You
Can Go Home Again
Family and friends are always welcome at Vicki
and Pat Neve’s haven
By Suzanne Pickett Martinson
Photography by Mark Boisclair & Jennifer Smith
When visiting the Arrowhead Lakes home of Vicki and Pat Neve,
a feast for the senses awaits. And if it’s the weekend,
odds are another type of feast is cooking in the kitchen.
“Pat is Italian, so we always have a large family dinner
on Saturdays,” Vicki says.
Family comes first in the Neve home. Married for 32 years,
the couple exudes a zest for life. Pat, co-owner of West Valley
Nissan in Glendale, and Vicki have passed that on to sons
Patrick and Mike. When not working at the dealership, each
brother pursues his love of music by playing in local heavy
metal bands—onehitkill for Mike, who also is a recording
engineer, and Real for Patrick, who also is a graphic artist.
And despite their sons living on their own, mom still sets
a place at the table as well as has bedrooms for each for
the occasional sleepover.
“I’ve had so much fun with their rooms,”
she says of the tastefully appointed safari- and monkey-themed
bedrooms that reflect each son’s interests. “I
guess moms never tire of decorating their kids’ rooms.
And even better, the boys love it!”
Her enthusiasm for decorating helps make the 4,000-square-foot
home designed by architect Rob Trop of Trop Design and Development
come alive. “Pat and I have had a lot of fun working
on it together— everything from the design process to
finding special furnishings and accessories to enjoying it
with friends and family,” Vicky says. Pat, a former
bodybuilder with the titles Mr. American and Mr. USA, agrees.
“Because the home design was on the computer, Vicki
was able to include many of the details that were important
to us from the beginning. It has made a big difference,”
he says.
Unique Touches Throughout
It all starts when guests pass through custom iron gates leading
into the courtyard entrance directly across from Hedge Peth
Hill. They are greeted with sounds of gurgling fountains that
immediately calm the mind and relax the body.
Stepping into the home’s entry offers another surprise.
Past the soaring series of windows that frame the living room
is a stunning negative edge pool that seems to spill directly
into the Lakes beyond. After gazing at the gently moving water,
the interior space reclaims your attention.
Awash in soothing tones, the home’s living areas feature
myriad details that make the home unique. In the living room,
wood flooring matches panels on the 23-foot ceiling where
a chandelier from Spain takes center stage. Above the television
is a series of original floral paintings in bright, cheerful
colors. And flanking the fireplace on each side are Grecian
statues that each stand 5-foot-8 and lend a sophisticated
touch to the décor.
Another showstopper is an expansive custom-painted wall mural
at the top of the stairs, Vicki discovered the image and hired
Alan Russell Terrillion to recreate it as a focal point. Alabaster
light sconces, faux gold-leaf stair railings (painted by Vicki)
and a Baby Grand piano complete the interior palette.
The kitchen, with light oak flooring and cabinetry, features
and open floor plan and a large dining table that overlooks
the Lakes. Nearby, Vicki has created a secret play area for
granddaughter Gia—Mike and daughter-in-law Becky’s—under
the stairs, with Winnie the Pooh characters, comfy floor pillows
and piles of books. “So many times people overlook this
space and use it for storage,” says Vicki.
Their Own Sanctuary
The master suite is sumptuous with rich tones, custom materials
and another gorgeous view of the Lakes. When they couldn’t
find the wallpaper they desired, the couple had the bedroom
walls faux painted by William E. Bryant of Web Art Wall Finishes
in a striped pattern to more precisely complement the bed
linens and slipper chair. Recessed mirror panels act as a
second headboard and give the illusion of more space.
In the bathroom, a granite bathtub surround features matching
columns that were also faux painted by Bryant. Above the tub
and glass black wall of the snail shower, Vicki stenciled
a repeating pattern of leaves along the wall’s border.
With a comfortable sectional and a large screen TV, the adjacent
den is the couple’s peaceful retreat. The couple even
installed a mini-kitchen. Among the built-in bookshelves are
photographs of family and Pat during his bodybuilding years,
including one with his friend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“We spend most of our time in here,” says Pat.
“We love the light from the courtyard and the splashing
of the fountains.”
Something For Dad
Upstairs above the master suite is Pat’s weight room,
a fully equipped inspiration for those who value health and
exercise. One wall is mirrored while another features an original
oil painting of Pat in championship pose, a surprise gift
commissioned by Vicki after he won his first Mr. America title.
Pat’s other passion is cars, so the garage is also a
special place. Roomy enough to house his sports cars, the
floor is spotless and the walls are covered with auto memorabilia.
Because the house is an integral part of the lake environment,
the Neve family spends a lot of time outside. Facing west,
a portion of the playpool was built under the roof’s
overhand to take advantage of its shade. A spa is located
on one side of the pool and an outdoor kitchen on the other,
with the dining bar oriented lakeside. On the dock below,
the couple’s motorboat waits for its daily spin.For
Vicki and Pat, the decision to build the home of their dreams
is reinforced every day. “We love it here,” muses
Pat. “We can look at the lake on one side and mountains
on the other. We couldn’t be happier.”
Suzanne Pickett Martinson is a Valley-based freelance writer
and author and can be reached via her site at www.SuzannePickettMartinson.com.
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