All in the family.

Nestled beside a lake in central Mississippi is a house "geared for retirement," the owners attest with laughter. But Bob and Jimmie Faye Neblett, who have been in their new home for only a year yet, "still have too many things they want to do" before retiring. Their unique and understated residence is also truly a family affair. "This is a real home with all family involved with its creation," Jimmie Faye says.

One of the Nebletts' favorite pastimes, antiquing at estate auctions and flea markets, led to the establishment of a family business in 1974. It all started as they searched for unique picture frames at flea markets, and framing continued to be a hobby for a long time--until "the hobby outgrew the job," they say. Their small business grew to 17 stores at one time in Mississippi and Tennessee. After franchising all stores located beyond a two-hour drive, there are still two stores in the Jackson metropolitan area bearing the family name. The Nebletts say they have always enjoyed old things, family heirlooms, photographs, furniture, and memorabilia, and their quest for finding new and interesting things has kept their house "a work in progress."

The home's floor plan was the brainchild of Jimmie Faye. "House plans are my hobby," she says with a smile. Her goal was to eliminate personal pet peeves like wasted space and unnecessary hallways, so she worked closely with the builder, modifying the design along the way. As a result, each room in the house flows easily into the next, creating a traffic path ideal for entertaining. The first floor opens at the front and back with wide French doors to the lush exterior landscape. Windows and doors dominate the exterior walls and capture the lakeside view. Finishes used throughout the house are strong and varied, complementing each area and the specific uses of each room.

With roots in the Delta and central Mississippi, the Neblett family places a strong emphasis on heritage, and this resonates throughout their home. The eclectic nature of the decor reflects the many interests of the owners and their family. Carolyn Boyd, Jimmie Faye's sister, oversaw the planning and placement of every piece of furniture and accessory, from Victorian to Aztec to modern. Her styling and direction creates spaces identifiable by room yet consistently comfortable. All three sons also had a hand in the design of their parents' new house. Two sons, Jimmy and Rob, planned and landscaped the exterior, while the third, Patrick, designed and forged interior and exterior ironwork for the house.

Approaching the house, a visitor immediately gets a sense of ease and comfort. Wicker furniture greets guests on the front porch and back terrace, creating cozy outdoor living spaces. Flowers are a passion for Bob, and pots bursting with color are found all around the home's exterior. Entering the house through the leaded glass front door, natural light streams into the warmth of the living room. Overstuffed seating beckons one to sit and observe the many architectural and family elements accentuating the space. Ironwork by son Patrick, owner of River Chase Ironworks, forms the stair balustrade as well as an intricate fire screen. Exceptional furniture pieces are integral to the room--a secretary from a house in Natchez, an oak bookcase with hand-carvings from an old school in Morgan City, an armchair from a church in Morgan City. Situated in front of the sofa as the room's focal point is a beautiful Arts and Crafts-style antique writing table which belonged to Jimmie Faye's great-grandmother.

A space large enough for the whole family was Jimmie Faye's only requirement for the dining room. Several happy family gatherings since, along with the unique placement of the Christmas tree here, have proven her design successful. Again, family furniture is featured prominently, as are handmade ceramics crafted by Jimmie Faye's mother, designer of Miss Mable's Collectibles. The rich colors of this room enhance the antique family furniture and complement the heirloom china and Depression glass. Dramatically positioned into a nook in front of a two-story high window is a baby grand piano. It is here, in front of the window, where the Christmas tree is located for all to enjoy. Elegance abounds, yet ease and comfort prevail.

The rear of the house is more than just a series of rooms--as the hub of the home, this area combines function with flair and practicality with comfort in color and design. The floor is covered in oversized stone tile, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to the eating area and sunroom. Area rugs in rich hues give an element of warmth to each area. The layout of the kitchen is based on convenience, organization, and service. Very few cabinets with shelves exist here--drawers are preferred for total accessibility of the front-to-back space. Black granite tiles on the countertops set off white woodwork and yellow walls. Uniquely positioned over the sink is a horizontal window which opens to an exterior counter used for serving as well as eating. Opposing the kitchen work area are collectible cabinets in the kitchen and eating area, holding treasured items such as family Bibles, bronzed cowboy boots worn by all three boys, and grandfather's shaving brush. A special prized treasure is a set of Staffordshire Flo Blu e china from the No Mistake Plantation, dating back to 1845-1858. The extensive collection includes place settings of plates, bowls, cups and saucers, as well as serving pieces, platters, tureens, and a cake plate.

When asked what area of the house is the family's favorite, the sunroom gets resounding praise. Not only is the area comfortable, but one can also become captivated by the panoramic view of the lake. Binoculars are within easy reach for Bob to spot birds or even a turtle on the lawn as he visits with guests or grandchildren. Overstuffed seating and pillows welcome all to sit and gaze out the full-length windows. Family chairs encircle a delicate antique card table in front of a tranquil windowscape. Two more comfortable chairs flank an old sewing spool cabinet from Bob's family's store in the Delta. In order to raise the cabinet to an appropriate height, an iron base was designed and fabricated by Patrick. Adjoining the sunroom sitting area is a cozy eating area. A hand-finished farm table sits perpendicular to French doors opening onto the back terrace. Family chairs and a pew from the church Jimmie Faye attended while growing up flank the table, giving pleasure to any meal.

Another wing of continuous space is found in the master bedroom, master bathroom, and laundry area. The bedroom faces the lake, once again capturing the magnificent view. A door to the terrace provides direct access to the exterior. The adjoining master bathroom area holds several surprises. The shower and water closet are separated from the main area and individually enclosed. A his-and-hers vanity contains drawers with electrical outlets at the back of each, so that appliances are always plugged in and ready with the opening of a drawer. The focal point of the bathroom is the whirlpool tub, positioned beneath a bay window. The full-length windows visually open the interior to an intimate private garden with a soothing water fountain. The soft color palette, with a splash of color from a collection of rare amethyst glass pieces and peaceful visual architectural elements, creates a soothing and relaxing space.

Unique designs with personal influences are found throughout the Neblett home. A door off the butler's pantry opens to a space under the stairs hiding the grandchildren's toy closet and secret space. At the top of the stairs is an observation library area, complete with telescopes. A large picture window and French doors in this area once again take in the water view. Also upstairs is a special area of a more personal nature; situated over the front door and accessible through an upstairs bedroom is Bob's memory loft. A small narrow space holds two glass cabinets filled with photos, trophies, and sports memorabilia from schools, colleges, and military service. Diplomas and treasured items dot the wall. Jimmie Faye's idea that organization is important in this house is translated into sorting bins built into the cabinetry at the laundry area. Of course, when the bin is full, it is time to do laundry, she says!

The pearl in the crown of the Neblett home is its lakeside exterior. The area just behind the house features a scored concrete terrace with brick walls at the pool's edge. Bountiful flower pots add exciting color to nature's beauty. The clear water of the pool reflects the lakeside pergola. Not only is the setting perfect for relaxing in the sun and watching the activity in the pool, but it is also a spot to feed fish at the water's edge. Situated at the side of the backyard and sheltered by a small grove of trees is a secret garden, with cushioned chairs for resting and reflecting.

"My home is always a work in progress," Jimmie Faye says. "I am always finding new and interesting things to use." Yet, above all, the Neblett house is a family home, with contributions made by all. The space is livable, and the environment is peaceful both inside and out. A waterside home to retire in--someday.