With our most unique project name yet, Dixie’s Chicken Ranch was a labor of love in every way. You are probably wondering how we named this project and it is actually quite simple. Our client’s were looking for a place to retire outside of the hustle of the Phoenix metro area and fell in love with this property in Camp Verde Arizona. The property came equipped with a barn full of chickens which of course their dog Dixie loved to chase around the grass. As construction went on, they kept asking their dog Dixie if she wanted to go visit her chickens up north…and Dixie’s Chicken Ranch was born.
The property offers open grassland and expansive views, but the original home felt frozen in the 1970s. Wood paneling, linoleum floors, popcorn ceilings, and an awkward layout required a full renovation. The clients wanted to preserve the open feel while adding private spaces for family and guests. We designed a dedicated home office to support their transition into retirement. We reconfigured the kitchen to create a functional, intuitive layout for daily living. The design blends essential updates with the clients’ personal style using eclectic and vintage pieces.
Our clients planned for the future by incorporating barrier free design elements that support long term living. In the main house, we widened doorways, installed a curbless shower in the primary bathroom, and prioritized usable storage. We maintained an open concept living room with generous clearance around all furniture placements. Sturdy sofas and beds at optimal transfer heights complete a thoughtful barrier free furniture plan.
We transformed the detached garage into a barrier free casita designed for safety, comfort, and independence. The casita originally supported visits from the clients’ aging parents and future family needs. During construction, the client’s sister received a rare brain cancer diagnosis that changed the plan. As her cognitive abilities declined, she chose to move into the casita for daily support and care.
She has surpassed every medical prediction through surgeries and ongoing treatments. Today, she enjoys mountain living with her family and her cat, Reba.
The casita focused on some extra barrier free design elements to ensure the space can grow with the needs of the clients. Large glass french doors with a curb-less entry replaced the old garage door. The kitchen is fun with the bold terracotta cabinets and checkerboard tile while being functional with drawer storage, drawer microwave, induction cooktop, spacious pantry, and convertible roll under sink. This sink base cabinet can be used traditionally or when needed, the base can be removed to convert to a roll under sink.
The studio style gives flexibility for various furniture set ups and uses in the future. We kept the furniture plan simple with fun colors and of course had to make space for Reba. The bathroom has a spacious 4 foot turn radius and large curb-less shower. The glass door is perfect for keeping the water contained and the heat in – no cold showers here. Though the shower does not have grab bars installed, the walls have the backing so if needed grab bars can be added in the future.
This was an incredibly rewarding project to work on for some amazing clients. Blending accessibility with personal and beautiful interiors is our mission and we are so grateful to get the opportunity to work with client’s that value that vision. We loved creating these 2 spaces that give the client’s flexibility and safety as they embark on a new chapter of life.
Before Photos
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Designer: Blue Copper Design
Photographer: LifeCreated
Builder: Main House-Bob Smith Construction / Casita- Kilby & Sons Construction
