Nestled along nearly 200 feet of pristine golf course frontage, the Nakon home has been a Red Tail fixture since 1996. Built by Matt and his family—adult children Nicholas (33), Morgan (31), and Madison (27)—this beautiful property was one of the very first homes to rise on the Red Tail golf course, with Todd and Barb Carmel being some of the only neighbors to arrive around the same time.

Having lived here for nearly three decades, the family recently embarked on a transformative renovation that reimagined their home’s first floor and beyond. The results? A warm, open, and inviting "Mountain Modern" retreat that blends form, function, and style.

Although various areas of the home—including the basement, bathrooms, and upper levels—had been renovated over time, the first floor still held onto its original 1990s roots. As Matt put it, “Our goal was to remove as much of the 1990s as possible, while ensuring the design complemented the rest of our decor.”

And so began an ambitious full-scale renovation of the first floor, main stairway, and upper hallway—turning a traditional layout into an open, flowing space ideal for modern living and entertaining.

The remodel involved gutting the entire first floor, reconfiguring ten rooms, and removing a primary weight-bearing wall. Eight-foot doors and a fresh floor plan replaced the old layout. The goal wasn’t just about style—it was about creating functionality and comfort.

The project was led by trusted general contractor Mike Crossman of MRC Design Build, someone Matt had worked with multiple times over the years. Matt Crossman, Mike's son, has also been instrumental in helping his father with several Nakon projects during this time. Mike partnered with interior designer Kaleigh Cody of River Birch Design Co., who brought the family's loose ideas to life with incredible precision. “We wanted a ‘Mountain Modern’ look that connected with our outdoor patio and created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Kaleigh nailed it,” said Matt.

Perhaps the most remarkable transformation came in the home’s former veranda—a spacious 14' x 38' room that previously connected the kitchen and piano room. Despite its size, the space lacked functionality. Now? It’s a showstopper.

The new design turned one-third of the area into a hidden butler’s pantry and attic access, while the remaining two-thirds became a stunning entertainment room complete with a built-in bar leading to the patio. “It went from the least functional to the most functional space in our home,” Matt noted.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of the renovation is how easily the home now accommodates guests. Whether it’s a holiday gathering with over 30 people or an impromptu get-together, the redesigned space offers a cozy yet open layout that invites connection. “It encourages people to enjoy themselves, more than worrying about spilling a glass of wine,” Matt stated.

The remodel also prompted a major decluttering. With a cleaner aesthetic came a clearer mind—and the family now finds themselves hosting more frequently and more comfortably than ever before.

While the outcome has been more than worth it, Matt is honest about the challenges along the way. Living in a basement “dorm-style” for six months during construction wasn’t easy, and post-COVID pricing made the financial aspect more daunting than expected. “It ended up costing more than we spent to build the house in ’96. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

His advice for fellow Red Tail homeowners considering a renovation? Plan well and wait until the house is a bit quieter. “If your renovation is more than a room or two, I highly recommend waiting until your kids are out of the house.”

Matt gave high praise to several local professionals who helped bring his vision to life:

While another renovation of this size isn’t on the immediate horizon, the family is already deep into an exterior renovation at their lake house in Roaming Shores. “We may take on a basement project here down the line,” Matt said. “But first—we’re going to enjoy the space we’ve just created.”

Stroll Red Tail is proud to showcase this exceptional renovation that not only modernized a beloved home but also deepened the family’s connection to it. Here's to many more years of warmth, gatherings, and memories made at this beautifully reimagined Red Tail gem.