A Taste
of the Old World
photography by Barbara Neil Johnson,
reproduced from Fine Homes of Greater Winston-Salem Winter 2003 presented
by Prudential Carolinas Realty www.prudentialcarolinas.com
A charming taste of the Old World is gathered by
all when you enter this distinct home.
Once through the double front doors of leaded
glass and into the foyer you notice immediately the curved balustrade
stairway, that was hand grafted by some of the artisans that restored the
FOX theatre in Atlanta. The trompe l'oeil finished walls span to a 22'
ceiling in an oversized limestone block pattern that looks like that of
very old European homes. All is illuminated by the light fixture that is
imported from France.
Straight forward and cleverly hidden in the
arched opening to the hallway is a closet. To the right inspired by home
built in France an Italy, is a exquisite library that was costumed
designed with attention to detail. To the left the dining room creates a
dramatic presence with a black ceiling, decorative trim and a chandelier
of solid bronze made in France. The Travertine flooring creates a pleasant
compliment to the drama of this room.
Through the dining room lies the kitchen that
features Wood Mode cabinets made of solid cherry with Cognac finish. Just
off the kitchen is an octagonal shaped breakfast room that is awash in
natural sunlight entering through many windows and opens to a side terrace
overlooking a walled garden courtyard. The den also features an
architectural ceiling, cherry built-ins custom made locally, and recessed
glass shelving with accent lighting. Peach and salmon coloring are used
throughout the kitchen, breakfast room and den with tasteful paint and
wallpaper. The kitchen, den, breakfast room and bar flow nicely into one
another making this area wonderful for large gatherings as well as
everyday living.
The two-story living room features a wall of
windows with transoms accented with leaded glass and French doors that
lead to the terrace overlooking the very private backyard. Decorative
columns separate the living room from the main hallway. The walls are
awash in faux finish and a beautiful, ornate fireplace adorns one of the
walls flanked by a recessed area perfect for furniture placement or ideal
for the addition of built-ins.
The upper level is comprised of three spacious
bedroom suites, each unique in their decor and their own baths.
The lower level features a wine cellar designed
and built by the current homeowner. A barreled ceiling in the hallway and
a terra cotta tile floor lead to a tasting room which opens to a wine
cellar that can accommodate 800 to 900 bottles of wine. The ceiling is
highlighted by wooden beams and the walls are stucco over drywall. There
is also additional space available in the lower level to be finished as
desired by the future homeowner.
The exterior is fabricated of hardcoat stucco
over metal lathe. A three-car garage is accessed by way of the enclosed
motor court. This area is also heated and cooled for year-round comfort.
Lennox Pulse gas furnaces and Lennox air conditioners were used with a
three-zone system. Natural gas services the three fireplaces, the outdoor
grill on the side terrace, the cook top in the kitchen, two water heaters
and the clothes dryer.
This home crafted over a 18 month period of time,
perches on 1.849 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, and carefully
designed and decorated by the current owners. Located in a wonderful
private enclave, the property in conveniently located to downtown as well
as easily accessible from the parkway and highway systems. With each home
site carefully tucked along picturesque winding lanes, the unspoiled
beauty and tranquility affords individual privacy and one experiences a
sense of warmth permeating throughout this gracious living
environment.
