BY LEE ANN SANDWEISS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON ZAHNLE

In a perfect world, we would all live in our dream homes with every space and detail exactly the way we wanted them. The houses featured in this year’s Homes & Gardens issue were made or remade to do just that — to accommodate the specific needs and desires of their inhabitants.

A young couple who love rural life built a modern farmhouse with special emphasis on the current and future needs of their growing family. A retired couple converted a small, 1950s ranch near Bryan Park into a hacienda-inspired abode. An interior designer transformed a house of moribund design to suit her own (and her husband’s) contemporary taste and to better blend into an established upscale neighborhood. And, instead of downsizing, a couple of empty nesters expanded their home to accommodate their varied interests and to host large family gatherings.

Made to order, each of these homes is truly unique.

Read the entire story here!