Alex and Talla hail from just outside Baltimore but met eleven years ago in the very backyard they now call home. They describe their life with two young children, Davis and Mae, and dog TAD (Talla and Alex’s Dog) as active and chaotic.  So they intentionally created a serene and comfortable home to counteract all the energy. These 2,100 square feet are lived in to the max.  Every room is used every day and nothing is too precious, but Talla’s thoughtful design choices perfectly bridge the line between form and function. The home is layered and storied, with many treasures, both new and handed down.  A fun bonus is the “Grizhouse Guesthouse” in the backyard, steps away from the couple’s first meeting spot. 

Built in 1924, this bungalow is the second oldest house on the block, continuing to maintain its unique historical character with few changes to the exterior over the years, and still includes the original pine siding, single pane double-hung windows and covered front porch. The Historic District Commission claimed recent work to be a true "restoration." In addition to the charm of the exterior, no detail is overlooked on the interior, which boasts surprises around every corner. A few notable highlights include a 15-foot vaulted dining room with built-ins and a library ladder, custom stained concrete floors and an outdoor shower.  The couple hopes they have given their home another 98 years of vibrancy and life. 

The Wiles were growing their family when they made the decision to move to the wonderful Nassau Boulevard community in 2019. In order to ensure the house was ready for their new arrival, they sought the help of interior designer Traci Zeller, who assisted them in creating a design that prioritized using local companies for furniture in calming blues and greens and the addition of the bespoke dining table with a tree trunk base. As owners of the food and beverage publication “Unpretentious Palate,” the Wiles knew the one room they wanted to renovate. The downstairs theater room became a bar and wine room, which has become a respite for calm moments after their now-toddler's bed time.

Katie Archer grew up in Charlotte -- and her Charlotte roots go back generations!  She moved into this charming Winter Street bungalow in September 2021. When you step into Katie's chic, maximalist, and PINK space, you'll likely wonder if you've been transported to an upscale NYC luxury condo. Katie buys what she loves and worries later about where things go, subscribing to the axiom “If you love it, it will work.” Her masterful mix of vintage and modern art and furniture creates a bold, feminine home with delightful surprises at every turn.

Renee’s initial hesitancy in 2014 to purchase a house needing major renovations was eventually overcome by Jeff’s convincing argument that it would be a perfect location and investment for their first home in Charlotte.  So they took the leap and never looked back.  The 1922 bungalow’s charm was readily apparent, but minimal closet space and sharing one bathroom surely wouldn’t fit their lifestyle.  They started where the need was the greatest. Initial renovations included bathroom and kitchen gutting and remodels.  Next, they added a master suite and covered porch and deck, all completely transforming the space.  They couldn’t be happier to be the stewards of this lovely home and celebrate its centennial this year. 

This Ashland Avenue home is a full rebuild from the foundation up.  Completed in 2021 and inspired by the craftsmanship and detail from the 1930’s bungalow that was originally in its place, it was expanded from a 1,900 square foot single story to a 3,400 square foot two story in the “urban farmhouse” style.  The Dyers took on the project as their own general contractors, builders, and designers.  The stunning result is a five bedroom, three bath home with two covered porches for entertaining.  Some favorite features the Dyers incorporated into the design are the 200-year-old reclaimed barn wood beams, a chef’s kitchen with expansive panoramic doors and a delightful surprise – a hidden “speakeasy” bar. 

When the Michaud's moved to Charlotte from Kansas City in 2009, a main consideration was climate – and the ability to be outdoors most of the year.  They found that and more in their home, which had recently been totally renovated, including a complete overhaul to the front and back yards.  In 2017, they upgraded the backyard to include a covered cabana and fireplace -- and replaced the grass with turf; a pool is another recent addition.  But maybe the coolest feature on this year’s tour is the superhero mural on their fence along Kennon Avenue.  They had seen Matt Hooker’s work on nearby Culture Shop and enlisted his artistic talents.  After a few brainstorming sessions, the family’s favorite superheroes, and a few villains, were brought to life for everyone’s enjoyment.  This is a don’t-miss tour stop! 

The Martinis aren’t new to the home tour; they showcased their splendid home shortly after moving in seventeen years ago, back in 2005.  In 2019, they added their “Tranquil Oasis” out back consisting of a new pool and casita.  The saltwater pool features swim jets for lap-swimming and a hot tub, with an outdoor shower – all surrounded by limestone decking.  Look for the 800-pound Indonesian lava stone Buddha in garden.  The two-story casita featuring a kitchenette, bath, minibar and two fireplaces, which began life as an office, has become a multi-use space -- transforming from a unique guest cottage to a yoga/meditation studio or sound healing space.  Look for the selenite crystals placed in the walls throughout the casita. 

Funny how Andrew swore he’d never buy another house that didn’t have a basement or garage, and then in 2007, when he and Wendy settled on their 1948 bungalow, it had neither.  In 2016 one of the oldest and largest oaks in the neighborhood split in two during an intense spring storm, making room in their backyard for that longed-for garage.  Designed by Andrew (while on jury duty), “Chatham Cottage” soon came to life in the form of a three-car garage plus 800 square feet of interior space that boasts nearly everything the couple wished for in their main house, but didn’t have.  As founding owners of the Be Yoga Collective and yoga instructors, these features include a yoga studio, sunroom, sleeping porch, indoor and outdoor kitchens, a home gym with sauna, and much more. 

After moving into their already-impressive home in December 2019, the Estramontes set about making changes and undertaking substantial renovations to customize their space.  They have poured so much love and attention into the details, adding their own spectacular touches to every inch -- design features such as lots of beautiful accent work in the kitchen by Charlotte’s reclaimed and vintage lumber/woodworking company, Cope and Stick.  Another indoor stand-out is the movie theater.  Equally amazing is the backyard -- featuring coy ponds, a new pool and pavilion with a pizza oven, a fully furnished apartment above the garage and a full-service gym.  But the best feature is a pub that rivals some of Midwood’s best bars!  The expansive lawn is laid out to accommodate several hundred people for their annual gatherings and is a great stomping ground for their three treasured pups. 

   A Restoration Story of a Mid-Century Church

Supperland, located in a restored 1948 church in Plaza Midwood at the intersection of The Plaza and McClintock, is a steakhouse with a whimsical menu – drawing inspiration from the church building itself -- “southern steakhouse meets church potluck.”  The restaurant’s design, combining unique southern charm with London gardens at tea time, echoes the owners’ travels across the pond and their appreciation for the refined.  

As you tour the building, you’ll be given a card with more design details.  You may tour on your own or join a group led by a guide.  Spaces open for walk-throughs include the main dining room, bar and the gardens, patios and speakeasy. 

Complimentary passed appetizers will be available, and you may purchase a drink from the bar, enjoying it on the patio. 

More Fun Facts: 

• The grounds at Supperland extend across two church buildings on a triangular lot. The smaller structure served as the original sanctuary, built in 1948, and now is the home of the Bar at Supperland. The larger building was built in 1956 and now houses the main dining room of the restaurant.
• The design was done by husband-wife owners, Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, along with the architects Peadon-Finien and Manor & Park.