<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Jay and Mary Guzzino Wilkinson designed their new house from the inside out.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“We weren’t that concerned with what people would see when they drove up. We were most concerned about what we’d see looking out.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The view from standing over the stove was especially important to the Wilkinsons who both enjoy cooking. She favors Italian dishes, including recipes from a full-blooded Sicilian grandmother. Sunday dinners include at least 15 family and friends. Often groups are larger.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“That’s why we designed the overflow dining area,” Mary pointed out.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house and property look as spectacular from the outside as the view looks from the inside. The house is about 15 feet off the water level, and built that way to make it feel more like a vacation home on the river. An eight-foot-wide deck wraps the home, with the south porch extending even an extra eight feet uncovered to take in the winter sun. The exterior color is the perfect color green to blend with the surroundings.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Jay said he really wanted a home on the river, but spends so much time running the farm, that won’t work. We’ll make our own waterfront property,” Mary explained, chuckling. “I wanted that kickback, relax, you’re on vacation kind of feel.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Every room in the house has a view of the lake, a variety of trees and the nearby woods. A sign near the house’s entrance reads: Escape to the Lake.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Jay and Mary lived in the family’s business office /shop house for 12 years before moving into the new place.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“It was only supposed to be one year,” Mary said</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">However, Hurricane Rita hit right after Jay made the move to operate the tree business full time. Mary teaches school. The Wilkinson business specializes in mature trees of all sizes, which are carefully removed from the ground and transplanted in a new location using large tree spades.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The home is surrounded by these trees: live oaks, crepe myrtles, palms, magnolias, fruit, cypress and other trees. Part of the scenery includes the Wilkinson’s own orchard of blueberry bushes, orange, lemon, fig, peach and plum trees.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The trees aren’t the only feature that makes the Wilkinson property appealing. Add the seven-acre spring-fed body of water that wraps the house on three sides. The lake is over 50 feet in some areas and stocked with bass, catfish and perch. Jay created it in his previous career in the civil construction industry.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Surrounding the Wilkinson’s 65-acre home and business location are wooded areas not likely to be developed any time soon.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The lower level features an enclosed outside kitchen/man cave/guest quarters. The island and appliances in the kitchen are stainless. Jay’s hunting, and rib cook-off trophies provide the décor. Outside the door is a custom grill big enough to fit and turn 20 racks of ribs and plenty of chicken.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“He uses a different custom grill on wheels for the cook off competitions,” Mary said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Mary describes the style of the interior as European farmhouse/eclectic.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">She plans to use her grandmother’s bed and an antique dresser in a room that will be decorated family heirlooms and vintage family photos.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The tablecloth on the temporary dining room table was purchased during a mission trip from Ecuador.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“We just moved in,” Mary said. “We haven’t come close to furnishing or decorating the house. But like I told you, it’s all about the view.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house’s interior structure is as appealing as the view. Massive trusses stretch across the open living area. Walls are stone and textured sheetrock, which resembles what might be found in an old-world European kitchen. The ten-foot white knotty pine beadboard ceiling contrasts beautifully with the reddish brown trusses.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The Wilkinsons hadn’t intended to use solid wood eight-feet tall doors throughout, but they were so pleased with the oversized knotty alder two-inch thick entrance doors, they decided to splurge. (I put an ‘s’ because the bottom entrance doors are the same as top)</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The dining room chandelier was spotted during a trip Mary made with her sisters and sister-in-law. All agreed it was perfect for the space. (The sisters picked up the tab.)</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">It set the tone for the remainder of the lighting used in the dining, kitchen and living area.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house has many windows, and since the house is so far off the ground, those windows will remain unadorned to continue the views throughout the evening hours too. Mary said, “I love falling asleep gazing out at the moon and stars.” (not sure how to put this together without being repetitive…. Or just leave as you had it. )</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I’m usually up before the sun comes up,” Mary said. “Right outside on the deck where I drink my coffee, the morning moon casts a beautiful glow on the water.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">In the evening, bass jump for their dinner. A doe and her fawn have fed near the house. Of course they can see nature and the great outdoors without stepping foot outside. When they do use the loungers on the dock, it’s as much for stargazing as sunbathing.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">This is a place where family and friends can fish, hunt, swim or just sit and enjoy the vision that turned a cow pasture into an extraordinary place to call home.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I want people to be able to relax when they’re here,” Mary said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">According to Mary, home is the place where those the Wilkinsons cherish, gather.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Whether it’s a quick stop over, a shared meal or a long stay, having the warmth of friends and family is what makes our house a home.”</span><p>The home of Jay and Mary Guizzino Wilkinson is about 15 feet off the water level</p>