THE SOTO HOME

Contemporary Ranch Comfort

Premier Living

By Lindsey Clute

Photography by Jimie Luangrath /Creative Revolver

For Ruben and Myriam Soto, settling in Tennessee was a choice guided by experience rather than chance. Having lived throughout much of the United States and the Caribbean over their 49 years of marriage, the couple eventually found themselves drawn to the charm of the Scenic City.

“While on vacation in Crossville with our daughter and son-in-law, we came upon this piece of property and fell in love with it,” Ruben explains. “Having lived our entire homeowner experiences in tract communities, we determined this would be our latest, and last, adventure – building a custom home with all the features and amenities captured through years of evaluating how we’d do it if given the chance.”

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Situated on a six-acre lot, the Sotos’ home is a welcoming haven amidst a stretch of greenery. Its exterior features a cohesive blend of gray stone, white board and batten siding, charcoal shingles, and dormer windows – a stunning display of neutrals against a pigmented backdrop that denotes the homeowners’ intentions. “The contemporary, modern take of this style really caught our attention. We didn’t want just another take on modern farmhouse,” Ruben shares, adding that the house blends a conventional ranch-style design with modern elements and subtle prairie features.

In the back, a walkout basement and an attached three-car garage with a guest suite echo the home’s refined aesthetic.

Stepping into the home, an open floorplan is revealed, with the living room, kitchen, and dining room designed for convenience, connection, and functionality – the ideal arrangement for when the Sotos welcome loved ones into their home. “One of our favorite traditions is having family and friends visit,” says Myriam. “They come from all over the country, so we ensure that everything is suitable for their comfort. We’ll be hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, so that will be a treat.”

inside living room

A cream, suede sectional surrounds a gray, rustic coffee table and two brown wood and leather chairs, while plush throws and warm colors promote a lived-in ambience. A stately two-sided fireplace is the heart of the space, serving as a centerpiece between the living area and dining room. Its striking geometric pattern with black and gold detailing adds depth and texture, and a wainscoting base provides a symmetrical foundation.

Soto house living

On the other side of the fireplace is the home’s dining room that features warm wood tones and quirky patterns. “The dining room probably has the two most striking and significant pieces of furniture in the home,” says Myriam. “The dining table is 10 feet long when fully extended and is made from reclaimed timbers with bluestone inserts, and the chandelier – which just about covers the expanse of the table – is about 200 pounds and required substantial reinforcement of the ceiling members and four people to install.”

dining room

The dining table faces a wall of windows with a sliding glass door leading out onto the front porch. Natural light and the warm embrace of the fireplace create an inviting atmosphere thoughtfully designed for family dinners, holiday celebrations, and special get-togethers.

ruben ane kyriam

Ruben and Myriam Soto

While Myriam might say that the dining room best captures the essence of the home, Ruben has a different opinion. “I’d say it’s the kitchen with the commercial-style appliances,” he shares. “Myriam is a remarkable cook, and I wanted something that allowed her to satisfy her culinary curiosity in style.”

kitchen and dining area

From standout wicker bar chairs to navy Moroccan-inspired rugs, touches of textures and patterns give this culinary playground character and charisma. Crisp white cabinetry cloaks the space, and an island with a quartz countertop and large drawers for storage offers functionality.

inside kitchen

Within the primary bedroom, vaulted ceilings crown a relaxing retreat. Bold patterns and furniture – including a forest green suede ottoman, patterned throw pillows, a script fabric upholstered chair, and contemporary artwork – add contrast against a clean canvas, while large windows are adorned with textured beige curtains for versatility.

bathroom marble

The primary bathroom is a white-and-gold oasis. A spacious walk-in shower is wrapped in a ceramic tile interior with a unique ripple appearance, while hexagon tiles make up the shower floor. A his-and-her-style vanity draws focus to clean, white cabinets, gold fixtures, and stunning quartz vessel sinks.

inside bedroom

Whether tending to the yard, enjoying peaceful mornings in their serene living room, sipping coffee on the rear deck as rain falls softly outside, or simply moving through the rhythms of daily life in their kitchen, the Sotos are deeply grateful for the home they long envisioned and for the journey that brought them here.

outside window

“Having never had a custom home built to our specifications, the experience and learning has been remarkable. That’s a testament to the quality of individuals we worked with, and we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have found them for this project.” – Ruben Soto