Tag Archives: Home of the Month

Home of the Month May-June 2020

May 7, 2020 dalemoody Leave a comment

HOME OF THE MONTH: MAY-JUNE 2020

Hi, I’m Dale Moody. I’m on the UPHA board, and its taken me about 1.5 years to get this post together… BUT WE DID IT. We are revamping the Home of the Month

Our first winners are Cabot and Julie Dixon at one of the most iconic and recognizable homes in our neighborhood — 2705 Van Dyke Ave.

Cabot and Julie Dixon have been living at 2705 Van Dyke for 18 years. They raised two sons in this house but are now empty nesters, which gives them a little bit more time to take care of a very large yard. The house sits on two lots, so there is more the usual amount of yard to maintain. Luckily Julie has a green thumb!

“The house was built in the early 1930’s, and to our knowledge we are only the 4th owners,” Julie said. The previous owners, Mike and Jamie Ramsey, designed an addition that includes a Master suite, and large bonus room. There was so much stone on the property, that they we able to use the same stone of the original house (known as Wake stone) for the foundation of the addition which is cedar shake. The cedar shake mades a nice complement to the old stone.
Julie and Cabot have since remodeled the kitchen, sunroom and master bath.
Julie says she was drawn to the stone of the house, and to the possibility for numerous garden areas including sun and shade.

In fact, as the numerous large trees get larger, she is worried about losing the few sunny patches where she grows vegetables. The Dixon’s have added blueberry bushes and there were already several mature blueberry bushes when they bought the property. They have put in peach trees, a fig tree, two types of grapes, and have several areas where they grow vegetables. The house has beautiful hardscaping with numerous stone walls and stone pathways. The previous owners had put in some landscaping so there are some beautiful mature crepe myrtles, azaleas, and rhododendrons. The dozens of types of flowers around the gardens are a combination of things purchased, but many of them are also things shared with Julie by her Mother who is an avid gardener, and many friends. “Sharing plants is a treasured thing for me,” Julie said. “I love looking at my gardens and remembering the friends who have given me plants. I get a lot of joy from this yard, even though it is a constant battle to keep it maintained.” Julie even has mums from her great GREAT grandmother and some Iris transplanted from a 100 year old farmhouse Julie used to live in, in Apex. (we can’t even keep succulents alive over at 2803 Van Dyke…)

There’s a lot of history around this house. It was one of the first in the neighborhood. “We’ve met the great grandson of the family who lived here for years. He brought his father by once, who grew up coming to visit his grandparents here. They have shared many historical photos, and it’s fascinating to see, and hear their stories,” Julie added

Next time your walking around the neighborhood, take a trip down the section of Van Dyke, between Brooks and Gardner to admire Julie and Cabot’s labor!

2016 Homes of the Month

June 2016 Home of the Month

May 31, 2016 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

UPHA June Home of the Month
317 Dixie Trail, Home of Chandler and Meredith Rose

Chandler and Meredith Rose purchased 317 Dixie Trail in August of 2013. At the time, they had an offer in for another property in Raleigh, but when they walked this home they knew right away it was the perfect home for them and they retracted the other offer and purchased this property. Standing in front of the guest house and looking back towards Dixie Trail, it was such a little oasis under the large oaks and next to the pond. Meredith, being an interior designer, saw the potential in bringing this property back to the grandeur the home once had when it was originally built for Col. Arthur L. Fletcher (brother of A.J. Fletcher) back in 1928. The original property included the lot directly North and the two lots South of the current property lines. The guest house was built to overlook the fish pond and grape vineyard that once existed on the Southern lots. The Roses reconstructed the pond and created a path and sitting area around it.

Col Arthur L. Fletcher (brother of A.J. Fletcher), 1933–1938 served as Commissioner of Labor of North Carolina. He also served as editor of the Raleigh Evening Times, editor of The Dispatch, served in WWI And WWII as well as the NC National Guard. The second owners of the home were the Croom family. In the 1990’s, the Crooms divided up the property into the lots as they are now.

The Roses first began remodeling of the guest house when they purchased the property. Once completed, they moved into the guest house and in spring of 2015, they hired Greg Paul Builders to remodel the main house according to Meredith’s plans. He was wonderful to work with, built according to Meredith’s plans and designs.

The remodel of the main house was a full gut down to the studs. The Roses put in new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, roof, windows, finished the attic space to add a bedroom, bath and playroom, added a back porch and reconstructed the back corner of the home where the foundation was failing under a porch that had been added at some point in the home’s history. The original blue prints for the home were found and the Roses reconstructed the widow’s walk over the sunroom (which is now a library) per the blue prints.

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Their current projects are on the exterior where they are focusing on hardscaping and landscaping. Since moving to Dixie Trail, their first daughter has turned 3 and they now have another little girl who was born in January of this year. The Rose family loves their community and living in University Park!

2016 Homes of the Month

May 2016 Home of the Month

May 1, 2016 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

Home of Joe and Donna Bailey, 2506 Mayview Road

Joe and I moved to Raleigh 21 years ago after Joe retired from a 30 year career in the military. Joe got a job in Raleigh and we immediately liked University Park because of the location and large trees. This area inside the beltline felt very similar to the area in northern New Jersey, where I’m originally from, so it felt like home right away. Since making Raleigh my home and University Park my neighborhood, I have enjoyed putting down roots here and getting more involved with neighborhood and city of Raleigh issues. I am currently the chair of the Wade CAC and a past president and board member of UPHA.

Our Mayview home was built in 1992 as an infill house and was 3 years old when we bought it. We liked the lot and style of the house because of the wonderful yard and setting. We had been living in Germany before we settled her and it was great to finally call this home. We have some special pieces of furniture and art that look great here!

Joe and I are mostly retired and enjoy gardening. Over the years we have done many projects here in the house and in the yard. A few years ago we finally got rid of the last bit of grass that we had and now have a very low maintenance garden that is mostly perennials but puts a focus on the very large oak tree in our front yard. We have also included some pieces of local art in the front yard. You can often find us on our front porch enjoying the yard and our neighbors. Come on by and have a look!

2016 Homes of the Month, Home of the Month

April 2016 Home of the Month

April 7, 2016 ChrisHerndon Leave a comment

2200 Hope St. at Enterprise
Home of Ari Sanoff

When we purchased the house 20 years ago, the previous owner related the story about the original owner. William J. Peele, one of the Founders of North Carolina State University presumably built it for his two daughters. It was a two family house with entrances on Hope & Enterprise Street. When it was built in 1919, it was one of two houses and Enterprise Street ended at the edge of the house. An addition was built in 1939 by Miss Randolph Hill. An aerial photo from 1920 shows the house amid farmlands but near the early university buildings.

After we purchased the house in the early 90’s, my sister and I moved into the downstairs apartment and we rented out the upstairs. The downstairs needed the most work so we ripped out the carpet and updated the kitchen to make it a more livable space. We continued to rent out the upstairs for several years while continuing to make improvements to the inside as well as doing some landscaping that was long past due.

We eventually got out of the rental business. At that time, I moved upstairs, while my sister continued to live downstairs. Before I moved upstairs, we had the floors sanded and updated the kitchen because nothing had really been done to the upstairs since we purchased the house in the early 90’s.

In 2005, my sister moved out and I converted the 2 separate apartments into a singe family home. These improvements involved removing several walls downstairs and completely remodeling the kitchen with all new cabinets and appliances. I continued to make renovations upstairs and converted my old bedroom into a walk in closet but the kitchen upstairs remained untouched.

Most recently, my fiancé moved in and I finally renovated the kitchen upstairs and converted it into a dressing room for her. We would still like to make some changes since now there are 2 people and 2 dogs living in the house. I am sure that will happen over time and we are thinking that after the wedding in September we will visit the idea of expanding the kitchen.

2015 Homes of the Month, Home of the Month, Uncategorized

December 2015 Home of the Month

November 30, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

2715 Rosedale, Home of Sallie Ricks

My Rosedale home is a mid-century house designed by Milton Small, Jr. FAIA (1916-1992) and it is a contributing structure in the West Raleigh Historic District. The interior is simple, with lots of built-in storage and wide expanses of glass. I appreciate the open design and realize the positive ways it influences me. Looking out the windows into the woods in the back and the flowers in the front can bring peace at the end of a hectic day! The front yard garden and house are mostly hidden from the street by a tall evergreen hedge which gives me privacy and an added sense of being close to nature.

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Garden

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Rear

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Dining Room

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Living Room

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Screened Porch

The house, built in 1953 for the Donald and Marion Anderson Family, appears modest from the front but from the back, is so stately as it stands up to the woods. There is a little path leading down to the creek where wild deciduous azaleas and pitcher plants grow nearby. When I first moved here, about 30 years ago, I loved to garden. Now, I reap the benefits of an old garden gone wild, like me, but there’s always something blooming to entertain no matter what time of year.

I have done some interior renovation to my home, but feel it’s my responsibility to maintain this historic house close to the original design and to protect it. I hope when I leave, the next residents feel the same way about it. You can see pictures of the house when brand new and read more about Milton Small at “http://www.ncmodernist.org/small.htm” (Scroll down midway.)

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Wreath

December 2015 HOM - 2715 Rosedale - Decorations

I have enjoyed living in University Park and working many years at NC State University. What a luxury to be able to walk to work through our neighborhood! Now I am retired and still walk a wide loop through the neighborhood for exercise, and enjoy the diversity of sites along the way: Cameron Village, the post office, the Players Retreat, the new development, the University edge, Hillsborough St. hangouts and many charming residences. Planners and designers try to emulate what we already have in our neighborhood and I am so happy to live in University Park!

(Interested in helping UPHA with the Home of the Month? We’d love to hear from you if you want to join the team – contact prcarter@mindspring.com -)

2015 Homes of the Month, Home of the Month

November 2015 Home of the Month – 606 Chamberlain Street

November 1, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

UPHA Home of the Month – 606 Chamberlain Street
Home of Dustin Smith and Burton Buffaloe

Dustin and Burton fell in love with University Park years ago, while visiting the Raleigh Rose Gardens. The eclectic and diverse neighborhood, with its many parks and urban, walkable lifestyle, suited them perfectly. In 2013, after discovering there was a lot available on Chamberlain St., they immediately jumped on it. Their builder, Concept 8, allowed Dustin and Burton creative freedom with the design.

Their home has a contemporary farmhouse look with a blend of old and new. Outwardly dark, it has a mix of styles, bright contemporary art woven with “old soul.” Throughout the house you will see “found objects” like reclaimed beams, old dressers transformed into vanities, and even a pair of 300-year-old church gates.

Dustin and Burton are currently building a courtyard between the main home and their detached garage. Dustin’s brother, Chad, with “Gardenwanted Nc,” is designing and managing the home’s landscaping and courtyard. The outdoor fireplace, also underway, is being crafted by Rick DeMartino Masonry. This outdoor space will be the heart of the home, with a dining area nestled under a large wooden pergola, now being crafted by Eric Padden.

2015 Homes of the Month

October 2015 Home of the Month – 105 Henderson Street

September 30, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

105-107 Henderson Street

A duplex, home of Henry Steiginga (owner) and Beth Mayberry (renter)

105 Henderson Street - before renovation — 2014 – Before Renovation

Beth Mayberry writes:

Wanting to escape the heat of Florida’s summers, and wishing to be closer to his grown children, Henry Steiginga purchased the 1946-era duplex at 105-107 Henderson St. in 2014. The duplex was in need of some tender loving care, to say the least. However, it had a lot of character and potential! Henry decided to take a chance on this drab old house (see “before” picture) and make it a home. He started work almost immediately, tackling plumbing and electrical issues. Essentials resolved, he replaced the HVAC units for both sides, installed new windows and roof, put up new fencing, and removed overgrown tree limbs.

Henry has done extensive landscaping in the front yard, planting beautiful crepe myrtles, figs, junipers, and others. He installed a new pebbled driveway, porch railings, and fresh new shutters painted an eye-pleasing apple green.

105 Henderson Street - Today — 105 Henderson Street – Today

The changes have been noticed by neighbors in the area. Many who walk by comment to me on how good everything looks! Henry’s at his winter place in Florida, but looks forward to next summer’s projects here at his duplex home in University Park.

2015 Homes of the Month, Home of the Month

September 2015 Home of the Month

September 1, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

407 Dixie Trail
Home of Brian and Shauna Alexander

We began our time in University Park, as young college students, renting a house on Mayview Road. We grew to love this area and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in Raleigh. We bought our first home in 2004 and lived there for almost 10 years. After our first child was born, we tackled a huge kitchen renovation in that home, but as our family grew, it was time to look for another house. We knew we wanted to stay in University Park and we had always loved the inviting front porch at 407 Dixie Trail. As we entered the house, we knew this would be the perfect spot to raise our two boys. What we later discovered, is not only is this a great house, but we have wonderful neighbors. At any given moment, there are boys (and a few girls) running in and out of the house and playing back and forth between yards. We love the community and friendships we have made in University Park and look forward to many years to come.

407 Dixie Trail was built in 1922. There have been approximately 3 families that lived in this house since the 1920’s. When we closed on the home, we were given several photographs from a descendent who had previously occupied the house. Looking at the long-ago pictures and the recent ones, you can compare the features of the living room and the front door then and now.

(The boy by the front door in the old photo is identified as Percy L. “Skip” Bostick, III. In the photo of the elegant couple in front of the fireplace, the gent in black tie is identified as “Warren Barfield, soloist.” No identification, alas, for the gowned young woman.)

2015 Homes of the Month

August 2015 Home of the Month

July 31, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

1011 Parker Street
Home of Vincent and Sarah Chung

Built in 2014, 1011 Parker Street is a new addition to the University Park neighborhood. Vincent’s a native North Carolinian and Sarah’s originally from Rochester, New York. We met as longtime residents of Chicago, Illinois.

Vincent lived in the University Park neighborhood while attending NC State; after returning for a visit, Sarah fell in love with its tree-lined streets, walking proximity to Cameron Village, and beautiful architecture.

We purchased the property from Vivian Irving: civil rights activist, Raleigh Hall of Famer, and owner of the historic Irving-Swain Press. With a deteriorating foundation, plans to build upon the existing home proved fruitless. For our new construction, we wanted a craftsman bungalow to match the block and preserve the aesthetic integrity of 1011 Parker Street’s previous incarnation.

August 2015 HOM - Chung House — August 2015 HOM – Chung House Living Room

For our home, Architect Jody Brown craftily adapted a modern bungalow design he created for a Durham infill project. Rusty Caudill of Caudill Design Group meticulously executed the plan, and creatively realized many of the finishing touches. Caudill showcased the house in the 2014 Wake County Parade of Homes, so perhaps you’ve already seen it up close.

We’re excited to be part of the community and to meet our new neighbors!

2015 Homes of the Month

July 2015 Home of the Month

July 1, 2015 prcarter4wp Leave a comment

405 Dixie Trail
Home of Heather and Tony Spencer

405 Dixie Trail was built in 1999. The lot that it sits on was originally the side yard of its neighboring house, 401 Dixie Trail. The owners of 401 divided the lot, built 405, and moved into this new home. The two houses still share a brick-and-iron fence that dates to 1930.

We purchased the house in May of 2014. Although new to Dixie Trail, we had lived in the neighborhood for seven years on Mayview Rd., where we renovated our first house. When our family grew, and it was time to look for another house, we knew we wanted to stay in University Park. Since 405 Dixie Trail is not as old as many of the homes in University Park, we have not had to tackle any major renovations the way we did in our previous house. We are slowly changing a few things like hardware, and paint colors, to make it our own. One of the first changes was painting the front door a bright acqua!

The previous owners at one time had a beautiful yard, with lots of flowers and roses. When we purchased the house it had been empty for some time, and the lack of care had taken its toll on the landscaping. This past year we have started replanting shrubs and seeding grass in the back yard. It is certainly a work in progress.

One of the things we like most about our home is the great neighbors we have. We love the eclectic nature of the neighborhood, and its prime location to shopping and restaurants, as well as the neighborhood schools. We can usually step outside and find kids playing, neighbors chatting on front porches, and passers-by stopping to say hello.