A two-acre pond behind the Murphys' home attracts all kinds of wildlife from frolicking deer to swimming ducks.
Ben Murphy loves the outdoors and wanted to live close to nature. His wife, Lindsay, likes the city and all it has to offer.
They found both in a home on Glen Ellen Road.
Ever since June, they’ve been enjoying country views within city limits, plus added amenities nearby like a golf course, schools and shopping.
“The views out the back sold us on this location,” he said. “My sister calls it National Geographic back here.”
The property, located on the outskirts of Sioux City, merges modern conveniences with a country setting, and the delicate balance is reflected in the home, built by Brown Wegher Construction.
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Its contemporary interior design gives a nod to nature with lush green tones found in area rugs, pillows and other home décor.
Ben and Lindsay can drive their golf cart over to the Whispering Creek Golf Club, just a mile away. She goes to a women’s golf league on Wednesdays and he goes to men’s golf league on Thursdays.
“I’m not good,” she said with a laugh. “I go for the social aspect of it.”
The new location brings the couple closer friends – some of the same ones that got them into golfing in the first place.
Beyond the green, one of Ben’s favorite features is one you can’t see.
“It’s probably one of the better-insulated homes in the area,” he said.
It better be.
He operates a company called Murphy Insulation, based in North Sioux City.
“As far as the energy efficiency in the house, I wanted to make sure my house is insulated as efficiently as possible,” he said.
While Ben handled the structural side of things, he left the interior design decisions to Lindsay.
Her favorite part of the home?
“Out here,” she said, motioning to the open floor plan that seamlessly connects five spaces – the foyer, office, kitchen, dining and living rooms. The soft sound of country music could be heard playing throughout the entire space.
The Sonos wireless music system allows them to listen to different music on the deck, inside the house and in the garage – all of which can be controlled from an iPad, iPhone or computer.
For the fireplace, the couple found inspiration on Houzz.com, a website dedicated to interior design and decorating ideas. Not only does the fireplace feature floor-to-ceiling tile, it also has lights that change color under the flames.
“We like to entertain a lot,” she said.
That’s why they both like the deck.
Three large designer windows in the living room overlook an outdoor entertaining space and provide an expansive view of the trees and rolling hills in their backyard.
The deck, which can be accessed from the dining area, was designed with a roof overhead so it can be enjoyed rain or shine.
A modern railing system with chic glass panels stays in line with their desire to take in as much of their suburban oasis as they can.
“We didn’t want to obstruct the view,” he said.
To get a closer look, a concrete spiral staircase leads down to the fenced-in backyard.
Inside, they worked out the perfect rooming arrangement for their young son and daughter.
“She gets the bigger closet. He gets the views,” Lindsay said.
Alexis, 4, can still catch a glimpse of the lake from the window in her bright blue room.
There’s plenty for both children to see and do.
Alexis likes to ride her bike and a dead-end street is a much safer place to pedal around than the Murphy’s former house on a hill. Her brother, Mason, has a little fishing pole stashed in the corner of his room.
“Anything outdoor, he likes,” Ben said. “Construction, fishing, dirt.”
The 2-year-old takes after his father.
The family of four plans on staying put for awhile, which brings Ben to point out the part of all.
“We get to watch the kids grow up here.”
