Sprawling and private waterfront estate in the historic Masonboro Sound area offers an exquisite blend of raw natural beauty and refined elegance. The 7.8 acre property overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, Masonboro Island and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Ancient live oaks, pine groves, and marshes-home to egrets, osprey, ibises- are balanced by the formal boxwood garden, stately swimming pool, paisley Camellia garden and putting green. Anchoring the property is the spacious 6800 square foot main house which was designed by architect Michael Kersting and built by Lee Cowper for the current owner in 2000. Spacious, high-style, and meticulously detailed, the 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath brick house is a marriage of modern luxury and classic design. Central to the stunning composition of the home is the three story octagonal gallery which is open from the main floor to the third floor cupola. It is an architectural detail that functions beautifully as counterpoint to the perfect order of the home's symmetrical layout. In addition to the formal living and dining rooms, the main level of the home includes multiple gallery spaces with custom lighting to showcase artwork, a conservatory area, and an aristocratic study clad in reclaimed wormy chestnut wood. With both function and fashion in mind, the chef's kitchen is equipped with a Viking gas range, warming drawer; SubZero refrigerator; Thermador oven, and Fisher Paykel dish drawers. The kitchen is open to the Carolina gathering room which features a fireplace and wet bar. Both the living room and Carolina room open onto the deep verandah- an ideal space for outdoor entertaining. Some other features of the main level include 12' ceilings, hardwood floors with inlaid borders, exquisite woodwork, cabinetry, wood paneling, 3 fireplaces, custom lighting and fixtures, and recessed speakers all connected to a central sound system. In contrast to the first floor, the second floor is a more private space. The twin master suites both have fireplaces and open onto the verandah that provides exceptional views of the Masonboro Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there is more gallery space, a third bedroom and an office which could function as a playroom or bedroom. All rooms on the second floor have large private baths, 10' ceilings, custom woodwork and 100% wool carpeting. The third floor is a unique gallery space with a spiraling staircase that leads to the cupola and its breathtaking 360 degree views.On the ground floor, a large cozy den with exposed beams and fireplace is anchored by an antique pub bar which turns the space into a true "Rathskeller". There is also private guest room which features a fireplace and ensuite bath. A patio runs the length of the house on this level for additional outdoor space. The laundry room serves dual purpose as a secondary prep kitchen. It is adjacent to the elevator, which serves three floors, for convenience. The climate controlled three-car garage and additional work space provide ample storage space. Also, on the grounds is a 3 bedroom (master down) 2 bath log guest cottage with a two story stone fireplace in the vaulted living room. The guest cottage also has an office, sunroom, laundry room and a detached two car garage. This building was the original house on the property. The current owners moved it to its current site before beginning construction on the main house.Additional features include:- Pier with boat lift and room for floating docks- Hidden paths and gardens- Whole house generator- Weather shield windows and doors- Hurricane shutters- Brazilian mahogany decking on double verandahs- Elevator which services three floors- Custom solid Cherry cabinets throughout the home- Panasonic digital business phone system- Lutron wireless lights package- Sound system both throughout home and on main verandah- Security system- Irrigation system- Copper Roof
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