Exquisite Interiors

by SUZY TURNER photos by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

estled among 160 acres of gentle rolling hills, Gina and Scott Corley’s beautiful modern farmhouse offers views of spectacular sunsets and gorgeous natural surroundings. Located in the community of Lanier, just outside of Linden, Texas, this two-story 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath homestead was built in 2020 on family land that Gina’s great, great-grandfather bought in the late 1800s. Currently, the 3,811 total square foot home is flocked by native and sapling pine trees and surrounded by spring-fed creeks running throughout the land.

Contractor Kevin Browning of Browning Homes and concrete finisher Woody Belcher of Belcher Concrete put their heart and soul into making sure this beauty provides plenty of space for Gina and Scott to make great memories with their two daughters, Grace and Jena. A blend of old and new abounds all throughout this refreshing home as clean lines, layered textures, natural materials, and neutral colors reflect the farmhouse flair.

A wooden bench in the entryway served as one of the original benches in the Lanier Baptist Church and has been repurposed and painted. A floor-to-ceiling

Nrock fireplace is the focal point in the cozy living area. Decorated with pumpkins and fall flowers, the dark mahogany mantel comes alive with shades of orange, yellow, and red, thanks to Grace’s artistry. The stained concrete floors, by Buddy Benson of Benson’s Concrete Cosmetics, bring in a contemporary vibe while the inlaid star allows a hint of rustic appeal. Plenty of natural light floods the room with custom floor-to-ceiling windows. A windmill ceiling fan adds an industrial ambiance while the rustic lighting matches the spindles on the staircase. A wall frame, made from the original wood out of the old country store in Lanier, holds a photo of Gina’s grandfather, great-aunt and great-uncle. This photo was given to Gina by her first cousin, Kyle Fant. The store was first owned by Gina’s great, great-grandfather, E. W. Fant, then run by her great-uncle for over 50 years. Later, Gina’s father owned it and turned it into a deer camp before it was demolished when Hwy. 59 was widened. The Corleys’ homey kitchen blends farmhouse and contemporary styles seamlessly. Dark mahogany cabinets add a more modern look while the farmhouse

sink embodies a simple, rustic feel. Tuscan Samsung appliances, granite countertops, stainless drawer and cabinet hardware, and oil-rubbed bronze faucets bring in a mixture of metals and textures while adding total functionality to the space. Gina fondly displays her mother’s apron and remembers her mother always baking and making the “best chocolate pies.” A treasured recipe from Scott’s Memaw is framed and displayed in the kitchen. He recalls her often making homemade biscuits at her home in McLeod when he was a child. To this day, the Corleys enjoy carrying on the family tradition of making biscuits.

Pops of color on the rug and an abstract painting bring the breakfast nook to life. Two-toned wood grains make up the table for four offering a quiet place for a good family meal. A large window offers the perfect views while quaint conversation takes place in the mornings.

Beautiful cedar beams lead guests into the open formal dining room. The table for six warms the space and is very sentimental to Gina since she and her late father, Jan Fant, traveled to Oklahoma to purchase the furniture. The traditional wooden table is perfectly decorated for the fall season with pumpkins, flowers, and plaid napkins in orange, white, and brown. An ornate bronze light fixture brings a modern element to the space. An antique curio cabinet, once belonging to Gina’s mother, houses family mementoes. A large lighted china cabinet holds several glassware collections that were favorite pieces once belonging to Scott and Gina’s grandmothers.

Natural light streams into the master bedroom, creating an open and bright focal point while a wooden sleigh bed takes center stage. Heavily grained wooden nightstands flank the bed while holding unique contemporary lamps. A tan and white comforter offers a tonal palette while throw pillows in muted tones of taupe, gray and burgundy bring depth to the space. Above the bed are photos of Gina and Scott and a sign that reads, “Always kiss me goodnight.” A wooden bench sits at the end of the bed, the perfect place for housing blankets and a Bible, while also offering a place to sit and unwind at the end of the day. The walk-in closet has plenty of storage for clothes and accessories and hosts a built-in dresser with a geometrically-shaped gold mirror.

A crystal chandelier hangs over the sunken garden tub in the master bath. A tray rests over the tub, containing Gina’s essential items like bath oil and a good book – allowing her the perfect space to soak her cares away. The walk-in shower is situated beside the tub, constructed from natural elements like rock and stone. A granite bench provides a sitting option while relaxing after a hard day’s work.

Black iron balusters with white accents lead up the wooden staircase. Two bedrooms are located upstairs, as well as a bonus living area. Grace’s room features an upholstered panel bed and white distressed furniture – a dream come true for a typical girly-girl. Her frilly tasseled bedspread brings in a shabby chic vibe while numerous throw pillows provide comfort and a visually pleasing aesthetic. The spare bedroom features a gray etched wooden headboard and matching nightstand with white accent pieces used throughout. A decorative fur throw pillow adds a bit of whimsy to the space.

A cozy outdoor sitting area, situated close to the fire pit and swimming pool, affords the Corleys great views of their land, and even greater views of God’s beautiful sunsets. Whether relaxing as a couple or entertaining guests during a family get-together, Gina and Scott love being outdoors with nature while enjoying the peace and serenity that their home and property offers. This fun couple doesn’t have to venture out of town to enjoy a relaxing getaway. They have their own little piece of paradise right here in East Texas.