Southport Magazine

Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Masterpiece on the Cape Fear River

STORY BY: AMI BROWN

PHOTOS COURTESY SOUTHPORT REALTY

I f you’ve ever wanted a unique water front dream home… here’s your chance. This one-of-a-kind contemporary home sits nestled under a canopy of oak trees, on an acre lot with a huge back yard that runs all the way down to the River. You can watch the sunset from your private screened in gazebo attached to the rear deck, or watch the regattas from your Juliette master balcony. It’s the good life in abundance, right here in Southport. I’d say it’s the perfect place to retire, or raise a family. This Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired floorplan home was built by the Angermyer family in 1988. The current owners – the Siddens purchased it from them in 2004, and they have loved living here in Southport for the past 13 years. Original for Virginia, they are anxious to move back to their roots in the mountains they call home.

This amazing property, 232 River Drive is for sale, and some lucky buyer is going to snag this one in no time. The large den boasts floor to ceiling architectural windows that let in gorgeous light and provide panoramic water views from almost every room in the house. Homeowner, Gay Sidden, loves to read, play the piano or chill out by the fireplace in this – her favorite room in the house. The downstairs also has a huge guest 2nd and 3rd bedroom and bath. Although the master is currently upstairs, either of these could easily be turned into a master suite if new owners wanted a first floor master. There is even a large additional room that could be a 4th bedroom, office, storage or workout space.

If you’re a history buff, you’re going to love this. The tiered water fountain out back was purchased at auction from the Dudley Mansion (Governor Edward Dudley) in Wilmington. Dudley was the state’s first elected Governor in 1845. The fountain was taken apart to transport to Southport and then reassembled in the rear yard. It’s one of Gay’s favorite purchases, but unfortunately she will not be able to take it with her. Lucky for the new buyer – it comes with the house.

Another historical tidbit, there is a Civil War Berm (a raised area between trenches) that runs along the property. Several Civil War cannon balls have been unearthed here as well. This house sits on a treasure of local history and would probably make a great place to get out the old metal detector.

The kitchen has been lovingly remodeled and provides all the modern conveniences with quality finishes. Plantation shutters and solar shades adorn the over-sized windows. You can look out over the quarantine station and see both light houses from the deck or balcony. The gardens are lush green with the in-ground sprinkler system at work. There are gorgeous blooms, oak trees and warm nights to enjoy sitting in the screened in gazebo. No more mosquitos or harmful sun rays to dampen the mood. You can watch the Fourth of July Fireworks right from home, no need to fight the crowds or traffic. The Christmas Flotilla parades and turns around just in front of your property to give you the perfect view without leaving the comfort of your warm place by the fire.

“It’s really the best of everything.” Gay reminds me. The staircase is extra wide and can even accommodate a future elevator if needed. There is an abundance of storage and the layout is well thought out. Having been in Real Estate and Construction for over 30 years, the Siddens pride themselves on the immaculate upkeep of the home. They really love this house and have looked after it like part of the family.

The huge oak trees provide shelter from the storms, shade from the sun and a home to a myriad of birds. Gay loves her birds. She hopes the new owners will continue to feed them as well. There are families of woodpeckers, blue birds, blue jays, sparrows, cardinals, hawks and many many more. The Siddens have lived in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina and Wisconsin – and Gay admits that Southport is by far the loveliest town they have ever lived in. The interior has a fresh coat of paint, the owners are motivated to sell, and are looking for that perfect buyer for this unique modern home. Southport Realty is proud to present the sale of this unique contemporary riverfront luxury home.

Come and sit on the back deck or screened in gazebo and watch the mighty ships quietly steam by carrying cargo all over the world, yachts, and an assortment of fishing vessels. This home, remodeled in 2016, has 3728 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, large living room and a cozy den each with a Mendota direct vent gas fireplace and water views galore. The home sits on almost an acre of bulk headed lot on the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

The kitchen has a sub zero refrigerator wine cooler, Bosch dishwasher, Dacor oven, warming drawer, microwave/ convection oven, Wolf glass cook top, custom cherry cabinets with above and below lighting, pantry with pull out drawers and dumbwaiter. There are hardwood floors in the upper living area and parquet flooring downstairs with the bathrooms boasting beautiful marble floors and counters.

The large master bedroom has a walk in closet and room darkening shades. The master bathroom has a tile shower, towel warming drawer and his and hers basins. Outside accent lighting shows off the meticulously landscaped yard with several mighty oaks and of course the Cape Fear River.

“One of my favorite things is of course the water views. Also, the phenomenal sunrises and I love watching the ships come in. My favorite spots are the screened gazebo and the cozy den, where I have my books, my piano and fireplace.“

Permit for a dock is permitted by CAMA . The rear yard is more than ample to add a swimming pool as well. Some furniture is negotiable with the sale. If you would like more information about this home, please contact Kim Anne Russ at Southport Realty, 910- 523-1222 or email: karuss@southportrealty.com.