Story by Angela Reeves | Photography by Alan Hudson

At first visit, the Iversons knew the home in Stone Bluff could be their forever home, with the outdoor setting drawing them into God’s creation and splendor, and the interior spacing allowing for their large family and entertaining. Mark and Kim Iverson bought the home in 2007, now loving the serenity of the quiet and peaceful wooded area, spectacular sunsets and visits from wildlife for 14 years.

The contemporary craftsman home custom, built in 1997, had four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms on over three acres backing up to the bluff over Drakes Creek. In 2008, they added a third floor bedroom, bath and living area, making the home 5,680 sq ft. They had the privilege of raising four young men in the home - Jordan, Stuart, Stefan and Collin, all of which are now married and gainfully employed. With the addition of four daughters-inlaw, they have gained beauty, strength and humor, as well as two grandchildren and another on the way in July. “In many ways, we feel very blessed and thankful,” said Kim.

Kim is a mental health practitioner with her own private practice and Mark is the General Manager of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities. In their empty nest mode, their daily routine involves work, clients, household chores and helping with the grandkids and aging parents. They love to host family member birthdays, holidays and anniversary celebrations along with dinner with friends. With their children gone, they now “live” on the first floor of the home and utilize the additional space throughout the house for hosting.

In 2016, they redecorated the interior of the first floor with the help of their friend and independent Designer, Tammi Farrell, and their daughter-in-law, Laura Iverson, designer and sales manager with Bowling Green Home Furnishings. They both brought different and unique perspectives into design ideas and collaborated well together, melding furniture and décor styles with fixture, hardware and color themes.

The large kitchen with an oversized island makes for a great entertaining space and accommodates their large family. During renovation they kept the original cabinets and hood, adding new paint, new stone backsplash, lighting and appliances, all to match the overall “feel” of the home, inside and out. The kitchen, living room and master bedroom renovations all included new furniture from Bowling Green Home Furnishings. The living room sofa was Kim’s favorite addition, and they added pieces to accent with a monochromatic theme in her style around it. The grouping of their sons’ wedding pictures on the wall in this room is Kim’s favorite thing in their home! In the master, the addition of sea glass lamps and furniture in colors of blues, tans and greys matched their tranquil surrounding. 

In 2020, the Iversons tackled an exterior renovation of the home with a new roof, lighting, exterior doors, pergola, shutters, painting, outdoor furniture and addition of a covered porch. The exterior of the home was painted Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, with the porch and accents painted a lighter Repose Gray. They changed out the solid front door to an arched glass door to allow views of nature from right inside the home. In the fall they removed nine trees from their back lot to open more space and allow more sunshine through.

When the leaves have fallen their home has a full view of the Olde Stone golf course and Drakes Creek, which they can enjoy from one of two decks. Their top deck allows views of the back woods and creek. It was rebuilt using Trex decking, which they highly recommend, and last year they added lighting and new Summer Classics furniture from Bowling Green Home Furnishings. They added a lower level covered porch off the basement for outdoor entertainment options on both levels. It is a cozy nook and closer to back landscaping and the bluff. The basement is used primarily for family functions and guests, with a bedroom, bathroom, living room and bar area, and is now able to flow comfortably into the outdoors. The new porch has a tv which folds into the ceiling and a stand up heater with furniture to match the top deck.

During COVID, they hosted a small, private wedding for Stefan and their daughter-in-law before they moved to Colorado, which meant so much to them. They hope to continue to host
more family gatherings as their four children’s families grow. They plan to host a “Mimmy and Poppy Camp” with the grandchildren each year, with a wonderful space and setting to do so. 2021 marks the couple’s 35 year wedding anniversary which calls for a celebration in Hawaii, where they spent their honeymoon and 15 year anniversary. Day to day, however, they
are just grateful to be enjoying their time with each other and their family in the peace and comfort of their home.

They enjoy wildlife visits and sightings of deer, owls, fox, rabbits, songbirds, pileated woodpeckers and even an albino raccoon, and watching sunsets together over the bluff. “It’s our favorite time of day,” said Mark.

The Iversons are grateful for the help and work of these Bowling Green professionals:

CONTRACTORS: DTD, Inc. / Todd Davis (3rd floor) Bluegrass Building Consultants / Josh Morrison NV Painting / Adam Martinez (exterior painting)
DESIGNERS: BG Home Furnishings / Laura Iverson and Interior Alternative Designs / Tammi Farrell
FURNISHINGS: BG Home Furnishings / Laura Iverson
LIGHTING: Bowling Green Winlectric
LANDSCAPING: Lovers Lane Tree Farm / Lisa Carter Iron Bridge Sod Farms