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LIFE: HOMES
Couple builds dream home along Ohio River
The master bedroom overlooks the Ohio River at the home of Ron and Donna Traurig in Miller, Ohio.
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MILLER, Ohio -- Ron and Donna Traurig built their dream home along the Ohio River three years ago.
These west coast natives had grown up in California and had spent their whole lives there. It wasn't until they came to the Tri-State to attend their daughter's wedding that they found the stuff of dreams.
"We were so impressed with how green and well groomed everything is here plus the friendliness of the people we met everyday was just wonderful," Donna said. "You don't find that in California."
Ron said something else lured him.
"It has always been my dream to have a home on water," he said. "While here we drove around and spotted some lots for sale on the Ohio River. We contacted the owner and bought a great lot. We picked out some plans that emphasize the view of the river and included Donna's preferences for a home. I had always wanted a house on the water, and Donna had always wanted to build a house."
They obviously loved the area but that their daughter and family would be close by was an added incentive to resettle.
When talking about what they wanted in their new house, Donna was clear.
"I didn't want a big house, but I wanted it to be open and spacious," she said.
"I wanted maintenance free and on the water," Ron added.
It seems both have gotten their wish with this lovely three-bedroom house bordering the Ohio. The brick exterior and siding make it nearly maintenance free. Inside, hardwood floors that Donna had always wanted flow throughout the house adding to the spaciousness of the open floor plan.
The bank of windows in each room offer a wonderful vista of the river.
"In the fall its like a paint pallet with all the tree colors changing along the water," Donna said. "It's just a breathtaking view."
One of their to-do projects is to build a dock and stairs to the river. As it is, they spend lots of time on their screened-in porch watching the river traffic as it meanders downstream.
The Traurigs brought a bit of California with them in their décor. The Tuscan color scheme of greens and shades of terra cotta are coordinated throughout the abode. The basic green is enhanced with the brightness of the warm colors in window treatments, rugs and pillows.
Though the kitchen is small, it is the center of the house with eating area, dining room and living room surrounding it. The warm wood cabinets add to the ambiance of the European Tuscan theme.
As life would have it, the Traurigs often find themselves comparing their Ohio River home with their California life. Ron, who spent 24 years as a Los Angles police officer, likes the openness of the neighborhood.
"Where we came from in California it seemed everything was fenced or walled, there was no lot to lot," he said. "To have grass in California you have to water your lawn every day, but here it just grows. Our neighbors laughed at us at first because we were always watering the grass."
The weather here is always a switch.
"Where we came from it was very hot and very dry," Donna said.
She says she compares the greenness of West Virginia and Ohio to broccoli when flying over it.
"It is so green," she said. "We found it amazing that the grass is mowed along the highways in the area."
It's not just the landscape they found appealing. There is a difference in cultures they appreciate. In California they saw a reserve that is not apparent in their Appalachian home.
"Everyone is so very friendly here, no one is in a hurry, life is just more relaxed," Donna said. "When you make eye contact people automatically smile."
The Traurigs have found a great place to retire and they know it. They like life on the Ohio and the easy demeanor of Appalachia. Their new home demands little maintenance and they built it just the way they wanted it. They have "touched the green, green grass of home."
