North Carolina Antebellum — Long Story Short

With the events taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina I've been a bit disillusioned by the state of my hometown. Charlotte is a stunning city filled with beautiful examples of architecture and I want to highlight the good in my city rather than the horrible events that have happened recently. To do this, I have picked an example of Charlottean architecture that combines great bones with a skilled restoration to be featured as my next Market post.

Front Facade. courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

Built in 1828, the William Lee House is one of the last examples of an Antebellum Farm home left in the city. If you're not familiar with Charlotte, it is known for its post 1900 Revivalist architecture. Tudor, Georgian, Federal and Colonial homes line the streets and dominate the overall architectural vernacular. The William Lee House is a unique example of the many structures that did not survive the building boom of the early 20th Century.

The original structure was an ornate farmhouse built for the Lee family as the homestead of the family farm in the Sharon township near Charlotte. William Lee Jr. inherited the land in 1826 and built the existing home in 1828 for his family of six. The house stayed in the family until 1950 when it was renovated to (horrible) 1950s standards: bad tile, asbestos, the works. Recently, a local North Carolina development company restored the house to its original luster and added contemporary conveniences along with a new wing.

William Lee House circa 1956, courtesy of CMHLC

Additionally Perfect, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

The challenges of updating a historic home can be too daunting for most. I am overjoyed to see that the original parts of the home remained in tact and that the developer committed to restoring its historic beauty.

The shiplap walls of the Formal Living Room and original Parlor recall a bygone era. The windows, doors, and original mantels show a quality of workmanship that no longer exists. A new Family Room, Kitchen, and Master Bathroom all perfectly accent the extant Antebellum details and accentuate the old world style of the structure. Nothing can beat old school accoutrements alongside white marble countertops and a Viking Range.

Ship Lap Clad Living Room, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

"Meet me in the Parlor, its goin down," courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

Family Room in the New Wing, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties — Family Room in the New Wing, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

An Americana kitchen at its finest, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties — An Americana kitchen at its finest, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

The color palette added during the restoration matches historical identity of the home perfectly. Large swaths of Light Hunter Green and Sunflower Yellow bring to life the architectural details and show how special this house truly is. Excluding the bad reproduction antiques, the home feels authentic and proves that a great renovation comes down to the quality of the work and having damn good taste.

Stairway to Heaven, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

Master Bedroom with good paint and bad furniture, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties — Master Bedroom with good paint and bad furniture, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

Classic Bathrooms for a Classic Beauty, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties — Classic Bathrooms for a Classic Beauty, courtesy of Ivester Jackson Properties

To add to this already high-end property, the developer installed a pool fit for the rowdiest of parties set on a pristinely maintained 2.33 acres. I can't find much wrong with this old school Southern setup and wouldn't be shocked if it got bought up soon.

If you're thinking about heading South for the winter, hit up Ivester Jackson Properties in Charlotte to get a tour of this Antebellum stunner.

Listed for $3,449,000

Cheers,

Hugh