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Twin sidelights crowned by an arched transom provide a beveled clear-glass frame for the mahogany front entry door, establishing this feature as the focal point of the formal foyer. The room features understated fenestration, including flat-panel molding around the doorways and wide but simply detailed crown molding at the ceiling and baseboard. The staircase has a curved apron for the first step. To earlier generations, an ornamental crystal ball atop the staircase newel-post symbolized that a home was completely paid for.
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Alan Simonini knows a thing or two about making a grand entrance. The English cottage-style spec home built by Charlotte, N.C.-based Simonini Builders was the star of the 2002 HomeArama at Highgrove, garnering six of a possible seven awards, including five golds.
Simonini says back to basics was the design theme for the 4,164-square-foot home, targeted to Charlotte's executive move-up market. "I incorporated some of my favorite elements from older local homes into a completely unique design," he says. "This is not a reproduction of an existing house but contains the best features of many. Many of our buyers are originally from the area, so our goal was to create a house that provided them with some connection to the one they grew up in."
Historically accurate in scale, the formal entry foyer features simple yet elegant detailing that provides a sense of welcome without overwhelming. The foyer, which adjoins the formal dining room on one side and the study on the other, features 10-foot ceilings and distressed, 2 1/4-inch red oak plank flooring selected for its historical appearance. The staircase treads and handrail also are made of walnut-stained red oak.
Location | Charlotte, N.C.
Total square footage | 4,164
Hard costs | $110 per square foot (excluding land)
Builder | Simonini Builders, Charlotte
Architect | Christopher Phelps and Associates, Charlotte
Interior designer | Carolina Interiors, Kannapolis, N.C.
Interior moldings | Interior Trim Creations, Stallings, N.C.
Developer/land planner | Crescent Resources, Charlotte
Luxury spec-built show home
Major Products Used | Door/surround: Shed Brand | Light fixture: Lee Lighting | Flooring: red oak/walnut finish
Photography by Southern Exposure
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