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Extraordinary Estate

As this column goes to press, Easter is less than 48 hours away. Yet despite the date on the calendar and the official arrival of spring on Thursday, cooler temperatures are predicted for all of the egg-hunt festivities, and many homeowners are no doubt sighing over the thought of having to turn the thermostat up once again to beat the chill.

For everyone who is weary of skyrocketing energy costs, a visit to 6019 Old Orchard Road is in order this afternoon. Part of the popular Stonecroft neighborhood in Kernersville, this 1.5-story traditional features AirTight SprayFoam insulation, a product that manufacturers claim will reduce heating and cooling costs by about 50 percent.

“This house has new AirTight insulation, and it improves the indoor air quality and increases energy efficiency,” said Prudential Carolinas Realty’s Julie Wilson. “The home has 4,600 square feet of drop-dead gorgeous detail and was built by Gary Elliott, a builder known for quality construction.”

According to the manufacturer, AirTight SprayFoam has an aged R-value of 6.8 per inch, nearly two times the energy-efficiency value of other products. The company also states that SprayFoam adds structural integrity to a house and creates an air and vapor barrier that results in a healthier interior.

“This product is supposed to cut your heating and cooling bill in half,” Wilson said. “It also improves air quality inside by keeping mold, dust and allergens out. And even the roof is supposed to last a lot longer because the insulation keeps attic space cooler. For example, in a normal attic, the temperature is around 140 degrees. In this house, it is 85 degrees.”

Although the energy-efficiency of 6019 Old Orchard Road is worth noting, the additional amenities that Elliott has included will likely seal the deal for potential buyers. From the distinctive decorative windows on the front to the spacious screened porch on back, 6019 Old Orchard Road “shows like a million-dollar house,” said Wilson.

“Gary is known for features like skylights, rounded corners and Brazilian cherry inlaid floors,” she said. “Building has been his life for nearly 40 years, and I tell people that he’d rather be on a Bobcat than in a fancy sports car. Moving dirt — that’s his Corvette.”

With five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and an open floor plan, 6019 Old Orchard Road is a great home for busy families. The main-level master has a large picture window overlooking the rear of the property, providing an idyllic panorama at the end of the day. A second bedroom on the main level allows parents to keep little ones close and can easily be adapted to a guest suite or home office when Junior is ready for his own private space upstairs.

Vivid coral hues enliven the formal dining room, and white paint accentuates the extensive trimwork, creating a crisp, elegant look for entertaining. The kitchen opens to the family room and screened porch, prompting casual gatherings where family and friends relax around the granite-topped island. Hardwoods unify the main level, and skylights ensure that the great room and kitchen areas remain cheerfully bright even on the cloudiest of days.

“Gary is skilled in all phases of construction, and he brings that expertise to every home he builds,” Wilson said. “He’s a true hands-on builder.”

This Extraordinary Estate at 6019 Old Orchard Road lists for $539,900 and will be open today from 2 to 4 p.m. To see the home, take Business 40 East to the Linville Road exit; turn right at the top of the exit and continue to an immediate right on West Mountain; go 4.6 miles to a right turn on Asbury; turn left on Wesley Park; turn right on Marietta and right again on Old Orchard. For more information, call Julie Wilson at Prudential Carolinas Realty at 336-748-2065.