Just a short drive from the heart of Hot Springs lies a neighborhood hidden away like a green jewel. Near a picturesque pasture where horses graze behind a plank fence stands the home of Todd and Serethia Crawford – a stately custom abode that perfectly suits their lifestyle.

“We’ve lived here for a year,” says Serethia as she conducts a tour. “It’s our empty nest home -- the actual floor plan was already here, and [home builder] Beverly Barr got everything together.” Happily, Beverly lives just across the street, so the Crawfords’ “executive garden home” received all the requisite tender love and care. Characterized by spacious windows, high ceilings, and gorgeous trim and mouldings, the home’s central open floor plan allows views of a serene courtyard that nearly doubles the living area.

The family moved from their home on Lake Hamilton when daughters Chrystal and Candice left for college at UCA and ASU, respectively. The move necessitated a bit of downsizing (to say the least), something the Crawfords embraced with characteristic enthusiasm and flair. “We had five boats including a fishing boat, deck boat and jet skis — even a water trampoline!” Serethia says, as Candice (home from school) nods and interjects, “The water trampoline was fun.” “Maintaining the dock and all the toys, plus a 1,400 square foot deck…” Serethia sighs and shakes her head. “This is totally different from the other house. You can downsize and not miss a thing!”

At 2,700 square feet, the new home seems larger. Serethia says it feels as though they have as much space for entertaining and living as they had in the 3,900-square-foot lake home. “We wanted our kitchen to be the center of the home,” she adds. The foyer opens to an airy, light-filled living room while to the right is the kitchen, with the dining area at an angle overlooking the courtyard’s gazebo.

The kitchen’s striking centerpiece is a large island topped by one enormous, seamless piece of speckled granite. Serethia chose the granite countertops that recur throughout the home, as well as the earth-toned color scheme, beautiful walnut floors, chandeliers with eye-catching medallions and ceiling fans with antiqued light fixtures. Beverly took the lead on exquisite details: the kitchen’s cream-colored tile backsplash; immaculate faucets and plumbing fixtures; attractive pocket doors for style and privacy. Essentials include built-ins and elegant cabinetry, as well as endless storage capacity throughout the laundry room, baths, and kitchen, including pull-out racks and drawers and a walk-in pantry. Sculptural 12-foot tray ceilings, double-and-triple crown moulding, and recessed lighting draw the gaze upward.

At floor level, other family members accompany us on the tour:

Chloe, the Crawfords’ mellow 13-year-old dachsund; Cissy, a sassy teacup Chihuahua; and the family cat, Cowboy, who exudes an air of feline superiority. Candice cuddles tiny Cissy on the living room’s ultra-comfy couch, part of a seating arrangement of wide-wale corduroy fabric sofas and loveseats next to what appears to be Dad’s Chair: a traditional recliner. “I’m not really a fancy-dancy person,” Serethia says. “We cleaned the slate and bought new furniture – but it’s very livable and comfortable – just kick back and put your feet up!” A large leather ottoman is joined by a little doggie-size stepstool so that Chloe and Cissy never feel left out. Three tall windows framed with arched mouldings complement the arched doorways between the foyer, living room, and adjoining study. The study is notable for its piano, roll-top desk, and curved glass display case holding Serethia’s collection of bald eagle figurines of every size and attitude imaginable.

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