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Extraordinary Estate

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

It might come as a surprise to many people to learn that there are some amazing examples of contemporary architecture in the Triad. Case in point — at 853 Buttonwood Drive, local architect Ed Bouldin created a gorgeous 3,200-square-foot one-level residence that could easily be featured in top design magazines, and even better, the home was recently listed for sale.

Nestled among hardwoods on 1.8 acres, 853 Buttonwood Drive is constructed of solid block walls with a hard-coat stucco exterior and "is built into a hillside with southwest facing glass walls for passive solar energy savings," according to Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate’s Michael Ryden. Created in 1981 in what Ryden refers to as an "international style of architecture," 853 Buttonwood Drive is both functional and visually stunning.

"It’s like living in a piece of artwork," said the current homeowner, who is relocating. "The palette changes with the seasons."

The approach to 853 Buttonwood creates anticipation of what lies beyond the front door. From the sidewalk, visitors can see the curved glass wall of the main living area, and the wooded lot adjacent to the home provides privacy and an air of seclusion. Inside, visitors are drawn to the exterior panorama visible through the glass wall and to the accompanying space that incorporates a family room and dining area. To the left, a round den with custom built-in furniture and a round skylight currently serves as a home office, but residents could easily create a cozy home library overlooking the natural scenery in the space.

Behind a curved wall, the kitchen is hidden from view, but the area is as visually impressive as the main living area. Butcher-block countertops and custom-painted wood cabinetry add an artistic flair, while new appliances including DeLonghi double convection ovens, a Viking six-burner cooktop, a Thermador dishwasher and a 48-inch GE profile refrigerator provide stylish function.

Wood floors provide visual continuity and simplicity, and tile floors in the bathrooms and laundry area add design interest. The master bedroom features a curved glass wall facing the woods as well as large closets and a door to the patio. Bathrooms have contemporary white tile to the ceiling, custom vanities and chrome fixtures. European dual-flush commodes and a glass shower door were recently added to enhance the surroundings.

The homeowners added a new roof in 2005, and the house has a two-zone gas heat and central air system, as well as a gas water heater. An interior storage room replaces the conventional attic, and an attached workshop (not included in square footage) allows residents to create a home studio or private office.

"The original blueprints will convey with the property and show the design for a two-car garage," Ryden said. "This is a rare offering of exceptional design."

This Extraordinary Estate at 853 Buttonwood Drive lists for $485,000 and has 3,200 square feet, three bedrooms and two full baths. The home will be open today from 2 to 4 p.m. To see it, take Peace Haven Road to Allistair; continue on Allistair to a right turn on Buttonwood; the house is on the right. For more information, call Michael Ryden at Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate at 336-779-9205.