The open style of this expansive 8400 square foot home matches the style of its owner Mike McBeath and his family to a tee—honest, authentic and fun loving. The contemporary feel of the home is infused with natural elements brought in throughout the hard wood floors, the cherry tables and cabinetry, the mahogany used in the mantle and basement countertop and the river rock comprising both staircases and fireplaces in the house. Mike says, “The only reason that I bought a house as big as this one was so that my mama would come back and live with me. My mom is my hero and I am so grateful for her.”
Mike, owner and president of Royce Publications, has a deep love for family and friends that is reflected in the home’s capability to host hundreds of people for celebrations and parties.
Friend and realtor Paul Chartier adds, “There are eight areas in this house that are perfect for entertaining. Because they are spread throughout the entirety of the home from the kitchen, dining room, great room and basement game room area, people can gather in each space separately for an intimate, yet inviting feeling.”
Favorite memories include hosting a super bowl party with 300 people where kids were outside playing tackle football with University of Kentucky football players including Braxton Kelly & Demario Ford. He also hosted the Lexington Catholic Class of 1984 25 year High School Reunion for over 200 people.
Guests immediately feel welcomed by the warmly lit entrance hall featuring a massive river rock spiral staircase leading to the second floor landing. The classic grand piano looks even more chic when situated on the hardwood floor, against the river rock backdrop. Chris Rodgers, owner of Rodgers Décor & More in Versailles, Kentucky, installed the flooring throughout the home and is a good friend and neighbor of Mike.
At the top of the staircase, there is an incredible view of the great room. Reaching a height of 40 feet, the ornate river rock fireplace steals the show providing a totally unique feel when family and friends gather and celebrate. The room also features a fifteen-person plush leather couch with five built in recliners and cup-holders making it so company never want to leave. Paul Chartier adds, “The magnificent two story windows in this room are like windows to the world and it’s just overwhelming how great this space truly is.” The mahogany mantle holds family heirlooms while sculptures collected over time are displayed nearby.
Just off the great room is the kitchen. Set against the backside of the river rock staircase, the open concept kitchen is every chef’s dream with custom cherry cabinetry. A river rock backsplash behind the Viking six-burner gas range stovetop complements the granite countertops and stainless steel dual oven. The Sub Zero refrigerator and dishwasher are concealed by cherry wood paneling which blend naturally into the space. Intricate carvings throughout the cabinetry highlight the craftsmanship of the woodwork in the kitchen.
A chandelier hangs above the cherry wood table in the dining room which seats up to 16 people at family gatherings and parties. Two distinguished columns frame the dining room located just off the entrance adjacent to the great room and kitchen space for added convenience.
Taking center stage in the master bedroom is a four-poster cherry wood bed with a painting of two playful “Cheetah Eyes” resting above the curved headboard. Opposite the bed frame is an electronic river rock fireplace incorporating natural touches with added convenience into the space.
With dual rain style showerheads, twelve nozzle sprayers and a steam feature, it is easy to see why the homeowner installed a bench in his walk in travertine shower; you never want to leave once you step inside. Detailed carvings in the cherry cabinetry provide a unique touch to the master bath space while sparkling granite countertops keep the feeling clean and contemporary.
The in-home office features a stately desk as the focal point of the room with a high-backed chair. Favorite photos and certifications hang on the walls providing a unique family touch.
A second well lit, rock stone spiral staircase leads to the spacious game room in the basement. The plush carpeted space features a Ping Pong table, pool table, poker and card table and foosball table for the ultimate game night. “One of my favorite memories of this space involves my son Christian and his fellow Lexington Christian Academy freshman basketball team running wild in the basement having fun,” says Mike.
A full bar area is tucked away and features custom cherry cabinetry, a dishwasher, mini fridge and bar stool seating area. Mahogany makes up the smooth bar countertop which when seated, guests are provided a great view of the personally autographed Pete Rose jersey that is framed on a wall close by.
Mike and his family have resided in this home for six years and he even helped design and decorate the home as it was being finished. “I would like to take all the credit for decorating, but my mama was actually the one to do it,” admits Mike with a laugh. The family has enjoyed the location of the home situated just outside of Lexington in the country but close enough to town to come and go as they please. Additional features of the home include a four-car garage, sprinkler, an alarm system and two acres of land. Also, former UK Basketball Coach, Billy Gillispie was Mike’s neighbor during his tenure at UK, though Mike laughs “I think the property value increased when Gillispie moved!”