There’s nothing fussy about Mara and Max Simmons. And there’s certainly nothing fussy about the home they’ve built along the Little Red River in Heber Springs. It’s a warm and welcoming reflection of who they are.
Directional signs out front list distances to far-flung places where the family has roots, including Mara’s native Mexico and their daughter-in-law’s hometown in Sweden. The signs, put up on the occasion of their daughter’s wedding, are only one indication of the wide-ranging mix of friends and family who have visited their home to rest and relax. They signify how very far away the riverfront retreat feels from the cares of city life.
At a modest 2,200 square feet, every inch of the home, both inside and out, is used wisely. At the heart of it is a spacious kitchen that opens to living and dining areas, all sited with views to the river. The couple’s previous house had a similar kitchen and great room combination, and they realized when company came over, that’s where everyone ended up. That knowledge inspired their new space: “When we built this house, we did away with formal areas, like the living room and library,” says Mara. “We wanted something that would be very relaxing and comfortable for family and friends.”
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