Artisan Home Tour features Ambassador Construction, Casa Bella Construction

Presented by The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) and sponsored by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, the inaugural Artisan Home Tour, taking place from Sept. 12 to 20, will offer the general public a unique opportunity to experience 10 of Kansas City’s finest custom home builders, each highlighting a wealth of impeccable interior and exterior design, craftsmanship, state-of-the-art building processes and specialty products.

Among the 10 premier home builders are brothers Craig and Keith Eymann with Ambassador Construction, and Russ Groshans with Casa Bella Construction.

Since 1972, Ambassador Construction, now led by brothers Craig and Keith Eymann, has specialized in building creative, high quality, one-of-a-kind custom homes built to the highest level of excellence in quality craftsmanship, materials and architectural style.

For the Artisan Home Tour they have built a stunning four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 3,500-square-foot home in Mission Farms in Leawood, Tour No. 6 at 3848 W. 105th Terrace.

The traditional exterior is made of natural architectural features like Kansas native limestone, lime finish stucco, concrete roof tiles and custom 6- by 8-foot African mahogany front doors that are the focal point of the house.

The open, modern design floor plan features four 8- by 10-foot sliding glass doors, creating light-filled and airy rooms; 7-inch wide solid white oak floors on the main level; African Mahogany cabinets, doors and trim; hand-hammered copper sinks; brushed stone countertops; and top-of-the-line GE monogram appliances.

Other interior features encompass a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and a home automation package encompassing HVAC, lighting and a security system that can be controlled by your iPad or iPhone.

“At Ambassador, we offer our clients personal assistance during every building phase from lot selection, plan design and material selection to completion,” said Craig, “and are committed to making it rewarding and enjoyable for the homeowner.”

To that Keith added, “I enjoy the challenge of building a diverse range of architectural styles, and it is important that proper techniques are blended with authentic materials to ensure the integrity of each Ambassador Home.”

Casa Bella Construction has earned a reputation as one of the Kansas City area’s premier custom home builders, and is a consistent winner of the HBA’s American Dream Grand Award, Pick of the Parade, and Distinctive Design and Plan contests.

Russ Groshans, founder and CEO, said, “Although it’s nice to be recognized by all these awards, what is most rewarding is the feedback we receive from our clients.”

Tour No. 2 at 6069 Southlake Drive in Parkville, is a wonderful example of Casa Bella’s thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed home designs. This spectacular four-bedroom, four-bathroom, two-half-bathroom, 5,202-square-foot home features soaring ceilings with coffered and barrel vaults and indirect tray lighting; a stunning curved stairwell with custom iron railing and hardwood treads; a two-story, indoor waterfall; two designer series linear fireplaces; and integrated smart-home technologies that interface with both smart phones and tablets.

The open and flowing design is highlighted by a master suite and additional guest room on the main floor, designer series tile, granite, hardware, plumbing fixtures and lighting, top-of-the-line professional appliances; and beautifully designed custom cabinets throughout.

Hardscapes in the terraced backyard include a pergola, sitting wall, fire pit, and waterfall, and a full walkout basement overlooking the home’s deeply wooded lot and beautiful private lake.

Energy-efficient features include tank-less water heaters and a high efficiency, variable speed furnace with zone controls for maximum comfort, professional home theater, wet bar with professional appliances and wine cellar, and a suspended garage, storm shelter and safe room.

“Today’s homebuyers are tech savvy and up-to-date on the latest design trends,” Groshans said. “Our primary goal has always been to consistently exceed clients’ expectations, while making ourselves better in the process.”

The other Artisan Custom Home Builders and Artisan Home Cities are:

▪ Don Julian, Don Julian Builders, Parkville.

▪ Jim and Steve Lambie, Lambie Custom Homes, Leawood.

▪ Michael and John Menghini, Covenant Homes, Overland Park.

▪ Chris and Roy Ragland, Homes by Chris, Kansas City, North.

▪ Jeff Robinson, J.S. Robinson Fine Homes, Overland Park.

▪ Brian Rodrock and Jeff Gifford, Rodrock Homes, Overland Park.

▪ Kit and Gerry Starr, Starr Homes, Lee’s Summit.

▪ Patrick and Bob Willis, Willis Construction, Village of Loch Lloyd.

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 7:00 PM.