JIM AND DONNA’S Special Spaces

The cathedral window and the inviting fireplace present a cozy area for family and friends to congregate. The full-log beams provide dramatic accents to this popular spot as well. The wine cellar’s unique floor is covered in 26,000 pennies that Donna and her best friend, Mary Sabo, spent a New Year’s weekend spacing and gluing into place, and the $260 investment was completed with spectacular results. All the pennies are heads-up except for 27 wheat pennies placed tails-up for contrast. “We used black grout between the pennies and sealed it with a clear epoxy,” Jim explains. “It gives the illusion of walking onto a wet floor.” The lower level of the home includes a variety of fun amenities. “We have a full bar and game table with bar stools and seating all around,” says Donna. The bar itself was constructed from a large oak tree that had died on the couple’s Wisconsin Rapids property. Jim comments: “I hated to see that beautiful tree go to waste.” Donna loves the expansive three-season porch that adds outstanding living space to the home and captures nature’s transformations in comfort. “That is my go-to place,” she remarks. “I can see the water and hear the rain on the roof. It’s really popular when we have visitors.” The staircase to the upper floor of the Wilkes’ home is accented with style. “The log staircase is unique,” says Tom Wyles of Tomahawk Log & Country Homes. “I’m fascinated when I look at its black, wrought-iron spindle system. We did our very best to keep up with everything that Jim and Donna wanted.”