PENDLETON, Ind. —
When Pat and Judy Henck moved to the area 11 years ago, they were seeking a home with both land and a water presence. Their choices were limited.
“We had very few options,” said Pat, finance director for Family Development Services in Indianapolis. “We ended up choosing this home and installing a pond and a hill. We come from a hilly area in Michigan and it was so flat here — almost like a golf course with no trees.”
Choosing a home on 7 1/2 acres that provided access to Lick Creek, they quickly began creating the oasis they envisioned.
Planting pine trees, gardens, building waterfalls, installing a pond and creating a hill transformed the land perfectly.
“People always ask if we have fish in the pond,” said Judy, research adviser for Eli Lilly. “We didn’t stock it because we wanted it to be natural. But somehow fish eggs must have been transferred because we have little fish now.”
Like sitting outside but warm
To properly enjoy their park-like backyard all year round, the Hencks built two four-season rooms. The largest is located off the living room while the other is part of the master suite. With all-glass walls and ceilings, visitors feel as if they are sitting outside — except without the chills.
“I call this room the safari room,” said Judy. “It’s my favorite because it’s so bright with cheerful colors. It’s a nice place to sit and relax and read a book or watch the birds.”
Just because the Hencks are preoccupied with their land doesn’t mean the interior of their home has suffered.
An attention to detail has resulted in unique touches at every turn.
“My dad taught industrial art and two of my cousins are builders,” said Pat, explaining how a finance director has such talent in carpentry. “I try to come up with a ‘wow’ factor using stained glass, built-in shelves, trim and baseboards.”
Southwestern flair or exotic animals
At every turn is an interesting feature that catches the eye. Pat’s use of intricate wood trim — even on the fireplace in the master bedroom — is creative and adds panache without going overboard.
Once he is finished designing and installing a project, he steps back and watches as Judy decorates it.
“I give her the canvas and she does the painting,” he said with a smile.
Judy’s well-appointed rooms tend to feature exotic animals or southwestern flair.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Native American culture,” she said. “We took a vacation out west to see the Navajo nation tribes and it cemented my love of their culture and artwork.”
Although both Pat and Judy were raised in suburbia, they are clearly pleased they stepped out and created the land and home of their dreams.
“We love it in the country,” said Judy.
Each week, Emma Bowen Meyer features a Madison County home. If you know of a home that should be showcased, send an e-mail to emmagoldiemeyer @yahoo.com.
Homes
Related Photos
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Pat and Judy Henck, wed for 37 years, sit together in the safari room of their Pendleton home. Emma Bowen Meyer
Discussion
Creating an oasis of charm
Unique touches fill dream home
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