A local couple builds their little piece of paradise – a mountain home tucked amongst the Louisiana foliage.Though they both hail from the Pelican State, homeowners Jacob and April Patton enjoyed the time they spent living in the mountains of Montana. They wanted to incorporate that aesthetic into the home they built in north Shreveport’s Nob Hill subdivision.

Mike Drysdale, of Classic Design Home, remodeled their previous home in the same neighborhood. When the Pattons decided to sell it and build their next house, they knew Drysdale was perfect for the job. “When we bought this land, everyone said we wouldn’t be able to build on it because the grade of the slope was very steep. We did not want to bring in dirt to build a twostory house – that’s not our style,” said April. “Mike had experience building in Colorado. He was not at all afraid of the challenge.”

The home is built into the side of a hill – similar to the way homes are built in mountain states like Colorado and New Mexico. “We tried to make it natural to the landscape,” said April. Drysdale says due to the unusual nature of the build, it was a demanding task. They had to consider Louisiana’s rainy weather and erosion – things that aren’t an issue in states with a drier climate. Drysdale put in a retaining wall and planned for flooding circumstances. He also installed a French drain and waterproofed the wall that is built into the hill.

Upon entering the residence, you are actually on the home’s second floor and level with the treetops. The eye is immediately drawn to a substantial mirror in the foyer that April says has traveled with them from Shreveport to Montana and back again. It, along with the antique bookcase next to it, are among the pieces in the home that she most loves.

A rustic iron-and-crystal chandelier, hung above the table in the dining area, is a mix of the couple’s different decorating styles. April says she likes neutral, clean and contemporary,

while Jacob prefers traditional cozy. “My husband likes leather, and I like everything white. So, we try our best to balance that,” she said. The living room furniture is an eye-pleasing mix of white and dark leather couches and chairs. Much of the furniture was purchased while the family lived in Montana, but a few pieces were procured locally at Chateau en Mae. April says the majority of the home’s lighting came from Restoration Hardware. The brick fireplace is a favorite, as the family enjoys sitting on the hearth to warm up in the winter or just enjoy a good book.

Sherwin Williams’ Worldly Gray and Amazing Gray are the wall colors featured throughout the home, while the floors are ash-hued hardwood. “I wanted colors that went with gray and beige, that went with cream and white so that I could do a lot of different things with them,” said April.

A bank of living room windows, as well as numerous others throughout the home, allow a flood of natural light into the space, the better to see the vivid and energetic paintings adorning the wall. All of the home’s artwork were created by April’s sister-in-law, local artist Vanicka Terhune.

The quartzite countertops in the kitchen are a mixture of golds, silvers, creams and white. The material was chosen for its translucent quality. Lighting was installed underneath the kitchen island and utilized as a nightlight. A stone backsplash adds to the rustic, mountain feel. White cabinetry and exposed wood beams complete the space.

April says a favorite spot in the house is the balcony and upper-level outdoor kitchen. A spiral staircase leads to the home’s lower level and the pool area. “We just love it out here, because you feel that you are in the trees. It’s as close to the mountains as you can get here,” said April.

Back inside the home, a convenient seasonal storage area is located right off the kitchen and living room. April says she has a Christmas tree on wheels that can be wheeled out and set up in minutes.

The master bedroom is also located on the upper level. Large windows offer a serene view of the wooded property. Quality Shades & Shutters installed retractable blackout shades, and furnishings came from Restoration Hardware. In the master bath, the cabinetry in is white with acrylic hardware from River Cities Lighting and features granite countertops.

A desk area and mud bench are located in a hallway off the kitchen that also contains a half-bath and the laundry room. A set of stairs leads down to the lower level and the remaining bedrooms. April says that she can turn off the air conditioning on the lower level during the day, and the space remains cool because it is underground. “It’s very functional. When the kids aren’t here, I can shut off the downstairs, and it makes the upstairs very maintainable,” she said.

A children’s den features a coffered ceiling above three giant cream-colored beanbag chairs from Love Sack. On the wall above the beanbag chairs is another art piece Terhune gifted the family for Christmas. There is also a safe room that Jacob wanted in case of storms, and there is a small play area beneath the stairs.

More custom art by Terhune adorns the wall in her daughter’s room. “She did the custom pieces for me based on the colors my daughter wanted.” The two bedrooms, located on the other side of the den, have a connecting Jackand-Jill bath. One bedroom is home to the couple’s dinosaur-loving son and has a good view of the outdoors from the bedroom window. The other room belongs to their oldest son, who desired a more cave-like space.

A patio off of the children’s den leads to the backyard with a brick-andstone outdoor fireplace. There is also a swimming pool and hot tub constructed by Blue Haven Pools & Spas. The family enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors, and April says the children swim almost every day.

April says their small neighborhood is ideal. “Because it’s a gated community, your kids can take off and just be kids,” she said.

The home is currently available for sale. Contact Diane Gibson with Re/ Max. The couple is open to the idea of selling the home furnished.