Payne Family Homes - Blog

Diana and Patrick McDonough definitely qualify as experienced new-home buyers.

The couple had built three houses elsewhere before purchasing their current – and they insist, “Final!” – Payne Family Home in The Meadows at Ohmes Farm.  Formerly residents of Cottleville, the McDonoughs had decided to downsize, even though they  still have two active young sons – Kyle, 13, and Michael, 11 – at home, plus Tucker, the family’s first puppy.  Topping their list of “must-haves” was a ranch-style home; a location close to the boys’ private schools and extra-curricular activities; and a manageably-sized yard, requiring less maintenance and allowing more time to enjoy their busy family life.
“We shopped all over, looking at many builders and all kinds of plans,” says Diana. “We liked St. Peters, but there weren’t many new-home communities in this area. Still, the minute we walked into Payne Family’s display here at Ohmes Farm, I knew this was the right house!”

In fact, the elegant “San Marino” ranch was so close to the McDonoughs’ vision that, except for the addition of a finished lower level, they made only minimal changes to the basic floorplan.  Patrick was influenced by Payne Family’s construction quality.
“We’ve always built new,” he explained, “and architectural ‘flash’ doesn’t impress me. I want to know what’s behind the walls, and I could see that these homes are very solid and well-built.”
Leaving nothing to chance, the couples researched the company online and were further reassured by customer reviews. Their search was over, and construction began – under the watchful eye of at least one McDonough family member every single day!
“It was exciting to watch the house go up,” Diana recalls, “and [field superintendent] Bruce Wilson and [general manager] Scott Kerns were fantastic to work with!”

After a moment of parental hesitation, Kyle was allowed to describe his special contribution to the process. As the lower-level entertainment area neared completion, the carpenters needed owner instructions for installation of cabinetry in the bar area – but Patrick was out of town on business.  With his dad’s long-distance guidance, Kyle demonstrated his computer skills, producing a set of drawings that worked perfectly!
“I’m not sure we should tell the world that we let our 13-year-old designed our bar,” Diana whispered.