Shaded Suites

November 25, 2014 Homestyle No comments

220 N. Lord Street, listed with Southport Realty. Photo by Bethany Turner

While historic Southport’s array of ornate Victorian-era homes are to be admired, there are few houses in the downtown area that double as the perfect vacation home, or as a house that also offers space for loved ones to live in separately. However, the 2,215-square-foot home at 220 N. Lord Street offers the above with a prime downtown location, just blocks from the water.

In fact, 665 square feet are devoted to a self-contained guest cottage, complete with a living room, galley kitchen, large bedroom, walk-in closet, and a laundry room with a washer and dryer—keeping the in-laws nearby and comfortable—but not too close.

Yet perhaps the most captivating aspect of this home is its location on N. Lord: Live oaks create a canopy of sweet Southern ambiance, while sidewalks offer the allure of slower days gone by and a quick escape to the waterfront. Jean French-Turner, a local resident and an agent with Southport Realty, agrees.

The front porch is an expansive 337 square feet. Photo by Bethany Turner

“The house has so much going for it,” she begins. “The location on Lord Street with all the ancient, overhanging oaks is just outstanding. Amble just two blocks on the sidewalk to the Cape Fear River waterfront—and then there’s the library, churches, several parks, shopping, restaurants and coffee shops, art shops—all without needing to get in the car!”

While the Southport Historical Society is working with French-Turner to determine the year the original home was built—possibly the ’30s or ’40s—the owners renovated the home with top craftsman Blair Deale in 2011. “Blair removed a wall between the living room and dining area to make a double-sided fireplace accessible from both sides, added built-in book shelves with cabinetry, put in a brand new kitchen with granite counter tops, remodeled three bathrooms, added transom windows and created lots of other details,” French-Turner remarks.

The free-standing fireplace is a treat, offering both physical and emotional warmth (the crackle of a fire is soothing!) in the living room and dining room. Another fireplace within the office/den is original to the home, adding another space for cozy evenings.

Christmas decor offers a cheery demeanor. Photo by Bethany Turner

The kitchen renovation brings custom, bright white cabinets with Restoration Hardware handles and dark granite for a modern appeal, juxtaposed with an oversized, maple-topped center island and stainless appliances. It pairs well with the home’s pine floors, which run throughout the rooms. Built-in nooks for wine bottles add character, as does the deep, one-bowl, stainless steel sink. Features include a Bosch dishwasher, a Samsung refrigerator, and under-cabinet lighting.

Other notable modern touches include the Rinnai on-demand hot water system, the number-one selling tankless water heater in America. The two and a half baths in the main house were all renovated with granite countertops and beadboard ceilings. The light color palette for the interior of both the main house and the guest suite keep the abode’s settings airy.

The previous owners were responsible for adding the guest suite and the courtyard between the two buildings. The courtyard is a wonderful aspect: Wooden pergola-style beams are a resting place for string lights, stone pavers lead to a draining system so it stays dry after rain, and the spot remains a great place for morning coffee or an afternoon cocktail.

The free-standing, double-sided gas fireplace was an addition by craftsman Blair Deale during the 2011 renovation. Photo by Bethany Turner

The 337-square-foot front porch spans the length of the house and its guest suite; each have their own front door. “The rocking chair front porch where one can sit and visit—perhaps with an adult beverage—has been well used by its current residents,” French-Turner notes, “and they are going to miss it when they move to Boston!”

The current owners, the Sullivans, live in Cary and have three boys. They intended for 220 N. Lord Street to eventually be their permanent Southport home, but Mr. Sullivan was offered a job with a prominent law firm in Boston. “Her dad, Dale Boden, moved here in the last few years to retire and I was his agent,” French-Turner adds. “The Sullivans plan to move back one day to Southport when they retire, but with his new position they did not feel like they would use the house enough to keep it—they are still pretty young!”

The kitchen was completely renovated in 2011.

Thus, the two-bedroom main house and its one-bedroom, one-bath guest house are on the market. The home is low-maintenance and offers low energy bills for the area, along with one-level living. To take a virtual tour of the home, visit www.Southport-Realty.com/687088.

The house is listed with French-Turner for $529,000; call her at (910) 713-9028 or e-mail jean@southport-realty.com to schedule an appointment to see the home.

Dining room with freestanding fireplace. Photo by Bethany Turner

Stainless steel appliances, custom white cabinetry, and granite countertops offer modern appeal in this historic-district home. Photo by Bethany Turner