Charlotte's West Side Wonder: Modern Rehab at 5400 Pinebrook

Extream Modern Makeover hits Charlotte's West Side Lewis Forest neighborhood.  And, darn it they forgot to bring the cameras!   What a transformation 5400 Pinebrook has undergone in the last year.  Too bad reality tv wasn't there to document it.  Green City Development  has taken this "Mid-Century Modest" Atomic ranch, blown it up and out and turned it into a hip modern example of urban style.  

BEFORE

When 5 Points Realty agent Edwin Wilson found this little foreclosure he had some real vision.  Located on a quiet street just 5 miles from uptown he knew that buyers would feel comfortable in this "sleepy" old school neighborhood.  But he must have been able to do some real "selling" to convince the team at Green City that under the ugly blue plastic tarp a modern jewel could emerge.   The original front can still be seen but with new paint, landscaping, siding and windows now it invites you in.  The original three light door is painted pop art yellow.

Take a Peek:


Inside walls were taken down new flooring and banks of windows added and "voila" you have wide open spaces.   The kitchen has custom cabinets (I'm talking nice solid wood) with chrome accents and high end appliances.  The Silestone counterop sets off the contemporary glass tile backsplash.

Ash stained floating wood floors stretch across the huge living space to the bio-ethanol fuel fireplace which is surrounded with custom tile. The wall of windows expands the living space out to a private perfectly modern patio
with firepit and retaining wall.

The master is on the rear of the house and it too is filled with light.  (No sleeping in)  The 14 foot ceilings are dramatic but not as dramatic as the master bath.  The builder spared no
expense with the 12 x 24 tile, pebble shower floor and beautiful chrome fixtures.  A pane of floor to ceiling glass creates a huge walk thru shower.  It is so spectacular you'll be inviting all your friends over to see it.

Speaking of having friends over... The back patio is the perfect place for a party.  An expanse of windows from the living room brings the out doors in. The clever builders carried the tone of the floor to the outside in large 4 x 4 concrete patio squares.  There is a retaining wall defining the space and a fire pit too.

Edwin Wilson and Green City Development have done a fantastic job proving that Modern can be affordable and fantastic!

You can see the old house...if you squint.  

Soft grey tile set on a brick pattern add a contemporary edge.

Modern details make a splash.

The master bedroom has screaming high ceilings + clerestory windows. 

Concrete squares and a fire create a modern patio.

Original three light front door and modern accents.

If you'd like to take a tour of this new modern home in Charlotte, NC give Savvy + Co. Real Estate a call at 704-330-8326.  We specialize in Modern and Contemporary homes for sale... we know where to find them and can represent you in your purchase.

Swell Dwelling: Modern in Eastway Park

What do you get when you take a Austrian with European style and throw him into a little East Charlotte brick ranch?  Something swell, just like in Dwell. 

When Harald Wlcek settled into his little brick ranch at 1101 Norland in Charlotte's Eastway Park neighborhood he never thought he would create such a stir.  But when he decided to build an addition that was both open and modern and economical he sure got the neighbors talking.  Wlcek added over a two thousand square feet of fantastic space to his home and made it FUN!  

Fun at every turn - starting when you turn off of Norland onto Brighton.  You are struck by the "out of the ordinary" blue...  Harald says people still ask "When are you going to put the rest of the brick on?" ... to which he chuckles as the hardiplank siding is all "done".  You also will smile at the whimsical placement of windows down the side.  Inside these windows fill the kitchen and living room with light and create fun spots to take a peak at the great outdoors. Cilo, the dog  especially loves the two low windows installed just for her.  

Off the back of the house is a huge covered porch accentuated with a soft yellow.  That adds over 900 square feet of living area to the house.  Wicek and his kids really enjoy the view of giant oak trees in their back yard while playing and dining al fresco. The porch connects via stairs to the backyard and the patio with fire pit.  


Back in the house the kitchen is sleek and modern with more fun and unique details.  Harald hand poured the 12 feet long concrete countertop.  He also added changing colored lights in the glass wall cabinets above the sink.   The kitchen is open to a huge living and dining space with a full wall of glass out to the porch.  This space also features two "homework" or "home office" spaces. So kids can do their school work and still be part of the action.


Off this area is a nice guest suite with a private bath and built in closets and desk area, and shelves recessed into one wall.  There are also sliding glass doors out to the deck.  


Down the hall are the sleeping quarters.  Three bedrooms that are in the original ranch part of the house.  The master bedroom has been improved with a "small bath" worthy of an award.  A clever custom countertop and sink make the space all you need. 


No more boring laundry.  Downstairs gets my vote for best mud and laundry room.  Wicek built the stair case with OSB board steps.  They are angled back with acute angles to give great architectural interest.   There are also loads of cubbies for stashing your gear.  


If the laundry gets my vote, the lower level may just get your man's vote for "The Best Downstairs Ever".  If the three car garage isn't enough to get your juices flowing, wait until you see the exercise room.  Perfect for hanging out or a work shop, Harald put a climbing wall in just for good measure.  


If you would like to take a tour of this or any other modern "Dwell" home in Charlotte give Savvy + Co. a call.  Listed by Charles Major (704-617-8777) and
Eileen Nelis 704-502-8177  they are happy to accommodate you. 

Contemporary kitchen with red accents and concrete countertops.

New bath with natural slate and frameless glass shower.

The "Man Cave" or exercise room with climbing wall.  

This small space has it all.  Check out the clever sink and counter.

Modern Privacy.  A firepit on the side patio. 

Perhaps the inspiration for the the whole thing. Original modern three light door.

Mid-Century Modern in Sherwood Forest

True mid-century moderns are rare in Charlotte, NC.   There are a hand full, here and there, but there are really not a lot.  Especially if you want to be near town, and if you have a "budget".   So when buyers say they want a true MCM - I tell them they better be ready to pull the trigger when they see one.   Buyers: Pull that Trigger! 

One of Charlotte's fine examples of a true custom built MCM architecture just hit the market.  5601 Riviere, is located in the Forest Heights neighborhood... also known as Sherwood Forest.  This home was built designed by local architect Alan Ingram in 1960 for  Norman and Paula Musler.  They lived in the home until 2003 when it was purchased by Debra and Wesley Moore.  (Translation: This two owner home...hasn't been mucked with.)

5601 Riviere is a fantastic example of mid-century modern style.  From the moment you pull around the bend and see it's low slung lines against the landscape you can feel it pull you in.  The entrance has open rafters that frame the double  doors and slate entry patio.

Inside the vaulted ceilings draw you in to the "fab" style.   Walking around the glass topped partition wall you are wowed by a large living room with floor to ceiling windows, the long bench original iron work railing up elevated formal dining level.  The current owners opened the kitchen up to this space when they remodeled.  New flat paneled cabinets have been added to the kitchen but the owners kept the original layout.  Outside the cooking triangle there is a row of cabinets for all your entertaining wares.  Plus the original dumb waiter to get those pots of fondue down to the game room!

There are four bedrooms and three baths on the main level.  The master has dual closets and the master bath was updated with new cabinets and countertops but the original tile,  mirror and medicine cabinets were left. (because they are so cool).

Between the two largest bedrooms there is a Jack and Jill bath.  This was totally remodeled with contemporary fixtures and tile in keeping with the MCM style.

There are four bedrooms and three baths on the main level.  The master has three closets and the master bath was updated with new cabinets and countertops but the original tile,  mirror and medicine cabinets were left. (because they are so cool).

Between the two largest bedrooms there is a Jack and Jill bath.  This was totally remodeled with contemporary fixtures in keeping with the MCM style.

My favorite feature might be this staircase.  The solid wood treads float on straight iron work.  They reach from the kitchen level down to the family room.  They just don't make staircases like that any more.  The downstairs family or game room is cozy.  One wall has the original built in bookshelves along with an electric fireplace.  (So 60's!)  Large sliding glass doors lead out to the terrace and large wooded lot.  

The current owners did a lot of "behind the walls" renovating.  They removed the original tar and gravel roof that had start to give up the fight.  Then had insulation and new sheathing installed.  This was a great improvement to the utility bills.  They also put in an on demand water heater and new high efficiency HVAC system.

If you are looking for a true original Mid-Century Modern home in Charlotte NC with just the right amount of updating - this may be the one you want to move fast for.  Contact Savvy + Co. for a showing: 704-560-4604

Want to see more of this fab Mid-Century Modern Home?  Give us a call.... this is a fun one to tour!

California Cool: Foxcroft Ranch in Charlotte

This Cool California Ranch is the exception- not the rule- in Charlotte.  It's hard to find the low slung lines of a modern home like this.   Situated in Foxcroft, one of Charlotte's premier neighborhoods, this classic has not been "re-muddled".   Set back from the road on over a half acre private lot, it has all the style it did when it was built in 1965.  Strolling up the slate walkway you have expect Don Draper to meet you at the door.

The slate continues into the entry and wraps up to the ceiling in a dramatic wall - perfect for hanging your prized modern art piece. 
This opens up to a enormous living room with vaulted beamed ceilings and a slate fireplace.  This home gives modern a "classic" twist.  It's warm walls of wood just dare you to pour yourself a drink and take a stroll out to the pool and patio.  Relax, there is nothing to do here but make the guest list for your cocktail party.  

Walls of glass look out to the gorgeous backyard and patio.  Every room connects to it! This mid-century modern home has four bedrooms and five full baths.  The kitchen has been updated with simple white cabinets and a cool mosaic tile backsplash. There is a great family room at the back of the house over looking the pool too.  

Pictures Curtesy of HM Properties and Eric Gamble 

Representation for 3723 Pomfret (MLS#2047030) is by HM Properties and Eric Gamble is the sellers agent.  


If you are interested in taking a tour of this home please contact Savvy + Co. to represent you as a buyers agent.  We know the Mid-Century Market and we will find you your modern dream home. 

The REAL Deal: Modern Bargains this Week in Charlotte

Deals, bargains, steals!  What ever you want to call them.... there are some out there if you are looking for a Mid-Century Modern home in Charlotte.  I went thru the Charlotte MLS and found a few of my best modern bets this week.   Whether you are looking for a total fixer upper or a foreclosure "steal" ... check out my picks of the week. 

Curtesy Re/max Metro Realty,Scott Woods, CMLS#2021787

1]  1238 Lynbrook in Sherwood Forest - This may be the deal of the year.  A foreclosure and they just lowered the price to $134,900.  This house has all the Atomic Ranch lines you love. It was renovated a few years ago by a builder and he put in two new baths and a new kitchen.  They are not modern in style, but they are new.  So you can live with them till you redo it.  It has pretty dark stained wood floors.  It also has lots of other updates that you will not find in this price point.  I bet it'll have multiple offers on it by Tuesday... so move fast!  

Curtesy Coldwell Banker United, CMLS#990669

2]  3131 Dunlavin Way -  This is in Charlotte's Country Club neighborhood near Plaza Midwood. It has been renovated with a new mod kitchen.  They keep dropping the price and at $114,900 this is a great deal especially for first-time buyers.  

Curtesy Wanda Smith & Assoc., John Stroup, CMLS#990669

3] 1833 Academy St.  in Eastwood Park.  Behind the Giant Penny, across from Noda, Eastwood Park has some mods, and a lot of post war bungalows. If you have the "skilz" to remodel and renovate at only $36,500  you can hardly go wrong on this one!  That's right, $36,500 for about 1400 square feet, (3 beds/2baths) of modern potential.  

Curtesy Allen Tate Company,Lance McSwain, CMLS#2015996

4] 1438 Larkfield Ln.  Located in Starmount near the light rail.  This has been updated and has a new roof and new HVAC.  It's not a screaming deal, at $139,000, but it's a nice clean modern with vaulted ceilings and a flat back yard. It would make a great starter home. 

Curtesy Helen Adams Realty, Peter Morgan CMLS#2042766

5] 100 Wexford in Madison Park.  This is a short sale, and a good deal. The kitchen has been opened up to the living room and just needs your contemporary style. It's got hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a big sunroom with a fireplace.  You can walk to the light rail from this one too!  


All these houses are being marketed by the indicated brokers but if you would like a buyers agent to represent you on your Modern home purchase give Savvy + Co. a call.  We find the modern deals!   Or drop us an email and we will set you up on our modern deal search.

Atomic Ranch in Madison Park - Charlotte

5310 Glenham Drive: Atomic Ranch 

Wow!  We love this Madison Park Atomic Ranch has been renovated with much love.   When you pull up to the house it's hard not to notice it's sleek landscaping and smart style.  The low pitched roof spans across it's modern carport. Don't miss the cool planter on wheels that provides privacy for the patio.

Inside the owners have updated the kitchen with sleek contemporary cabinets, mosaic tile backsplash and Silestone countertops.  They also opened it up to the large family room so it's great for entertaining.  The fireplace covers the back wall with floor to ceiling thin stack brick with a copper fireplace surround.  

Rolling Planter and New Metal Roof!

Through out the house has vaulted beamed ceilings.  The standing seam metal roof will last for years to come - and looks great too.  

There is terrific out door space too!  Off the master suite there is a private patio on the side yard. The back yard is beautifully landscaped and there is a large new patio with room for a hot tub.  

There are few fab mid-century modern homes in Charlotte in this price range - so don't miss this one.   Fantastic location, swell style, and nothing to do but hang the art.   

Super Cool modern back yard.  

If you are looking for a Mid-Century Modern home in Charlotte NC let a Savvy + Co. agent find it for you.  We know the cool neighborhoods
and all the cool houses too!

Dive In:California Contemporary in South Charlotte

Clean as a whistle!  Check out this sweet California Contemporary in Coachman's Ridge.  Back in the 80's a few neighborhoods popped all built with this "new" contemporary architecture.  They sold out fast  with about six or seven floor plans available.  Today, retro lovers are giving them new life, falling in love with their high ceilings and fab features of these modern Classics.

Soaring Ceilings, plenty of large windows throughout, spacious rooms and an open floorplan - What more could you want?  This home features everything you love in a contemporary home.  Lush, mature landscaping invites you into this pristine South Charlotte home.   The owners have also just had a new roof installed.

Large formals and wide entry hall lead you into the kitchen, breakfast area and oversized great room, all of which overlook the sparkling pool surrounded by a large patio, overszied deck and beautiful landscaping.  The backyard is completely private with lush, mature landscaping sourrounding your new sanctuary!  The kitchen features plenty of work space and cabinets, tile backsplash, huge walk-in-pantry, black appliances and a brand new side-by-side refrigerator and large bar area.  (This place is made to Party!)  The breakfast room has a large wine bar area as well.

The master suite is luxurious! The bedroom features soaring cathedral ceilings, sitting area and beautiful master bath with garden tub, separate shower, dual vanities and huge walk in closet.

If you are looking for cool modern style and want to put your mark on an 80's classic - check out this home and Coachman's Ridge.

Mad for Modern Home Tour Hits Charlotte

Mad for Modern, Historic Charlotte's Modern home tour is ready to go.  The route has been planned, the maps have been drawn and the homes are getting their final touches.  All that remains is YOU.  The last tour was held in 2009 when over 500 people showed up to get a glimpse at some of Charlotte's best examples of Mid-Century Modern Architecture.  This year Historic Charlotte has lined up another great tour that features both Mid-Century Modern and Modern Inspired homes.   

The tour takes place on Saturday, May 14th and runs from 10 am to 4 pm.  Tickets are $25 for non-members and are available at HistoricCharlotte.com  or at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Design Within Reach or The Dunhill Hotel.  Members of Historic Charlotte only pay $20.

The Phillips Residence on Cavendish will be featured.

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Some of the terrific modern homes are:
1412 Cavendish Court:  A Classic Mid-Century           Modern home that has been renovated with a contemporary slash.

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2300 Cloister Drive:  The Solomon and Shirley Levine house one of The Cloisters premier examples of mid-century modern - also renovated.

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2200 Cloister Drive: This home is a modern  remodel designed to fit into the landscape of The Cloisters.


Come out and take a look at all the modern homes on May 14th.

For information on Modern and Mid-Century Modern homes  for sale in Charlotte,  Click Here.

Pure Swank: Mid-Century Home Tour Charlotte

Mid-Century Modern Home on Cavendish in Charlotte

Modern Lovers Month hits Charlotte, NC

Starting next week there are a series of events happening all in honor of Historic Charlotte's 2011 Preservation Month.  Here's a brief list of the happenings:

• Tuesday, April 19th  - Panel Discussion: Modernism At Risk: Panel discussion on the challenges and situations to the preservation of modern architecture. 

• Saturday, May 7th & Sunday, May 8th - Guided Architectural Walking Tour of Uptown Charlotte: Tours will be at 10am & 11am on Saturday and 11am & 1pm on Sunday. Tours are led by UNC Charlotte School of Architecture students, begins at the Dunhill Hotel and ends at The Bechtler Museum of Art.

• Saturday, May 14th - Mid-Century Modern Home Tour: This is the 2nd annual Mid-Century Modern Home Tour. A complete list of homes on the tour is soon to come.

Check out the site for more on Historic Charlotte's 2011 Preservation Month.