For two years, Charlie and Samantha Rittgers searched for just the right lot on which to build their dream home. The pair had practically given up hope when they came across a beautiful 2.1-acre lot with a steep grade that served to scare away other potential buyers.

Not only would the lot require significant foundational engineering, but building in the Hillside Overlay District of Cincinnati added additional concerns. Undeterred, Charlie knew exactly who to call when he reached out to his long-time friend, Brad Olinger, owner of Sterling Homes. Together they walked the lot, discussed all possible hurdles and then talked "big picture." Ultimately, they envisioned – and brought to fruition – a magnificent, 4,700-square-foot home, complete with four bedrooms, each with its own on-suite bath, two half baths, pool, three-car garage, and spacious outdoor living area.

"We have a river view, a partial city view, and an expansive river valley view," says Charlie, who didn’t have to compromise on square footage or style in order to build on a lot with such great views, thanks in large part to the creativity and forward thinking of the Sterling Homes team.

When it came to design selections, the couple wanted to do something that would be timeless so that in 30, 40 or 50 years, the style would still be desirable.

"It’s an open home with no unnecessary walls, yet at the same time, it’s a traditional look," says Charlie. They chose a wide-open floor plan and 10-inch plank pine flooring. Their carpenter also fashioned an antique-looking island. In addition, the fixtures and hardware are all unlacquered to make them appear old.

Sterling Homes is known for its expertise in building new homes on in-fill lots that blend in seamlessly with existing homes in historic neighborhoods.  The Rittgers leveraged that expertise by working with the Sterling Homes team to design their home.  " The Sterling Homes team flawlessly executed our vision of making our home look like it was built a century ago so that it would blend in well with the neighborhood, which was built 70-100 years ago," says Charlie, who selected a painted brick exterior that matched the white-washed brick homes in the area.

"The kitchen is typically the most used room in any home and it’s just a few feet from the covered outdoor living area that has a woodburning fireplace and built-in electric heaters," says Charlie. "I’m always outside!"

Makes perfect sense to me.

Sterling Homes is located at 347 Stanley Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226. For more information, call 513.659.5361 or visit www.sterlinghomescincinnati.com