When it comes to creating and re-creating houses, Kim Bailey could best be described as an artist.
She can turn mundane and well-worn into vibrant and eclectic, whether it’s with reclaimed wood framing and custom-milled moldings or hand-crafted counter tops and the accents of mid-century modern.
And sometimes it’s with a feature you may not find anywhere else. Like the hand-made lumber tile in the back entryway of 345 Kilbourn Road in Pittsford. The tiles were made from thin slices of reclaimed beams, and the clearly visible tree rings provide an instant conversation starter.
“Her attention to detail is insane,” said Trip Pierson, owner and broker at Mitchell Pierson Jr. Inc. Realtors who has assisted in property acquisitions by Stahl Property Associates LLC.
Bailey, however, says she’s not really one to take a blank canvas and magically create the cover image for “House Beautiful.” That’s where her father, Gary Stahl, comes into the equation. He designs the layout and then she adds the elegance.
“He has more of the artist’s eye and I’m more proportions and textures,” Bailey said. “His designs get me going in a direction and when I see it, I bring materials and proportions to the project that are aesthetically pleasing.”
At its core, it’s essentially home flipping 101. Except these rehabilitation projects are at the master’s degree level. They’re a rejuvenation of the properties, and the finished product is exquisite in every detail.
“The market is the person who buys for $400,000 and then puts $200,000 into a renovation,” Pierson said. “Except everything is already done.”
Bailey is currently in the midst of two re-creations in Pittsford, one for her own family at 345 Kilbourn Road and the other next door at 359 Kilbourn for whatever buyer falls in love. When completed, she and her father then may turn to new builds while also looking for the next house for refurbishing.
Her first renovation endeavor actually launched in 2000, when she and her husband, Pat, bought a property at 3737 Monroe Ave. in Pittsford for their own. The original house was razed, and in 2006 they rebuilt from the basement up, creating a six-bedroom, Cape Cod-style home that sits on 4.3 acres of secluded property.
It has been home to the Baileys and their four sons — triplets Will, Jack and Drew, now 19, and Thomas, now 12 — ever since. Well, other than that week in August of 2013 when they rented it to golf superstar Phil Mickelson for his stay during the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.
But once their total reconditioning is complete at 345 Kilbourn, the Baileys will relocate, trading away the expanse of the Monroe Avenue address for a house that sits adjacent to the fourth tee at historic Oak Hill Country Club.
With the triplets off to college, the abundance of space at 3737 Monroe Ave. is no longer necessary.
“We haven’t walked into the basement in I don’t know how long,” Pat said.
The downsizing also is why Kim wanted to put her design talents to use on a more full-time basis. Her father has been doing home creations for decades, and years ago she was doing millwork and kitchen cabinetry for his architectural millwork business. She also has provided design assistance for her brother, Chip, who does similar design work in Nantucket, Mass.
“With the three boys leaving at once, I knew my life would drastically change,” she said.
The first foray into the business came in 2018, when they bought the property at 345 Kilbourn. Their idea was to do an extensive remodel on a stagnant house and then sell it, taking advantage of the view of Oak Hill’s stately East Course.
With three of their four children off to college, Bailey and her husband plan to downsize and relocate to 345 Kilbourn once the renovation is complete (Kevin Oklobzija)." width="300" height="225" />
There was one problem with the plan, though: the house next door was a wreck. Wire fencing encircled the property. The exterior had been neglected. The interior needed an overhaul. Add it all up and the Baileys couldn’t foresee extracting maximum value out of the 345 Kilbourn.
“Nobody was going to buy 345 with what was happening next door,” Pierson said.
So the Baileys bought 359 Kilbourn and are in the process of a basement-to-roof recreation. They tore down the fence, ripped off the roof and added a 4oo- to 500-square foot room on the back. But in the process, they fell in love with 345 and decided to make it their new home. Their former home on Monroe is under contract to sell for $1.625 million.
They’ll be able to see the lush fairways of Oak Hill from their patio, but the neighbors at 359 will still sense the country club aura.
“It’s like Canandaigua Lake,” Pierson said. “If you’re on the lake, you’re paying $1 million. If you’re just off the lake, you’re only paying $500,000.”
Bailey essentially is the project manager, using the right subcontractors — and her sons now that they’re home for the summer — to complete the work.
“I’m looking for a vibe with the people doing the work, and we’ve come up with a really great crew,” she said.
When the refurbishing of 359 Kilbourn is complete, Bailey and her father will be looking at custom new builds.
“We’re basically design-build custom builders,” she said, “and we’re taking a holistic approach to the entire job.”
