On an unassuming corner of the South Village, the Dietrich family blends global perspective, Kentucky roots, and lots of energy, bringing a unique rhythm to the neighborhood that feels both worldly and warmly familiar.

Jacob and Haley met while completing their master’s degrees in the Security Studies program at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.  What began as an academic pursuit grew into a shared life rooted in curiosity, service, and adventure. Today, that life includes their three children—Remington (5), Conrad (4), and Vienna (3)—as well as Nataly, the family’s au pair from Slovakia, who helps to keep the household humming.

Both Jacob and Haley have impressive academic backgrounds. Jacob earned his bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the University of North Georgia’s military college, during which time he participated in several study abroad programs. As a recipient of the coveted Fulbright Scholarship, he lived and worked in Morocco and Oman. After two years as a senior policy advisor for the Sultanate of Oman, Jacob received a Rangel Fellowship to attend Georgetown, completing his master’s degree before joining the Foreign Service. Haley, originally from Vancouver, Canada, studied at the University of St Andrews in Scotland—one of the oldest universities in the world—alma mater of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and only a short walk from the legendary St. Andrews golf course. There, she earned a joint degree in International Relations and Management before completing her master’s degree at Georgetown with a focus on counterterrorism and sub-state violence.

Professionally, they lead equally dynamic lives. Jacob is a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department, currently serving in the Counselor and Policy Planning office for Secretary Rubio. As of last July, his role has required a weekly commute between Kentucky and D.C., a schedule he balances while managing rental properties, and as an owner in Rugby Scott Ranch Provisions in NoCo’s North Village.  Despite the busy schedule, Jacob still manages to coach Remy and Conrad’s baseball team and spend quality time with the family over the weekends. Haley, meanwhile, is an elite equestrian, riding professionally at the international level and specializing in showjumping. In addition to riding, Haley owns and runs Airborne Stud, a breeding and training operation that develops warmblood horses from foals all the way through to Grand Prix competition and sells them worldwide, with operations spanning the U.S. and Europe. Not surprisingly, horses are a major part of life for the Dietrichs.

Jacob was born and raised in La Grange, prompting their return to the bluegrass to set up a home base for their family. The Dietrichs were both drawn to the family-friendly design of Norton Commons, its walkability, and sense of community. They have lived in the neighborhood on and off since 2020, initially at the Veranda, and later in their first home on Indian Pipe. After a couple of years living abroad in Amsterdam, the family returned to NoCo to continue where they left off.

The Dietrich home is rarely quiet with the activity that comes with three energetic and curious children. Remington, their oldest son, dives enthusiastically into equestrian pursuits like his mom, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, ice hockey, and baseball. He spent the last two years at the Montessori School of Louisville and is eager to begin kindergarten in the fall. Conrad follows close behind with similar interests in equestrian activities, hockey, and baseball, and attends the Montessori school with his brother. Three-year-old Vienna brings flair to the family and already shows a keen interest in ballet and gymnastics. She will be starting preschool this fall.

As if three under five doesn’t cause enough commotion, the household includes Deimos, a two-year-old Doberman, and Reuben, a one-year-old Vizsla. The two are inseparable and the best of canine friends. Both high-energy and affectionate, they’re often spotted greeting passersby from their corner yard at Norton Commons Boulevard and Featherbell. Though they may look intimidating at first glance, they’re nothing but big softies eager to say hello. 

When they’re not working or wrangling kids and animals, Jacob likes to expand his palate with new bourbons or go to the range to test his skilled marksmanship, and Haley is a singer and theater performer. As a family, the Dietrichs enjoy attending equestrian events, baseball, tackling jigsaw puzzles, biking, and generally enjoying themselves around the neighborhood. You’ll often find Jacob and Haley attending Watch Hill’s bourbon tastings, or see the whole family out for live music, the farmers’ market, or hosting Saturday Burger Pop-Ups at Rugby Scott.

As one might guess, international travel runs through the Dietrichs’ veins. Not only does it foster connection and shared interests, it also provides the children with unique learning experiences while cultivating an understanding of other cultures. The Netherlands and Switzerland are among their favorite destinations. There, they enjoy camping, sightseeing, and indulging in mouthwatering food (and wine). But their favorite travel memory to date was to a small, unknown Belgian town for a horse competition that was ultimately cancelled. With very young children in tow, the trip turned into an unexpected adventure filled with backyard chickens and rabbits for the boys to play with, and the spontaneous arrival of a traveling carnival. The kids still refer to the Airbnb as “their Belgium house”—those memories will last a lifetime.

Equally fond memories can be made at home, too, and those are often the best ones. To Haley, it’s the simple things like bringing each new baby home or camping in the living room of your new house, barren of furniture due to the pandemic, except for a mattress on the floor and little else. These are joyful reminders that happiness comes from togetherness, not things—a philosophy the Dietrich family continues to live out, and one they will build on for years to come.