MacDonald Highlands shows big home

Sitting on three lots comprising almost 21/2 acres, the 30,758-square-foot Foster-Garrett Residence, located in MacDonald Highlands, is the largest single-story home ever built in Nevada under one roof. The home is owned by Betty Foster and Mike Garrett and was designed by SCA Design. The Henderson-based architectural firm had the unique challenge of designing a home which ultimately would cover much of the land but would be limited to a maximum 20-foot height.

The foyer leads into a 60- by 30-foot great room which overlooks the backyard featuring a pool with a built-in barbecue/swim-up bar with a view of Dragon Ridge Golf Course. Across from the dining room is a kitchen with walk-in pantry, prep kitchen and breakfast nook. The home is 520 feet across with a 300-foot hallway serving as the main arterial that leads guests throughout the home. SCA used arches and varying ceiling heights to break up the vastness of this hallway. The 24,061 square feet of living space is anchored by two master suites on either end. Both suites have a master bath with Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in closets and one bedroom also has a sitting area with kitchenette.

There is a suite of four rooms -- each with a private bath -- adjacent and across from each other that meet in the center sitting area. There is the top-of-the-line home theater with seats imported from Germany and a pub for entertaining. The gym also doubles as a beauty salon. The wine room is finished with brick ceilings and floors for authenticity. In addition to the six full baths, there are four powder rooms (strategically placed for guest convenience), a home office, two laundry rooms, a gift wrapping room and a hobby room.

The 6,697-square-foot garage/utility space leads into three separate garages, holding up to 11 cars and three custom golf carts in addition to a motor home garage. The garage/utility space also has a workshop and carport.

"The real success of this project was the client," said designer Shelden Colen. "Betty Foster and Mike Garrett knew what they wanted and worked closely with us to bring it to fruition. It was an exciting challenge and we are very pleased with the perfect blend of grandeur and warmth. The finished product is a home, not just a house."

Colen and Michael Andersen are the principals of SCA Design, which is committed to creativity, quality and excellence in providing innovative solutions in architecture. SCA Design offers expertise in maximizing square footage while understanding the client's vision and designing it within budget and in a timely, reliable, professional manner.