Aging-In-Place Home Exudes Elegance and Charm, Offers Accessibility
DOWNSIZING DOESN'T HAVE TO SIGNIFY A REDUCED LIFESTYLE.
In the case of one Clarence couple, building a new “rightsized” home meant shifting from a large two-story home to a one-level expansive one with accessibility features.
They envisioned a forever home that would allow them to age in place safely while also exuding elegance and style.
They turned that dream into a reality with the help of JRZ Architecture, Jurek Builders, and Gavigan & Gruppo Interior Design. The group kicked off the planning and design of the luxury home at the end of 2022, and the couple was ready to move in by fall 2024.
“We knew the homeowners plan to reside in this house for the rest of their lives, so we worked with JRZ to thoughtfully design a home that supports aging in place,” said Jillian Jurek-Lucas, chief operating officer of Jurek Building, which is owned by her father, Henry Jurek Sr.
The single-story layout eliminates steps, ensuring easy mobility with features such as 8-by-3-feet doors that allow for wheelchair accessibility if needed in the future. The builders also installed an elevator to provide convenient access to the lower level, which offers extra space for guests.
Additionally, the home is equipped with a whole-house generator to ensure reliable power during Buffalo’s unpredictable weather, Jurek-Lucas said.
The 7,000-square-foot house includes five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, three on the main level and two on the lower level. Along with the living room, dining room and kitchen, the main level features a beautiful breakfast room, butler’s pantry, home office, and exercise room. The lower level is composed of two guest suites, a built-in bunk room, a kitchenette, a theater room, and a walk-in cedar closet.
“The lower level is the ultimate hangout spot for grandkids to relax, have fun, and enjoy time together when they visit,” Jurek-Lucas said.
Touches like engineered hardwood floors, crown molding, coffered ceilings, and heated floors in the bathrooms make the house feel luxurious and unique. The builders provided additional living space outdoors. A spacious patio features an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and an inviting entertainment area — all with stunning views of the breathtaking conservation land that surrounds the 5-acre lot.
Nicole Gavigan and Danielle Gruppo, who assisted the couple with the interior design in their previous house, designed the entirety of the new home.
“It was a collaborative approach,” Gruppo said. “The homeowners had a distinct direction they wanted to follow, and the final design evolved over time. The wife enjoys cooking and was specific about what she wanted in the kitchen, including a large butler’s pantry.”
In the kitchen, they selected white porcelain counters, white custom cabinets, and two kitchen islands, one with a waterfall edge. The adjacent butler’s pantry is enhanced with mineral green cabinets, hand-painted marble tile, and black countertops.
The dining room, which seats 12, is anchored by a black table with a stunning chandelier overhead composed of white glass petals. The designers sourced this piece and all the lighting fixtures for the home.
“We presented suggestions for lighting and lighting combinations,” Gruppo said. “They chose fixtures that create a modern take on classical shapes.”
The design throughout the home is classic but also current, Gavigan added, with choices such as white oak floors in a herringbone pattern in the entryway, crown molding, and coffered ceilings.”
The living room is infused with warm creams and dark greens and bathed in natural light, creating a peaceful and cozy feel. Two wood chests of drawers with marble tops flank the fireplace.
“While most people install built-in shelves next to the fireplace, the homeowners chose these beautiful pieces of furniture that add a unique style to the space while offering plenty of storage,” Gavigan said.
For accessibility, the builders created a zero-entry shower in the master bathroom and installed safety bars in all the bathrooms. The house also has Smart home features that allow the homeowners to control things like the alarm system, lighting, and heat virtually.
“This was important to the couple, who are snowbirds,” Jurek-Lucas said. “They can still control the electric systems and keep an eye on the house when they are away.”
Jurek Builders recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, and Henry Jurek noted that their commitment to high quality craftsmanship is what has given them the consistent business they’ve enjoyed throughout the decades.
“We also love collaborating with homeowners to find the right fit for their stage of life,” Jurek-Lucas said. “In this case, the project ended up being an excellent partnership, working in collaboration with the designers and the wonderful clients to make their vision of a forever home come to life. Knowing you play a huge part in that process is extremely rewarding.”