A Must Build on Mt. Island Lake

Outside

Nestled on a heavily wooded lot, this one-of-a-kind custom build was calling Grainda’s name.

Located at Mountain Island Lake, it is close to Charlotte and the airport, making it the dream combo of lake-living with the convenience of city living.

Proximity to the lake also made things a bit tricky, but the Grainda team made all of the necessary adjustments to make the waterfront more accessible. Given that the lake provides the city’s drinking water, maintaining water access and quality was paramount.

Grainda’s Vice President, Jason says “For the lake access, we couldn’t bring in any heavy equipment, so we had to hand-build the walkway and be careful to create an elevated pathway over top of one of the protected waterways that runs through the property. It was a good challenge for us to come up with a creative solution that was also visually interesting, yet not disruptive.”

The grading also opened the door for a basement area without having to expand the foundation or the roofline. “We knew we wanted to add a secondary garage space, especially since it’s a waterfront home, but we wanted to keep it within the footprint of the main living area above” says Jason.

Smart design also produced the double-level covered terrace. Taking a fresh approach – this is what a piazza wants to be when it grows up – the layout includes a fireplace and is adjacent to the main living areas, providing access to the outdoors and the basement.

Inside

There are traditional elements, but the vibe is definitely casual and fun. We are at the lake after all.

In the kitchen, Interior Designer, Kari, selected a deep navy color for the Don Carlos, Inc. cabinets and added dark hardware, which is both current and classic. A mix of open-storage shelving and high-end kitchen appliances will keep things cooking for years to come.

Custom shiplap on the island and hood gives a nod to nautical without feeling too ‘lake-y’, while the industrial-style lighting above the island anchors the kitchen in a sea of natural light and greenery that floods through the windows.

Kari says, “The cabinet style is similar throughout the home including in the laundry and bathrooms, which gives the owner a springboard to infuse their own style.” Shiplap sails throughout too, also making an appearance in the swoon-worthy drop zone, one of the guest baths, and the vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom.

The stylish staircase embodies the steps taken to create a desirable blend of modernity and warmth. “Kari selected some cool elements, and we followed her lead. We liked the nautical feel of the horizontal railings reminiscent of boats and docks, without it feeling over the top or dated” says Jason.

Another stellar touch that brings the wow-factor without the sticker shock, is the wallpaper backsplash in the lower-level wet bar. Kari says, “Wallpaper can be a cost effective, fun design element that adds personality in an unexpected space.” 

This lot was too good to pass up, and seeing the potential of any space is Grainida’s specialty – do you have your eye on a piece of property you’d like to talk to us about? Contact us today; with your vision and our expertise, we can build the home of your dreams.