KENOVA -- A pond full of fish, a parade of wild turkeys and a passel of deer are just a few steps from Steve and Carol Wallace's house on the outskirts of Kenova.
This idyllic park-like setting is in the midst of the nine acres they call home. As you turn onto the rhododendron-lined drive it is immediately apparent that this is a much-loved home. The finely-manicured lawn and well-kept flower beds frame out their renovated abode.
The Wallaces were looking to buy property nearby when they noted this location was for sale.
"The real estate agent was just putting up the sign when we drove by," Steve said. "We told them to sign us up, we would take it sight unseen."
It was simply about that old real estate adage, location, location, location.
"We wanted the location. We had always admired it, and we knew we would renovate the house," Carol said.
This is the fourth house the Wallaces have lived in and redone together.
Steve and Carol are versatile and talented people. They have not only renovated houses together, but Steve is one of Tamarack's artisans. His hardrock candles are featured not only on his Web site, http://naturaloilcandles.com but on Tamarack's site as well. Carol's work takes her to the Huntington Mall where she manages the optical department at Sears.
One of the reasons they loved the location was the pond that sits between the house and the road. It is fed by a natural spring.
"We don't have to do anything to it, it takes care of itself," Steve said.
Even though fishing is a major family activity, the fish are safe because they have a throw-them-back rule. For that reason there are some fairly large fish in the pond.
"My grandson caught a 30-pound catfish," Steve said.
Besides catfish there are sunfish, bass, crappie and more swimming in the Wallace pond.
The pond itself has a history. The former owner was a minister who would often baptize his parishioners in the pool of water.
Even so, the Wallaces don't use it for swimming -- just fishing. Steve has built a pond house where the family often sits in the evening either feeding the fish or just enjoying the natural setting.
All of the Wallaces' efforts have not just been devoted to their yard. They also expanded and renovated the house. After purchasing the property and moving in Steve went to work. They added a family room, powder room, a master suite and installed a new kitchen.
"Steve and a friend pretty much did all the labor," Carol said.
The original floor plan was changed so that the dining room bay window overlooks the pond. What started as a small cottage now sports 3,400-square feet.
Upstairs the master suite has a vaulted ceiling that adds to the ambiance of the western theme Carol and Steve have created. A small balcony off the bedroom has netted Steve a bit of kidding from friends. They refer to it as his tree stand because so many deer pass by on the hillside. The master bath and Carol's dressing room have all the conveniences and room one could desire.
"It's just comfy," she said.
The Wallaces have worked at creating a family home where loved ones gather.
"Our kids and grandchildren love fishing in the pond and hiking through the woods," Steve said. "It's a great place to entertain friends and family."
"It's just very homey and comfortable," Carol added.
As an old sage once said, 'home is where the heart is,' and it is obvious the Wallaces have put heart into their home.
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