David Trachtenberg, AIA

The Victoria era ended more then 100 years ago, but it's design influences-deep, rich colors, wallpaper with bold patterns and velvety textures, and high-quality, detailed millwork-can still be found in the modern-day homes, such as this 7,500-square-foot beauty in Medina. The home's entrance is fit for a king and queen. A dramatic two-story foyer opens up to 10-foot ceilings, graced by a curved staircase, a sun-filled living room that takes advantage of the views of the three-acre property, and a music room, featuring the homeowners' baby grand piano. "Each unique room has a sense of separation, yet there's an open floor plan", explains Andy Schrader, president of Schrader & Companies, the builder behind this masterpiece. The home features four bedrooms and five baths, including a stunning master suite with and expansive walk-in master shower-complete with exterior and interior windows and a rain showerhead suspended from the ceiling. Other luxury amenities include main- and upper level laundries, four garage stalls, an indoor sport court, a workroom for the wife (with French doors accessing a personal patio), and a vestibule opening to the husband's office, complete with ship portal. The nucleus of this home is the kitchen, with a wall of windows overlooking a private pond, a cathedral vaulted ceiling, and a unique Romeo-and-Juliet balcony, a trademark feature of the builder. Story courtesy or Midwest Home Magazine-August 2012 Written by Christina Sarinske Photographs courtesy of Scott Jacobson

A European-California influenced Custom Home sits on a hill side with an incredible sunset view of Saratoga Lake. This exterior is finished with reclaimed Cypress, Stucco and Stone. While inside, the gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, custom office/lounge and Witt designed and built yoga studio create a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation. Nestle in the sun soaked veranda or unwind in the spa-like master bath; this home has it all. Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

An abundance of living space is only part of the appeal of this traditional French county home. Strong architectural elements and a lavish interior design, including cathedral-arched beamed ceilings, hand-scraped and French bleed-edged walnut floors, faux finished ceilings, and custom tile inlays add to the home's charm. This home features heated floors in the basement, a mirrored flat screen television in the kitchen/family room, an expansive master closet, and a large laundry/crafts room with Romeo & Juliet balcony to the front yard. The gourmet kitchen features a custom range hood in limestone, inspired by Romanesque architecture, a custom panel French armoire refrigerator, and a 12 foot antiqued granite island. Every child needs his or her personal space, offered via a large secret kids room and a hidden passageway between the kids' bedrooms. A 1,000 square foot concrete sport court under the garage creates a fun environment for staying active year-round. The fun continues in the sunken media area featuring a game room, 110-inch screen, and 14-foot granite bar. Story - Midwest Home Magazine Photos - Todd Buchanan Interior Designer - Anita Sullivan

3,500 Square Foot Lake Home at The Cliffs Vineyards

David Murray

Peter Damroth

Jeff Herr Photography

Photo by Brennan Smith

Pascal Simonin

Home sweeter home. The front entry was re-configured to replace an extraneous door with a window onto the dining room.

Roger Wade Studio

An arched entryway with a double door, featuring an L-shape wood staircase with iron wrought railing and limestone treads and risers. The continuous use of stone wall, from stairs to the doorway, creates a relation that makes the place look large. Built by ULFBUILT - General contractor of custom homes in Vail and Beaver Creek.

Carefully designed by Chuck Krueger, AIA to wrap around the branches of this Heritage Live Oak Tree, this home features a birds nest retreat for homeowner. Although new, this home looks like it's been in the neighborhood since the beginning. It's dry stack limestone and beams give it a very warm and charming appeal.