The LDV Ranch sits on 834 acres in Cass County, Missouri. The ranch consists of several different buildings: a lakeside boathouse, event barn, and main residence. Long-time clients, Greg and Deanna Graves, desired a place to escape with family, friends and the community. The Graves have been a long-time client of NSPJ and have done numerous projects with Principal Architect, Rick Jones and Principal Landscape Architect, Katie Martinovic.
Consistency and an overall continuity of design is maintained throughout the property from start to finish. Rick and Katie designed the master plan with every inch drawn with intentional placement. The entry begins with a custom designed gate and a slow winding road through 11 planted oak trees. For the reason that, each represent the children and grandchildren of the Graves.
The first structure you come across on the ranch is the Craftsman-style timber frame event barn. The building itself is a two-story open concept design and has a kitchen, bar, and room for indoor/outdoor activities. On the main floor, you will find it unfurnished, but can be easily set up for any function. Upstairs, is a balcony for overflow guests or people-watching from above. Outside, you will find an over sized 10-foot diameter fire-pit and patio to accommodate guests for large events.
The second structure on the ranch is the combined boathouse and cottage connected by a terrace. The quaint buildings sit directly on the 63-acre lake which was built by damming a small creek that ran through the land. In the photo above, you see the boathouse to the left and the cottage to the right. Moreover, the duo was built with similar materials as the event barn.
Inside, the cottage is more nautical than the Western-like feel of the event barn. The two-bedroom cottage is the designated getaway destination for rest and relaxation on the ranch. The lake waters come right up to the patio for a serene and peaceful feeling. Furthermore, the attached garage holds everything an avid boatman could dream of for a day on the water. There is plenty of room for the jet skis, pontoon boat, and ski boat inside.
You can read the full article in the Kansas City Star.
