The name Ferguson has long been associated with well-crafted, beautifully-designed, quality, custom homes. So, one would expect Rick Ferguson’s own home to be this and more … and it is.
The Ferguson’s summer home in Hot Springs is a lake lover’s dream home. The 8,000-square foot home was designed by Ferguson and Jim Johnston and is located on the popular Lake Hamilton. Ferguson and wife Deanna have seven children, and because their home is often filled with family and friends, space, durability and functionality — along with beauty — are key.
“We wanted a rustic and casual feel, but wanted to keep the Chateau-style architecture that requires ornate detailing, such as the moldings balanced with heavy elements, like the use of old railroad ties for entrance ways and rough sawn lumber for ceiling beams,” Deanna Ferguson said. The beams were custom designed and cut on-sight. To achieve that casual atmosphere, the Fergusons used a monochromatic color scheme overall and added dramatic color through textiles, such as slipcovers, pillows and artwork. Most of the home is furnished for everyday use — however, the dining room and master suites are a bit more formal. Of course, this is a Ferguson home, so the front entrance is impressive. Vaulted ceilings, a curved staircase, and 10-foot doors, along with a grand exterior, give the home that “wow” factor.
The dining and living rooms and kitchen are adjoined in the center of this spacious getaway. Vaulted ceilings, a bayed window and numerous windows allow the sun to illuminate this area. The dining table easily accommodates eight, with its monogrammed slip-covered side chairs, and a second table for 10 allows for more casual dining. This wood table has been distressed and sits beneath a chandelier fabricated of waterworn wood and faux candles suspended by chains.
The living room is an intimate space with two large armchairs, a sofa covered in cotton duck fabric with a rustic coffee table and Spanish-inspired TV cabinet.
The kitchen is a warm space with maple cabinets topped with granite counters. A raised counter allows seating for up to eight, and conveniences, such as a pot filler, and stainless steel appliances, like a Viking stove with grill top, and accents like the brushed copper sink with fleur de lis design and carvings, showcase Ferguson’s eye for detail. Wood beams, substantial doorframes, crown molding and window framing add to the rustic flavor and play off of the knotty pine wood floors.
Just off of the kitchen is a butcher’s pantry/morning room with bleached cabinetry and wainscoting. Additional appliances, such as a combination microwave/convection oven and warming oven, make everyday and special occasion entertaining a breeze. A second island with a wood counter and seating for four make this a great craft or homework space. A second entrance from the portico leads to family room that was specially designed for lake living. The walls are treated with a beachy blue and the ceiling with an off-white wood. A duo of rattan chairs and matching table sit in an alcove, directly across from a set of traditional easy chairs. These surfaces are directly contrasted with a metal-topped coffee table, an armoire fashioned of tin with nailheads, and a softly-appointed sofa.
“The sisal floor off of the lake bath is great for wet feet, bathing suits and pets,” Ferguson said. They also used blue jute grasscloth on the bath’s walls. The master suite door, according to Ferguson, is from a Mongolian temple and was custom fit for the entrance. Vaulted ceilings with large wood beams, burnt knotty pine floors and a two-story bay window create drama in this room. An iron bed with luxurious linens dominates the room and adds to the rustic theme. The master bath has a large space. Travertine tiles line the floors as well as that of the dual shower. The star of this room is the tub. “It’s a hammered copper tub with ball and claw feet,” Ferguson said. “It was a perfect fit for the round turrent area and offers beautiful views of the lake.” The master closet has an abundance of floor-to-ceiling cabinets as well as a built-in double-sided chest and a wonderful convenience: a washer and dryer.
“We love fun and unique play areas, reading nooks, etc., that are unexpected, yet functional and a great utilization of square footage,” Ferguson said. This is reflected throughout the home, especially on the upper level. The master suite is just one of five bedrooms; the others are upstairs. The first is furnished with bunk beds and circular hideaway alcoves, perfect for hide-and-seek, reading or even imaginary battles. The second is perfect for a princess with built-in bedside tables with citrine-colored knobs and antiqued wainscoting. The space can easily accommodate a king-size bed and has a private bath. The third bedroom features a quintet of platform beds — ideal for sleepovers and late night giggles — and a spacious den/game room. A full-bath with a whirlpool tub, double vanity and large walk-in closet is shared with the fourth bedroom, which is expansive and features a private balcony with a great view of the lake. The upper-level theater room is perfect for this family of nine and multiple guests. A game table, an island with seating for four and conveniences like an icemaker and refrigerator drawers — and a projector and projection screen — add to the appeal of this room. An alcove with comfortable furnishings creates a space for reading, listening to music or just daydreaming.
Of course, the Fergusons take full advantage of the great setting with two swimming decks, an outdoor kitchen and dining area and a second deck for relaxation.
