Audubon

This Craftsman influenced home located in Spartanburg was designed and built for the client by Mike Henthorn, AIA who is also a licensed builder with the company Beeson Henthorn Development. In addition to the 4 bedrooms and three 3 ½ baths, the house has a formal dining room, large study, generous kitchen with breakfast area and reading nook, informal family room, playroom and more recreational space on the lower level. Outside, there is a screened porch and entertainment deck. The house contains 4750 heated square feet with nearly 9000 feet under roof including porch, garage and unfinished basement storage.

 

From the beginning of the design, two issues presented immediate challenges – because of their very young children, the owners wanted the majority of the home on one level. They were willing to accept a lower level for an extra bedroom, etc, but all other spaces had to be without stairs. This requirement intensified the second challenge of extreme slopes from front to back and left to right. In addition to the slope, the site was heavily wooded so special consideration was given to the placement of the house. After spacing and massing studies, the plan consisted of 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths on the main level with an adjacent playroom that could be converted to a 4th bedroom and 3rd bath. An additional bedroom, bath and recreation room were finished on the lower level to make use of the abundant space underneath the large main floor plate.

 

Reflective of regional materials of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the exterior is highlighted by Hardi Plank cement board siding, Cultured Stone and extensive trim detailing including exposed rafter tails, shed dormers and cottage style windows. It was important that the home blend well with the surrounding natural and built environments; it nestles neatly into the side hill while conforming to the scale and materials of neighboring homes.

 

The uncomplicated interior layout of the house is open and flowing to accommodate the relaxed and informal lifestyle of the owners yet provide a comfortable balance for frequent entertaining. Some of the interior highlights include field finished white oak hardwood floors throughout public areas and the master bedroom, coffered ceilings in the family room, body sprays in the master shower, GE Profile stainless steel appliances and three (3) wood-burning fireplaces. One of these fireplaces is on the screened porch allowing for outdoor living almost year round. The 19×20 study is particularly interesting with its built-in bar, fireplace, dark painted walls and 20 foot cathedral ceiling to allow exhibition of the owner’s hunting “trophies”.

 

An extensive set of architectural details was provided by the Architect/Builder to insure that the subcontractors understood the level of detail the owners were expecting. Built in cabinetry is found throughout the house most notably in the master closet, the family room and the playroom. The owners are very satisfied with the design and construction of the home and there have been no warranty items of concern during their first year. The house is on its way to graceful aging – its owners and the Architect/Builder are proud of their accomplishment together.

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