Sometimes the Best Detours Make the Best Memories Along the Way
We were heading home from Thorpe, Wisconsin, and making what I would consider a very important stop in Ellsworth for cheese curds, beer, and ice cream. I mean, come on... the essentials in life.
Along the way, my mom spotted a Parade of Homes sign for Home #174. Since we had just seen the sign, I assumed it would be close by, so we took a little detour.
The moment we pulled up, I noticed something that immediately caught my attention.
No stairs.
I looked at my mom and said, "Let's go see this house."
What happened next was one of my favorite moments of the day.
My mom hasn't been to a Parade of Homes in about six years. Due to mobility challenges, homes with stairs, basements, or owner suites tucked away on a second floor make it hard for her to fully experience them. Most homes aren't designed with someone like her in mind.
But Home #174 by Petta Building & Design LLC was different.
This home was designed for one-level living, and my mom was like a kid in a candy store.
The gourmet kitchen immediately stole her heart. She couldn't stop talking about the incredible amount of cabinet space. What she loved most were the drawers instead of traditional standard base cabinets with a drawer and door. Everything was accessible, easy to reach, and thoughtfully designed with pull-outs.
As for me, I was obsessed with the quartz countertops that continued seamlessly up the backsplash. It created such a clean, elegant look. Even the electrical outlets were tucked underneath the upper cabinets, eliminating visual clutter and letting the design shine.
But the real magic wasn't in the finishes.
It was watching my parents experience every part of the home.
The owner's suite, three additional bedrooms, four beautiful bathrooms, an exercise room, a sauna, and even a golf simulator room that could double as an incredible movie-night space were all located on the main level.
My parents couldn't believe it.
For the first time in years, they weren't limited to seeing only part of a Parade Home.
They got to experience nearly all of it.
My mom especially loved the owner's bathroom. The large walk-in shower featured two shower heads and a spacious bench. What really stood out to me was the flooring transition between the bedroom, closet, and bathroom. There wasn't a raised threshold or uneven transition. Everything flowed together beautifully on the same level.
It was stunning.
More importantly, it was safe.
My dad is 94, and like many people his age, he sometimes shuffles his feet instead of lifting them completely. Those small transitions and height changes that younger people never think about can become tripping hazards. Throughout this home, I found myself noticing how thoughtfully everything had been designed.
And neither my mom nor my dad tripped once.
The only area they couldn't access was the upstairs loft. So I took a video for them, and it's the perfect cozy retreat for watching TV, playing games, or adding a pool table. The darker finishes gave it a warm, inviting feel that made you want to settle in and stay awhile. I loved it so much that I turned part of the video into the GIF featured in this article.
As we left, I realized this house wasn't memorable because of the quartz countertops, the golf simulator, or even the beautiful design.
It was memorable because it made my parents feel included.
Most people walking through Home #174 will see a gorgeous Parade Home. I did too.
But I also saw something else.
I saw my mom get excited about a Parade Home again.
And honestly, that's what made this detour worth taking. ❤️
View the home: Petta Building & Design LLC - Home #174
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