Lisa and Pete Beebe didn’t just want milder winters. They were ready for an entirely new aesthetic. The family of four had previously lived in a Winnetka, Illinois historic landmark that was built in 1903 and later renovated in keeping with Tudor traditions. When they headed south, they traded old and traditional for something their architect, Greg Perry, calls “simple sophistication.”
“We loved our architect, who had major input in the design and feel of our home,” Lisa says. “We told Greg that we love to entertain and wanted the main area of the home to open to the outdoors. We planned to take full advantage of the outdoor living in North Carolina.”
The Beebes wanted no wasted space in the 6,000-square-foot house. And they wanted a home that was suitable for formal entertaining but relaxed enough to be a teen hangout. Lisa, a stay-at-home mom, managed the major home renovation. In fact, this is the third home she has completely renovated and, according to her, will be her last. The renovation was so massive that Lisa says it is practically a new house. They bought the home in November 2014 and spent nearly a year on the makeover. When they moved in the following September, there was still another six months of work to complete. “We gutted the home,” Lisa says. “The only original aspect is the front stonework. Literally, nothing else is the same.”
“Greg and I worked through every detail of the house together,” Lisa says. “He would show me options, and I would often say, ‘If you like it, then I like it.’ I fully trusted him and his great taste. And I knew, since I was embarking on a different style than I was used to, I would have to let him pull it all together.”
“Greg helped with much more than the architectural design,” Lisa says. “He had input on details from hinges and door knobs to lighting to marble and tile.” Many trademark Greg Perry elements are on view here, including overall clean lines, barreled and varied ceiling heights, and sophisticated and monochromatic materials and fittings.
Interior designer Patrick Lewis came on near the end of the renovation. Lewis’ philosophy is that “your home should relax you.” Lisa signed on to that design credo and let Lewis guide her. Since the family went from historic to modern, most of their old furniture didn’t work in the new house. Lewis helped choose pieces that were a reflection of the home and Lisa’s new aesthetic.
“His neutral tones went right along with Greg’s design,” she says. Lisa’s favorite room – even though she doesn’t relish cooking – is the combined kitchen and family room. “It’s definitely the hangout spot for everyone.”
Pete, co-founder of a Charlotte-based asset management firm, may not have a man cave, but he has something even better. His favorite spot: the pool and 400-square-foot detached veranda.
“We have had several large events, including a 50th birthday party with a great band, several charity functions, and also the required homecoming and prom parties,” Lisa says. “Fires are awesome on the veranda with either a group of teenagers just hanging out or as a family night enjoying the outdoors. The pool is usually filled with kids playing hoops.”
From the veranda or the hot tub on a warm evening, cold winters are a distant memory.