Photo by Alise O'Brien
Vince Mannino, president of R.G. Ross, and his wife, Patti, stand in front of their farmhouse on the outskirts of Maeystown, Illinois. Mannino, a commercial and residential builder, says he’s had a hand in constructing nearly a dozen high-end residences. But for the first time in 25 years, he gets to call this one his.
The Manninos purchased the bucolic 35-acre property 30 miles east of St. Louis in 2008 with the intention of building their dream home. They revamped the 1920s barn and added fencing, but for years after that the only creatures to inhabit the property were horses and a goat.
“It’s one thing to know how to build something; it’s quite another to put it on paper,” says Vince. “We knew it had to have certain details, but it also needed to fit and flow and piece together with the property,” adds Patti.
Knowing his limitations made it easy for Vince to hand the design reins to someone else—in this case, to architect Susan Bower of Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design.
“The Manninos came to us with images of details found in older houses and asked us to create a comfortable cottage for two,” says Bower. “With their daughters grown and grandchildren now appearing, they wanted a special place on the edge of the woods that was cozy and quiet, with the ability to fit family groups of 20 or more.”
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Photo by Alise O'Brien
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Photo by Alise O'Brien
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Photo by Alise O'Brien
Yet there were conflicts between those dreamy architectural details and the practical mindset of the subcontractors, such as the way the roofline swoops down to meet the home’s façade.
“As benign as that roof detail looks, it’s difficult to complete in terms of the roofing material and the framing,” says Vince. “In such instances we were told, ‘You know, it’d be a lot easier if…’ And when it’s your own money, it’s a tough call to stay true to the original vision. But we decided that sticking with the design’s integrity was most important and are so happy we did.”
That original vision was to create a modern functioning farmhouse that looked as though it’s been added to over time. The residence breaks into three volumes: the garage, the main house, and the owners’ suite. A breezeway connecting the house to the garage is one of Patti’s favorite spaces.
“It’s such a functional, beautiful concept found in older homes,” she says.
Vince favors the masculine vibe of the lower-level rathskeller. “It opens through arched doors and an arched stone entry that mirror the famous Maeystown bridge,” he says.
But perhaps most important for the couple is how the home connects to its natural surroundings. “There are multiple terraces,” says Vince. “You find yourself gravitating to a different place to sit and enjoy a quiet moment.”
Vince Mannino has seen the design-and-build process from both sides—that of a builder and of a client. He shared his tips for helping the process run smoothly.
- Make decisions early. Many should be made early to ensure availability of materials later. The choice of tile or cabinets can affect framing dimensions or plumbing rough-ins. Homes that progress too slowly, or never seem to end, are typically the result of ineffectual decision-making.
- Let the pros do their job. It’s easy to second-guess the process. Allow the architect and the contractor their preferred means and methods.
- Don’t compromise on the things that are important to you. If cuts are
- necessary, evaluate the costs of adding them later and the overall impact on the budget now. It may be better to build less square footage and keep the items that matter most.
- Don’t compromise on the lot or location. This cannot be changed.
- Stay consistent. Don’t get distracted midstream. Remain focused on your dream look.
- Choose a contractor you can trust. Research them, and talk to previous clients. Remember, mutual trust is paramount.
