Arch Revival

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.