Jul. 31, 2008 - Charming Charleston Style Home in Downtown Apex
Charming Charleston Style Home in Downtown Apex
Location: Salem Oaks
Walk to charming downtown Apex from this showstopper! Custom features include wrap-around porch, hardwood floors, extensive trim work, like crown moulding & chair railing,focal-point fireplace,brush nickel fixtures,formal dining with trey ceiling. Master bath has tile floor with separate shower & tub & dual sinks. Fresh paint inside is warm neutral tone. Large 500+ sq ft attic. Fenced backyard with patio also. This one won't last long!
Jul. 31, 2008 - Carolina Preserve Rental -Ready for Move-In
Photo Gallery
Gorgeous Stone and Shake Elevation
Gourmet kitchen w/SS Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Island, and Pantry
Elegant Formal Dining Room
Light and Bright Breakfast Room
Sunroom w/a view
Premium lot w/great view
Description
Move-in now to the Hottest Active Adult Community on the East Coast! NEW Emerald, Chesnut Garden plan + SUNRM. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. Gourmet kitchen w/gas cooktop and SS Appliances. Premium lot overlooking one of the many ponds. Enjoy the amentities of the 34.000 Square Ft Bradford Hall, Tennis Courts, and Bacci Ball! HOA fees included
Jul. 29, 2008 - 3021 Olde Weatherstone Way - My New listing in Glenkirk
Immaculate Executive Home in the best location in Cary!
Location: Glenkirk
This executive home has sophisticated southern charm and is located on a premium elevated lot. Gorgeous inside and out, a must see to appreciate its splendor. Spectacular luxurious MSTR suite w/nursery/fitness rm., gourmet kitchen w/all the bells and whistles, double covered porch.. Irr. system. Sold Furnished for $640k
Jul. 10, 2008 - Heritage Pines in Cary, NC - A Top Notch Active 55+ Community
City: Cary
Location:
From Davis/High House Rd. head West and turn right on Carpenter-Upchurch Road. Pass Green Hope High School and Heritage Pines is on your right. From Morrisville Carpenter Road heading West turn left onto Carpenter-Upchurch Road and right into Heritage Pines.
Neighborhood Facts:
Price range is from the mid $200s - high $300s
208 Single Family Homes and 90 2,3,4 Unit Duplex Homes
Located in a central location in Cary
The homes in Heritage Pines are ranch homes built by K.Hovanian & Westminster Homes beginning in 2000 and completion of all of the homes will conclude by the end of 2007. This community has approximately 225 homes, all built with Active 55+ Seniors in mind.
Neighborhood shopping
Stone Creek Village Shopping Center is located just a mile around the corner from Heritage Pines. This gorgeous new shopping center has restaurants, boutiques, and even a Harris Teeter.
Transportation - CTran, Cary's public transportation can be used by the neighborhood for pick-up and drop off when visiting Dr.'s, shopping, etc for those that don't like to drive.
Cary Senior Center - Just two miles from Heritage Pines the Cary Senior Center offers a number of activities for Seniors in the Town of Cary.
Jul. 10, 2008 - Carolina Preserve by Del Webb Active Adult Living Community in Cary, North Carolina
Carolina Preserve by Del Webb at Amberly, a new Active Adult Community is located in presitigous Cary, North Carolina. Why live in Cary, NC?
Cary has earned numerous awards for its high quality of life and has been rated the #1 place to live on the East Coast by Money Magazine
It's ranked as the safest city in the South and the 6th safest out of 327 large cities in the nation
Location, Location, Location that's why!! It is located in th heart of the Triangle, adjacent to Research Triangle Park, and only minutes away from RDU International Airport, the state's capitial, and the burgeoning theatre and arts community in Chapel Hill.
Carolina Preserve is located a short distance from some of the best healthcare in the nation including:
Wake Med in Cary, Raleigh, and coming soon to Apex.
The University of North Carolina Wellness system has also agreed to partner with Carolina Preserve to provide their residents with fitness and wellness programs!
Carolina Preserve's grand opening celebration occurred July 15, 2006. At the opening, Del Webb unveiled nine model homes. The total number of lots will be rolled out in five phases with a total of 1,260 homesites.
Amenities & A Sense of Strong Community dominate Carolina Preserve
The hub of this active adult community will be its clubhouse and residents will have access to numerous activities. Planned for this premier community are an indoor year round pool, state of the art fitness center, billiard room, multi-purpose room and lounge area. There will be a second outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and picnic pavilion. Carolina Preserve is one of 7 neighborhoods in Amberly. Residents of Carolina Preserve will also have access to Amberly's clubhouse, pools and walking trails!
Arts, Culture, Sports & More are located near Carolina Preserve
The greater Raleigh area offers an abundance of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Enjoy a performance at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts featuring theater, ballet, the symphony and opera. Delight in outdoor performances at the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary. Raleigh provides numerous sports teams: The Carolina Hurricanes (NHL Hockey), Carolina Mud Cats and Durham Bulls (AA Baseball); and the great college sports including ACC NC State, UNC & Duke! Our area also features several major universities and community colleges to choose from including Duke University, UNC/Chapel Hill & NC State University that can offer you accredited courses for continuing your education or just for fun!!
What about golf? Is there are golf course too?
Located near the Carolina Preserve are several world-renowned championship golf courses that offer daily golf and Private memberships:
Prestonwood CC
Briar Creek CC
Lochmere
MacGregor Downs
Pinehurst, only a short 50 minute drive away offers over 100 public golf courses
Community Details:
Age Restriction: 55+
Type of Home: Single Family, Villa/Town homes
Home Sizes: There are Four Collection of Homes:
Cardinal Collection: 1103-1414 square feet
Dogwood Collection: 1590-1919 square feet
Emerald Collection: 2050-2597 square feet
Villas: Duplex units
Price Range: Base Pricing $210,000-$401,000
As your trusted real estate professional, I am committed to offering you specialized services that focus on your needs. I understand that the sale or purchase of a home is one of the biggest events in your life and potentially one of the most stressful events in your life. My goal is to use my skill and expertise to guide you step by step through the process making the transaction easier and more pleasant. I strive to provide patient, caring, professional support and excellent service that exceeds your expectations.
Update: The next delivery for homes in Amberly is scheduled for August 2008 except for a few homes in the Emerald Collection!! This neighborhood has sold quickly, so be patient if you want to buy in this area.
Click on the map to the left for driving directions or call me for additional information on the community.
Jul. 10, 2008 - Cary's Hottest New Community is Amberly
The number one selling new home community in Wake County in 2006!! This planned community, when completed, will offer natural areas, retail space, shopping areas, 276 acres of common areas, miles of greenway trail and many exclusive amenities!
Amenities include a gymnasium, village green, event lawn, children's playground, Jr. Olympic pool, family fun pool, and residents club. Within the residents club you'll find a fitness center, aerobics room, children's play room, teen room, decks and patios and flexible meeting areas. With an abundance of amenities and an incredible location, Amberly is a must see community!
The two primary builders at Amberly are KB Home & Pulte Homes. At present, the prices range from the low $200's & $300's for KB's town home and single family home products, to the $500's for Pulte's Blackstone at Amberly Neighborhood.
The Peninsula - custom homes from the $400s to $800s, custom lot sales will begin in February from the $120s (very limited supply). Builders are 1st American Builders and Royal Oaks Building Group. Estate Home builders and prices to be announced soon.
Village Square - single family and townhomes from the $300s to $600s, built by the Bedford Builder Group (great variety of homes, including 3-story brownstone townhomes with elevators).
Blackstone - Pulte Homes from the $330s
Arlington Park & Lexington Park - KB Homes from the $200s
Amberly can now be accessed through Carpenter Fire Station or the newly opened McCrimmon Parkway.
One question that comes up often-Where will my children go to school with all of the growth? Not to worry. Panther Creek High School opened last year on McCrimmon Parkway. This high school will be grades 9-12 through the 2008-2009 School Year
Jul. 6, 2008 - Bedford at Falls River – It's a wonderful life!!
I would say that this is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Raleigh. As a result, this planned community has received numerous awards and accolades from the National Association of Home Builders and others and is one of the reason this neighborhood has sold so well. There really is something for everyone in this neighborhood where prices start in the low 200s and peak at over $1M.
City: Raleigh, North Carolina
Directions:
From the Airport: Take US-70/Aviation Parkway West to I-540 East toward US-70. Exit Falls of Neuse Road(Exit 14). Take a left onto Falls of Neuse Road. Turn right into Bedford onto Dunn Road. Enter roundabout and take 3rd exit onto Falls River Avenue.
Recreation Center - Over 3,500 Square Feet with two sitting areas, a TV, VCR, and wireless Wi-Fi internet access throughout the building.
Pools at the Recreation Center - There's plenty of swimming in Bedford. The Recreation Center has two pools-a competition sized pool and a standard size pool. The kids favorite is Mt. Gushmore, the 110-foot long, 15-foot high mountainous waterslide!
Parks and Greenways - There are over 205 acres of parks, greenways and open spaces at Bedford, along with 26 miles of tree-lined sidewalks including Jellystone Park, Pottersville Park, Central Park and the Secret Garden.
Clock Tower - This is the center of Beford and the Town Square marked by the bold and beautiful brick Clock Tower.
The Shoppes at Bedford Square - Plan for a small commercial section in Bedford and sometime Farmers Market at the Square.
One of the neat aspects about Bedford at Falls River is its walk-ability aspect.Walkscore.com has done a study of the different aspects of a neighborhood to see how close amenities are to the neighborhood. Bedford scored well in terms of a central location near the library, grocery stores, coffee shops, gas stations, etc.
Here is a list of Builders and the communities they represent:
1st American Builders - Greenbrier Collection, Sonoma Collection, The Townes at Bedford Square
Check out Bedford's Interactive Neighborhood Website for more information or view my video tour below:
If you'd like more information on this community or information on relocating to the Triangle in general please visit my website or contact me via email by completing the contact form.
HOA Fees: $2,048 per year including recreation center
Builder Team:
Helton Homes Inc. - With a home building history and reputation for 30 years, Helton Homes, Inc. is one of the most respected companies in the Triangle area. President Rick Helton now runs the award-winning company begun by his father in 1972, and prides himself in maintaining the level of excellence they have achieved in producing quality homes.
Loyd Builders LLC - Trip Lloyd was born and raised in North Carolina and specializes in custom homes in the Triangle.
M.J. Evans Homes LLC - Michael J. Evans has 18 years of experience in quality and commitment to excellence in the home building business. He is a member of the Orange County Homebuilders Association and the Wake County Homebuilders Association. He has received various forms of recognition throughout his professional life.
Aiello Builders Inc. - Custom builder, Bob Aiello, has homes in and around the Triangle including Hope Valley and Regency Park
Rufty Homes Inc. - My favorite custom builder in the Triangle. Jon Rufty's accolades include 4-time MAME award for "Builder of the Year", Parade of Homes Awards, National HBA award for "Excellence in Home Design", NC Custom Home of the Year and recognition in National Publications.
Upright Builders Inc. - Wes Carroll, a prominent local custom builder, is an active member of the Wake County Home Builders Association, Wes has been in two "Dream Home Showcase" events, and Habitat for Humanity's "Build a Home in One Week" campaign.
Colvard Farms Amenities
300 beautiful acres of open space, trails, and greenways
Jul. 6, 2008 - Don't miss Holly Hill Daylily Farm in Moncure, NC
In January I wrote about moving across town in, "Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain". Our new neighborhood and neighbors are warm and inviting. They've really made the transition an easy one. I was asked today by another agent in my office, "Are you happy about your move to Glenkirk? What do you like about Glenkirk?" and I replied, "There isn't one thing I regret - the location, quality of home, neighborhood amenities, and the neighbors are all a big plus.
So, it can't be perfect. What would be the ONE thing you would change? Well everyone, I spent many years growing an established garden at my previous home and I miss it. The landscape had matured - Leyland Cyprus, Butterfly bushes, Crepe Myrtles, Clematis vines, Tomato garden, Herb garden, and lily plantings really made the home sparkle. I vow to make this home just as warm and inviting as the last but it will take a while.
If you're just moving to the Triangle there is a well hidden secret about buying the most unique lilies in the Triangle.Holly Hill Day Lily Farm has been growing lilies in the Triangle for 28 seasons and they are the best lily grower in North Carolina.
If you have an afternoon free and are in for an adventure head out to Holly Hill Day Lily Farm. They are only open to the public for seven weekends per year starting June 7th and commencing July 20th. I'll never forget my first trip to the farm. I met the owner, Jim Massey, and he is quite a trip. He has stories about all of the lilies he grows. The farm has over 1,000 varieties available for purchase during the lily season. I happened to purchase a unique yellow variety called, "Davies Moon Pie". I think that has to do with one of Jim's friends but I'd rather not ask. I forgot to mention that the farm is almost as well known for its eclectic garden folk art as it is for its daylilies!
I know I'll be out there on June 7th collecting new varieties for my new home. I hope to see you all there. Moncure is located just outside of Pittsboro and about 15-20 minutes West of Apex, NC.
What a difficult task - Pick just 5 things to do in the Triangle area
I wouldn't have said that when I moved to the Triangle in 1991 but the Triangle has come a long way in such a short time and our area has so much to offer. The Triangle area is now consistently receiving national attention as one of the Best Places to Live for its revitalization of the downtown Raleigh & Durham areas, consistent job growth, highly educated workforce, major universities, cultural activities, great nightlife, and much more.
If you are planning to move to the Triangle area of North Carolina or your kids are considering attending one of the many universities in the area, I'm here to help you with a few things to do in the area. With that said, it's time to visit the Triangle Area.
Tracy Santrock's Top 5 Things to do in the Triangle
1. Visit one of the three Major Universities in the Area - A visit to the Triangle would not be complete without a visit to one of the three major universities in the area. North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, or the University of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill. UNC-Chapel Hill is nestled in the quaint college town of Chapel Hill and the college is one of the top public universities in the country. A stroll down Franklin Street, a walk through campus, and a slice of pizza at Peppers Pizza downtown would make any tourists day complete. Duke Universities' gothic style campus is reminiscent of the Ivy League schools in the Northeast. While visiting Duke don't miss out on Duke Gardens, the Duke Chapel, or attendance at one of the many Blue Devil athletic events during the school year. NC State, home of the Wolfpack, is a public university known for it's outstanding Engineering programs. The campus is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh close to downtown. With those visits out of the way I feel smarter already! There is no shortage of brain power in this area!
2. Take a tour of one of the many Triangle Museums - There are three you don't want to miss in the area in particular. Each of the choices will not disappoint. If you're in Durham visit the Museum of Life & Science which is a family friendly museum, bosts a 3-story tropical conservatory and a daily butterfly release for the children. If your on a budget the North Carolina Museum of Art is home to over 5,000 pieces of Art and us free to the public. Ackland Art Museum, at the base of the Univeristy of North Carolina, is considered to be one of the best small museums on any campus. If the kids are in tow go to downtown Raleigh to Marbles Kids Museum.
3. Spend some time outdoors -With four distinct seasons, over 222 Days of Sunshine, and an average temperature of 58 Degrees it's hard not to enjoy some time outdoors on your visit. Whether your plans are for a short jaunt or a long hike in one of the many state parks in the area no visit would be complete without some time outdoors. Here are a few of my favorites in the area-Pick one. Duke forest, Umstead Park, Eno River State Park, or the American Tobacco Trail. Umstead Park would be my top pick with over 30 miles of jogging and biking trails and a fanstastic central location make this park a step above the rest.
4. Play a round of golf -With over 100+ area golf courses to choose from it's tough not to have a great golf experience. If you're up for the best of the best head 50 minutes away to Pinehurst and challenge yourself on the famous Pinehurst #2 Golf Course. My local favorite is the Washington Duke Golf Course because I really enjoy dining at the Fairview Restaurant afterwards.
5. Don't forget the nightlife. What's a visit to any town without a night out on the town? Each of the Triangle Towns now has a great downtown nightlife. If your young and want the college atmosphere I recommend the nightlife in Chapel Hill. Downtown Durham, in the old Tobacco district, has a number of great choices. The NEW Downtown Raleigh has several restauraunts, bars, and fabulous venues. My favorite night on the town has to go to Chapel Hill with fabulous restaurants, charm, character, and excitement.
I hope you can see why I love to call the Triangle home! It's an active and thriving area with lots of choices. We hope you make it hear soon.
If you are thinking of relocating to the Raleigh-Cary NC area I'd love to help you find the perfect home. Visit my website at www.TriangleNCHomes4Sale.com for additional details and a free Relocation packet.
Duke Chapel Photo & Umstead Park photo courtesy of Flickr.
Jul. 5, 2008 - Like Him, Love Him, or Not, A North Carolina Legend Passes Away on Independance Day
Big news in Raleigh Today! The converatives in North Carolina are mourning the passing of the legendary Jesse Helms, otherwise known as Senator NO. It's quite ironic that the long-time US Senator passed away on Independence Day. Jesse Helms was a staunch conservative and was one of the longest serving Senators in the history of the United States. Helms served five terms before retiring in 2002 due to poor health. I'm surprised the Mr. Helms made it this long - with his fight against heart disease, cancer, and other ailments.
There will be a Memorial service today at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh from 10am until 8pm this evening.
Did you agree with Mr. Helms and his views? What will this mean for the State of North Carolina and the conservative agenda?
Jul. 2, 2008 - Priced to sell or priced to sit - That is the question
Today I met with clients to discuss Marketing their property. I must admit the home was absolutely fabulous(custom built in 2005) and they had done some incredible updates to the home such as:
Plantation Shutters
Added a coiffered ceiling in the downstairs formal living room
Wet bar in the bonus room
Dual Zone surround sound
Hired an interior designer and custom painted the walls throughout the home
Gourmet kitchen
Office on the 1st Floor
Added fabulous landscaping
10 Foot Ceilings on the 1st Floor
9 Foot Ceilings on the 2nd, except a 2nd bedroom w/12 foot ceilings
That said, my potential clients needed to understand the reality of the Triangle Luxury Home market. I have other Luxury Home listings currently and they are truely a challenge.
Why would this lovely home be such a challenge going into the peak selling season?
There are 33 Active Listings in the Neighborhood.The sister neighborhood has 26 specs going on the market just this month.
The New Homes are offering a $16,000 incentive for membership to Cary's premier Country Club
Inventory in this segment in Cary has grown over 30% in one year
Supply of homes between $500-$600k is 22 months and growing
Market share for luxury homes is substantially lower than N. Raleigh(32% vs 17% in Cary)
Pricing Discussion:
Because of all of the new construction there were plenty of comparables.
The clients big concern is that I didn't look at comparables on the side of the neighborhood that didn't back to I-540.
All of my comps were on the "resale" side which were substantially lower than the new construction.
My clients wanted to price their home at the same price with homes that had 500 square feet larger, have an extra garage, and an extra bathroom.
What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you take the listing or wait until the home doesn't sell and let them call you for Round 2? Take a walk in my shoes for the moment.
Jul. 1, 2008 - Glenkirk in Cary, NC - Executive homes in a fabulous location!
City: Cary
Location: Off of Cary Parkway & Old Weatherstone
I know this neighborhood all to well. I mentioned earlier this year that I moved to this beautiful neighborhood in my post Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain. My family has loved every minute of our transition to the new neighborhood (ok, except unpacking the boxes).
I was a little concerned about being one of the last families to move to the neighborhood. To the contrary I've met so many of the neighbors and their children and everyone has been just spectacular. It's so nice to be a part of a community that has that warm, inviting appeal where everyone knows everyone's name. Since I've finally finished unpacking all of the boxes I thought it is time for me to write about the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Facts:
Price range is from the low $600s to over $1 Million
Two sections: Newest homes are in the back section; Other homes built in 2006
Approximately 100+ Executive Homes
Several basement homesites
Jogging trail, sidewalks, and bike trail
One mile from Bond Park and the Cary Community Center
Traditional Schools
Minutes from the grocery stores, Preston Walk, Inside Out Sports, restaurants, and convenience stores
Builder
John Wieland Homes is an established and renowned builder in the Southeast that has received several awards including:
• National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine
• National Housing Quality Award presented by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center
Key Neighborhood Highlights:
Glenkirk Club House & Swimming Pool
I'm lucky to live across from the Glenkirk Club House where there is plenty to do. We have a group of girls that gets together for Pokino. Other amenities include a pool with a childrens' play area, children's playground, picnic area, and a Basketball court too!
Preston Walk Shopping Center
Just around the corner from the neighborhood and a 10 minute walk is Preston Walk Shopping Center - Some of my favorite restaurants in town including Panera Bread, Stonewood, Biaggis, and Henrys Gelato. La Therapie Day Spa and Inside Out Sports and more....
Preston Corners Shopping Center
Just about all of the banks have a branch at Preston Corners. Other notable highlights include Fedora, Suncom, Preston Flowers, Lowes Grocery, a Mexican restaurant, coffee shop, and others. Across the street is La Farm Bakery, one of my personal favorites.
For more information go to the Glenkirk website or contact me directly for this neighborhood.
Jul. 1, 2008 - Why choose Fonville Morisey for your next Realtor® in the Triangle Area?
If you are moving to the Triangle from another area of the country you may not have heard of the company I work for Fonville Morisey. Most of the time prospective clients have heard of Remax, Keller Williams, and Prudential, but not Fonville Morisey. My clients come from all over the US and ask me, "Why did you choose to work for Fonville Morisey?" I say, "I wouldn't even think of working for any other real estate company in the Triangle and I think you'll see why once we view a view properties". Here is the way I see it-there is power to inventory and Fonville Morisey agents have more listings & are more productive than any of the other companies in the area. In essence, strong inventory naturally creates a If you haven't made it to the Triangle yet, and you're still debating on an agent or a company to work with, I'd like to tell you why my company is the real estate agency of choice in the Triangle! strong pool of buyers. Fonville Morisey's market share and real estate philosophy are why I decided to work for Fonville Morisey.
For starters, where in the world did the name Fonville Morisey come from? Back in the early ‘70s a couple of fraternity brothers saw the Triangle growing at a fast paced and decided to start a new firm in the area. The gentlemen that founded the company were Tommy Fonville, Johnny Morisey, and Frank Roebuck. Their vision was to create a "boutique" real estate organization that would specialize in the Triangle area and provide differentiated services unlike those of their competitors across the country. The vision, the integrity, and the reputation created by the founders led the company from a small privately held organization to the #41 ranked real estate firm in the country in 2006. And, in 2007, Long and Foster purchased Fonville Morisey as a wholey owned subsidiary making our firm party to the #3 largest real estate company in the US. As those from the Northeast know, Long & Foster is also privately held which was an important decision making factor for the companies' founders when selling the firm.
More than just market share, Fonville Morisey has been the recipient of several awards that have been voted on by buyers and sellers in the community. For example, 2006, 2008 Independent Awards for Best Real Estate Company in the Triangle. And, Metro Magazine's 2006 Award for Best Real Estate Company in the Triangle.
Clients choose agents for different reasons, usually based on interests, personal preferences,agent specialization, and the need to work with an experienced/established agent. The following links give you a glimpse about me and why clients have chosen Fonville Morisey & me as their agent:
Jul. 1, 2008 - Tracy's Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in Durham
I was showing homes in Durham last weekend and it brought me back to the days when I lived in Chapel Hill in the early ‘90s and spent quite a bit of time in Durham. One of the things I've always liked about Durham is that they have a fantastic restaurant scene and I frequently visit the area with my husband Mauro. I've written a few articles about restaurants in the area but none that focused exclusively on Durham. That said, I thought I'd bring up a few treasures that can be found in Durham.
Nana's Restaurant - 2514 University Drive 919.493.8545 My husband and I ate here a few years ago on his Birthday. It's the kind of restaurant that you go to on special occasions or for a business dinner. It's a beautiful restaurant enriched by local art and the cooking creations of award winning chef Scott Howell. Food & Wine referred to the menu as "a blend of Italy and the American South, with a few French accents." Nana's is considered one of the Triangles top dining destinations. When available, suggestions include the lamb with its delicate and subtle sauce and my personal favorite the seafood risotto. Throe is also a cozy little bar to sip on cocktails while you wait for your table.
The Fairview at Washington Duke 3001 Cameron Blvd. 919. 490.0999 This is my favorite destination for Christmas Brunch with my family. It's a wonderfully intimate and sophisticated setting overlooking the Washington Inn & Duke Golf Course. The Executive Chef, Jason Cunningham serves delightful dishes such as the braised beef short rib with exotic mushrooms, roasted celery and plum-infused veal reduction. To top off the dining experience, there are over 250 varieties in the wine collection and they regularly receive the distinguished Wine Spectator Magazine Award for Excellence.
Magnolia Grill- 1002 9th St. 919.286.3609 Bold, imaginative cuisine from nationally acclaimed chefs Ben and Karen Barker. I find this restaurant to be a bit bright, stuffy, and expensive. It's consistently considered by many to be the finest restaurant in the Triangle and voted to "11th place" in best restaurants in the US by Gourmet Magazine in 2006. The menu is innovated and seasonally directed.
Four Square Restaurant 2701 Chapel Hill Rd 919.401.9877 Bon Appétit calls Four Square "exciting" and remarks, "The plates going back to the kitchen were licked clean." Owned and operated by executive chef Shane Ingram and his wife, former pastry chef Elizabeth Woodhouse
Watts Grocery 1116 Broad Street, near Club Boulevard 919.416.5040 Watts Grocery is actually an acclaimed neighborhood restaurant in Durham, NC. The name is derived from the Watts-Hillandale neighborhood where Chef Amy Tornquist grew up and Watts Street Grocery, a favorite childhood stop for candy and snacks. But what's most distinctive is Amy's use of local ingredients, many raised, caught, smoked, pickled or cured within a two-hour radius of Durham, and how she weaves them into her cooking. It's no wonder that Amy studied cooking at the internationally renowned La Varenne École de Cuisine in Paris. She honed her skills at the elbow of the late Bill Neal, founder of Crook's Corner and an icon of contemporary Southern cuisine. What a fantastic destination for cuisine at its finest.
Guglhupf Café - 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd 919.401.2600 I had lunch with my clients at this charming café. Gugulhupf is a European bakery in Durham, named for an Austrian Bundt cake studded with rum-soaked golden raisins. Its German-trained artisan bakers have been turning out everything from ciabatta to Black Forest rye to Linzer cookies to the bakery's namesake cake since 1998. I had the Westphalian ham on Black Forest rye!! Yummy! Enjoy the striking architecture of the café and courtyard for outdoor dining.
Café Parizade2200 W Main St, Erwin Square 919.286.9712 Southern Living has consistently touted this restaurant. The atmosphere has an expansive open copper covered kitchen, whimsical art and a well stocked bar. There is a good selection of appetizers to go along with your drinks and a dinner menu with specialties like fettuccini with fresh salmon and black pepper dill cream. Fresh homemade desserts and famous Leonia's Belgian chocolates tempt you in the background.
Rue Cler Restaurant401 E Chapel Hill St, Downtown 919.682.8844 opened in October of 2006 to great reviews. Rue Cler's classic bistro cuisine combines the freshest ingredients and delicious French wines at a reasonable price during lunch, dinner and brunch. Food and Wine praises the hot, powdered sugar covered beignets they sell by the dozen.
Pop's 810 W Peabody St, Brightleaf District, Downtown 919.956.7677
is a fabulous Italian restaurant in Durham. The atmosphere is charming with its wood burning ovens, thin crust pizza, calamari, and taste of Italy reinterpreted with a southern flair and devotion to fresh seasonal local ingredients. The casually sophisticated atmosphere appeals to both long time residents and young professionals. It is a sister restaurant to Nana's but comes with its own set of accolades.
Foster's Market2693 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. 919.489.3944 A casual atmosphere and great place to kick back and relax. where you choose from gourmet sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups and daily specials. Whatever you do, don't leave without a piece of the crumb cake or one of the other tasty desserts.
Here are a few related articles that I've written on the Triangle restaurant scene:
Jul. 1, 2008 - Pittsboro NC Real Estate - Chatham County Continues to Boom
If you haven't been keeping up with what is going on in Pittsboro it's time you did. There are currently only 3,000 residents in the town of Pittsboro today but not for long. There continues to be a lot of noise that Pittsboro will be the next likely hot spot in the Triangle. Pittsboro has sparked a lot of interest due to its recent population boom, its proximity to other Triangle towns and the amount of available land in the area.
Last fall I wrote a blog about the projected growth in Pittsboroand in March I wrote about the community of Pittsboro. This small town isn't used to big developers coming in and trying to scoop up big chunks of land for residential and commercial projects. Recently developers have proposed over a half a dozen projects that are causing controversy.
Proposed and current development include:
Powell Place - A residential development with about 300 homes planned.
Outparcels near Lowe's - Three small sites in front of Lowe's Home Improvement store may become home to a KFC/Taco Bell and a pharmacy.
Pittsboro Commons- A 425,000-square-foot shopping center that will likely house a grocery store plus other shops and restaurants. The developer is awaiting a ruling on its rezoning.
Bellemont Point & Bellemont Station - Adjacent residential and commercial developments and about 100,000 square feet of commercial space, mostly offices. So far, only the commercial space is under construction.
Sixty-Four Crossing - Chatham Park Investors has filed for rezoning of 71 acres spanning both sides of Eubanks Road and has proposed a development with 310,000 square feet of retail shops, 130,000 square feet of offices and a 140-room hotel. The planning board has recommended approval, and a public hearing is scheduled for August 27th.
Other proposed developments include:
A 440,000-square-foot shopping center with a 140 room hotel on the east side of town
A grocery-anchored shopping center
Pittsboro Place- A rezoning project that would include a 120 Acre parcel and 1.3 million-square-foot office and shopping complex w/320 new homes. They have even proposed a movie theatre and a bowling alley. This development is being funded by a group of Triangle investors headed by Raleigh resident Bill Jackson, who has been working in commercial development for almost four decades. This mall would make Southpoint in Durham look like small potatoes if you can imagine that!!
Not all residents living in Pittsboro are exicted about the changes. Several have even turned up at Town Hall to express their displeasure with the proposal. Most families living in Pittsboro moved there because they wanted to live in the small town...
Stay tuned for the next chapter regarding the Chatham County Real Estate developments..
Welcome to my blog on Raleigh-Cary and the Triangle area of NC Real Estate. Here you can read current information on the Triangle area including neighborhood profiles, school information, taxes, market conditions, and even find things to do in the Triangle.
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w/Activerain". Our new neighborhood and neighbors are warm and inviting. They've really made the transition an easy one. I was asked today by another agent in my office, "Are you happy about your move to Glenkirk? What do you like about Glenkirk?" and I replied, "There isn't one thing I regret - the location, quality of home, neighborhood amenities, and the neighbors are all a big plus.
Luxury Home listings currently and they are truely a challenge. 
What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you take the listing or wait until the home doesn't sell and let them call you for Round 2? Take a walk in my shoes for the moment.
his Birthday. It's the kind of restaurant that you go to on special occasions or for a business dinner. It's a beautiful restaurant enriched by local art and the cooking creations of award winning chef Scott Howell. Food & Wine referred to the menu as "a blend of Italy and the American South, with a few French accents." Nana's is considered one of the Triangles top dining destinations. When available, suggestions 
include the lamb with its delicate and subtle sauce and my personal favorite the seafood risotto. Throe is also a cozy little bar to sip on cocktails while you wait for your table.
acclaimed neighborhood restaurant in Durham, NC. The name is derived from the Watts-Hillandale neighborhood where Chef Amy Tornquist grew up and Watts Street Grocery, a favorite childhood stop for candy and snacks. But what's most distinctive is Amy's use of local ingredients, many raised, caught, smoked, pickled or cured within a two-hour radius of Durham, and how she weaves them into her cooking. It's no wonder that Amy studied cooking at the internationally renowned La Varenne École de Cuisine in Paris. She honed her skills at the elbow of the late Bill Neal, founder of Crook's Corner and an icon of contemporary Southern cuisine. What a fantastic destination for cuisine at its finest. 
reviews. Rue Cler's classic bistro cuisine combines the freshest ingredients and delicious French wines at a reasonable price during lunch, dinner and brunch. Food and Wine praises the hot, powdered sugar covered beignets they sell by the dozen. 
Foster's Market