“Lakeside in Bridgeport”

By Kelly Bennett

In 2003, Jill Jackson moved from Burbank to Santa Clarita, instantly falling in love with her Bridgeport home.  The 3,000 square foot home features four bedrooms, four baths, a large side yard, and a serene location on the lake.  Jill shares the home with her fiancé, Bill Friedman, and Bill’s 10-year-old daughter, Kaylee.  
Working with local interior designer Pam Jaffke of Innovations Interior Design, Jill and Pam achieved the “contemporary country” decorating style.  The home features warm tapestries, floral artwork, dark woods, and a plethora of dog and butterfly figurines, photographs and paintings (their mutual collection).
A large circular eat-in area, which comfortably accommodates up to eight people, adjoins the kitchen.
The relaxed living room is adorned with florals, from pillows to artwork and a chaise lounge described by Jill as “the most comfortable seat in the house.”  The living room opens to the peaceful back yard, bordered by a white picket fence and features a firepit, barbeque and glorious rose garden which overlooks the tranquil Bridgeport waters.
Also on the first floor are the dining room and shared office. The dining room opens to a large back yard through white-framed French doors.  The dining room table comfortably seats six and guests are treated to artwork by local artist Elaine Wilson.  The office displays many of Jill and Bill’s business awards.  Bill is a CPA with local firm Friedman Thompson & Co.  Jill is Founder and CEO of Dessert Alert, a successful catering and gift basket company.  (Jill’s awards include having earned the prestigious “Outstanding Young Californian” honor by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and being named one of the San Fernando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award.)
Three bedrooms and the laundry are located upstairs.  One bedroom is Kaylee’s and is horse themed.  The second is “The Blue Room”, an exercise retreat featuring some of Bill’s sports memorabilia.  The master bedroom is a retreat that achieves both a masculine and feminine feel with the use of plaid pastel fabrics.  There are two master closets, one off the master bath and a large circular walk-in (recently finished) that enjoys plenty of sunlight during the day.
“I love our home.  I find it so serene,” says Jill.  “And I love Santa Clarita.  You give a lot to the community and you get a lot back.”