The site was not chosen because of their love of golf, but because the land once owned by Wanda’s father, Charlie Evans, had been the playground where she and her siblings were reared in the 1950s. Upon Mr. Evans’ death, the 115 acres of farmland was divided and sold at auction.

Residing 26 years on lakefront property in Marshall County at Rocky Pointe, the Higginses, whose children were now grown and “out of the nest” so to speak, decided it was time to return “home” to Wanda’s old stomping grounds and build a house.

Unsure of any particular house style or plan, Wanda and Ronald cruised the Grand Rivers’ Marina Village for ideas. Desiring a three or four bedroom home with three bathrooms on one level, no basement, and no study was their initial concept. Both agreed upon lofty ceilings, abundant windows, wide and open spaces, storage galore in the form of two garages, and multiple built-in shelving units for Wanda’s collection of majolica.

Mike James, a local builder who was known to have a good eye and ear for listening to his clients’ wishes and desires, was contacted. Together the threesome collaborated their ideas and visions into a workable 5,000 square foot blueprint. Assistance and counsel were also secured from Wanda’s longtime friend Mitzi Roberts, who introduced her to the wonderful world of majolica pottery.

The color scheme throughout the house was basically chosen to enhance the majolica collection proudly displayed in every room. Rich cobalt blues, lush greens and brilliant hues of gold were the “go-to-color” palate for Wanda and Ronald. With Laura Kauffman’s able guidance, coordinating fabrics, furniture, wall prints, and lamps were selected.

Majolica, a decorative pottery introduced in England during the 1800s, reflected a new interest in natural science during the Victorian age. The whimsical designs featured on most pottery pieces were butterflies, insects, flowers, leaves, shells, animals and fish. Manufactured not only in England but also in Italy and Spain, the pottery became very popular and desirable. The bright, highly glazed finish found on majolica teapots, pitchers, plates and platters tempt collectors across many continents even today.

Some enthusiasts search only for specific pieces by color, motif, or shape, but Wanda’s passion for collecting majolica has no limits except cost.

“I like it all! My only restriction is my pocketbook. As soon as I purchase one piece, I begin saving for the next find,” explains Wanda. “My husband calls my weakness ‘the majolica fund’ and smiles.”

The master and guest room suites with extra tall doors topped with transoms formalize the hallway of the entry and offer even more wall space to display Wanda’s collection. The coral, tan and cherry blossom white on the decorative plates hint of the furnishings and accessories found in both rooms.

In the late afternoon after a day of teaching kindergarten, Wanda may be found on the small, cozy front porch awaiting Ronald’s arrival. Coming through the front door, visitors enter a unique combination of three living spaces: a formal dining room, great room and kitchen. Wide windows and French doors outline the conservatory-style room, bringing the outdoors inside regardless of the weather.

“No matter whether it’s gray or a sunny day outside,” Wanda relates, “it always feels good in here.”

Dark Brazilian teak hardwood floors provide a solid basis inside and out as the wraparound porch increases the living space through the French doors.

The large kitchen, an extension of the great room, includes a dining sector and work island contoured with black granite countertops. Organized into dual work zones, the area minimizes steps for the tasks of food prep, cooking, and cleanup. The silver glazed cabinetry, customized by local cabinetmakers Mark and Luke Riley, stretches to the ceiling, providing maximum storage for the homemaker. The 10-foot ceilings, crown moldings and detailed millwork give the kitchen a classic look and continuity to the two spaces.

The neutral color tile backsplash featuring a grape-cluster motif is found over the six-burner stovetop and was created by Walker Stone Inc. The grape cluster design reappears in the chandelier hung over the pedestal dining table flanked by yellow parsons chairs.

A sprawling upper deck offers a quick exit from the kitchen and presents a pastoral view of the rolling green meadows and giant oak trees where Wanda, the equestrian, rode as a child. If asked, Wanda would quickly tell you one of her most favorite rooms is just down the hall from the kitchen. That would be the black and white toile powder room!

Not really wanting a basement in the beginning stages of home building, the Higginses now enjoy the extra bedrooms, storage space and entertainment center the downstairs affords. An added bonus to the lower level is a second wraparound porch filled with huge pots of summer flowers, hanging baskets, a swing and an array of comfortable outdoor furniture meant for relaxing after hours of working in the yard.

“We just like to sit outside and swing in the evening while listening to night noises that dusk brings,” Wanda describes.

Who wouldn’t want to be there at the end of a summer day just swinging and surrounded by memories of one’s youth near the lake?