Think outside the box, quite literally, with this exquisite 4,000 square foot Deltec “round house” in the heart of the Piedmont. The circle has long been an important symbol in many cultures and this unusual home blends the exotic and the familiar with seamless grace. The highly efficient design features a panoramic, curving wall of windows that brings the outside in, along with a modern yet comfortable interior.
This unique property invites one to pause, slow down, and explore slowly, as its many charms are not immediately apparent. Approaching the front door, the enormous wrap-around deck invites an impromptu detour to take in the elevated western view that begins to reveal itself. The airy gazebo at the far end calls for exploration, but then the sudden Blue Ridge Mountain view comes into sight. Framed by majestic, tall oak trees and smaller understory trees, the view could be broadened by an artful arborist. This window to the mountains gives a front-row seat to the never-ending circle of changing light, weather, and seasons of the Blue Ridge.
Turning back towards the front door, a flash of red at the edge of the woods catches the eye. This is the Torii gate, leading to the hidden, circular meditation pond. Spring fed, the cool, clear water of the pond is home to native frogs, newts, and others. What a delightful, serene spot to sit, breathe, and release the stresses of the day.
When it is finally time to go indoors, the wide-open great room greets arrivals with a long, curving wall of windows. The outdoors, sunlight and leaves shifting in the breeze, feel like they are part of the indoors here. The space is a gleaming expanse of cherry hardwood floors, designer lighting, high ceilings, and oversized windows. The centerpiece of the great room is the gourmet kitchen. Literally at the heart of the home, the kitchen is strategically placed and designed to allow gathering while not impeding the cook. To one side is the open expanse of living area while to the other is the equally open dining area.
The kitchen has a custom designed layout of maple cabinets with all the bells and whistles, stainless steel appliances, and ample granite counters. The large island has a separate prep sink, built in wine rack, cabinets with pull-out trays and pull-out trash bins, and space for bar stools on the other side. Next to the main sink is a clever butcher block on wheels that tucks under the counter when not in use. The built in pantry is a marvel of accessible storage.
Just beyond the kitchen and dining area is a bright and airy bonus room with a glass sliding door to the deck and a cathedral ceiling. This flexible space would lend itself to use as a media room, office, library, overflow guest room, or all four. There are several built in book shelves and a handy work surface. Continuing around the circle, the primary bedroom is tucked behind the kitchen. It features a fully cedar-lined walk-in closet and a beautifully tiled, inviting ensuite bath. There is a separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, double sinks, and a heated towel rack for that extra feeling of luxury. On the other side of the kitchen, the private second bedroom is down a short hallway that contains the second bath. This bath repeats the beautiful tile work, complete with river stone inlay and luxurious heated towel rack. Next door to this bath is the convenient main floor laundry.
The full basement is reached by stairs in the bonus room and also has an on-grade door to the outside. It is a blank canvas waiting for inspiration. Ductwork is already installed as well as roughed-in plumbing for a full bath plus an extra sink. Perhaps a future wet bar or an art room? The septic system is sized and permitted for three bedrooms, so one could be added on this level. The high ceiling reveals the secret to the round construction: a steel central support post with all floor joists meeting in the center like spokes on a wheel. The circular design provides not only unmatched structural strength but also energy efficiency.
Heading back outdoors, there is a three-bay carport next to the house at the end of the maple tree-lined driveway. The maples provide a graceful green shade in the summer and blazing color in the autumn. The many cherries and other blooming trees put on a spectacular show in the spring. The long front lawn is an expanse of green, dotted with specimen trees along the edges. Just downhill of the house, a path through the mountain laurel invites exploration further afield. Follow the path downhill through fern-covered glades and it reaches a mountain stream, a tributary of the Thornton River. Follow the path when it branches to the left, and it heads back to the edge of the meditation pond. Drawn by the water sources, wildlife enjoys the woodland trails also.
Meander back to the house, through the mountain laurel, in time for sunset. The low angle of light streams through the forest onto the deck, as the sinking sun reflects in the windows. Settle in for the evening and watch as the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains after another perfect day in the heart of the Piedmont. Experience the circle of day to night, season to season, with this unique circular home to anchor it all.
