Real Estate News
T R I A N G L E
home design
page 2
dedicated to showcasing the triangle’s distinctive homes
“People here are proud of continuing the legacy of these homes, and I don’t think there will ever be a shortage of buyers who love historic homes.” – Frank DeRonja, DeRonja Real Estate
Historic Oakwood
The charm of the past collides with the convenience of today in this sought after Raleigh gem - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Double duty P8
straight talk Spring roundup p11
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
CAPITOL CITY HOMES CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Capitol City Homes is celebrating 10 years of building homes in the Triangle and surrounding areas. With more than 70 years of combined new home construction experience, owners Jason Morrow, Trey McDonald and Glenn Hartman started the company with a limited staff and only ďŹ ve home closings. Capitol City Homes has since expanded to 21 employees and has built more than 700 homes in over 30 communities. Despite its growth, Capitol City Homes still faces challenges, such as the acquisition of affordable land. The team focuses on purchasing property in rural areas in towns including Roxboro, Wilson, Angier, Fayetteville, Mebane and Zebulon. Home prices in Capitol City Homes neighborhoods range from $150,000 to more than $1 million. This year, Capitol City Homes is predicting to close 150-175 homes in 15 open communities, and has 600 lots on the books through 2021. For its 10th anniversary, Capitol City Homes is offering special year-long incentives. Visit any Capital City Homes community for information. Service to the community is essential to the company, and the team is gearing up to sponsor its 4th annual golf tournament this fall to support childhood disease, with all money donated going to a local family working to make ends meet with medical bills. For more information about the 4th annual charity golf tournament, visit capitolcitycares.com.
Email real estate news to TriangleHomeDesign@newsobserver.com.
T R I A N G L E
home design Editor
Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy Buck Brice
Real Estate Marketing Consultant
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Section published by The News & Observer • 421 Fayetteville St. Suite 104 Raleigh, NC 27601. 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.
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Historical Home on 1.5 Acres in Johnston County
Originally built in 1837 and known as the Eli Turlington House, this two bedroom (possibly three), one bathroom house sits on 1.5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The entire property is fenced with dual entry gates and is surrounded by farmland on three sides. The interior has been preserved with some of the original aspects, such as the tobacco hanging bars, stairs & doors. The home has approx. 2,039 s. ft. with FIVE working fireplaces! The two-story 40’ x 20’ barn includes a 20’ x 20’ fully-wired workshop and a finished 2nd story with outside stair access, floor-to-ceiling windows and it’s own heating & cooling system. There is also a hand-gun shooting range, several carports, a 10’ x 16’ storage shed. This charming home and all the personal property will be sold at auction on:
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For additonal pictures and property information visit www.JohnsonProperties.com or call (919) 639-2231.
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Visit The Tapestry: 373 Old Drug Store Rd. Garner, NC 27529
Directions: I-40 to exit 312, west to Old Drug Store Road then left. Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm *Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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|living in Historic Oakwood
DID YOU KNOW? Historic Oakwood is North Carolina’s largest and Raleigh’s only intact 19thcentury neighborhood, and is the first area of the city to be listed in the National Register.
byJulie Cooper
EAT
Crawford and Son From the familiar to the unexpected, the buttered crab to the bay leaf panna cotta, this award-winning Historic Oakwood restaurant serves up local food with flair. crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
PLAY
Lane Street Park Small but mighty, head to this cozy park on East Lane Street for a picnic and a game of basketball or a play on the playground. raleighnc.gov
EXPLORE
Oakwood Cemetery Abutting Historic Oakwood and set amongst rolling hills and centuryold oak trees, explore the marble tombs of Confederate soldiers and Raleigh’s oldest, most prominent families in this cemetery that is open to visitors daily. historicoakwoodcemetery.org
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aturated in character and walkable to downtown, Historic Oakwood offers homebuyers the charm of yesteryear coupled with the extreme convenience of today. With cozy yards and welcoming front porches, the centuries-old homes of this tree-lined community beckon folks to take a stroll down memory lane. “Historic Oakwood was Raleigh’s first historic district with more than 600 Victorian homes that were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s,” says Anna Ball Hodge with Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty. “You’ll find homeowners that have lived in the neighborhood for 40–50 years. And then next door, you may have a young couple who just moved from another metro area to work in downtown. It really is a melting pot of ages, ethnicities, family structure, professional experience and so much more. Beyond the history, newcomers are attracted to the homey vibe this close-knit community offers. “Many people love that they can own single-family homes with yards, yet be right in the urban center with restaurants, art, music and museums at their doorstep,” says Hodge. “It’s a very tight-knit community of neighbors who all appreciate the diverse, yet remarkable, history of Historic Oakwood.” This history is especially celebrat-
ed in each of the houses. Beyond the extensive crown moldings, beautifully restored hardwood floors, slate roofs and numerous fireplaces that were once coal-burning, these historic dwellings have carried on their founding families’ legacies. “Many of the homes have names for the original owners, and the plaques don their front entrances,” says Hodge. “For example, the Italianatestyle home at 601 N. Bloodworth Street was built by my great-greatgreat grandmother in 1876 and has been beautifully restored over the years. Known as ‘Geranium Valley’ and recognized by the iconic cross at the peak of its red metal front roof gable, it’s named the Anna Ball Stronach house.” While Historic Oakwood is in high demand with homebuyers, Hodge says due to its limited inventory, rising prices and “strict” architectural guidelines, it’s not unusual for buyers to consider nearby areas that offer a similar lifestyle. “Neighborhoods like Oakdale, Mordecai, East Raleigh, Boylan Heights and Glenwood Brooklyn have a similar proximity to downtown,” she says. “These areas are still connected to the heartbeat of downtown, which makes them desirable as well.” Moving outside the historic district also affords homebuyers the opportunity to choose new construc-
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tion or a lower maintenance home. “Oakdale at Mordecai is a neighborhood made up entirely of new houses that was recently completed and has been a huge success,” says Hodge. “There have also been several townhome communities built in very close proximity to downtown and Historic Oakwood that offer the ‘lock-and-leave’ lifestyle that attracts busy professionals or someone who doesn’t enjoy the ongoing maintenance of a 100-year-old home.” For folks drawn to the uniqueness of a historic neighborhood, though, Frank DeRonja with DeRonja Real Estate says the historic Boylan Heights and Hayes Barton neighborhoods also offer charming options. “When you drive through, each property is very distinct—there’s no cookie-cutter aspect to these historic neighborhoods,” he says. “Each house is unique and different. And the people who live here take pride in restoring their properties.” Without a doubt, DeRonja says the market in Historic Oakwood will continue to be strong. “The neighborhood is in a prime location,” he says. “Coupled with its limited supply, Historic Oakwood will always be in demand. People here are proud of continuing the legacy of these homes, and I don’t think there will ever be a shortage of buyers who love historic homes.”
living in Historic Oakwood |
1900 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27608 Price: $1,295,000 MLS: 2237189 Listing Agent: Mollie Owen, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty, 919-602-2713, mollie.owen@hodgekittrellsir.com
1512 Carr Street, Raleigh, NC 27608 Price: $1,225,000 MLS: 2244742 Listing Agent: Frank S. DeRonja, DeRonja Real Estate, 919-669-7993, frank@drefirm.com
Fully renovated home in the heart of Hayes Barton, boasting the charm of yesteryear while offering today’s modern amenities. Gracious rooms sizes and formal areas. Family room with natural light, fireplace and 10-foot coffered ceiling. Kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters, custom cabinetry, plus butler’s pantry and breakfast room. Master with bedside fireplace and built-ins. More than 750 square feet unfinished on lower level. Circular, gated drive.
Exceptional Hayes Barton home updated with style. Tremendous living spaces and comfortable flow. Kitchen perfect for entertaining. Spacious bedrooms, including gorgeous master suite. Private office upstairs with oversized bonus room. Easy access to front porch overlooking expansive front lawn. Three-car detached garage. Five Points and Fletcher Park around the corner.
2610 Davis St, Raleigh, NC 27608 Price: $1,095,000 MLS: 2239135 Listing Agent: Joseph Hodge, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty, 919-876-7411, joseph.hodge@hodgekittrellsir.com
1801 MacDonald Lane, Raleigh, NC 27608 Price: $799,900 MLS: 2223181 Listing Agent: Frank S. DeRonja, DeRonja Real Estate, 919-669-7993, frank@drefirm.com
Chic and sophisticated, this home shows like a designer’s dream. Custom built by Tuscany Construction. Open living concept with gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry/wet bar, family room with gas logs and accordion doors that open to private screened porch with fireplace. Beautiful master suite with enormous his/hers closets. Large vaulted bonus upstairs. Exquisite landscaping, quaint patio, landscape lighting.
One-level living in Hayes Barton. Open and bright, tremendous floor plan, high ceilings and oversized living spaces. Soaring chef’s kitchen, four beds, four baths. Additional bedroom suite above garage. Stone and hardwood floors. World class gardens and landscaping. Side-entry double garage. More than 7,000 heated square feet with three large/ separate bonus spaces.
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living in Historic Oakwood| 401 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Price: $475,000 MLS: 2247986 Listing Agent: Samara Presley, Smart Choice Realty Company, 919-322-0077, sam@smartpeoplelivehere.com Tucker-Flaherty House circa 1915 in Historic Oakwood. Rocking chair front porch with beadboard ceiling. Pavers in front yard from historic Raleigh roads. Hardwoods, heavy molding, unfinished basement, new water heater 2017 and fresh interior/exterior paint. Most hardwood siding is replaced and insulated. Renovated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances and built-in banquette. Master suite with sitting room. Large side deck.
607 Frank Street Raleigh, NC 27604 Price: $349,900 MLS: 2216235 Listing Agent: Anna Ball Hodge, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty, 919876-7411, annaball.hodge@hodgekittrellsir. com Cottage in the heart of east Mordecai, within walking distance to downtown and Person Street restaurants and shops. Inviting front screened porch. Lovely hardwoods, gas log fireplace, spacious bedrooms. Kitchen with new granite countertops and stainless undermount sink and faucet. Attached carport with side porch into kitchen. Fenced backyard.
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|design instyle
Decorate an all-white kitchen with natural wood and black-stained accessories. Clear glass containers are serviceable and don’t distract from the open and airy décor / etuhome.com
Double duty
The modern spin on wooden cutting boards makes this kitchen staple both practical and posh by Vicki Payne
S
ome items have become so commonplace that we use them without giving thought to their origins. A great example would be wood cutting boards. Every day in almost every kitchen around the world slabs of wood are used in the preparation of food. The first history
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of wood being used for this task dates to prehistoric ages. Cavemen probably used a slab of tree trunk to cut the kill of the day and then threw it in the fire they were burning to cook the meal. As the butchery industry developed, hard maple wood
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Black creates drama for a simple offering of snacks on this mod black farmtable plank / etuhome.com
butcher blocks became the preferred choice. Butcher blocks were made to be extremely thick and durable. A butcher could use the same block for almost his entire career. Vintage blocks are highly valued. Cutting boards have been made from a variety of materials. In the East, bamboo was the material of choice. In Europe, maple. Today, other materials like plastic have become popular. Still, wooden boards are the premiere surface for most chefs. Charcuterie platters are one of the most popular centerpieces for social gatherings. This is not a new trend—it is a culinary custom that dates back 6,000 years and is based on the necessity of the preservation of meat.
The French elevated the butchery of pork to a highly-esteemed trade and art form. Cheese, jams, olives, veggies and fruits have been consolidated into the offerings. Cutting boards are the most natural surface to display not only charcuterie, pastries and bread, but all types of treasures. Any item used this frequently and displayed in kitchens is destined to evolve into a decorative item. Europe2U (etuHome.com), a modern sustainable company, has taken this concept and created a charming product line. Oak is the preferred surface for its cutting boards. Various shapes and sizes provide a durable and attractive surface for food prep and presenta-
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Freshen up your pizza display with white mod charcuterie boards / etuhome.com
A large white farmtable plank provides a food-safe surface for your next Sunday brunch / etuhome.com
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tion. Planks created from reclaimed wood elevate cutting boards to table centerpieces and serving boards, perfect companions for the farm-totable look. Their wooden charcuterie platters transform beautifully into home decorating accents. For a modern spin, the Mod charcuterie boards boast a white wash with a 100-percent plant-based, food-safe wax finish. One or two decorative strips of contrasting timber maintain their exquisite organic beauty. The collection is also available in black and navy finishes. These refreshing interpretations take historic cutting boards to a new decorative level. Consider displaying several boards in various colors, sizes and shapes on the wall. Lean a collection of two or three boards against the
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wall behind the range or work area. On an island or the center of the dining table, consider using one of the long farm planks as a centerpiece. Top it off with one or more of etu’s glass cloches or domes. The look is clean, refreshing and modish. This collection of wooden boards is easily converted from work surfaces to designer accents. I love filling my kitchen with beautiful items capable of performing double-duty services on demand.
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.
straight talk|
Spring roundup Responses to reader questions by Allen Norwood
S
ome numbers to remember if you’re buying a ceiling fan this spring, especially one for an outdoor space such as a porch or gazebo: 4,000; at least $100; and, oh, 14 to 16. I share those in response to questions from a reader from Durham who wanted advice about choosing a fan. For some reason I get fan questions this time of year. (Maybe it’s because of another number: 80 degrees.) Anyway, those fan figures represent the best tips from experts over the years. A pro from Lamps Plus, the giant online lighting and fan outlet, explained that a fan needs to move at least 4,000 cubic feet of air per minute to ensure you’ll appreciate the breeze. When shopping for a fan, be sure to look for information about CFM. Fans with larger motors are better than fans with smaller motors. They move more air and operate smoother at lower speeds. But motor size can be hard to
determine, so let price be your guide. Plan to spend at least $100 to $150, maybe more. At the very upper end, pros say, you’re paying for design and features other than motor size. My wife, who worked at a lighting shop in Cornelius for years, is the fan expert at our house. One of her former colleagues explained in an earlier column that you ought to look for a fan with a blade pitch of at least 14 to 16 degrees. That suggests it will move plenty of air, and that the motor is large enough. You’ll find plenty of advice online about choosing the correct size. If you’re shopping for an outdoor fan, select one that will stand up to the elements. For instance, those rated for damp locations should be used in bathrooms; for the porch or pergola, choose a fan rated for wet locations. One final tip about outdoor fans: To ensure the finish will hold up, avoid silver finishes like chrome or brushed steel.
Earlier this spring, I mentioned the connection between artillery fungus and hardwood mulch. As in, the fungus thrives in hardwood and can fire its sticky spores onto your home’s siding (or your car, if you park too close to a mulched flower bed). One solution is to replace the hardwood with pine bark mulch, or at least cover the hardwood with pine bark. Pine bark doesn’t provide an environment that encourages growth of the fungus. A reader suggested that pine straw is another option: “You may want to consider the possibility that pine straw would be an even better mulch than pine bark. It doesn’t float away like barks do, so it might not only be an unlikely home for the artillery fungus, (but also) a better option for mulching slopes.” Indeed. We never had a real problem with artillery fungus until we switched from pine straw to hardwood. The conversation about cleaning
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artillery fungus spores from siding—basically, good luck with that—led to a South Carolina reader’s question about cleaning truly tough water marks from glass. The irrigation system had left water marks on her windows. “They seem impervious to all the usual treatments of vinegar, baking soda and elbow grease. What can you recommend to remove them, or are they etched into my windows now?” Glass installers I’ve turned to over the years have recommended CRL Sparkle Cleaner & Stain Remover, and CRL Sprayway Glass Cleaner. They’re available in select stores and online. The last time I mentioned those products, a Hickory reader offered another: It’s A-MAZ Water Stain Remover, a paste that goes on like a wax. He found it at a glass shop, but it’s available at some home centers.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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