771 Smith Level Road

A home for the ages amidst a mesmerizing setting. Eleven sweeping acres within a superbly quiet, leafy hamlet that’s barely a five-minute drive from downtown but feels a world away. A custom-crafted, iron gate and stone-columned-entry leads to artfully planted rolling acreage surrounded by old-growth forest.Commune with nature in grand style ultra-near the humming art, culture, and internationally known culinary scene of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. 

The design-savvy owners partnered with Sitzer Spuria studios and Will Johnson Building Company to create this soulful home at one with the land. Enchanting from every angle and in natural harmony with its surroundings. Metal roofing glinting in the sun; long-lasting, low-maintenance Nichiha Sierra Premium shake and locally-sourced stone gracing the exterior; cedar v-groove eave ceilings; and a solid, dark sapele-and-glass front door begin the story of how this home quietly impresses with unparalleled quality, elegant artistry, and innovative function. The strength of the architecture lies in the clarity and seeming simplicity of the composition–a simplicity that belies a rigorous selection of materials and finishes. Bravura moments proliferate throughout. No single detail was too obscure and no room too secondary for the highest levels of imagination and craftsmanship. The result is a warmth, depth, and air of timelessness where tranquility is off the charts. A study of the calming lull of neutrality, the genteel palette and organic textures throughout the interior enhance the vivid greens and blues of the landscape framed by Marvin casement and picture windows strategically placed to best appreciate the beauty of the land. Broad expanses of glass provide open sight lines across the property. Natural light becomes a material unto itself, as window walls cast bright planes across rooms and overhead apertures by Artemide, Foscarini, and Terzani bathe spaces in diffuse glows. Stop and stair: the home’s hallmark and testament to passion and precision is the floating staircase of Cumaru cantilevered treads flanked by solid glass and custom-coated concrete wall. Versatile spaces foster moments of serenity and corners of creativity. The living room’s corner windows, built-in console, and flow onto the screen porch invite linger-longer lounging. Balancing comfort, character, and a heightened sensitivity to context to create rooms of palpable joy. Inside and out is a choreographed range of thoughtful experiences. Carefully curated appointments include: bespoke cabinetry and built-ins by Aventine; stone countertops; Camaru exotic hardwood along with natural slate and soapstone flooring; solid doors; sleek fixtures including sculptural entry hooks; expansive ceilings; as well as home automation of lighting, speakers, television, heating & cooling, security, and cameras.

The modern, uber-functional kitchen and dining rooms turn up the heat with organic flavors and luxe élan. They are a masterful mix of marvels, textures, and moods. Curly maple cabinetry; Brazilian marble and Jade Stone quartz countertops; glass wall tile in a mossy hue; Miele appliances including wall-oven stack, induction, and refrigerator drawers; island with porcelain Franke prep sink; and walk-in pantry. The beverage center raises the bar with an open ceiling, picture window, sink, Miele wine cooler, and second Fisher-Paykel dishwasher. 

A meditative-bedroom dreams are made of, the main-level primary suite has two custom-outfitted walk-in closets. The well-designed, modernist primary bath cossets body and soul with neutral hues, clean lines, and natural finishes; separate vanity areas with abundant curly maple cabinetry; a spacious shower with glass tile accent wall; heated floors + towel bar; and a soaking tub enveloped in the heated tile floor.

The marker of a thoughtful home is a personality-packed powder room–this one is decidedly charismatic and features a lava stone and enamel sink imported from France. The command center office with built-in desk and pocket door empowers household management. An organizer’s dream conjured the loads of style laundry and put-together, practical mudroom.

Upstairs, slumber in style in secondary bedrooms with vista views; perfect the art of work-life balance in flex space; and read between the lines in the fresh tile bathroom with en-suite as well as hall access.

Popcorn-fueled movie-night marathons await in the lower-level home theater starring eight uber comfy, reclining seats plus 138” movie screen, laser-based 8K JVC movie projector, and 9 surround sound speakers. Concessions provided by the adjacent, conditioned 2700-bottle wine cellar with custom built cherry wine storage system.

Expansion potential and easy-storage abound in the unfinished, pre-plumbed room above the three-car garage, as well as the poured-concrete lower level with outdoor access. The brains-of-the-home mechanical room is insulated and a comfortable temp year-round.

Entertaining outdoors is second nature in this lush aerie. Choose from multiple airy retreats: the screen porch with wood-burning fireplace and Mugnaini pizza oven; Trex deck with raised stone planter and arbor; fenced garden area; pergola-topped patio; and front covered terrace–the current owners favorite spot for the evening-wind-down. 

Extensive orchard with hazelnut, pear, apricot, French plum, quince, persimmon, and a dozen+ varieties of fig trees. The park-like setting unfolds into the surrounding woods that soothe even as they inspire curiosity and promote wandering the multitude of nearby trails.

Architecture, design, horticulture, and poetry coalesce for a multi-sensory aesthetic journey. Authenticity and artisanship make their own statement. This is a residence that, while epic, eschews grandiosity in favor of understated elegance. Nature’s majesty and all the luxe of your favorite hotel. No reservations required.