« Back to Homeplace Front

« Back to Homeplace Archives Front

Extraordinary Estate

If the country estates of Provence or Tuscany leave you sighing with envy whenever you see them, a visit to Oak Valley and 170 Arnold Palmer Drive is in order this afternoon. Although a sprawling golf course takes the place of rural vineyards or a provincial hillside as the backdrop, the ambience is one of an Old World, aristocratic lifestyle, and residents will delight in discovering that this type of home exists in the heart of the Triad.

"This home has so many beautiful features," said Prudential Carolinas Realty's Bernie Clapp. "It has Brazilian cherry hardwoods and travertine tile floors, as well as a 12-foot limestone fireplace mantel. The builder has also included an incredible amount of custom millwork and faux painting."

The approach to 170 Arnold Palmer Drive sets the stage for a memorable visit. The circular drive allows guests easy access to the main entrance, a pair of rustic, wooden doors with an ample amount of glass.

Once inside, visitors can veer left into a formal dining room tailor-made for candlelit evenings or continue straight into the living room illuminated by several windows and doors. The living room opens to one of the home's loveliest features — an enclosed Tennessee fieldstone patio. Essentially an expansion of the indoor living space, this outdoor living area features a built-in grill and refrigerator.

Adjacent to the living room and patio area, the gourmet kitchen has a bay breakfast area defined by stately columns and creative architectural details. Next to the breakfast nook, a large keeping room inspires relaxed entertaining with a stone fireplace and exposed beams. It also overlooks the rear patio, visually blurring the distinction between inner and outer living areas.

On the opposite side of the house, the main-level master suite adjoins the patio. The ultimate owners' retreat, this bedroom and bath includes a great view of the backyard, furniture-quality built-ins, a private washer and dryer in the walk-in closet, and a stained-glass window over the bath. A second bedroom on the main level provides convenient sleeping space for guests, in-laws or children.

Nearby, the library/office features rich, raised-panel walls and huge windows and is ideal for a comfortable home office.

Upstairs, a second master suite has a walk-in closet, its own bathroom, and a loft area that can function as private reading space or a quiet homework hub. Two additional bedrooms round out the upper level, along with a bonus room that can be used as a fifth bedroom, home theater or exercise room.

Listed for $1,098,000, 170 Arnold Palmer Drive has more than 5,000 square feet, five bedrooms, and four full and one half baths. As part of the Oak Valley community, the homeowners of this extraordinary estate will enjoy year-round recreation opportunities at the golf course, clubhouse, tennis courts and swimming pool. To see the home, take 1-40 West to the Highway 801 exit; turn left on 801 and continue past the intersection with Highway 158; turn right into the main entrance of Oak Valley and continue through the community to a left turn on Seay; turn left on Arnold Palmer Drive; the home is on the right. For more information, call Bernie Clapp of Prudential Carolinas Realty at 336-748-2022.