Kellie and Jeff Randle’s housing history sounds a bit like “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” The sprawling Sierra Oaks Vista home they lived in for 16 years while raising three children was everything a family could want.
But when the last child went off to college, the house felt empty. The “Papa Bear” size was too much to care for as the couple looked toward empty-nest freedom. “We love to travel and wanted to be able to lock up and head out on short notice,” Kellie says.
After selling the home, the couple moved Downtown to a two-bedroom condo above the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. They also have a vacation home in Newport Beach, so they figured the size would be perfect. When the pandemic hit, their college kids headed home. The entire family decamped to Newport Beach to ride out school closures.
They couldn’t stay in Sacramento—the hotel condo was too small, and the location was less attractive as events were canceled, restaurants shuttered and riots hit Downtown.
Next step was to find the right-size home in Sacramento. “We always loved Arden and wanted to move back. Our longtime friend, builder Ken Dyer, let us know he had a lot and plans to build a new home in Sierra Oaks,” Kellie says. “We jumped at the opportunity to get exactly what we wanted, from the ground up.” Construction took about a year. They moved in before Christmas 2020.
The one-third acre lot allowed the couple to spread out the 3,850 square-foot home on one level. The style is classic California modern, incorporated with farmhouse details. The classic black and white color scheme is set off by luscious green landscaping and white flowering beds. The architecture blends beautifully with new and original designs of neighboring homes.
The entrance features a two-story roofline, and the upper clerestory windows fill the house with light from multiple directions. The living areas are open to the large rear patios and yard. “From the front door you literally see the entire rear property,” Kellie says.
The dining and living areas have full-height, stack-back sliding doors that open to the patios, gardens and pool. Pale oak floors give way seamlessly to limestone patio pavers with minimal transition lines under the sliders.
The open kitchen features white cabinetry, porcelain marble counters, stainless appliances and a huge island with seating. Enormous brass light fixtures are perfect scale for the large room and warm up the creamy white palette.
The bedrooms are located on one side of the house. Two bedrooms for the kids share a “Jack and Jill” bathroom. The master suite is large and airy, and opens to the pool and backyard.
The master bathroom and closet area is generous and designed with touches of luxury, including the mosaic marble flooring.
Two offices are included for Jeff and Kellie on the other side of the house, in addition to a small library whose colorful bookcase converts to a Murphy bed for guests.
Furnishings throughout are coordinated to be simple and elegant, but also casual and family friendly. The primary color scheme is white and cream, but other colors are used sparingly for maximum effect, including a yellow side door, a dark blue bookcase and the creative use of wallpaper in select rooms.
“Every house needs a dramatic touch. And we decided making the powder room that spot,” Kellie says. The wallpaper features a large, rich botanical flower pattern on glossy black vinyl.
The spacious yard is designed for multiple purposes. “Our neighborhood is filled with walkers, so we designed a seating area and firepit to enjoy evening drop-ins by neighbors,” she says.
The long driveway and generous porte cochere become an outdoor pavilion for entertaining large groups. Kellie says they set up extra-long tables for dinner party guests. Outdoor heaters and lighting keep everyone comfortable.
The detached garage features Craftsman doors with windows and black wrought iron hardware. Large custom black trellises hold Sally Holmes climbing roses and draw interest to the poolside.
The Randle home is a homage to the family, with accessories to help tell the story of a life well lived. Guests are greeted by a large collage by local artist Kelsey Burke.
“I’m a real a saver, and despite downsizing, I just cannot bear to get rid of family mementos,” Kellie says. “Trusting Kelsey and her own love of family, I let her take the lead to create this commission.”
The piece is layered with colorful papers and hundreds of graphic quotes, trip locations and special moments enjoyed by the family.
It’s appropriate the collage is the first thing you see. It sets the stage for the perfect-sized “Mama Bear” family home.
Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. To recommend a home or garden, contact editor@insidepublications.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento
