Opposite page: Overlooking the lake, the great room’s focal point is a massive, dry-stacked fields one fi eplace. To keep the voluminous space “cozy,” Boedges blended curves with straight lines for the larger elements. This page: Consistent in every detail, the designer emphasized natural textures – stone and wood, with metal accents and an occasional touch of greenery.

For most of us, it would be hard to even imagine a “vision” of this magnitude, but not for the owners of this extraordinary retreat in the Missouri countryside. Remote and well hidden, yet within easy driving distance of the metro area, the project has taken years to complete, and the end result almost defies description. In 2005, the owners acquired 220 acres of farmland, a vast expanse of rolling hills and glorious woods located near Hermann. Initially a weekend getaway for the family, they built a “ranch house” in a lovely meadow to provide temporary living quarters while the master plan was put into effect. A few existing structures were transplanted or removed, and the weathered oak barn wood was carefully salvaged for future use. The owners’ long-term vision for the property was to build

a magnificent lakeside lodge, reminiscent of their several visits to Colorado, which would eventually become their “forever home.” The only thing missing was the lake. Construction of the dam and spillway began immediately, and the pristine, creek-fed lake now encompasses 30 acres and integrates beautifully with its natural surroundings. Preliminary design of the 10,000-square-foot, tri-level lodge began in 2012. Plans had been drawn, the foundation was in, and the “sticks were up” when the owners called on designer Anne Boedges, president of the Wildwood-based Anne Marie Design Studio. Anne was the logical choice, since she had previously handled a major renovation for the owners’ in-town residence, and a warm, collaborative working relationship had developed. With a BFA in interior design from Maryville University, STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM

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