10 minute read
Helping Create Dream Homes
As a leading architecture, construction, and interior design firm, PLATT has experienced first-hand the surge in home construction and renovation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based in Brevard, North Carolina, PLATT has been offering comprehensive services since 1982 and can attest to the recent spike in custom homes. “We’ve definitely seen an uptick in new builds, as well as renovations, over the last year,” said Parker Platt, current president and son of founder Alfred F. Platt, Jr. “During the pandemic, people were in their homes more than ever and had time to focus on what they like, what they don’t like, and how they could make it better.”
Several trends are arising in terms of high-end renovations. While kitchen and bath remodels are always top on the list, homeowners are also interested in taking back their basement space by creating home gyms, entertainment rooms, and additional living areas. People are also motivated to create athome workspaces that offer an abundance of natural light. The pandemic showed the world that working full time from home is possible, but individuals want to feel creative and productive in their space.
PLATT has seen an increase in new builds across Western North Carolina, which they attribute to a renewed desire to live in more open spaces. Similarly, new homeowners are coming into the area and purchasing properties.
“For various reasons, some clients have decided to buy versus build,” said Platt. “We’ve helped them update and personalize their new home with some limited but significant changes to kitchen and bathrooms, such as updating fixtures and finishes to make them more in line with personal style and interest.”
Many architecture firms have worked with clients to create a flow between outdoor and indoor living space. “Due to the pandemic, many homeowners are now focused on outdoor living,” said Platt. “There’s a big focus on creating spaces that seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors, to be enjoyed year-round.
The trend observed by PLATT and other regional firms is not isolated to the Blue Ridge Mountains and other rural areas. According to Max Anderson, chief economist at Porch.com, an online company connecting homeowners to contractors, levels of home improvement are at an all-time high. During a study conducted over a three-month period in late 2020, the company tracked 330 million U.S. Google searches for home improvement work, which is up 50 percent from the previous year. Anderson says recent rock-bottom interest rates have made home improvement projects more attractive. He also notes that in unsettling times, spending on one’s home can be a comforting investment.
Since the start of the pandemic, Parker and his team have worked with new and repeat clients to ensure they have the home of their dreams. “The best part of what we do is getting to know our clients,” said Parker, “really listening to what they want when it comes to their home and then helping them make it happen.”
We are more than a little biased.
Western North Carolina has been not so silently sneaking onto the national scene as one of the most desirable places to live in the world. Our neighborhoods provide high quality education and health care, shorter commutes than the national average, and the conveniences of larger communities, all nestled into the folds of welcoming mountain landscapes. At Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS®, we love introducing visitors to the region’s finest communities. With convenient offices across the entire region, our local agents can help you explore the communities best matching your needs.
Call us today, (866) 403-4052.
Here are a few of our favorites...
Biltmore Lake
diverse opportunities for ownership and amenities. Enjoy having a shimmering 62-acre lake, miles of trails, boating, swimming, sport courts, and playgrounds in the neighborhood. All located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. biltmorelake.com
Bear Lake Reserve
There are places deep inside the Blue Ridge Mountains where it is still possible to frontage fringed by beautiful mountains, Bear Lake Reserve isn’t just an escape from the daily grind, it’s a portal to another place and time. bearlakereserve.com
Bright’s Creek
Life here is as tranquil or as adventurous as you want. Private, but not solitary; active, but never rushed. A true community of kindred spirits who share a passion for Western North Carolina. Bright’s Creek is best known for being recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 20 golf courses in North Carolina. brightscreekclub.com
Champion Hills
Founded in 1988 by a small group of investors looking for an amazing golf experience in WNC, Tom Fazio was so inspired by the land that he joined the project as both designer and investor in 1989. Today, Champion Hills is a debt-free community and a premier country club that is entirely owned by its members. championhills.com
Whether you fancy the convenience of a downtown condo, a sprawling mountain view from the side of a fairway, or the sense of community from knowing your 48 ASPIREneighbors, we are experts at matching people with our favorite communities’ lifestyles.
ease of coonvenience while living among 1,000 acres of preserved woodlands. The Rambble is one of Asheville’s most elegant master-planned communities where disttinctive architecture and beautiful design are celebrated. rambleb orefbiltmor reforeest.com
Rumblinng Bald
Whether yyou’re most at home wandering the trails along the Blue Ridge Mountainss, enjoying the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of our championship golf courses, there’s something for everyone. rumblinngbald.com
Grand HHighlands
Th munity of Grand Highlands is just that, a community. By that, we e comm re is a communal spirit shared by all the homeowners. A desire mean ther home at the wondrous place. A yearning to embrace a lifestyle on to own a h n terms instead of living one mandated by others.one’s own ghlands.comgrandhig
The Cliffs ff at W Wa alnut Cove of hiking, biking, and walking trails. There are 13 state parks, three hundreds orests, and one national park just outside of the community, and national fo more th than 1300 f t td k i id 1,300 acres of protected parks inside. w waalnutco ealtyvoveer y..com
Bauhaus South Slope
Bauhaus is an incredible lifestyle choice. Experience the best of downtown Asheville while living in a landmark building. Bauhaus occupies an ideal location on McCormick Place in the South Slope district. This exclusive townhome bauhaussouthslope.com
The Haywood
erfect retreat for when you want to be close to the city center but still more. A p acy. Only minutes to Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Grove Arcade, Wall have priv w wo ood.comthe-hay
The Farm at Mills River
said that location is everything And that’s an inescapable truth in It’s often ssaid that location is everything. And that’s an inescapable truth in Mountains s of North Carolina, this outstanding development puts you within an easy drive e of every worthwhile destination in this national treasure. thefarma vatmillsriveer.com
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at Mills River
ARDEN | $2,850,000
Josh Smith
(828) 606-0974 joshsmith@beverly-hanks.com greater privacy. The northeasterly exposure ensures that your home will be awash with cool sunrise light. Then, in the afternoon your view remains lit up so you can enjoy it without looking directly into the sun. The moderate slope will deliver a lower level that comes out on grade. And the mature hardwoods provide a dramatic back drop for the home. This home
ARDEN | $2,750,000
(828) 606-0974 joshsmith@beverly-hanks.com Cove, this beautiful stone and stucco residence was custom-built by Tyner Construction. Abundant windows provide plenty of natural light and showcase the spectacular year-round mountain views. Exquisite details are ceiling beams, plantation shutters, casement windows, gorgeous granite personal wine room, select a favorite vintage, and head to the theater room, screen porch, or any of the decks to relax and unwind. Close to the Golf Course. Club and golf membership available.
ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT
ARDEN | $2,695,000
(828) 606-0974 joshsmith@beverly-hanks.com Meticulous attention to detail started with the site selection - on the golf course, yet elevated and private from it, cheerful light with multiple directional views of the surrounding mountains and the golf course, yet does not have to endure the hotter late afternoon rays. The siting of the privacy of the hardwoods and the openness of the golf course. The design follows the natural contours of the lot and delivers an uncommon marriage of gracious rooms full of architectural drama and private, cozy spaces. The kitchen to the primary retreat - throughout the home shows every detail was thoughtfully attended to. Spacious outdoor living on upper and lower
ASHEVILLE | $2,500,000
Scott Mills & William Coin
(828) 571-0744 urban@beverly-hanks.com This two-story, corner penthouse residence in the heart of downtown spires through two massive walls of glass. The stylish interior features level primary suite, and luxurious appointments from top to bottom. The spacious 1,280-square-foot wrap-around exterior terrace gives you a place to relax while soaking up the endless views and cool breezes of the mountains.
ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT
ARDEN | $2,095,000
Troy Norton
(828) 577-1966 troynorton@beverly-hanks.com A unique, custom, contemporary, one-level home situated in a natural mountain landscape. The 1.46-acre property is conveniently located within functional outdoor living space that is as thoughtful and beautiful as the windows allow both morning and afternoon light to illuminate the home and showcase the evergreen landscape and garden. Entertaining is made simple ceiling mounted infrared space heaters that make the spacious patio inviting year round. Further, a four-bay garage, mechanic room, and large abovegarage storage area provide abundant space for storage.
