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Custom Home with Sauna, Game Room, and Spiral Staircase Shines in Cumberland County
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Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 5:43 GMT by Penn Live- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Custom Home with Sauna, Game Room, and Spiral Staircase Shines in Cumberland County
A newly finished custom residence in Cumberland County is already turning heads for its bold blend of comfort and design. According to a PennLive feature published on November 18, 2025, the house—spanning roughly 5,200 square feet—offers an impressive array of amenities that include a built‑in sauna, a dedicated game room, and a striking spiral staircase that serves as a focal point in the main living area. The property, set on a sprawling lot overlooking the rolling hills of the county, exemplifies the type of high‑end, personalized living that’s become a hallmark of the region’s new‑generation homes.
Location & Context
The house sits in the heart of Cumberland County, just a short drive from the historic district of Great Tannery and the scenic vistas that define the Appalachian foothills. The article notes that the builder, Cumberland Custom Homes, has been active in the area for over a decade, earning a reputation for integrating modern luxury with the natural beauty of the region. In a sidebar, a link to Cumberland Custom Homes’ portfolio site provides a deeper look at other projects that have leveraged similar design strategies—particularly the use of locally sourced stone and reclaimed timber.
Design Philosophy
The design, overseen by lead architect Laura Martinez, was described as a “conversation between tradition and innovation.” Martinez’s concept centers on an open‑plan layout that encourages flow and flexibility while still providing distinct zones for family activities, relaxation, and entertainment. In an interview quoted in the piece, Martinez explains that the spiral staircase was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to create a sense of verticality in an otherwise horizontal space—a technique she has used successfully in several of her previous projects.
The Sauna & Wellness Corridor
One of the standout features is the custom sauna, which occupies a full room in the back of the house. According to the article, the sauna is a “therapeutic sanctuary” that uses natural cedar panels, a hand‑crafted stone bench, and an electric heat‑plate system with adjustable temperature controls. The space is thoughtfully connected to a “wellness corridor” that leads directly to the master bedroom, offering a private retreat for relaxation. A link in the article directs readers to a video tour on YouTube, where viewers can see the sauna’s interior and learn about the builder’s sustainable insulation practices.
Game Room & Entertainer’s Dream
The home’s game room is a multi‑purpose space, featuring a custom-built billiards table, a high‑definition TV with a state‑of‑the‑art surround‑sound system, and a bar area that includes a full kitchenette. The walls are adorned with reclaimed wood panels that add warmth and texture, while built‑in shelving provides ample storage for games and décor. The article emphasizes how the room doubles as a social hub, with a movable wall that can be closed off to create a private gathering area or opened to merge with the adjacent living room.
Spiral Staircase: A Signature Statement
Perhaps the most dramatic architectural element is the spiral staircase located in the foyer. Constructed from engineered hardwood with glass balustrades, the staircase not only serves as a functional element but also acts as a sculptural centerpiece that draws the eye upward. The design includes recessed lighting that highlights the wood grain and casts subtle shadows, contributing to a cozy yet upscale ambience. Martinez cites the staircase’s role as a “narrative device” that frames the viewer’s experience of the home.
Interior Highlights
The interior of the house features a seamless blend of modern minimalism and rustic charm. The main living area boasts a soaring ceiling, expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, and a custom stone fireplace that anchors the room. A flexible kitchen, located just off the living area, includes a large island with a waterfall countertop, high‑end appliances from Subzero and Wolf, and a walk‑in pantry that offers additional storage solutions.
Other notable rooms include a home office with built‑in bookcases, a two‑story loft that can serve as a guest suite or children’s play area, and a spacious laundry room equipped with a smart washer‑dryer system. The master suite, located on the second floor, features a private balcony that overlooks the backyard and a walk‑in closet that incorporates a built‑in dressing table.
Outdoor Spaces
The property’s outdoor areas are as thoughtfully designed as the interior. A deck extends from the living room, providing an ideal setting for al fresco dining and entertaining. The backyard includes a multi‑level patio, a built‑in fire pit, and a landscaped garden featuring native shrubs and a low‑maintenance lawn. The landscaping, designed in collaboration with local horticulturist Michael Lee, emphasizes sustainability through the use of drought‑tolerant plants and a rainwater harvesting system that feeds irrigation.
Builder & Homeowner Collaboration
The article also offers insight into the collaborative process that brought the home to life. John and Emily Carter, the homeowners, shared their vision during a series of workshops with the architect and builder. They emphasized a desire for a “family-friendly yet sophisticated environment.” The builder’s chief construction manager, David Hargrove, recounts how the team used a digital 3‑D model to test structural elements and ensure that the sauna and spiral staircase met both aesthetic and safety standards.
Conclusion
Cumberland County’s newest custom home showcases how thoughtful design, high‑quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability can converge to create a living space that is both luxurious and functional. With its sauna, game room, spiral staircase, and expansive outdoor areas, the property not only reflects the lifestyle preferences of its owners but also sets a new benchmark for what a custom home can achieve in this part of Pennsylvania. For those intrigued by this project, a wealth of additional resources—including a video tour, builder’s portfolio, and design articles—are available through the links embedded in the PennLive story.
Read the Full Penn Live Article at:
[ https://www.pennlive.com/life/2025/11/custom-home-with-sauna-game-room-spiral-staircase-in-cumberland-countycool-spaces.html ]
