Inlet View
Contemporary Living Room, Wilmington
It's a house so close to the inlet, it appears to float. Skirted by water, this Inlet View home is built for a true waterman. This unique property was originally designed by a local architect–Haywood Newkirk, Sr–who was known for his modernistic renderings. As the neighborhood grew, views of the water were replaced with hindered scenes of bordering homes. To gain privacy, we called on another local architect, artist + surfer–Chip Hemmingway–whose industrial design can be viewed on distinctive properties such as the USS North Carolina Battleship + North Carolina Aquarium’s $26 million Jennette’s Pier facility in Nags Head. It would take another waterman's eye to imagine this space anew. With fresh blueprints, the front door took to a new face of the home + an additional 1500 square feet were appended by Schmidt Custom Builders to create an open-concept out of the old family property. The project began with a total gut. And to the bare structure, came new framing + exterior, all new wiring, roof, windows, flooring, insulation, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, luxurious lighting, furniture + landscaping. We hired on Jo Howell of Big Sky Design who worked with the homeowner to select the final touches to make this space feel like home. Outdoors is perhaps the grandest room of all which can be enjoyed plein air. Custom Ipe screens adorn the outdoor dining pavilion which now configure a private space between neighboring homes. Attached is a grand, open porch wrapped with stainless steal cable for a zero-obstruction view of a surfer's haven. || Photos by Mark Steelman