2516 Sugar Valley Rd, Seneca, SC 29672

Imagine meandering on a road through the trees, rounding a gentle corner, and a magical home appears, a home where you sense there are surprises around each corner...welcome to 2516 Sugar Valley Road. Only 10 minutes from Clemson Univ., this 4 bedroom/4.5 bath home was reimagined and recreated in 2005, authentically inspired by traditional farmhouse design in the South of France and termed a "Mas", a little bit of Provence on Keowee. This Mas does not share a lot in common with other Keowee Homes. It certainly must be experienced and explored. It has the appeal of being gently added to over time, while maintaining warmth and continuity of character throughout. It's about discovering what is up the next set of steps, or what is around the next corner. Upon approaching the entry your eye is drawn through the lush landscaping, past the kitchen garden, and to the large wood entry door, softly lit by the gas lantern above. Once you enter the home, the magic of Lake Keowee makes its first impression -viewing miles of water to the picturesque mountains beyond. Then the details of the home begin to be revealed - the Entry features wide plank, heart of pine floors from an old SC textile mill. The herringbone pattern is a focal point in the Entry. The heart pine floors continue into the Grand Room, with its wall of glass, high ceiling, and extraordinary fireplace surrounded by custom casework panels. A hallway lined with custom bookcases secretly leads you up the steps to the Keeping Room. The Keeping Room and Kitchen are both delightful spaces. They both overlook the Grand Room and water view but are quaintly separate and intimate spaces. You will take a step back in time in the Kitchen. Instead of an island, the space was created for your family farm table, for family meal prep and gatherings. The Lacanche gas range from France is one of many highlights - perfect in a French Mas, right? An additional wall oven and microwave stack and built-in sub-zero refrigerator line the far wall which reveals charming French doors leading to the private Kitchen garden. The Owners Entry, Powder Room, Laundry, and Pantry are in the rear of the Kitchen, leading to the large Garage, storage/workshop space. One of the most striking details throughout the house is the use of beams on the ceilings in most rooms. These Spruce beams were hand-hewn using traditional old tools for the hew process. Once stained or whitewashed they were given a wax treatment to create an aged patina. From the left of the Entry you enter the Bedroom Tower which contains more surprises. Comprised of three bedrooms and three full baths, the tower offers privacy and spacious bedrooms with outstanding views. The Master Suite is a half-flight up from the Entry. The suite is luxurious and elegant in size and style and includes a built-in European Wardrobe Wall, beautiful bath, and a secret hallway to the tower retreat. This retreat is a cozy, reflective space for reading or just taking in the lake and mountain views. Below the Master is the Terrace Bedroom and Guest Bath/Powder Room. This suite has its own style and sense of space. It also has its own secret garden spot or Grotto, if you will. The third floor of the tower is a bedroom suite devoted to the magnificent views. Descending the Tower stairs you will come upon another surprise - the entry to a glassed-in Loggia. This is a quiet sitting area with perfect view, large enough for a sofa-bed for additional guests. Through the Loggia is yet another surprise - the loft/Office which overlooks the Grand Room. The stairs in the Grand Room lead to the final interior space, currently used as the fourth bedroom suite. With private entrance to the exterior, this could be perfect as an in-law suite as well. This suite contains its own fireplace, mini kitchen, full bath, and lake views. This suite may be the best guest suite ever- especially with its proximity to the wine cellar around the corner!