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| Architect, Robert Vahlberg, was commissioned in 1967 to design a home on 300+ acres for Drs. Robert and Phyllis Engles northwest of Durant. The architect, highly influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed a sprawling villa that became a part of the land itself. The villa's great window expanse and gabled roof lines join with the natural flagstone exterior to nest into the side of the high hill of Pines, Oaks, Sweetgum, Pecan and Walnut trees. An ivy garden and a flagstone courtyard make the transition from indoors to outdoors seamless. The construction was a three-year endeavor that included excavating the side of the hill and sinking two-foot diameter peers down 30 feet into bedrock. The fortress-like construction included steel I-beams painted with military grade paint which were encased in concrete forming the bridge girders, which support the elevated portion of the split-level design. Wood, stone and breathtaking views give the impression that you remain outdoors while enjoying the comfort of indoors. The stout construction continues to reside without blemish after 30 years. Over 6,000 square feet of natural-like beauty stands on the mature grounds as a monument to the quality of the construction. Even though the estate had been neglected for three plus years when purchased in 2001, the structure was mighty and unshaken. Trimming the 100's of trees, redesigning the function of the kitchen, updating the interior and exterior lighting, replacing the brick courtyard with one of flagstone and manicuring the grounds was a two year endeavor. We can say that it has been a transformation worthy of this one of a kind, which rewards us with its beauty daily. As you enter the property take in the beautiful views which inspired the name . . . . . Bella Vista on the Boulevard |
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