Photo by Robert Rappeport.
Tuscan, cozy, fun, creative … not to be defined by a single label, Al and Shelley Shuffleberger’s home blends all of these elements to arrive at their sense of home. This 3,800 square foot house, built in 2006, resides on 2 acres tucked between Stillwater and Clough creeks, east of Redding where it combines comfort with style.
The house appears to sit on a sea of green due to the surrounding yards and woodland. Leaded glass, double doors define the covered entry. Tuscan design elements such as stone work inside and out, warm colors, arched wall nooks for statuary and accents pieces, arched passageways and 10-foot ceilings can be seen throughout the house.
Many distinctive design features are incorporated into this home. A collection of handmade tiles, by Canadian artist Sid Dickens, adorn the living room wall. These tiles are individually poured, painted and finished to create an aged, porcelain-like effect. These are one of several collections found in the house.
The home is one of three unique and notable houses featured in the November 7, 45th annual Home Tour and Art Show hosted by the Redding branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW). Each year distinctive homes are chosen for their design, individuality and innovation.
Al and Shelly created their home to accommodate gatherings of their large family. Family pictures and art are evident throughout the home as are accommodations for children and grandchildren. Two lovely bedrooms await their visits. But it doesn’t stop there. Al and Shelly also belong to the local Viticulture Society and their yard reveals their infatuation with grape culture and wine making.
A room which combines a home office and reading nook is found off the entryway. Built for work and play, a noteworthy feature of this room, in addition to its creative use of furnishings, is a working, antique slot machine.
The family room with adjacent kitchen makes the heart of the home. Beautifully accented with curios, the over-sized center island and granite counter-tops make a wonderful work area. The large pantry holds plenty of materials for culinary creativity.
Shelly enjoys the relaxing atmosphere of a ski lodge at the end of the day so she decided to bring that feeling into their family room. A ski sign in the corner greets visitors and sets the mood. Rather than the traditional coffee table, couches are paired with a double-duty hassock that entreats you to put your feet up while also holding your hot chocolate. In the corner, an informal dining area with table and chairs is accented with one of Shelly’s creative wall arrangements. Al has his collection of art glass displayed in a lighted curio cabinet in a corner of the room.
The comfortable master suite features wooden shutters for the doors and windows to control the natural light. A panoramic view of the yard is seen through the windows which add to the atmosphere of the room. The large master closet is one of Shelly’s favorite rooms designed to hold everything a closet should hold. An attached master bath contains a soaking tub and walk-in shower. Granite counters and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures finish the room.
Exit through double doors into the yard…and oh what a yard. Where to begin … it is clear this family likes to play. Al and Shelly have packed the yard with opportunities for fun. Take a swim in the pool, relax by the fire pit or practice your golf swing on the chipping green. Or if you would rather, the side of the house boasts a small orchard, horseshoe pit and bocce ball court. There is something for everyone here.
Photo by Robert Rappeport.
Two covered patios with overhead fans and a pool house create beautiful as well as comfortable areas in which to entertain outdoors. Patio furniture placed on woven area rugs entreat guests to relax and enjoy. Shelly has strategically placed candles, pottery and natural materials to finish the areas.
Ample front and rear yards surround the house. Ornamental and native plant species blend in the rear yard to create a relaxing and fun place to play. Statuary and art pieces create accents and attractive focal points. One corner of the yard is dedicated to a solar field which provides for the energy requirements of the house.
Al and Shelly’s passion for viticulture is apparent in the yard. They have planted their own Cabernet grape vineyard which climbs the hill in the back of the yard and merges with the surrounding Foothill Woodland creating a beautiful view for the house. They use the full kitchen in the pool house for wine making.
Cozy, comfortable, fun and beautiful, Al and Shelly have worked together to create their version of home sweet home, with an emphasis on fun.
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AAUW Home Tour & Art Show Information:
Date and Time: November 7, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ticket Outlets: Holiday Quality Foods at Placer and at Hartnell in Redding * Enjoy the Store * Marshall’s Florist & Fine Gifts * Jose Antonio’s * Palo Cedro Gift Gallery * That Kitchen Place * Plaza Interiors Furniture & Design * Wild Thyme Gifts & Garden
Tickets: $25
Features: Tour three Redding-area homes. Enjoy refreshements and an art show featuring the works of local artists. A drawing will be held for gift certificates and other prizes at the art venue. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and educational fellowships.
