Charlotte home|design, September 20, 2020 by Charlotte home

Living in Asheville page 16

C H A R L O T T E

home design dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

“Owning land and stewardship of that land and its inhabitants is part of the American DNA.” – Julie Breedlove, Breedlove Farms, Estates & Land

Room to roam

Unplug from the hustle and bustle and plug into nature for a serene rural lifestyle on one of Greater Charlotte’s equestrian estates - story on page 6

real estate news What’s new p4

design instyle real estate spotlight association answers Decorating treasures p22

President of Grandfather Homes p26

‘Tis the season p28

straight talk Don’t let your guard down p30

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|real estate news

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what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE David Weekley Homes recently helped students nationwide during its 6th annual companywide School Supplies Drive. The North Carolina markets of Charlotte and Raleigh teamed up with two nonprofit organizations to collect around $12,200 in supplies, which will benefit approximately 2,000 children. In Charlotte, school supplies were collected for HopeMatch, which provides services and assistance to those who are underserved in the greater Charlotte area by personalizing assistance to the needs of families. Team members with the company’s Raleigh division worked with Communities in Schools of Wake County by donating backpacks, binders, notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pencils and more. The School Supplies Drive is a volunteer and philanthropic initiative of the company’s CARE program, which joins team members with homeowners, homebuyers, community partners and local nonprofit organizations to live out its purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives in each of the communities in which it builds. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit davidweekleyhomes.com.

HM PROPERTIES LISTS 500-PLUS ACRE COUNTRY ESTATE AND SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE IN SOUTH CAROLINA Located 6 miles south of historic Camden, S.C., the Acorn Farm estate is situated in the heart of horse country and was developed by a member of the Boykin Family, known for breeding the first Boykin Spaniel. Acorn Farm encompasses 554 acres and is priced at $8 million. Swift Creek runs along the northern border of the property which also features two stocked ponds, sunflower and corn fields, food plots, dove and pheasant fields, vegetable gardens, an orchard with over 50 trees and grape vines, and a potential duck food impoundment. Hundreds of deer, doves, wild quail and wild turkey roam the property. The gated entrance off Sumter Highway leads down a picturesque driveway to the main house overlooking the ponds. This grand 10,532-square-foot home was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. It has three levels and features five bedrooms, 5.1 baths, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, reclaimed antique heart-of-pine paneled walls, a grand staircase, elevator, chef’s kitchen, sunroom, den, great room and formal dining room with high ceilings, secondary kitchen upstairs, and a home theater and 5,000-bottle wine cellar in the finished basement. There are numerous balconies, porches and patio areas to enjoy the outdoors. A charming cabin-style guest house is situated a short walk from the main house and has three bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, family room, five-stall climate-controlled dog kennel and fenced backyard. In addition, there is a 75x75 barn/utility building with an office, kitchen, two baths, a walk-in refrigerator/game cooler, workshop and large storage rooms. There are several equipment sheds, a tool shed, quail house, chicken coop and pump house nearby. For more information, contact Maren Brisson-Kuester with HM Properties at 704- 287-7072 or maren@hmproperties.com, Jordan Meadows at 803-984-7083 or jordanmeadows@hmproperties.com, or visit acornfarmsc.com.

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 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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|Equestrian, Farms and Land DID YOU KNOW? Due to North Carolina’s temperate climate, equestrians can typically ride yearround, and taking care of horses in the winter is a breeze.

EAT Calvert’s Kitchen Craving some home-style cooking to soothe the soul? Head to this Columbus favorite for comfort food like hush puppies and hamburgers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. facebook.com/calvertskitchen

PLAY

Tryon International Equestrian Center Head to the resort at this worldfamous equestrian center to watch a competition, grab a bite to eat, shop or even play a round of golf. tryon.coth.com

EXPLORE

Chestnut Heritage Preserve Hike through this beautiful 1,800-acre natural wonderland in Landrum, S.C., nestled among wildflowers, gurgling creeks and streams and a beautiful wooded terrain. sctrails.net

by Julie Cooper

resh air, room to roam, a sky lit up with fireflies and chirping crickets set the scene for an idyllic rural life. Outside of the hustle and bustle of city limits, horses run free and play, cows moo and chew their cud and the roosters remind that it’s time to start the day. It’s filled with days where time moves with nature’s gentle pace. Neighbors help each other, children play joyfully through the fields and happiness is found in every leaping frog and flowering bud. And for curious city dwellers longing for a more natural existence, it’s a lifestyle that’s not too far out of reach. “The proximity of the Tryon area to major cities makes it a perfect transition for many buyers,” says Meg Atkinson with Ivester Jackson Blackstream. “Buyers tend to want a small farm with just enough acreage for privacy and pastures, but not so much it becomes difficult to maintain. This type of property typically allows for the convenience of being more proximal to larger cities.” While Tryon is a very popular area, Atkinson says Columbus and Landrum, S.C., also offer a beautiful equestrian lifestyle replete with

rolling hills and existing farms. However, it’s not typical to find many new developments. “Equestrians tend to want privacy without restrictions, so developments don’t always work,” she says. “However, I live in Derbyshire, which specializes in equestrian properties. All of the farm lots have been sold, but there are still some single-family homesites available.” While people escape to the simpler life in the rural Carolinas for various reasons, the COVID-19 pandemic is seeing many re-evaluate the way they want to spend their lives and how they choose to work. “Recent events serve to power a market segment focused on homes with land,” says Julie Breedlove with Breedlove Farms, Estates and Land. “In light of ‘the new normal’, owners of equestrian properties value what they have and are reluctant to move on to a different lifestyle. And the demand for homes with land and equestrian properties is higher than it has ever been, thanks to this same ‘new normal.’ This has created a market with very low inventory and unmet buyer dreams.” It’s not surprising the demand

would be so high, especially in light of the current landscape. “It’s a lifestyle that offers privacy and the opportunity to live more naturally,” says Breedlove. “In today’s world, those are rare and highly soughtafter lifestyle features. True equestrian properties are designed for the total care of horses for a variety of disciplines; however, many people just want to experience this tremendous natural lifestyle.” These buyers want a chance to live with nature, gardens, animals and pets and simply have the ability to escape from the hyper-connected current world, she says. They want to get away from it all, to get back to themselves. As far as the future of these properties is concerned, Breedlove says there will always be a strong market. “Equestrian properties will always be in demand,” she says. “Natural beauty, privacy and a sense of coexisting with nature inspires people to seek homes with land. There is a soul-soothing atmosphere and a sense of belonging to something larger. Owning land and stewardship of that land and its inhabitants is part of the American DNA.”

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Equestrian, Farms and Land| 12613 Oak Grove Road, Stanfield, NC 28163 Acreage: 140 Price: $2,800,000 MLS: 3539528 Listing Agents: Angela F. Prince, 704-507-2699, angela.prince@bhhscarolinas.com; Binny Orrell, 704-227-3266, binny.orrell@bhhscarolinas.com; Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Sequestered in the tranquil countryside of Stanly County east of Charlotte off Hwy 24/27 in Stanfield, this architect-designed lodgeinspired estate is a rare ownership opportunity. Featured nationally in Timber Home Magazine, the main home boasts timber trusses and extensive millwork, Tennessee fieldstone fireplaces, a solid copper roof, farmhouse conveniences, interiors by Ralph Lauren studios, floor-to-ceiling windows, grand terraces and breathtaking panoramic views of the green fields, ponds, pastures and vistas beyond.

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|Equestrian, Farms and Land 3210 Chester Hwy, York, SC 29745 Acreage: 36 Price: $1,480,000 MLS: 3651812 Listing Agents: Vernon Jackson, 704-458-3430, vernon@vernonjackson3.com; Paul Jamison, 704-819-0010, paul@ myjamisonhomes.com; Jamison Realty at Keller Williams This private, gated horse farm/retreat has three monitor-style barns. Just 10 minutes to shopping and restaurants. The farm and craftsman-style home were designed by an equestrian. Breathtaking views from 39 windows, wraparound decking and covered porches. The kitchen has stainless appliances, breakfast bar, bamboo farmers sink, cherry cabinets, granite counters and a wood ceiling. Master has incredible views, hardwood floors, recessed lighting and tray ceiling. The master bath has dual copper sinks, granite counters, sunken, soaking tub with relaxing views, travertine tile and deluxe shower. *Check out the drone video*

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812 N Burris Road, Sharon, SC 29742 Acreage: 9.12 Price: $396,000 MLS: 3656861 Listing Agent: Robin King, Allen Tate Realtors, 803-526-1225, robin.king@ allentate.com Head to the country with 9 secluded wooded acres with its own private pond and this custom, one-owner beauty with all the upgrades you’ll find in the city and burbs—wood floors, high cathedral ceilings, extensive trim work and abundant windows that draw in natural light and provide panoramic views. Owner’s suite and kitchen are gorgeous, and the screened porch and two decks are perfect for bird, deer and bunny watching. Your horses, goats and chickens will enjoy the pole barn and fencedin areas. Is it possible you’ve finally found the private peaceful setting you’ve been craving? Be sure to ask about the money back guarantee being offered.

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132 Becktown Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 Acreage: 48.230 Price: $3,450,000 MLS: 3462502 Listing Agent: Tom Fisher, HM Properties, 704-213-1556, tom@ hmproperties.com One of N.C.’s legacy estates, ‘’Boxwood’’ offers over 48 acres of bucolic pastures and woodlands, a 1934 manor home designed by renowned NYC architects, a guest cabin, a barn with two floors of potential living area, a pond and much more. A $5 million restoration of the manor home was completed in 2007. The manor home has eight bedrooms, six full and two half baths, formal and informal areas, state-of-the art kitchen and scullery, upstairs guest pantry and more. The authentic log guest cabin dates to 1933-34 and offers two beds, two full baths, kitchen and great room with stone fireplace. Boxwood lends itself to use as a single-family home, weekend country retreat or premier event venue.

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1626 Sumter Hwy, Camden, SC 29128 Acreage: 557.300 Price: $8,000,000 MLS: 3652935 Listing Agents: Maren BrissonKuester, 704-287-7072, maren@ hmproperties.com; Jordan Meadows, 803-984-7083, jordanmeadows@hmproperties.com; HM Properties Acorn Farm is loaded with endless possibilities. Deer, ducks, quail and turkey roam this 550-acre sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a five-bedroom main house (see main house details: MLS 3647817), three-bedroom guest house with a five-stall climate-controlled dog kennel, 75x75 barn/warehouse with full kitchen, walk-in game freezer and office. Rolling hills, mature hardwoods, pastures, two stocked ponds, frontage along Swift Creek, food plots, dove/quail/pheasant fields, orchards and site for potential 15 ac duck impoundment. Hundreds of acres of undeveloped land. Consulting work has already been completed to convert the entire property into a private shooting/hunt club.

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|Equestrian, Farms and Land 680 N Kingsburry Road, Clover, SC 29710 Acreage: 64.98 Price: $2,400,000 MLS: 3484830 Listing Agent: Julie Breedlove, Breedlove Farms Estates And Land, 704-661-9619, julie@ breedlovecarolinas.com A premier equestrian estate waiting for you to build your dream home on one of several building sites. Stone and metal 2015 Morton Barn with 12 classic equine stalls with Dutch exterior doors, mats, automatic waterers and industrial ceiling fans; 20-foot aisleway and 23-foot cathedral tongue and groove ceiling. Lounge, tack room and laundry room all offer heat and air, tile floors, smart paneling, granite countertops and cabinetry. A wash stall, two grooming stalls, feed room and storage room. Exterior offers a large patio area with cathedral tongue and groove ceiling. Arena with premier footings, hay/equip building, tool/control building, creeks, board fenced pastures, hay field and mature hardwoods.

2876 Elk Ridge Road, Ferguson, NC 28624 Acreage: 20.61 Price: $1,250,000 MLS: 3629812 Listing Agent: Julie Breedlove, Breedlove Farms Estates And Land, 704-661-9619, julie@ breedlovecarolinas.com Equestrian estate set against a mountain backdrop and located in a gated community with miles of riding/hiking trails. Paved drive to custom home and barn. Alderwood doors, maple floors and accent ceilings, Italian light fixtures and upgraded plumbing fixtures. Two-story great room with loft and stone fireplace that opens to kitchen/dining. Main-level master with stone fireplace, bath with air jetted tub, frameless glass/tile shower, vanities and heated floors. Lower-level family/billiards room, walk-out to covered patio. Covered and screened porch and wraparound deck. All pastures with run-in sheds and auto waterers. Eight-stall barn with studio apartment. Three-car detached garage.

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Equestrian, Farms and Land| 00 E Monbo Rd, Statesville, NC 28677 Acreage: 80.13 Price: $2,987,000 MLS: 3657431 Listing Agent: Julie Breedlove, Breedlove Farms Estates And Land, 704-661-9619, julie@ breedlovecarolinas.com This equestrian country estate is located just 7 minutes to Lake Norman State Park, only 40 minutes to downtown Charlotte/Airport and less than 2 hours to Tryon International Equestrian Center. To see what this world class property has to offer, watch the video to get a feel for the property and call us for more information, brochures, floor plans and a private tour. Video doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show most recent improvements. Property can be purchased with 13.95 acres (MLS 3425903), 27 acres (MLS 3366038) or 80 acres. Additional acreage offers mature hardwoods, additional fields, trails and a creek.

172 Tuckertown Road, New London, NC 28127 Acreage: 53.4 Price: $2,745,000 MLS: 3400461 Listing Agent: Julie Breedlove, Breedlove Farms Estates And Land, 704-661-9619, julie@ breedlovecarolinas.com Elegant equestrian estate with exceptional facilities and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home at the base of the scenic Uwharrie Mountains. Includes a custom home with pool, pavilion with fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Two threecar garages, climate-controlled dog kennel with shower, English garden with greenhouse, two show-quality barns, indoor arena, accessory buildings, six rolling board fenced pastures and three ponds. Includes a private guest home. Can be purchased without second home (MLS # 3408129). Lower level with separate entrance includes a Pedini-designed kitchen, wine cellar, guest room, full bathroom, exercise room, hobby room and theater room. Consists of 2 parcels.

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|living in Asheville DID YOU KNOW? Rolling Stone named Asheville the new must-visit Music City thanks to its reputation for musical spontaneity.

Abundant Asheville

This beautiful mountain city will have you begging to put down roots thanks to its ‘high’ quality of life by Julie Cooper

W EAT Corner Kitchen Head to this charming Victorian cottage that serves New American fare, like a fried oyster salad, herb-crusted salmon with heirloom tomatoes and classic, crispy calamari. thecornerkitchen.com

PLAY

Cataloochee Take a picnic and watch the elk at this beautiful Maggie Valley destination in the Great Smoky Mountains. cataloochee.com

EXPLORE

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, plug into nature and explore this park’s sprawling forest, waterfalls and wildflower-dotted landscape. nps.gov

ith all that’s going on in the world right now, who wouldn’t want to live in a place dubbed America’s “happiest city?” Located up in the fresh air, artsy and alive Asheville has repeatedly made it on a multitude of “Best of” lists across the country. And it’s rather unsurprising—the mountain city has nearly everything a buyer could ask for. “Asheville has an enchanting mix of diverse, live music scenes, award-winning culinary restaurants, awe-inspiring lush scenery, flourishing artist colonies, a booming craft beer scene, abundant cultural entertainment and countless outdoor activities both on land and in the water,” says Laura Browne Livaudais with Ivester Jackson Blackstream. For the retiree, Forbes highly rates the small city with a population of less than 95,000 for its good air quality, excellent climate with four distinct seasons, numerous doctors, no state/inheritance tax and no state income tax on social security benefits. And for newcomers, Asheville is just as highly regarded. “They are drawn to Asheville for the small-town feel that provides big-city amenities, a laidback lifestyle, entrepreneurial opportunities, the temperate four seasons and the beautiful views,” says Livaudais. “Since the 1920s, Asheville has been a magnet for people seeking clean mountain air, excellent healthcare and scenic natural vistas. Homebuyers are also drawn here because of the affordability—Ashe-

ville’s affordability quotient remains attractive while delivering excellent returns on real estate investments.” With the coronavirus pandemic’s continuous grasp altering livelihoods and lifestyles far and wide, Livaudais says more and more people are drawn to the mountains for more room to roam. “Today, people who are seeking less congested living, more open spaces and closer proximity to nature have zeroed in on Western North Carolina and Asheville, specifically,” she says. “With so many people recently made to embrace a remote work-from-home order, Asheville has risen on people’s radar as the perfect place to settle down and live/work/play. We’ve definitely seen an uptick in sales of homes across all price ranges.” Asheville is loved for its plethora of home choices that appeal to a range of buyers. “The North, South, East and West areas each have their own distinct atmosphere and flavor,” Livaudais explains. “Once the preference is determined, the most sought-after neighborhoods rise to the top.” “For example, in North Asheville, people adore Lake View Park, Grove Park, Norwood and Town Mountain Preserve,” she continues. “In South Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Biltmore Park, Cliffs at Walnut Cove and the Ramble are highly regarded. In East Asheville, Southcliff offers premier views and vistas and Cane Creek Valley is beautiful. Then, in West

Asheville, homebuyers love the Haywood Road Corridor.” Regardless of where they choose to settle down, Asheville is, naturally, full of recreational activities. “Asheville has consistently rated as a top U.S. adventure town,” says Marilyn Wright with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “There’s no end to outdoor adventure options here. There are four navigable rivers, hiking trails for all levels and terrain for mountain bikes. There are also eight national and state parks just a short drive away, including my favorite and America’s ‘Most Visited National Park’ the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” For a fun day out, Wright recommends taking in one of Asheville’s best kept secrets. “Go out on a full moon to Max Patch to see the sunset and the moon rise,” she says. “It’s something you will never forget.” In general, Asheville is an unforgettable and special place. Beyond the beauty, the houses, the lifestyle and outdoor fun, the vibrant city also boasts 15 wineries within 15 miles of its city’s limits, fly fishing, The Biltmore House and a location that’s only a short drive to the coast. “We’re a mountain town with a free, uninhibited spirit,” says Wright. “We are a real foodie destination that offers a fantastic quality of life. I usually say that we’re a good melting pot. We’re more relaxed than most parts of the state—it’s the air here.”

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|living in Asheville 7 Patton Avenue #1504, Asheville, NC 28801 Price: $1,490,000 MLS: 3642088 Listing Agents: Britt Allen, 828-450-8166, britt@ ijbproperties.com; Rachel Alosky, 828-3293552, rachel@ijbproperties.com; Ivester Jackson Blackstream The ARRAS Residences, the definition of upscale living in downtown Asheville. One of three 2-bed, 2.5-bath units on the coveted NE corner of this recently completed project that transformed the Asheville skyline. Floor-toceiling windows boast long-range panoramic mountain views, The Grove Park Inn and many of Asheville’s art deco masterpieces. Upgraded carpet and wood flooring. Custom cabinetry, countertops and closets. Motorized Hunter Douglas shades, gas fireplace, Bosch kitchen appliances, LED light fixtures. Washer and dryer convey. Open floor plan. Designated garage parking spot with private Residences’ entrance. Virtual tour available.

185 Macon Avenue #A-7, Asheville, NC 28804 Price: $795,000 MLS: 3627736 Listing Agents: Laura Livaudais, 828-712-5445, laura@ijbproperties.com; Ellen Browne McGuire, 828-551-7027, ellen@ijbproperties.com; Ivester Jackson Blackstream Opportunity to own a rare two-story penthouse in the Historic Longchamps—a 1920s gilded age Normandy-style manor designed by Ronald Greene. Boutique condo property with only two condos per floor. This light-filled condo is a blend of Old World charm with modern amenities. Views of Asheville’s verdant lush nature. One block from the Grove Park Inn and minutes from downtown Asheville, this primo location provides quick and easy access to world-class fine dining, live entertainment, Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf course, a subterranean spa, unique boutiques and much more.

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living in Asheville| 25 Bartrams Walk Drive, Asheville, NC 28804 Price: $3,675,000 MLS: 3634206 Listing Agent: Laura Livaudais, Ivester Jackson Blackstream, 828-712-5445, laura@ijbproperties. com This stunning contemporary oasis offers the finest in modern luxury and quality construction. Asheville architect Scott Huebner brilliantly creates organic silhouettes with relaxing and inviting clean lines. The main level offers a master suite, chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen opening to a great room with unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Beaverdam Valley. Floorto-ceiling windows and patios make this home ideal for both entertaining and tranquil indoor/ outdoor living. Upstairs offers a family room with a full bath and wet bar, two guest suites and an outdoor lounge. Located in the gated community of Town Mountain Preserve, 2 miles from downtown Asheville.

370 Midland Drive, Asheville, NC 28804 Price: $1,699,000 MLS: 3503896 Listing Agent: Janet Blake, Ivester Jackson Blackstream, 828-450-5359, janet@ ijbproperties.com This stately Tudor home in Lakeview Park has been thoughtfully updated. Formal entryway with a grand staircase leads to light-filled living room. Upstairs, the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite has bonus office space and a luxury bath. Down the hall, three guest rooms. All five bathrooms have been updated and remodeled. Second master on main. French doors lead onto a lovely brick courtyard. Enjoy a dip in the hot tub on a cool mountain evening. Winding driveway and spacious yard provide privacy and a tranquil setting. A high quality home ready for year-round entertainment. Home priced below appraised value.

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|design instyle

Decorating treasures This everyday household item may be your best design asset by Vicki Donatelli

ou most likely already have one of the greatest decorating accessories at your disposalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;books. They are fascinating and versatile. If you have only looked at books as something to be read, I encourage you to examine them with a designer eye.

Aesthetically, old books are more fascinating than new ones, but they both hold exciting possibilities. Publishers rely on a bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover to catch your attention and motivate you to pick it up and buy it. The decorating touch lies under the dust jacket. Antique books are my favorite. Publishers of old invested

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heavily in hand crafted artwork to decorate bindings and book illustrations. The colors are rich, highlighted with gold leaf and marbled endpapers. If you don’t own some of these treasures you can find them at flea markets, antique shops and garage sales. When shopping, look for jacket covers that will coordinate with your room’s color schemes. It’s a win win if you discover the perfect binding with an intriguing title. So, what do you do with these

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wonderful books? Use them to ramp up a room’s opulence. They possess panache, regardless of your home’s style. You can even take off the jackets of newer books and include them into the mix. Compile a stack of five or six books with the same or coordinating colored bindings and group them together on a shelf or tabletop. Add and take away other decorating objects from this arrangement until you’re visually pleased with what you have created.

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Create more organization and interest on your bookshelves by grouping books together by height and color. Wanting a more monochromatic display? Turn the books around so the pages face outward. The blending of warm, cream and tan pages is stunning. If the book coverings are stained and faded, you can always remove the binding and display a group of un-jacketed books together. This is a very shabby chic display. Books work beautifully in a farmhouse setting. Think about tying a grouping

of books together with a pretty ribbon or market twine. In the kitchen, vintage cookbooks create a charming display— and you might just find a few new recipes to try. Consider corralling your books in unexpected containers. A large pasta bowl or wooden dough bowl filled with cooking books is a great accent to the center of your kitchen island or dining table. Don’t forget the merit of a book’s interior, especially marbled endpapers and hand illustrations. Open books displaying these little works of art. We decorate our

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walls with pictures, so why not decorate your tabletop with book art? If storage space is limited, display and store your literary possessions in wooden boxes or wicker baskets sitting on the floor. Use books to elevate lamps, objects and flower vases. One designer trick is to make sure the color of the jackets coordinate with the objects you’re displaying. Sometimes you need to use books as books. For the guest room, select books of poetry, short stories and literary classics such as “Tom Sawyer” or “The Secret Garden.” Your guests will be impressed by the thought you put into the collection. Before you go shopping for books, shop your own bookshelves. You may just find some wonderful decorating treasures.

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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|real estate profile

Matt Ewers

President of Grandfather Homes by Bethany E. Starin

hen you talk to Matt Ewers, president of Grandfather Homes, a luxury home builder in the Charlotte area, you realize his highly successful career doesn’t leave him much to be humble about—but he’s just that. Down to earth and warm, Ewers brings up his grandfather, a charismatic, dedicated builder who he dubbed Grandfather Homes in honor of. Instead of marketing his own name, Ewers says he hopes every client feels the effect of his grandfather’s generous soul. A marine turned building intern turned president of a top Charlotte luxury building firm, Ewers has built more than 200 homes in the Queen City.

Q: What inspired you to seek out a career in the building industry? A: “My dad was an architect in Charlotte. He shared a lot of his work, and as a kid it was fun to follow him around on the job. I studied architecture at the University of Tennessee and then decided to go into the military, enlisting in the Marine Corps.” Q: How did your journey take you from the military to launching a successful building firm? A: “While the military was great active leadership training, I realized it was not for me. I wanted to go back to the business world,

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but instead of being indoors and exclusively doing design, I wanted to be outdoors and in construction management. I got out of the Marines in 2000 and went to East Carolina University studying construction management.” Q: What prompted you to step out on your own? A: “During that process, I worked with Centex Homes during the summers. You build the same home repetitively—it was a boot camp for builders. To do something more custom, in 2004 I went to work with Brentwood Homes and eventually I became their division manager for the Charlotte market. We closed 65 homes the last year I was there. This gave me access to the books and to sales to where I felt like I was running my own firm. I thought, ‘I could do this on my own.’ In April 2006, I started Grandfather Homes, Inc.” Q: What’s the significance of ‘Grandfather’ in your marketing? A: “I named it as a tribute to my grandfather who was a really active community member. A mayor, a volunteer firefighter—his outgoing spirit was contagious. He was outgoing and jovial and he built his own lake house. I could just remember him being a great example of a general contractor. Some GC’s have a different reputation, but I felt like most of us have grandparents who we have warm memories of and who had contagious qualities about them. I wanted that feeling to be involved in the culture of this company. I didn’t want to name it after myself—I wanted my employees to feel they could personally identify with the company. Tremendously tied to our success is our clients understanding the brand and how that relates to the workers as well as the buyers.” Q: Was it immediate success? A: “I started Grandfather Homes as an owner/oper-

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ator, meaning I was a one-man band. I mostly worked for investors uncovering land, designing a home and then building it to sell. I had five homes my first year and was able to hire a superintendent the second year with double the number of homes. This enabled me to focus on building the company.” Q: What is an average worth of a Grandfather Home? A: “Each year, our average price point has gone up 10-15 percent. The average home right now is $1.4 million. The pandemic has not really slowed things at all—maybe even increased. People are living in their homes more and wanting to improve them.” Q: What sets Grandfather Homes apart from others in the Queen City? A: “We invest in rich architecture. By that I don’t mean expensive—we spend a lot more time with the architect on the front end. We spend 6 months on a plan and will bounce ideas back and forth for a lot of consideration. Every lot is different so we evaluate how we can adjust the plan to make it better. This process means the home for its whole life will live better. Our willingness to withstand those changes with the back and forth with trade contractors and homeowners—I think that willingness sets us part. Q: What is your goal for the next year, even the next decade? A: “To date, we’ve built more than 200 homes, and I want to decrease the number of homes we build per year and build larger, more sophisticated homes on more desirable lots. But I want to afford ourselves the opportunity to evolve in the next decade as I am sure things will change with technology. I plan to focus on anything that can contribute to the financial stability and sustainability. I want this to be a legacy company for our children to take over.”

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MATT’S FIVE MUST-HAVE’S FOR INSPIRATION 1. DRAFTING TABLE “I have an old school drafting table—super basic. I intentionally wanted to find one that was aged to fit in with the 14-foot ceilings in Grandfather Home’s loft space (in Plaza Midwood) with exposed brick and oversized windows. It’s perfect—right by a window with lots of natural light.” 2. BEING NOSY “How do I find inspiration? A lot of that has to do with me being a nosy person. I drive all streets of Charlotte looking for land opportunities and to see what other locals are doing and what new products are coming to the market. At the end of every day, I will drive to our sites, but in doing so I will go the back roads. My wife always says I am taking the long cuts.” 3. FAMILY FIELD TRIPS “We have kids ages 8 and 10, and they love coming to the office and going into the project sites. We live in Cramer’s Pond, and Grandfather Homes has been building there for 3 years. My mother-in-law stages our homes, and my wife is very active in design. So, if they come over Sundays for supper, we go on a field trip and walk through some of our homes.” 4. TRAVEL “I try to get away to a different city once a year to something new, see a new way of construction. It’s just fun to check out a new city and find new ideas to incorporate here.” 5. COMPANY SPIRIT “With my Grandfather and the way he treated people, we find the spirit of our company trickles down from our team to the trade contractors and to the buyers. Talking about my Grandfather and the way he lived his life—ideally that inspires our vision continually as we move forward.”

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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

|association answers

es, it’s that time of year again for HOAs. No, not the holiday season— it’s budget season! Most HOAs use the calendar year as their fiscal year, and now is the time of year that many boards of directors are formulating their budgets for next year. Here are some tips for making the budget and next year’s finances run smoothly and in compliance with North Carolina law.

‘Tis the season by Mike Hunter

• Reserves: analyze the property that the HOA is required to maintain to determine its useful life and the cost to rebuild, repair or replace it when the time comes. This is especially important for large-ticket items such as roof and siding replacement, detention-pond repairs, paving jobs, and refurbishing of swimming pools, clubhouses and other amenities. This process is known as a “reserve study,” and there are professionals known as “reserve specialists,” usually persons with engineering and construction backgrounds,

who can perform these studies for you. The result of a reserve study is a road map for how much money from assessment income the HOA should be setting aside into reserve accounts to meet these needs when the time comes. When done correctly, performing a reserve study and following its findings will avoid the need for large special assessments to be levied against owners in future years as the need for these projects surfaces. • Contingencies: expect the unexpected. Include an allowance for unexpected expenses, also known as “contingencies.” Due to the current economic environment, we expect a rash of consumer bankruptcy filings over the next several months, so it is imperative that HOA boards do not delay in filing liens on homes with delinquent assessments. The odds of getting paid in a bankruptcy are immensely higher if there is a lien in place before the bankruptcy is filed. Also make sure your

Short-term rentals – should your hoa consider banning them?

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budget provides an allowance for “bad debt,” or uncollectible assessments. Few associations collect 100 percent of their assessments. Use historical data from prior years’ financial statements to determine the proper allowance for bad debt,arlier andthis adjust upwards take into month at an to apartment account delinquencies attributable in Uptown, gunfire erupted at a to the COVID economic slump. contingraduation party. OneOther person was gencies repair costsone for damage killed and include three more injured, of them to common property thatentire is notcomplex covered critically. Residents of the by insurance. were forced out of their units into the street in the middle of the night while the • Capital projects: many boards The police conducted their investigation. focus their efforts that only the on apartment the operatlocal news reported ing budget—the regular income had been rented through Airbnb, a from shortassessments, and the regular expenses term-rental company. for management, landscaping, utilities, While the recent event described insurance, maintenance of common above involved an apartment complex property and professional and not a condominium, thatservices—but difference your budget should also is immaterial. Owners and disclose residentsany in expected capital expenditures forsinglethe communities everywhere, whether coming year. condos For example, will you be family homes, or townhomes, are using reserve fundsabout or a bank loan to justifiably concerned the prolifreplace roofs onrentals. the condominium eration of the short-term There are buildings,risks installposed a newbyplayground, or identifiable the short-term refurbish the clubhouse andabout replace rental of a home to someone whom theknow furniture? If so, theselittle, expenditures you nothing or very and it is

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to consider ratification of the budget... should be reflected in your budget. without a supermajority vote. Believe us The budget is ratified unless at that • Lean on your professionals: all when we say there are a lot of communities where “static” budgets over the meeting a majority of all the lot owners in professional community association bybeMike Hunter years resulted in large deferred maintethe association or any larger vote specimanagement companies should familfied in the declaration rejects the budget. nance costs that resulted in huge special iar with budgeting. It is imperative that In the event the proposed budget is boards and managers work collaborative- assessments on unsuspecting owners. rejected, theviolations periodic and budget last ratified ly to craft a budget that suits the needs of That’s poor financial planning. the desire of the community. A limitation or gate reported enforce them impossible to predict what the renters or by the lot owners shall beFinding continued the guests community, mostproperty management and uniformly. an their will doand on the durprohibition on short-term rentals may not be consistently • Budget ratification: Northsuch Carolina until listing such time asInternet the lot owners ratify companies active on the for the home ing their briefcan stay.draw on years of experi- desirable for some communities, as subsequent budget proposed by the law requires allcommunities condominiums and ence to assist the board the budget. resort or vacation where many oraunit with a short-term-rental company Despite the rapid growthwith of short-term board.” the budget communities formed in 1999 of planned the homes were purchased as investis executive often the first step Thus, in enforcement. rentals, laws regulating them are virtually or later to allow the members to review doesn’t actually have to be affirmatively • Don’t be afraid to raise the budget: ments for the express purpose of renting We reprinted a column authored by nonexistent (except in primarily tourismapproved by the members; it is approved andon vote on proposed The boards like to like toutAsheville that the budget has driven markets or Charlesthem a weekly or daily budgets. basis. another attorney in 2016 that provided inautomatically unlessthan a majority all the applicable law for both condominiums remained fromtothe past year, formation on websites can helpofHOAs ton), leavingunchanged owners looking their Having a community restriction against lot owners (not simply a majority of those and planned communities says, oftenfor while ignoring the huge shortfalls short-term rentals is, of course, only“Within the identify short-term lease listings in their HOAs help. present at the meeting) vote to reject the 30 days after adoption of any proposed that will result. Underfunding a commufirst step. Enforcing such restrictions is communities. That column can be found at Some HOAs have restrictions in their budgetissue. for the [condominium or planned budget. Note also that meeting quorum nity lacksdocuments foresight, and can decrease carolinacommonelements.com/2016/09/28/ HOA boards should, at governing that itprohibit leases another requirements do not apply to budget community], the owners executive board shall the long term.term, Many new-services-help-associations-thwarta minimum, make aware of any ofhome homesvalues of lessinthan a stated ratification meetings, and the notice of communities’ provide toon allshort-term the lot owners a summary leases, investiunauthorized-short-term-rentals. such as six or 12governing months. documents Others havealso restrictions of the budget and a notice of the meeting meeting must state this fact. tie annual budget increases to the lastlanguage in their governing documents approved budget. An oft-seen provision that grant the HOA board the authority that any budgetrules more than 10 percent toisdevelop leasing and regulations, above budget musttoreand this the mayprior giveyear’s an HOA the right Charlotte attorney Michael Hunter represents community ceive acontrols 2/3 membership voterentals. for apimpose on short-term and condominium associations for the firm of Offit Kurman. proval. Years of unchanged puts If your community’s governingbudgets documents Email questions to mike.hunter@offitkurman.com. Not these communities at a disadvantage don’t contain such restrictions, the governevery question receives a reply. Find his blog at the board cannot the budget ingwhen documents will need to raise be amended to CarolinaCommonElements.com enough just to pay for basic services limit or prohibit short-term rentals, if that is

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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

|straight talk

Don’t let your guard down All sorts of biting and stinging creatures are at their worst in the fall by Allen Norwood

day or two before The Observer ran its recent story warning about baby copperheads, I scared up a baby copperhead. I was sweeping bark chips back into a natural area when it popped from the mulch at my feet and headed to the woods across the street. It wasn’t very big, maybe 7 or 8 inches. Cute youngster. I let it go. Then the story offered a discussion about whether it is better to be bitten by an adult or a juvenile copperhead. The answer, I decided as I followed the debate, is neither. The point is, baby copperheads emerge this time of year. And, as I’ve written before, all sorts of biting and stinging creatures are at their worst in the fall. (I’m just glad I didn’t have to get a nip from the snake to let me know that it’s time for a seasonal heads up. Usually, the yellow jackets remind me—painfully.) Fall is yard and garden clean-up season. You’re raking, trimming, hauling. Maybe moving rocks and stepping stones. Lots of you might be doing even more this stay-at-home year. With that in mind, a few tips.

Again, yellow jackets become more aggressive in the fall. In late summer, as their food supply shrinks and their focus turns toward winter, they become desperate to scavenge and even more territorial. They’ll gang up on you. Also, if you haven’t already learned, yellow jackets can sting more than once. They don’t lose their stingers like bees. If you trap them against your skin, they’ll pop you repeatedly. If you get stung, according to N.C. Poison Control, wash the area and then apply a cold cloth to reduce swelling. Take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain. Take diphenhydramine to treat allergic reactions like minor itching and swelling, but don’t take pills and use cream at the same time. Call 911 immediately if your chest is tight, the center says on its website, or if you have problems breathing or have swelling around the face or neck. If bitten by a snake, you should sit down and stay calm, wash the area with warm soapy water and remove jewelry and tight clothing near the bite. Then call N.C. Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not cut the bitten area, ice the area or apply a tourniquet or tight bandage. You can download information about how to handle all sorts of stings and bites at ncpoisoncontrol.org. You might encounter European hornets, as we have. They’re yellow and they’re BIG. They live in colonies like yellow jackets, but have a reputation for being less aggressive. Also—and this is important—they eat yellow jackets. Anything that eats yellow jackets, as I’ve written, is a welcome neighbor. We don’t have fire ants. If you do, watch your step and check debris for ants before you lift an armful. Everyone has black widow spiders. Be careful when you lift rocks or timbers. We have one yard pest that isn’t dangerous but is fascinating: the twig girdler. They do exactly what their name suggests: They girdle twigs. Ours are in the hickory trees and chew the tips off the ends of branches. Their work is easy to identify. The stub end of the fallen twig looks like a tiny beaver has gnawed around and around.

The female lays eggs in the twig, and the eggs and grubs winter over there. The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service offers a publication that explains the life cycle and how you can protect your hickories, pecans and other hardwoods. Visit content.ces.ncsu.edu. The best control for most of us, the publication says, is to collect and destroy the severed twigs on the ground and in the trees. That works. We’ve been careful to gather fallen twigs for the past couple of years and there’s much less damage this fall. One final note: That baby was the first copperhead I’ve seen in almost two decades in our home. I’ve seen black racers and black rat snakes, even a scarlet king snake, but no copperheads. But I knew they were here—because they’re everywhere. That baby’s mom is out there somewhere. Don’t let your guard down.

Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net

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