A Personal Oasis

Old-World style meets eclectic décor at this tranquil abode

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There are touches of Bill Phillips’ personality scattered all throughout his Old World-style home. There’s the black and white tile floor in the garage where he and his friends watch NASCAR races. There are the posters and tickets of Super Bowls that he’s attended that line the stairs leading to the basement. And then there’s the game room, with its red felt billiards table and framed drawings of chess pieces. But besides all of the testosterone-driven décor, Phillips’ love for the outdoors and his grandchildren are what transcend his elegant home.

The founder of Mid-America Auto Auction, Phillips transformed the 5,900-square-foot house from the ground up in less than three months with the help of his fiancée, Teresa McFall. The pair had contractors knock out a wall, replace most of the floors, change every light fixture in the house, add three fireplaces and extend the deck in the backyard.

A  MEMORABLE  ENTRY
The one and a half-story house is inviting, with a stone and stucco exterior, a red barrel tile roof and a tall entryway. On the way up the sidewalk, you pass a landscaped front yard and a stone lion’s head that spills out a steady stream of water. In a rock garden near the entrance, there are bronze statues of playing children that are supposed to resemble Phillips’ grandkids.

Step through the front door and into the foyer, and you see the results of a complete overhaul to the former model home. Stained glass windows and archways over the room’s entryways are a recurring theme on the main floor. Contractor Matt Shibley, who added the archways, also built wooden columns with marble insets along the room’s edges and transformed a coat closet into a small nook with a desk. Plenty of greenery, neutral-colored walls with crackle finishes and dim lighting add a sense of tranquility.

To one side of the foyer is Phillips’ office, a room that’s filled with photos that include Phillips standing next to boxing front man Don King, as well as pictures of family and friends. There’s a framed story from the Rose Hill Reporter about how Phillips restored a Colonial mansion, and a book entitled Choppers: Heavy Metal Arts that features one of his two sons, Brad. Magazines about racing and modified Mustangs showcase the work of his other son, Brook. Across from the office is the dining room, which includes a tray ceiling, a china cabinet and a wooden table with six chairs.