AS A REAL ESTATE BROKER, Janie Jordan has seen a lot of homes, and her family has lived in quite a few of them too. Twenty years ago, when she and her husband Carter found their current property on two hilly, wooded acres just off the beltline, they knew the established neighborhood was a gem. The “off the beaten path” feel with a convenient location was ideal, even if the two-story Colonial was not a great fit for their modern tastes. The family completed three renovations through the years, the most recent in an effort to get the property market-ready. But after looking with no success for similar lots in the area that offered the acreage they wanted with the convenience they needed, the Jordans decided to raze their Colonial and build their dream home on the existing lot.
“We wanted a forever home where our kids and grandkids could visit and gather with us, both inside and out,” says Janie. “I created ten pages of dos and don’ts to ensure this build was everything we dreamed it could be.” Builder/architect Dixon/Kirby put the Jordans in touch with interior designers Robert MacNeill and Brittany Roux of Roux MacNeill Studio, and together they collaborated with landscaper Gardens to Die For to create a modern retreat in the heart of Raleigh tailored to the family’s lifestyle that embraced a seamless flow between outdoors and in.
Roux and MacNeill focused on creating interesting interior spaces that highlight the natural landscape by using neutral, earthy tones and organic materials. “The home is a study in natural textures: stone, leather, wood, bronze, and more,” MacNeill says. “These elements work hand-in-hand with the home’s expansive windows and lush landscaping to create a seamless vibe wedubbed Modern Mountain.”
Various shades of green throughout the interior echo the view from the windows, from the organic tones in Janie’s den to the moody hue of the owner’s bedroom. The kitchen’s steel hood with natural patina juxtaposed with handmade tiles, linen wallcoverings in the den, and cowboy-style leather in the living room impart rustic flair in the modern home. An open-ceiling outdoor shower with a natural privacy “forest” of bamboo and ferns exemplifies the convergence of outside and in.
Oversized statement lighting serves double duty as sculptural artwork; dramatic Visual Comfort pendants in the kitchen, a handwoven ribbon fixture in the guest room, and the stunning three-story LED staircase fixture add interest, movement, and wow moments in the home.
Gathering spots abound, ranging from intimate nooks to entertaining areas, speaking to the Jordans love of quality time with friends and family. The owner’s suite’s luxurious sitting room offers solitude with a resort-like poolside ambiance, and the private patio off the family’s den is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in nature. Larger crowds can gather around the outdoor fireplace, take a dip in the pool, or spend hours talking at the dining room table after a great meal.
There’s even a fun bunkroom where the grandkids can play and stretch the limits of their imagination in a kid inspired space. When asked about her favorite spot in the new home, Janie says she doesn’t have one—she loves them all. “There are so many indoor and outdoor retreats built into this home, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. From the nature-inspired spaces to the lush landscaping, our forever home is a true paradise.”