By Dawn Duncan | Photos by Virtuance
It was mid-December 2019 when the Helm family’s new custom home by Apex Developments at 107 Tidewater Drive in Windsor was completed. Chloe and Jason Helm, along with their three children, ages 9, 13 and 15, settled into their home just in time for the holidays and are enjoying its unique features and ample living space.
“We love sports, watching movies, cooking and my husband and I both have times when we work from home. The office areas in this house work really well for us and the home is designed in such a way that there is plenty of room for our kids to have their friends over without everyone being in one another’s space,” Chloe Helm says of her new home.
Earlier in the year, the Helms secured their perfect location in Water Valley. Through real estate broker Jacqueline Feil, with Windermere Real Estate, the Helms were introduced to Jacqueline’s husband, Andy Feil, owner of Apex Construction. The Helms struck up a relationship with Feil immediately, instantly drawn to his building style after seeing samples of his previous work.
“I loved the colors, designs and craftsmanship that Andy’s style reflected,” Helm says. “Andy is great; after we met with him, we knew he would be our builder. He is very personable and doesn’t do a high-pressure sale.”
She continues, “He is very knowledgeable, and he was flexible on working with what we wanted, always bringing us good ideas.” The Helms were also appreciative of his meticulous approach to creating line items throughout their project.
“It gives you greater control of your budget when you can see exactly where your spending will be applied,” Helm says. “It’s easier to see where you can cut and where you can splurge. Andy was wonderful at helping us to see what was worth investing more into and what was not.”
As a custom home builder, Feil describes the Helm residence as, “farmhouse meets modern/contemporary.” It is a two-story, custom build that includes nearly 6,000 square feet, including the basement.
The home was designed by Jenny Ruhland of HomeSpun Staging & Design, Feil’s go-to interior designer. It is a modified plan that was originated from Mark Englund of Hampton Builders, an out-of-state business.
“I like this home’s features, including a highly-functional open concept floor plan with a spacious dining area,” Feil says. “There are two studies, five bedrooms, all with an ensuite bath, and a bonus room above the garage. The vaulted ceiling with beams and details such as the fabricated, one-of-a-kind metal handrail add grandeur and personality to the home,” he adds.
Helm describes the home as, “Restoration Hardware-meets-West Elm.” There are 10-foot ceilings in the home and barnwood beams across the ceiling in the main living area. Also added was a custom-cast limestone hood above the kitchen stove.
“These touches really make this home stand out,” says Feil. “Bold, rustic touches give it a contemporary, stylish look and the décor that the Helms have incorporated provides a balance and refined flair.”
Bold, rustic touches give it a contemporary, stylish look and the décor that the Helms have incorporated provides a balance and refined flair.
“My favorite things about this house are the kitchen and family room areas,” says Helm. “They turned out so well. Andy added a barnwood accent wall and beams, plus a cement fireplace mantle. These helped create the modern mountain feel that my husband and I both love. Also, the shower design and tile turned out great, the 10-foot ceilings are wonderful. Andy added a lot of personal touches throughout our home. It is a fantastic representation of our lifestyle.”
Jacqueline Feil adds, “Water Valley is a beautiful location, close to downtown Windsor, that features a variety of home styles. The Helms new home fits perfectly in the area but really stands out as unique, with a great attention to detail. The Helms were wonderful people to work with and Andy and I hope their family enjoys this home for years to come.”
For more information, contact Andy Feil at Apex Construction at 970.443.1623, and Jacqueline Feil at jfeil@windermere.com or 970.402.7509.
