home|design, February 22, 2020 by Charlotte home

Real Estate News

C H A R L O T T E

home design

page 2

dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

“Some of the new construction neighborhoods around Charlotte are completely designed to feel like the European countryside. It’s become a massive segment of new construction here.” – Maren Brisson-Kuester, HM Properties

Enchanting design Timeless and elegant while being cozy and welcoming, European homes embody the most beautiful contradiction - story on page 4

real estate news What’s new p2

design instyle Outdoor living p10

real estate trends Master the move p14

straight talk Backyard battles p18

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|real estate news

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22 2020

what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi

CLAIRCROSS BRINGS LUXURY LIVING TO COTSWOLD Charlotte Living Realty Group’s investment team has partnered with custom home builder Grandfather Homes and Mattie Rose Development for a prestigious new residential community in Cotswold. The new project, named ClairCross, is located across from Trinity Presbyterian Church off Providence Road. The 21 home sites, including 17 single-family units and two duet-style plans, will span nearly 10 acres. Lot prices start in the high $300,000s with custom builds ranging from the low to mid $1 millions. Charlotte Living Realty Group’s Paul Sagadin and their team were responsible for finding and acquiring the land, a substantial find due to its prime location. They worked with the seller, Trinity Presbyterian Church, who was selling the land its owned since 1951 to pay for capital improvements on its current facilities. This partnership led to working together to name the community’s streets in honor of the history of the church. The builders will offer custom floor plans and designs intended to both maintain the tradition of the area and create the standout design aesthetic ClairCross will be known for in the future. Luxury features and exterior specifications include solid surface counters, custom cabinets, oversized architectural windows and doors, customized entryway with metal accent awnings, porches with copper gas lanterns and available outdoor living packages, among other features. For more information about ClairCross, visit GrandfatherHomes.com/ClairCross or CharlotteLivingRealtyGroup.com. JANUARY HOME SALES SHOW THE CHARLOTTE REGION’S SELLING SEASON COULD BE OFF TO AN EARLY START Home sales across the Charlotte region continued their positive run, rising 6.8 percent year-over-year with 2,835 homes sold during the month of January, according to data from Canopy MLS. Sales in January, though positive, were not nearly as strong as the previous month, declining 28.1 percent. Pending sales counts, which were up 26.7 percent year-over-year, show solid buyer demand for homes within the region. Compared to December, pending sales were up 48.9 percent. Pending sales are a forward-looking indicator and good predictor of future sales. Prices continued to rise due to increasingly tight inventory across the region. The average list price rose 5 percent year-over-year to $339,845. Both the average sales price ($297,821) and median sales price ($252,000) rose 10.4 percent year-over-year. However, compared to December, both price indicators were down 3.9 and 5.1 percent, respectively. The list price to sales price measure for January 2019 was 96.1 percent, showing sellers across the region are getting closer to their original asking price. Though there were 4,559 new residential listings in January, new listings were down 0.4 percent compared to January 2019. Inventory compared to January 2019 is down 28.1 percent, leaving the region with 1.6 months of supply, the lowest on record for Canopy MLS. The average number of days a property was on the market from the time it was listed until it closed (list to close) was 99 days, while days on market, the metric that accrues for “Active” and “Under Contract-Show” statuses, averaged 47 days compared to 51 days last January. For more information, visit CarolinaHome.com and click on “Market Data.”

from the editor When we published our first issue of Home Design more than five years ago, we never dreamed we’d have such a good run. We’ve traveled the Greater Charlotte area, chatting with its best real estate agents and designers, hitting up local hotspots and discovering what makes each area—and its people—special. With that in mind, we’re excited to announce that this will actually be our last week publishing on Saturday—starting March 8, you can find us every other week in your Sunday issue of The Charlotte Observer. We plan to continue bringing you the best in real estate and home design. Over the years, we’ve seen some of the Queen City’s grandest estates, luxury condos and character-rich bungalows—and we’ve concluded, as we mention almost every week, that Charlotte truly does have something for everyone.

– Christina Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.

C H A R L O T T E

home design Editor

Christina Darnell

Coordinator/Designer Melissa Kennelly

Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com

New Home Builder Advertising

Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com

Sales Director

Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673 Section published by The Charlotte Observer • 550 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.

Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?

We’d love to hear from you.

homedesign@charlotteobserver.com

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|European-style homes DID YOU KNOW? One of the oldest Tudor-style homes in Charlotte is located on Queens Road West. This 1935-era house has been updated with modern renovations while preserving the core of the home beautifully.

by Julie Cooper

EAT

Bistro La Bon Dine in at this modern European-style restaurant and dive into its sophisticated, locally-sourced menu that will transport you around the globe with every bite. bistrolabon.com

PLAY

Mint Museum Get your culture ﬁx at this beautiful Uptown institution to enjoy art from Europe to America and beyond, including the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection. mintmuseum.org

EXPLORE

European Market Take a drive south through Ballantyne on Route 521 into South Carolina and feel like you’ve arrived in Europe thanks to this little market’s handmade traditional bolochki pastries, herring, sardines and fresh Ukrainian fruit preserves. europeanmarketus.com

uropean-style homes are almost contradictory in nature. Somehow these timeless houses are both grand and cozy. Traditionally made from brick or stone with high-pitched roofs and tall, shuttered windows, these domiciles evoke the true warmth of a home thanks to their use of natural materials. Peppered around the Queen City in luxury neighborhoods, Europeanstyle homes appeal to the masses thanks to their enchanting design. “European homes have features often considered timeless,” says Reed Jackson with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties. “French country and English cottage style homes are particularly popular for their distinctive classic designs. They also stand in sharp contrast to many of the more modern minimalist styles we see in new homes, adding to their unique appeal.” In the Queen City, this style of home is popular in new construction and competes easily with all the modern new builds. “We are seeing new development projects that carefully balance classic European features with more modern conveniences like wider ﬂoor plans and open living spaces,” Jackson says. “Tynecastle SouthPark is an upcoming English modern townhouse development that combines these

two different architectural styles.” SouthPark also has a number of smaller neighborhoods with classic European homes, Jackson says. “Gated neighborhoods like Morrocroft and Seven Eagles are popular among buyers looking for this type of home,” he says. “Myers Park also has classic European-style properties. Down in the Waxhaw area, Longview and Skyecroft are two gated communities that commonly have these style estates. And around Lake Norman, a lot of Spanish and Mediterranean-style estates can be found.” These homes are a true feast for the eyes. Often nestled amongst stately, well-manicured grounds, what’s on the outside is just as amazing as what’s found on the inside. “They often feature elegant embellishments that illustrate a real attention to detail, like dramatic spiral staircases, stone-walled wine cellars, manicured landscaping and detailed millwork,” Jackson says. “Homebuyers drawn to European homes tend to prefer these classical elements and the use of natural materials—exposed beams, stone and masonry. These features add warmth and character.” “It’s remarkable how European homes feel warm and cozy even though they’re quite grand,” adds Maren Brisson-Kuester with HM

Properties. “The fact that they’re also timeless and classy makes them go a long way in our market. Some of the new construction neighborhoods around Charlotte are completely designed to feel like the European countryside. It’s become a massive segment of new construction here.” It doesn’t look like it’s a trend that will be out of style anytime soon. “I think this style will always be appreciated by well-traveled audiences as it often reminds them of their time spent abroad,” says Jackson. “Neighborhoods where these homes are common seem to be as popular as ever. Showing activity in the luxury segment is up over last year and promises to further increase as we move closer to spring.” According to a recent study by Bloomberg Pursuits, Charlotte’s 28207 zip code is the most expensive zip code in North Carolina, with a median home listing price of $1,260,133. Unsurprisingly, many of the area’s priciest listings are European-style homes. The true standout, though, is an ivy-covered European-style estate on 600 Hermitage Road near the Duke Mansion in Myers Park, which clocks in at a cool $3.75 million. Featuring a classic interior, its gated driveways, pool, guest house and acre-plus lot and pavilion truly set it apart.

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European-style homes| THE PENINSULA 16915 Shipswatch Place, Cornelius, NC 28031 Price: $4,100,000 MLS: 3585036 Listing Agent: Lori Jackson, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, 704-996-5686, lori@ ivesterjackson.com

This authentic Tuscan masterpiece is perched along the shoreline and boasts a stone exterior with copper roof. Backyard oasis enveloped in lush landscaping showcases large pool with spa and covered verandas. Gourmet kitchen with two islands, lakeside breakfast area and wood beams. Cozy lakeside great room with stone ﬂoor, paneled walls and stone ﬁreplace. French doors lead to covered outdoor living and alfresco dining area. Two-story curved staircase leads to four ensuite bedrooms, including master with private terrace. Lakelevel entertaining bar, home theater, ensuite bedroom. Pier with covered slip, boat and jet ski lifts. PRIVATE ESTATE 21123 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, NC 28031 Price: $3,999,000 MLS: 3448085 Listing Agent: Pam Boileau, 704-905-0366, pamb@ivesterjackson.com, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties

This 5-plus acre gated estate offers the ultimate in private luxury resort living. Driveway winds by expansive lawns and manicured landscaping to the custom Spanish-inspired masterpiece. Two-story foyer with dual staircase and imported marble flooring, two-story gathering room with hand-cut stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen, five bedroom suites, master suite with fireplace and private terrace. Traveling through a private porte-cochere, the expansive outdoor living areas are screened by acres of hardwoods with an infinity pool and oversized spa. The covered terrace includes a stone fireplace, full kitchen and private guest quarters built in 2016.

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|European-style homes PELLYN WOOD 5403 Gorham Drive, Charlotte, NC 28226 Price: $2,749,000 MLS: 3485443 Listing Agents: Dee Reid, 704-281-3913, dee@ivesterjackson.com; Tar Reid, 704905-8221, tar@ivesterjackson.com; Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties

Hidden gem in SouthPark. European quality nestled in tranquil surroundings of prestigious Pellyn Wood with extensive landscaping, verandas, patios, two fountains and an infinity pool. Impeccably designed with details including walnut plank floors, nine fireplaces— each with an antique mantel from Europe— reclaimed antique stone floors, zinc counters and bronze gates. Lower level includes a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, a giant bar from an old Chicago hotel and a full gym.

LONGVIEW 201 Oakmont Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173 Price: $2,295,000 MLS: 3589624 Listing Agent: Lisa McCrossan, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, 704-6200328, lisam@ivesterjackson.com

Custom Arcadia-built home offers exceptional outdoor living. Meticulously maintained, this inspired design features soaring ceilings, open floor plan, pool, spa and covered porch with retractable screens and outdoor kitchen. Generously-sized living/ dining area with a fireplace and glass sliding doors that lead to pool. Gourmet kitchen with leathered granite countertops, large center island with seating, spacious pantry and oversized SubZero refrigerator and freezer. Master suite has soaking tub and walk-in shower. First-floor office. Upstairs family room/rec/billiard room with bar area and movie theater. Golf membership required.

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YO U R T R U S T E D G U I D E TO

Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

$2.59 M

GATED COMMUNITY MORROCROFT ESTATES

MLS 3568214 | 7501 Morrocroft Farms Lane Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

$2.895 M

UNDER CONTRACT

MOST DISTINCTIVE HOMES IvesterJackson.com | Info@IvesterJackson.com | 704.499.3054

SOLD

$2.749 M

1,200-BOTTLE WINE CELLAR TUCKAWAY PARK

PELLYN WOOD

MLS 3488585 | 4842 Carmel Club Drive Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

MLS 3485443 | 5403 Gorham Drive Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

$6.5 M

$695,000

LOWEST PRICE IN ROSEWOOD

ROSEWOOD AT PROVIDENCE

MLS 3461884 | 2823 Providence Road #232 Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

$1,495,900

THE PALISADES

MLS 3479960 | 16919 Youngblood Road Agents: Tracy Davis 704-779-9750 Alison Smith 704-996-6747

UNDER CONTRACT

$1.399 M

SOLD IN 7 DAYS OVER LIST PRICE

MYERS PARK

MLS 3575316 | 2346 Overhill Road Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

$5.9 M

MYERS PARK

MLS 3529464 | 2610 Selwyn Avenue Agents: Dee Reid 704-281-3913 Tar Reid 704-905-8221

$1.699 M

LAKE NORMAN WATERFRONT

NORMAN ESTATES | DENVER

THE POINT | MOORESVILLE

MLS 3388984 | 8495 Norman Estates Drive Agents: Lori Ivester Jackson 704-996-5686 Reed Jackson 704-713-3623

IvesterJackson.com Info@IvesterJackson.com 704.499.3054

MLS 3505628 | 109 Conway Court Agents: Annie Livingston 704-996-2744 Reed Jackson 704-713-3623

MLS 3591045 | 187 Attleboro Place Agents: Jessica Simpson 704-787-3330 Doris Nash 704-201-3786

Offices Charlotte Lake Norman Asheville

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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

- dedicated to showcasing charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive homes -

For more information and advertising options, contact Buck Brice | 704.358.5454 BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com

Coming Sunday, March 8th, 2020

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European-style homes| LONGVIEW 405 Eagle Bend Drive, Waxhaw, NC 28173 Price: $1,725,000 MLS: 3589042 Listing Agent: Lisa McCrossan, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, 704-6200328, lisam@ivesterjackson.com

This stately Carolina Phoenix-built custom home has gorgeous landscaping and curb appeal. Open floor plan. First-floor office, master suite and guest room. Chef’s kitchen and great room provide views of the trees and backyard fountain. Oversized master has a tray ceiling, huge his/hers closet and access to screened-in porch. Drop zone located off porte-cochere. Spacious main-floor laundry with built-in office nook. Large kitchen pantry with wine closet. Upstairs bedrooms with ensuites, media room, bonus room, homework nook and rec room. Outdoor living spaces for entertaining: screened-in porch, fireplace, patio. Three-car garage with circular driveway. Golf membership required.

LONGVIEW 8606 Longview Club Drive, Waxhaw, NC 28173 Price: $2,295,000 MLS: 3585966 Listing Agent: Lisa McCrossan, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, 704-620-0328, lisam@ivesterjackson.com

From the beautiful curb appeal to the panoramic views and updated kitchen, this home defines luxury and sophistication. Designed by renowned Atlanta architects Kirkland + Associates and custom-built by Arcadia Homes, this grand home features bright open spaces with high ceilings and golf course views. Custom high-end finishes. Updated chef’s kitchen opens to a fireside great room and sunny breakfast room. Spacious master with a soaking tub, heated floors, steam shower and large walk-in closet. Lower-level billiards room, fireplace, bar, second kitchen, media room, wine room and bedroom suite. Spacious office upstairs with golf views. Covered porches. Plenty of walk-in storage. Golf membership required.

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Photos provided by Codarus / codarus.com

|design instyle

Outdoor living Tips for making your outdoor areas as comfortable and welcoming as your indoor spaces by Vicki Donatelli

With important winter holidays out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about enjoying outdoor living again with its warmer weather and cheery sunshine. I’ve always considered outdoor spaces just as important as interior ones. Visualizing your patio, porch or deck as additions to the ad-

jacent interior rooms expands the vision space and design style of your home. Today’s outdoor furniture is designed to be used and enjoyed indoors and out. Once upon a time, aluminum, cast iron and teak furniture were the only options. But now, advanced materials and inno-

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vative designs, inspired by high fashion design teams, have completely transformed outdoor furniture possibilities. There are furniture styles to complement every décor style. If your home is furnished in midcentury modern pieces, your outdoor spaces should reﬂect that same style. It’s about form and scale. Bulky wicker and ornate metal pieces will look out of place. You want to scrutinize your outdoor furniture purchases with the same design eye you did your living room furniture—and with the same budget expectations. Today’s patio furniture can cost you even more than that chesterﬁeld sofa. That’s because companies like Coda-

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rus have developed weather-resistant materials and teamed with top designers. The results are stunning expressions of style and unique seating and lounging choices ﬁt for today’s fashionable outdoor spaces. The Porto collection has sleek lines combined with modern expressions. The narrow arms and rope-woven sides are in perfect scale with contemporary and midcentury modern homes. Not all outdoor wicker collections are bulky. As today’s patios and backyards are becoming more petite, groupings like the Sonoma and the Terra offer a reduced proﬁle. The designs feature tube legs popular with today’s interior sofas and chairs.

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Cape Fear River Views

Historic Southport

239 E Bay Street 3BD, 2.5BA 3,003 SqFt $949,500 Cape Fear River Front

Historic Southport

102 River Drive 3BD, 2.5BA 2,650 SqFt $999,000 Cape Fear River Views

Historic Southport

231 E Bay Street 5BD, 3.5BA 3,418 SqFt $1,199,000

Kay Jolliff Discover Southport, NC

There is a lot to be said about the yin and yang of adventurous decorating. The Montauk collection is perfectly suited to inspire the most creative of designers. By experimenting and researching macramé weaving techniques, the artisans at Codarus have developed an assortment that deﬁes being typecast. Many of today’s outdoor styles easily transition into interior furnishings. The Avalon chair’s handwoven pattern and architectural aluminum frame is chic and adds panache to a transitional décor, providing texture with minimalist lines and track arms. It’s just as important to mix and match outdoors as inside. Whether your space is limited or expansive, you can create a more engaging arrangement by incorporating a variety of styles, colors and textures. Don’t resist purchasing a captivating chair—the chair everyone wants to claim the minute they walk outside. It doesn’t need to be the largest or the most comfortable looking chair, just

the one that has irresistible style that beckons you to sit and enjoy. The Paloma by Codarus is that kind of special chair. It is beautiful from all angles. Its light natural cane color is reminiscent of vintage rattan furniture, but its form is 1970’s bentwood rockers. It would also do double-duty as an occasional chair indoors. Incorporating tables of various materials and shapes ties it all together. It’s your opportunity to save money by ﬁnding an affordable accent table at discount home stores— and another chance to express your unique design personality.

Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.

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STUNNING AMENITIES IN THE HEART OF BLOWING ROCK • Architectural design by David Patrick Moses • Interiors by prominent designer

• Oversized two vehicle garage • Maintenance-free living • Covered outdoor deck with

Dianne Davant • Prestigious Blowing Rock community, convenient to Main Street shopping and dining

grilling area and living space • Elevator access • One-level living • Private resident storage areas

Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 chestnutatblowingrock.com Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens 828.964.5438 ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com jerry.hutchens@premiersir.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each o ce is independently owned and operated.

WHERE MAIN STREET AND LUXURY MEET Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural ﬁnishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas.

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|real estate trends

Master the move Tackling the logistical side of moving by Moment Palmer

oving is considered one of life’s most stressful events, and nearly everyone goes through at least one major move in their lifetime. But you can minimize that stress with a little forethought. Learning from the many homebuyers who have gone before, you can avoid common issues and plan for success. Plus, technology is on your side. You can ﬁnd customer reviews on social media and other websites like the Better Business Bureau—all aimed at empowering you, the consumer. MOST IMPORTANT MOVING FACTORS The list of details that have to be planned when undertaking a move

can be overwhelming. If you miss even one, the experience can become unnecessarily stressful and memorable— not in a good way. Once you’ve found your home, it’s time to do your homework. Start by making a list—moving date, schedule, possible movers and, if necessary, temporary housing accommodations. LOGISTICS “Moving to a new state is such an exciting time with the thought of a new adventure awaiting your arrival,” says Lara Bucci with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. “Until, that is, reality sets in, the packing begins and the task of ﬁnding a new place to live in a city you know

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nothing about is evident. My biggest regret about first moving to Charlotte—after spending a total of 36 hours in it—was not calling a real estate agent to give me advice on the neighborhoods that would be the best fit for me.” After a 15-hour drive with a U-Haul strapped to her truck filled with the contents of a three-bedroom/two-bathroom house, she realized her second mistake: Not hiring movers. “Money can be tight when you’re moving halfway across the country,” she admits. “With a little research you can find an affordable and stress-free mover, and I highly recommend this to all my out-of-state clients. Spend a little money on movers and save yourself a lot of stress and time.”

hire a moving service to do so much you wouldn’t have to lift a ﬁnger. But no matter how you spin it—or who you choose—it’s not cheap. “Moving is a considerable expense, so we go above and beyond our industry’s standard to develop a tailored strategy to meet our individual clients’ needs,” says Michael Valle with Gentle Giant Moving Company. He recommends customers educate themselves on how moves are charged.

COST Cost is certainly a huge factor. If money isn’t an issue at all, you could

• Charges for long-distance moves stem from the actual weight of the shipment and the distance it’s being transported.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to breaking down costs: • Local moves are typically charged per time using hourly rates. Some states, though, do allow ﬂat-rate estimates.

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• Moving companies are regulated by state and federal entities, and there are many variations of how a moving company can charge. • Many people who relocate for a job don’t have a company paying for their move. If your job does come with a relocation package, some offer a lump sum, some require that you keep track of your expenses/receipts for reimbursement and some are negotiable. • Check out the American Moving and Storage Association’s (AMSA) website at moving.org to get more information. TIME FRAMES AND SCHEDULING You’ll want to be proactive in scheduling your move, preferably three weeks to a month ahead of time—even more if you’re trying to move during the busy

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summer months when many people are trying to make the transition between school sessions. “Another factor to consider is if you’re moving to a region undergoing a lot of growth,” says Valle. ”In Charlotte, our schedule has been booked solid the last couple of years. Our regional demand in addition to our reputation have made it feel like summer year-round.” He recommends looking into a reputable moving company at least two months in advance if you’re moving to an area that has a warmer, more desirable climate. POSSIBLE CHALLENGES From inclement weather, closings falling through and elevators being doublebooked by two moving companies, there’s no way to plan ahead for every possible scenario. “Ultimately, the very nature of moving is challenging,” Valle says, “which

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is why it’s important to hire someone who will ask the right questions and mitigate potential challenges proactively. My experience has conditioned me to enter the planning process assuming some of the worst-case scenarios will present themselves.” It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared, and oftentimes people’s perception of moving is that it’s pretty simple for the moving company. But if you choose a company that isn’t asking a lot of in-depth questions—for instance, they simply ask for the home’s square footage and the moving date before offering an estimate—be wary. TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS Yes, moving is stressful. But it is also joyful. “Most of us who have stayed in the business are retained because of the feeling you get when you help a family through a

stressful time,” says Valle. ”The actual joy we’ve seen on our clients’ faces is a sight to behold, and it really offers a satisfaction not many occupations do.” Thoroughly researching the city you are relocating to and finding the area you like most is equally as important as all of the logistics and planning that goes into the actual move. Bucci knows this first hand—when she finally arrived at her new apartment, she discovered it wasn’t in one of the up-andcoming neighborhoods she drove through during her initial visit. “Definitely talk to an expert,” Bucci urges. “I’ve learned that agents, myself included, love helping clients find the perfect home to purchase or even an apartment to rent. The most important part of my job is to help clients find somewhere to live that they will love.”

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INSPIRATION GROWS HERE.

FEB. 28 - MAR. 1 & MAR. 6-8 THE PARK EXPO AND CONFERENCE CENTER

GOING ON NOW! Shop, compare and save with hundreds of experts in kitchen & bath, landscaping, flooring and more! Stop by the Belgard Showcase Gardens where you’ll stroll through beautiful Vintage South designed Gardens! Sponsored by:

Teacher Day: We celebrate teachers and staff for their dedication and service! All educators and staff will receive FREE ADMISSION with a valid ID on Saturday, March 7th.

buy online & SAVE 2 $

Valid on regular adult admission only. Satisfaction guaranteed — or the price of admission is on us.

CharlotteSpringHomeandGardenShow.com

“This is the place to get trusted advice from local experts who can tackle the jobs we can’t.” - Mike Rowe, Creator and Host of Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe will not be appearing at the 2020 Southern Spring Home + Garden Show.

Photo Credit: Michael Se

Create your own oasis where local designers from Ballard Designs share how to build your very own, She Shed!

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|straight talk

Backyard battles What happened to all the songbirds? by Allen Norwood

ometimes, the natural order of things is ﬂipped upside down. The regal turn wimpy—or at least all the players in the drama that is our backyard aren’t reading from the same script. Weeks back, reader Ruth Swander emailed to say the songbirds had disappeared from her yard. “I am wondering if I am the only one having this problem,” she said. “Have you had anyone else ask you about this recently?” No, but I offered up one possible explanation: “You don’t have a hawk or owl hanging around, do you?” The next day—the very next day—I spotted a young hawk in our backyard. Here we go, I thought. The birds and squirrels will vanish. But, no... The doves took off, but the smaller songbirds paid almost no attention to the hawk. At

55+ Active Lifestyle Community N E W H O ME S F ROM THE L OW $ 3 0 0 ’ S

Make 2020 the year of change! Come see what Eastwood Homes has to offer at Heritage in Wesley Chapel, NC, an age-restricted community.

NEW YEA R. NEW YOU. NEW HOME. Amenity Center Opening 2020

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one point, the hawk was sitting on a limb about 10 feet from our bird feeder, while a titmouse perched no more than 3 feet away—on the same limb! The hawk just watched as the titmouse flitted down to the feeder, grabbed a sunflower seed and darted to the top of a holly tree. I watched as other smaller birds— titmice, finches, chickadees—came and went without a care. A week later the hawk was back. At least it looked like the same bird. It was young, still wearing its mottled adolescent plumage. It sat on a low limb, eyeing the grass after a rain. Every few minutes it would drop down, grab something, then pop back up to the dogwood or hickory tree. Worms, maybe? Sure enough, I learned, hawks eat worms. Falcons eat birds, a little research confirmed, but hawks and owls mostly eat small critters on the ground—including, yes, worms. For young hawks, worms must be especially easy. The hawk had been hanging around for a half hour, pointedly ignoring the

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songbirds, when a couple of squirrels appeared. OK, now it’s on. Surely these two will attract the hawk’s attention. Again, no. The hawk never turned to look at the squirrels. One crossed the backyard and approached the base of the tree the hawk was sitting in, and the hawk never looked down. The squirrel climbed the hickory tree—I promise I am not making this

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up—and barked at the hawk from a few feet away. The hawk, not wanting to mix it up with the squirrel, took off. I called Kim Brethauer, who owns the Wild Bird Mart in Denver, to make sense of all this. Turned out my answer to Swander wasn’t wrong, it just might not have been right. Yes, hawks usually scare off song-

birds. “Normally, it gets very quiet [when a hawk shows up],” Brethauer said. The birds know the hawk is there even if the homeowner can’t see it. But Brethauer said she was getting the same question about missing songbirds from her customers around the same time I heard from Swander. “They’d ask, ‘Where did all the birds go?’” she said. “I noticed it myself. I was hardly ever ﬁlling up my feeder.” Brethauer said she ﬁnally decided it was the unpredictable, unseasonable weather that disrupted familiar patterns. So, when Swander emailed, her birds just might have been partying somewhere else. Brethauer said she had never, ever heard of a hawk sharing a perch with a titmouse or being chased out of a hickory tree by a squirrel. Well, it was a grizzled old boar squirrel, I told her—and a wimpy, wormeating hawk.

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