Apex Custom Home
“Two Years in the Making – A Forever Home for Life’s Next Chapter”
A Brief Overview
This 3,200 sq. ft. custom-built home was the result of two years of thoughtful planning by a husband-and-wife team—he, an architect of 35 plus years; she, a decorator—who wanted their forever home to reflect a perfect blend of beauty, comfort, and functionality as they approach retirement. After refining four distinct plan versions, they arrived at a Modern Tudor design that delivers both dramatic curb appeal and a smooth, effortless flow inside.
The Modern Tudor exterior is defined by steep-pitched rooflines, painted brick, black windows, and an oversized electrified glass front door. Inside, fresh, clean selections pair with abundant windows to create a light-filled, welcoming atmosphere. Every inch of the floor plan was carefully considered, from the drop zone and main-level primary suite to the way the living spaces transition naturally for both daily life and large gatherings.
Year
Design Style
Design Timeline
Timeline to Build
Budget
Location
2023
Modern Tudor, Traditional
6+ months
8-9 months
$900,000 (no lot)
Downtown Apex, NC
Year
2023
Design Style
Modern Tudor, Traditional
Design Timeline
6+ months
Timeline to Build
8-9 months
Budget
$900,000 (no lot)
Location
Downtown Apex, NC
Key Features
| . | |
|---|---|
| - 3,200 sq. ft., 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2-Car Garage | - 3,200 sq. ft., 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 2-Car Garage |
| - Modern Tudor Architecture with Dramatic Rooflines | - Modern Tudor Architecture with Dramatic Rooflines |
| - 20-ft+ Cathedral Wood Plank Ceilings with Exposed Beams | - 20-ft+ Cathedral Wood Plank Ceilings with Exposed Beams |
| - Elegant Craftsman-Style Trim Work | - Elegant Craftsman-Style Trim Work |
| - Heated Floors in the Primary Suite | - Heated Floors in the Primary Suite |
| - Electrified Glass Front Door – 42” Wide x 8’8” Tall | - Electrified Glass Front Door – 42” Wide x 8’8” Tall |
| - 8.5” Wide Engineered Hardwood Flooring | - 8.5” Wide Engineered Hardwood Flooring |
| - Energy-Efficient Design with Conditioned Crawlspace & Whole-House Dehumidifier | - Energy-Efficient Design with Conditioned Crawlspace & Whole-House Dehumidifier |
Key Selections
| . | . | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring: | Palmetto Road 8” Charleston in Sweetgrass Engineered Hardwoods | {{selection_title}} | Palmetto Road 8” Charleston in Sweetgrass Engineered Hardwoods |
| Wall Paint: | Benjamin Moore OC-54 White Wisp | {{selection_title}} | Benjamin Moore OC-54 White Wisp |
| Trim Paint: | Sherwin-Williams 7006 Extra White | {{selection_title}} | Sherwin-Williams 7006 Extra White |
| Cabinet Vendor: | Tice Kitchen & Interiors | {{selection_title}} | Tice Kitchen & Interiors |
| Kitchen Countertops: | Diamond Bay Quartzite | {{selection_title}} | Diamond Bay Quartzite |
| Backsplash: | The Tile Shop 4x12 Africa Tempesta | {{selection_title}} | The Tile Shop 4x12 Africa Tempesta |
Challenge
Constructing a substantial home on a small lot along a one-way road requires precision logistics, staging, parking, and project management. The tight site also meant extra consideration for neighbors during construction. Balancing these challenges with the couple’s desire for scale, drama, and a flawless fit took both creativity and coordination at every step.
Solution
The finished home is exactly what the homeowners envisioned: a thoughtfully planned, beautifully executed forever home that’s as functional as it is stunning. The dramatic rooflines oversized front door, and light-filled interior give the home a strong presence, while the open yet defined floor plan allows for everything from quiet evenings to hosting their 60-person house church.
Every design choice serves their lifestyle—main-level living for long-term comfort, inviting guest spaces for visiting family, and seamless transitions between rooms for an easy, unhurried feel. It’s a home that meets every need and want they had planned for over two years.
Design
Building your own home can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when you’re the architect and decorator. With endless possibilities and a love for many styles, narrowing down choices can be one of the hardest parts. That’s where our collaboration truly shined.
Using our 3D CAD visualization system, we worked side-by-side with the homeowners to turn concepts into lifelike renderings—allowing them to “walk through” spaces virtually before a single wall was built. This process made it easier to evaluate layouts, finishes, and architectural details, and to see how each decision would look and feel in real life.
From trim profiles to tile patterns, we assisted with selections, revised renderings on the fly, and provided visual clarity that gave the couple confidence in their choices. This interactive approach transformed what could have been a stressful, decision-heavy process into a creative and rewarding journey—resulting in a home that feels every bit as beautiful and functional as they had envisioned.
Build
Once the plans were finalized, our construction team brought the Modern Tudor vision to life with precision and care. Every stage—from framing the dramatic 21/12 rooflines to crafting the intricate trim—was executed to match the details the homeowners had already “seen” in the renderings.
The conditioned crawlspace, energy-efficient systems, and hand-fitted custom cabinetry were integrated seamlessly, while signature features like the electrified glass front door, cathedral ceiling with exposed beams, and limestone fireplace surround came together exactly as planned.
Despite the challenges of a tight lot and limited access, the build stayed on track through careful logistics and site management—resulting in a home that reflects both meticulous craftsmanship and the deeply personal vision of its owners.
Love it!
For these homeowners, the journey was just as memorable as the finished home. After years of planning, refining, and visualizing every detail, they now live in a space that captures both their professional eye for design and their personal vision for daily life.
They love the way sunlight pours in through the abundant windows, offering beautiful views from nearly every angle of the house. Their screened porch has quickly become a favorite spot—perfect for enjoying quiet mornings, hosting friends, or simply taking in the charm of their neighborhood.
Being just steps from downtown Apex, they relish the small-town feel and the ability to walk to shops, restaurants, and community events. Whether they’re entertaining their 60-person house church or strolling hand-in-hand to grab dinner, this home offers comfort, connection, and beauty at every turn.
With its Modern Tudor character, warm natural light, and easy connection to the community, the home feels like it belongs in the pages of a magazine—one that captures the good life of living in North Carolina.
