WHEN DESIGNER Meredith Beregovski first saw the Lake Norman A-frame, she immediately felt like it “needed her.” Despite her instantaneous connection to the property, however, those close to her were skeptical. How could this dated fixer-upper ever become her dream home? But Beregovski had a vision—one that took root deep inside her from the very first glimpse.
“When I originally started my home search, I was torn between the lake and the beach, but when I saw this home, I knew immediately it needed to be my next project,” says Beregovski. “I have always loved the nontraditional layout of an A-frame, and that, along with the picturesque lake views and the untapped potential of the property, made my decision easy. I could have continued my home search for years and never again found anything quite as special.”
She wasn’t necessarily looking for a home in need of a renovation, but as owner and lead designer of Georgia Street Design, Beregovski was no stranger to a large project. Initially, she didn’t anticipate much more than a change of flooring and a fresh coat of paint.
After closing on the property, however, she unleashed her imagination, and soon the A-frame was taken down to the studs. Though there were a few obstacles to overcome during the renovation—a slowing supply chain due to COVID-19 shutdowns and the tricky maneuvering of the spiral staircase—Beregovski’s vision and her expertise in the industry helped navigate a successful project. “I had the skill set to oversee the renovation, so I took the project management on myself,” she says. “I worked with all the trades I established relationships with over the years to help me create my most sacred place to be.”
Beregovski wanted a bright, open home that would feel like a breath of fresh air. She gutted the original galley kitchen and installed skylights to harness natural light into the space. European white oak flooring and shiplap paneling throughout the main floor create a clean, airy aesthetic that marries well with the home’s expansive windows, affording breathtaking lake views. This same concept takes center stage in the upstairs owner’s suite, where Beregovski worked with her carpenter to create a unique applied molding wall and ceiling treatment in white. Designed to feel like a cozy upscale hotel, the room’s neutral palette and access to large windows create a luxurious retreat at the end of a long day.
Beregovski’s vision also revolved around fashioning a home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Creighton, that celebrated their family, so she created a comfortable breakfast nook where they could spend time together and filled the family room with a collection of beloved travel souvenirs, favorite candles, and books. Creighton’s bedroom features a whimsical painting by Mary Maguire that honors the mother-child bond, a rustic reclaimed railroad beam, and bunk beds, perfect for sleepovers. The guest room’s soothing green Thibaut grasscloth was specifically chosen to make all guests feel at ease—as if in a cozy cocoon—when visiting the lake house.
The completed renovation is a testament to Beregovski’s vision and her hard work to pull it all together. “Each time I walk into the house, I have to pinch myself that it’s mine,” she says. “Creighton, the dogs, and I would choose being here over any other place and have created many special memories. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work on a project that is now so near and dear to me.”