C H A R L O T T E
Real Estate News
home design
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dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“It’s a very family-oriented area and a great place to settle down and enjoy life. The beauty of the outdoors is very accessible...and with its strong school systems, golf courses and country clubs, Lake Wylie attracts people of all ages.” – Drew Choate, Keller Williams Realty
Lovely Lake Wylie Relaxation meets recreation at this beautiful Charlotte-area lake - story on page 4
real estate news
design instyle
design trends
straight talk
What’s new p2
Lighten up p10
Summer spruce up p14
A deer in the daylilies p18
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
CHARLOTTE RESIDENTIAL HOME SALES FALL SHARPLY IN MAY With the start of North Carolina’s Phase 2 reopening, May home sales across the Charlotte region fell 30.4 percent compared to the previous year with 3,598 homes sold, according to data from Canopy MLS. Compared to April, sales were up 1.8 percent as area realtors and consumers continue adjusting to buying and selling in the new normal of COVID-19. Pending contracts, which point to future sales as well as buyer demand, rose 14.8 percent year-over-year with 5,926 contracts in the pipeline. Pending contracts compared to April 2020 were up 46.5 percent, showing a significant increase in buyer demand over the 16-county region. Prices, pressured by tightening inventory, continued to increase. The average list price ($375,709) rose 11.2 percent compared to last year and was up 11.6 percent compared to April 2020. Both the median sales price ($265,000) and the average sales price ($310,166) rose 1.9 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively. The original list price to sales price ratio was 97.6 percent, showing sellers are getting closer to asking prices. Inventory remains challenged, falling 37 percent year-over-year, which means the region will continue to experience strong seller’s market conditions with some 6,712 homes available for sale at report time. Days on market, the metric that accrues for “Active” and “Under Contract-Show” statuses, averaged 35 days in May 2020 compared to 42 days in May 2019. Faster home sales as displayed by days on market is another hallmark of a strong seller’s market. The Canopy Realtor Association provides monthly reports on residential real estate market activity for the Charlotte Metro region based on data from Canopy MLS. For more information, visit CarolinaHome.com and click on “Market Data.” Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com. C H A R L O T T E
home design Editor
Coordinator/Designer
Christina Darnell
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising
New Home Builder Advertising
Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
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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|living in Lake Wylie DID YOU KNOW? Lake Wylie is the oldest of the seven man-made lakes on the Catawba River Chain.
by Julie Cooper
EAT Palmetto Bar and Grill Head to this York eatery for an authentic Southern dining experience replete with fried seafood and frog legs. Palmettoseafoodbarandgrill.com
PLAY Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery Grab some friends and head to this fun spot to enjoy some hard ciders and donuts around a fire. Windyhillorchard.com
EXPLORE Ebenezer Park Cool off at this Rock Hill park that’s open to the public and offers swimming and fishing on the lake. Yorkcountygov.com
W
ith 325-miles of stunning shoreline, Lake Wylie covers a lot of ground—including two states, three counties and several municipalities. Its unique geographical location gives buyers a diverse array of opportunities to make the lake life their own. And, even more, this beautiful long and narrow lake is only a hop, skip and jump to Uptown. “The Lake Wylie community is comprised of charming small towns like Clover, Fort Mill and Belmont, yet the amenities of the metro Charlotte area are easily accessible,” says “The Lake Wylie Man” Drew Choate with Keller Williams Realty. “We have a mix of people and cultures from all over the world, along with folks whose families have lived in the area for generations. This provides a sense of history along with the excitement of new things to experience.” Some of the area’s newest and most exciting developments are McLean in Belmont, The Palisades on the Charlotte side of the lake and the Paddler’s Cove expansion. “McLean is the newest lake hotspot,” Choate says. “Off the water, May Green Properties offers large acre lots for custom builds in the Clover area. These developments help meet the continued demand from families searching for a quality suburban
lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still close enough to have access to all of its amenities and the airport.” The most sought-after neighborhoods like Tega Cay and River Hills provide lake access and amenities. “The lake and other natural resources are a huge draw thanks to their beauty and recreational opportunities,” Choate says. “The Allison Creek peninsula, Concord Road and YoungBlood Road tributaries have many lakefront homes and lots outside of traditional neighborhoods and can provide the homeowner more flexibility and space.” Outside of the diverse inventory of homes, Lake Wylie beckons newcomers with its quality of life. “It’s a very family-oriented area and a great place to settle down and enjoy life,” Choate says. “The beauty of the outdoors is very accessible, and neighbors socialize and look out for one another. There’s a relaxed atmosphere here with restaurants and breweries catering to casually dressed people carrying on easy conversations. And, with its strong school systems, golf courses and country clubs, Lake Wylie attracts people of all ages.” Now that the Carolina Panthers’ practice facility will be moving into York County, Choate expects the area will see an even higher demand for luxury properties. “In
the future, I think we’ll definitely start to see more of a demand for these properties from athletes, medical personnel and sports marketing professionals,” he says. “Right now, we’re still in a seller’s market. Even with the economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, homes are continuing to sell in short periods of time. Listing inventory is extremely tight, and demand exceeds supply.” “All that Lake Wylie has to offer has become paramount since the pandemic,” adds Robin King with Allen Tate. “People are buying dirt like crazy. Isolating in apartments or small homes in communities with tiny lots has made buyers long for more open space at home, and the Lake Wylie area has been the perfect solution—13,000 acres of water fun in your own backyard. It certainly alleviates any cabin fever.” “Now more than ever our homes are our sanctuaries,” King continues. “Buyers are looking for larger yards, more private settings and open space for self-sustainability. They want their own gardens, solar power and chickens—yes, even owning chickens is a thing now. My advice to landowners in the Lake Wylie area who are thinking about selling is now is a worthwhile time as inventories are low, demand is high and prices are up.”
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HANDSMILL ON LAKE WYLIE 3704 Rivergrass Lane, York, SC 29745 Price: $1,847,000 MLS: 3602428 Listing Agent: Drew Choate, Keller Williams Realty, 803-818-0704, drew@ lwman.com Lake Wylie waterfront home with stunning panoramic views. Filled with natural light and must-see custom touches, like the infinity pool with waterfall, extensive moldings, hardwood floors, wine cellar, second living quarters and open floor plan. Two-story great room with soaring ceilings and wet bar. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, large island, stainless appliances, gas range, double ovens, breakfast room and sunroom. Main-floor master with vaulted ceiling. Upper level boasts secondary bedrooms, huge bonus room and loft with lake views. Lower level features second kitchen, den with fireplace, second master, office, exercise and media room. Outdoor space includes flagstone terrace, covered patio, outdoor kitchen, stone fire pit, hot tub and like-new covered dock with lift.
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|living in Lake Wylie RIVER HILLS 5 Commodore Point Road, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Price: $749,000 MLS: 3578803 Listing Agent: Melanie Wilson, Keller Williams Realty, 704-906-1973, mel.wilsonrealtor@gmail. com Beautiful water views from every room of this home in gated River Hills. Entire home filled with natural light. Screened porch outdoor living area with wood ceiling and access to deck. Home has been freshly painted, new carpet, all-new stainless appliances with gas stove. Move-in ready! Master on main along with two other bedrooms. Additional bed and bath downstairs with its own entrance. Almost .75-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac, adjacent to small marina basin for Commodore point homeowners. Home has its own private floating dock. Neighborhood offers private beachfront resident park, playgrounds, walking trails, gardens, country club, marina and more.
RIVER HILLS 84 Fairway Ridge, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Price: $700,000 MLS: 3584442 Listing Agent: Melanie Wilson, Keller Williams Realty, 704-906-1973, mel.wilsonrealtor@gmail.com Entertaining elegance in this home that has amazing flow and views from every room. Lots of natural light and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to golf course, beautiful yard, huge deck and screened porch. Home is completely remodeled. New kitchen and oversized island, induction cooktop with hood, new stainless appliances, Jack and Jill bath with designer touches, great room with wall of windows. Cul-de-sac location in quiet setting. Downstairs includes separate entrance for in-law or teen suite. New hardwood floors. Full yard irrigation and beautifully landscaped. New gutter guards. Gated community with walking trails, dog park, playground, gardens and a waterfront park with sandy beach.
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LIBERTY HILL 4721 Betty Davis Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29745 Price: $863,000 MLS: 3619856 Listing Agent: Robin King, Allen Tate Realtors, 803-526-1225, robin.king@ allentate.com Located on Betty Davis, this home is just like the actress—bold, beautiful and unique. Perfectly placed on a peninsula, you’ll have water views from front and back. Designed to LEED gold standards, this past winner of Charlotte’s prestigious Green Home of the Year award combines architectural ingenuity, luxurious style and modern functionality. From the foyer wall art reflecting the sun’s light in the morning to the two tiger maple and walnut bars custom made by local Leake Furniture Makers to the possibilities of the unfinished basement and endless outdoor living areas, putting green and private beach. This 1.4-acre estate is in Clover’s award winning school district. Virtual tour online.
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living in Lake Wylie| MCLEAN - SOUTH SHORE 140 Summer Shoal Place, Belmont, NC 28012 MLS: 3547335 Price: $1,500,000 Listing Agent: Anne Brade, RE/MAX Executive, 704-650-4951, anne@annebrade.com One-of-a-kind point lot on Lake Wylie in Belmont. Privacy abounds in this 3-acre sanctuary to build the most unique estate on Lake Wylie. Long southern view down the main channel with morning sun from one side, sunsets on the other. Lake Wylie laps at your shore on three sides. A long history is heard in the wind on land once owned by Daniel Stowe—now this beautiful piece can be yours. McLean South Shore on Lake Wylie is Charlotte’s last premier waterfront setting for new custom homes. This is the last piece of premier waterfront available in Phase One. McLean waterfront life offers 5 miles of shoreline, 10 miles of walking trails, 30 easy minutes to Charlotte, 20 minutes to the airport, a few minutes to Great Main Street and is next door to Stowe Botanical Garden.
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|design instyle
Photo by Rebecca Shoji / White by Sherwin-Williams
Lighten up Is your red brick begging to be painted? by Vicki Donatelli
I
t’s done, and I love it! Every house I’ve ever owned, apart from my 100-year-old log cabin in the mountains, has always been white. If it wasn’t white when I bought it, I had it painted. Six years ago, I purchased a 1970s red brick ranch in
Morrocroft. My husband and I had the house completely gutted. Working with residential designer Jeanine DeVaney and Andrew Roby, we moved walls, put in a stairway, new kitchen... new everything.
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Paint color is Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
We installed lots and lots of black Pella doors and windows. This was a growing trend that I’d been watching on the west coast and loved the look— especially when the houses were white. We did so much work on the house that when I brought up painting the bricks white, my husband wasn’t so keen on the idea. Like many suggestions, it can take time and patience to convince someone your proposal is worthwhile. More new homes in Charlotte began
to appear in white with black windows. The style shift had traveled from the west coast into our Southern city, and traditional red brick homes with white trim read behind the times—and suggested the inside might also be dated. My interior is new transitionalcontemporary, and I wanted the outside to represent that. So we both agreed it was time to transform the exterior of our house from 1980s red brick to 2000 painted brick. Let me say, it’s a process. First,
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Before and after of Vicki’s home
you must find a good painter, so I did what you are supposed to do—I asked my friends and neighbors for recommendations. It took awhile, but the hunt was met with success. Just as tough is choosing the color. I never recommend going by small little chips of paint. Instead, drive around. When you find a house you love, knock on the door or place a note in their mailbox. Tell them you admire their house so much you’d like to know the color. For me, it was right in my neighborhood, and the homeowners
were very happy to share (Dove White by Sherwin-Williams). No surprises at the end, just joy. Many people are afraid to paint their brick house due to the resale factor. I say it is just the opposite. A freshly painted exterior sells a house. For me, it’s all about white, but you may prefer a warm cream, soft sage or light gray. You may want to paint your door an eye catching red or Greek blue. Light exteriors, especially white, pop any color you combine with it. That also goes for porch furniture, pillows and flowers.
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Photo by Eva Shockey / Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
Landscaping doesn’t contrast well against a dark house. But give it a white background, and Mother Nature’s various shades of green become dazzling. A well-groomed trellis of green ivy or vines adds an unexpected architectural interest to a once dark site. This time of year, the beautiful pinks, purples and blue hydrangeas become showstoppers when supported by a white backdrop. What more could a gardener want? If I’ve convinced you to paint your exterior, you need to budget between
$8,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of your home. The decision to paint my house white was easy. The painter was wonderful, and the color was just exactly what I expected.
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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Photo by Matthew Caughy / Courtesy of Delphinium Design
|design trends
Summer spruce up Tips for making your home decor shine as bright as the summer sun by Bethany E. Starin
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t’s finally summer, and while the world is beginning to open back up, many of us still find ourselves spending most of our time at home. Why not use the extra hours to make some summer improvements to your spaces both inside and out, says interior designer Jena Bula of Charlotte’s Delphinium Design. “Now that it’s summertime, everything is brighter and airier and we want to bring that brightness indoors—lighten our spaces, declutter and create a happier home,” Bula says. “We are all stuck at home, so let’s think, how can we use what we have and add to it to make it fresh and pretty and lighthearted for summer days?”
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TV shows make it look so easy,” Nye says. “Then people realize the projects take more than an hour, and sometimes people don’t install things right.” Nye says he’s seen a push in Charlotte to create in backyards what locals have experienced abroad on trips, creating an oasis. “Instead of going out of the country, they are trying to build it in their own backyard,” he says. “Pergolas, outdoor kitchens, firepit/ kitchen combos. People are putting in pools, but not massive pools—more like oversize hot tubs.” At this end of the spectrum, it means splurges of giant putting greens, splash pads that transform into fountains for evening ambiance and synthetic turf play areas. “The sky’s the limit on where we have done things that are really cool, they give us the liberty to take our concepts to the next edge,” Nye says. For more information on Nye Landscape Management, email Nyelandscapes@gmail.com, for details on Starr Miller Interior Design, go to starrmiller.com, and for Jena Bula, check out www.delphiniumdesign.com.
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Photo courtesy of Starr Miller Interior Design
place to start is in the mulch, Nye says. “Get shredded hardwood mulch. It’s organic, natural, it keeps weeds under control and holds moisture in for the plants,” he says. He recommends this over pine needles. While you’re at it, clean out the leaves, prune dead branches off your bushes and freshen your beds. “A lot of people just put in a full day of yard cleanup and fresh mulch down, and it makes their house look totally different. I have had two clients take their houses off the market after this.” For the DIY-ers at heart, Nye says another simple project is installing a water feature. Also, visiting a local nursery and potting plants in different sizes. “You can create lots of zen areas just with potted pots—you can put different size pots and different size plants and herb gardens, you can do flowers and trellis plants.” You can also get a consultation with a landscape designer who can help you envision your space, then you can decide what to do on your own and what to have a professional tackle. “The
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“WE ARE ALL TRYING TO GO OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW AND WE’RE LOOKING FOR BRIGHT, HAPPY SPACES.”
Bedding from Isabella / Courtesy of Delphinium Design
– Starr Miller
BRING SUMMER INSIDE To start, Bula suggests swapping out throw pillows. “In the winter we gravitate toward warmer colors and heavier textures—now, swap out pillows and throw blankets for prints that lean more towards the spring and summer seasons, pastels and bright colors. Try bright neutrals like white and gray, and florals and stripes are good timeless options,” Bula suggests. “It’s something you can easily do to make a big impact.” A good rule of thumb is using a 22-inch square pillow on either end of a couch in a solid color, followed by layering in an 18-inch patterned square in front of it. And, Bula says, you can throw in a lumbar in a complementing
pattern. Try floral prints paired with stripes or stripes with geometrics. A splurge to freshen up your space would be to give it a paint job. Start with the space you spend a lot of time in and lighten it with Simply White or White Dove, both Benjamin Moore paints. If you prefer a greige, go with Classic Gray. For a neutral gray, go with Stonington Gray, Bula suggests. If you don’t have the budget to paint a large space, do a fun accent color behind built-in bookshelves. Taking a minute to set your table for the season is a great way to incorporate summer, even if you aren’t hosting. Start with chargers—rattan and woven are very in right now—and add in seasonal stoneware. “I love the classic pairing
of blue and white, which are always appropriate, but perfect for summer!” Bula says. But the biggest thing you can do to make your space fresh for the warmer days is get organized. “There is no better feeling than starting with a clean slate,” Bula says. “Commit to one space at a time so you feel a sense of accomplishment. Begin with a space that gets the most action, and purge what you don’t need.” Bula’s splurge option here would be hiring Brittany Daley, owner of Perfect Fit Organizing, or Matlin Pessarra of Minimized, to come assist in your summer cleaning. Lastly, something you can do on a small budget is grab a candle with a summery scent. “I love when my home
smells like the season,” Bula says. Stop by Paper Skyscraper or Moxie and Mercantile for Jena’s favorite: Orchid and Sea Salt by The Archives. PATIO Once the inside is freshened, look outside, says Starr Miller of Starr Miller Interior Design. “Look from the inside out—does it connect? Does the outside look as refined as your inside?” Start by power washing your patio and outdoor areas, and assess if you need new furniture cushions or if your screens need repair. Consider replacing light fixtures in your outdoor areas. “We are all trying to go outside right now, and we’re looking for bright, happy spaces,” Miller says. “[Lighting] can
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Photo courtesy of Starr Miller Interior Design
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really change the aura of your house.” Her suggestions? If you are looking at a sconce or wall light, go for something rectangular and matte black or copper, or a mix of the two. “There are a lot of really pretty architectural rather than cutesty options,” Miller says. For a ceiling fan, pick something with clean lines—don’t get overly fancy for an outdoor area. For a budget-friendly spruce up, grab solar lamps. “Solar lamps are so fun and you never have to think about them, they just come on,” Miller says. An outdoor rug and umbrella are other ways to add some design to your space. For a round table, have a rug that’s at least two feet beyond the size of the table, Miller says. And for every space, the rug should envelop the grouping of furniture. Two other ways to add summer tones to your patio are with flowers and your front door. “Flowers make all the difference, so keep up your landscaping,” Miller says. “And go ahead and paint your front door. I love a colorful door!” She suggests marine paint finish (the same finish a boat is
given) so it does not blister or weather. If your house does not lend to a bright color, change out the front door for a fresh design, perhaps a wood door with glass. THE YARD Next, walk into your yard and make a list, says Michael Nye of Nye Landscape Management. “Your outdoors should be a sanctuary for you and your family. Everyone has their own zen area and you have to figure out what makes you happy,” Nye says. Nye, who has 28 years of experience in landscape design, says before you tackle your yard, consider how much time you plan to spend in the house. “If you plan to stay in your home for less than two years, do things like change the landscape along the front foundation—very minimalistic things. For the person staying five to 10 years, that’s when you start talking about creating an outdoor room, the covered porch or patio and grill area with a firepit.” Regardless of your goals, the best
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|straight talk
A deer in the daylilies Surprises from quarantine by Allen Norwood
I
never thought I’d write some of this, but the pandemic has changed our world in ways we never could have imagined. My siblings and I have been getting together for weekly meetings on Zoom. Instead of Netflix and chill, it’s Zoom and wine. We just catch up on the latest sheltering-in-place stuff—you’d better have a sense of humor—and debate the most comfortable mask styles. We’re all grandparents, and a couple of sisters-in-law read to their youngest grandkids. Digitally and long distance, of course. Toddlers have learned to reach out to grandmoms by phone or tablet when it’s story time. During our meetings we hear that Curious George is still a hit. Anyway, during a recent Zoom meeting, a deer cut through the woods at the back of our lot. From the kitchen table, I caught the movement out of the corner of my eye. The others sitting in front of their phones and tablets miles
away noticed my reaction. “Just a deer,” I explained. “She’s heading down to the neighbor’s.” Maybe she’ll keep going, I thought. I can’t go running out to be sure, because the free Zoom meetings are limited to 40 minutes. Wouldn’t want to miss anything. Surely she wouldn’t double back while we’re on Zoom. Oh, yes she would. We said our goodbyes and made plans for another meeting the following week. By the time I got around to checking, she had nipped a third of the daylily buds from the colorful patch in the front yard. Since then, she has been back at least twice, always at the same time— late afternoon, which was when she wandered by during that Zoom meeting. The buds and blossoms are completely gone. (Once, she came through the front yard while we were outdoors working in
the backyard. She must have figured that we’d be on Zoom.) So grandparents are learning to master Zoom and other digital platforms to stay in touch with extended family. Toddlers are learning which buttons to push— literally and figuratively—to connect with grandmothers at story time. Even the blasted deer are adjusting to this new normal. I have been struck that all this distancing has brought some families even closer together. Not long ago, it might have been months between visits with my siblings. I’ve enjoyed seeing them more often. I’m betting that lots of grandkids in other families are getting more story hours than they got before the virus arrived, too. We’re even seeing more of neighbors up and down our street and those nearby. There always have been lots of walkers. We’ve noticed even more since
the gyms closed and other options shut down. But it’s hard to make good time walking through our neighborhood. We took a two-mile walk the other day that we guesstimated took two hours. Folks were waiting in their driveways to visit with everyone who passed—from a safe distance, of course. We spent 10 minutes in one driveway, then another 10 when we turned around in the cul-desac and came back by. Neighbors who passed in cars stopped to join. Here’s a home improvement tip for the times: Master Zoom or some other digital app, then host meetings. Invite the whole family. It will really brighten your breakfast room. But keep an eye out for deer in the daylilies.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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