling, with a 15-foot stone fireplace anchoring the far side of the space. This rustic focal point, along with expansive windows, creates an intimate connection to the outdoors. "We really enjoy watching TV in the hearth room," John adds. "Not only is it a cozy room with a fireplace, but we can also watch airplanes land and take off amidst the valley lights."
On cool nights, the couple loves to sit outside in their outdoor hearth space by the fire with a glass of wine. Avid entertainers, they relish their al fresco spaces with friends and family, and their summers are packed with pool parties and patio barbecues from the outdoor kitchen and poolside grill.
As one of the standout features of this new build, the couple's stunning custom home includes two gourmet kitchens—both indoors and out—with high-end appliances, quartz countertops and a full backsplash with waterfall edges. Created with the visual guidance and expertise of Mitch Votruba, owner of Kitchen & Bath Design, whose family-owned business has been serving the St. Louis community since 1969, both kitchens were designed with elegance and high functionality in mind. Stepping outside the color box, the indoor kitchen showcases dark iron-ore-hued cabinets paired with sleek hardware and custom moldings, adding an element of sophistication. State-of-the-art appliances and a large built-in wine fridge, flanked by a butler’s pantry, allow for optimal flow.
The primary suite is nothing short of luxurious, with its own sitting area, fireplace and spacious his-and-her closets. A discreet laundry room serving only the owners' suite creates a convenient, functional oasis, and a spa-inspired bathroom clad in luxe finishes offers a soothing retreat.
Well-curated and skillfully installed decorative components and enhancements complement the existing millwork and architectural framework. Each piece was chosen with careful attention to scale, materiality and tonal balance, ensuring it integrates fluently with the home’s overall aesthetic. "While the architectural design and primary furnishings established a strong foundation, our scope focused on the finishing layers that bring warmth, cohesion and personality to the home," notes Nimmons. "These final elements are what transform a well-built house into a fully realized, livable environment."
A key priority was softening the clean architectural lines and adding depth through layering and texture. Subtle variations in fabric, nuanced neutrals and thoughtfully placed accessories create visual interest while maintaining the home’s core aesthetic. "The office just off the entry makes any business being done not a chore," jokes Kim. "The back feature wall incorporating herringbone-patterned wood flooring is a masterpiece, and the custom wall-to-wall cabinets with leathered granite countertops add a refined feel."
At the project's completion, the result unveiled a series of spaces that feel complete and intentional—refined yet approachable. Adds Nimmons, "By focusing on the finishing touches, we were able to reinforce the home’s modern-traditional character while ensuring it reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle in a truly authentic way."
Cabinetry: K and B Design
Granite/Stone/Countertop: Five Star
Tile and installer: Richardet
Hardware/Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson
Lighting: Restoration Hardware
Furniture: RH
Closet: Closet by Design
Wood Flooring and Installer: Richardet
Fireplace: Foreshaw
Windows & Treatments: Quaker/Lutron
Artwork: RH
Rugs: RH
Technology: Streib Media
Landscape Design: Top Tier
Pool: Luxe Pool
Outdoor Furniture/Decor: RH
Outdoor Lighting: RH
Outdoor Kitchen: Top Tier
Firepit: RH
Fireplace: Foreshaw
Audio/Visual: Streib Media
