Home of the Week: Cathy and Charlie Connoley

Cathy and Charlie Connoley worked in Texas for 30 years, but when retirement rolled around, they decided to head north to Table Rock Lake for retirement.

It put the couple closer to his siblings in St. Louis, kids in Moberly and Nebraska and Cathy’s family in Minnesota.

It also presented them the opportunity to build their dream home on land that offers an incredible view of the lake.

The couple say they began scouting for locations in 2007. Their search started near Shell Knob, but over time, they settled on being closer to Kimberling City and the health care available in Springfield.

When they finally selected their lot and finalized their plans for the home and prepared to begin construction in 2015, they realized there was a bit of a glitch.

“We really knew what we wanted and had it all laid out and realized it wouldn’t fit the lot,” Charlie says with a smile. “So, we moved the garage to the front and pushed (the house) back in the lot.”

For the next year, the Connoleys traveled to Lampe roughly each quarter to check on construction. There were a few issues here and there — miscommunication resulted in the pantry built-ins to be shallower than they’d hoped — but overall, Cathy says it went well.

Of chief importance for Cathy was the design of the main living area and adjacent kitchen and dining spaces. The kitchen features an unusual two-island design. But Cathy says that was important for a few reasons.

First, it established a visual barrier that helped define the living and kitchen spaces. Second, it provided bar space that is particularly handy when entertaining. Finally, it also offers additional work and storage spaces.

The two kept storage and function top of mind throughout the remainder of the house.

When it came time to decorate, Cathy turned to Chris Yearick of Sisters by Design to bounce ideas off of. They created spaces that incorporated custom-made furniture and rugs with treasured mementos and family heirlooms.

“She has been so wonderful helping us to create this,” Cathy says.

And this season, Chris is busy helping Cathy transform the house in time for the Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake 17th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. The décor will undoubtedly include pieces from Cathy’s immense Hallmark ornament collection.

Cathy says opening her home for the charitable event was never in doubt.

“We’re thrilled to do it,” she says.

We are always on the lookout for great houses — small, large, elegant or quirky, they all have a story. If you would like to suggest a home — a friend’s, a family member’s or your own — email Jan Peterson at jan.peterson@att.net. Homes that are for sale are not eligible.

Want to go?

• What: 17th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, to benefit Table Rock Lake area charities and nonprofit organizations

• When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2

• Where: Several area homes

• Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of the tours; tickets available through Nov. 19 at Kimberling Area Library and Harter House in Kimberling City, Bear State Bank, in Branson West, and Price Chopper in Branson; tickets will be available the days of the tour at Kimberling Area Library

• Info: nftrl.org

• Also: The Christmas Tour of Homes Hospitality room will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 at Kimberling Area Library. The event features complimentary coffee and cookies; a galleria, featuring local crafts,jewelry and other gift items; a marketplace featuring baked goods, jams, pet treats and more; drawings for a variety of gift baskets; and, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the Holiday Café, where lunch will be offered.