From the moment one walks into David and Noelle Manica’s home at Lake Lotawana, they can see the lake and all it has to offer. With its modern and clean design, the home serves as the family’s escape from the city.
Before the Manicas built the home in 2013, they wanted a place where their family could recharge and relax on weekends. At first, they thought about building an Italian-style villa on land north of Kansas City but thought the distance from their primary residence might become a barrier from frequently visiting that property. When some friends invited them as guests to their home at Lake Lotawana, they quickly realized exactly where they wanted their getaway.
David’s company, Manica Architecture, developed the design for the home. They worked through construction challenges including the large grade and narrow lot, common features of property at Lake Lotawana. At the same time, the modern feel of the home is somewhat unique to the community.
“The space is open and comfortable and feels like a quiet and clean escape from the city,” David says. “We can sit out on the dock during the day, jump in the hot sauna or spa during the evening and then roast marshmallows in the outdoor firepit after dinner. The kids love to go up on top of the dock late at night and see the stars. We really enjoy the media room in the evenings where we relax andwatch movies or our latest and favorite series.”
As one tours the home, there are several noticeable highlights.
- All the windows allow for the home to be filled with soft natural light from dawn until dusk. The kitchen features custom white cabinetry flush with the wall as well as floating glass shelves and a 12-foot island with a waterfall stone countertop.
- The downstairs media room includes a full wet bar and showcases a modern Star Wars art collection. The screened porch off the lower level houses a hot tub, cold tub, and a sitting area with direct walk-out access to the dock and cove.
- The home features two master suites as well as two additional bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
- The kids’ favorite feature of the home is the loft by their bedrooms that gives birds-eye views of the lake and a “kids-only” place to watch movies. In addition to stargazing from the deck or the upper dock, they also enjoy jumping off the top of the two-story dock into the water.
Overall, the home is a welcome shift from their primary residence, which is a French Tudor style. It gives them a place to display their modern art collection, procured mostly from the Kansas City Art Institute’s auction as well as from close friends.
David and Noelle agree that being thirty minutes from their Kansas City home makes for a quick and easy drive, yet it is far enough away to feel like a true getaway without the headache and hassle involved with air travel. He also says the proximity and access to their cove off the main channel of the lake allows the kids to swim, kayak and adventure safely without risk of large waves or speeding boats.
Through its the sleek and modern design, access to the lake and places to relax, the Manica’s Lake Lotawana home provides for time as family while taking a break from the normal routine of life.