Hermitage Court

2015  |  Hermitage Court  |  Durham, NC

This 4,700-square-foot house accommodates our client’s desire for a modern space to grow their family and entertain guests. The design concept respects the fabric of the Forest Hills neighborhood by matching the scale and facade line of its neighbors, and utilizing a painted brick common to nearby historic homes. The first floor sits a few feet below street level, which gives the site a gently rolling approach to the front door.

The entry flows into a double-height living space, with a fireplace set into an oak-paneled surround that conceals an entertainment center, and a dining space designed to accommodate large parties. The room offers a panoramic view of the dramatically sloped backyard. Across the stair core, the kitchen features a spacious island with a built-in bench that serves as a small dining area as well as a gathering space for guests.

A metal-clad, drum-shaped volume houses a library and wet bar, and eases the transition from the living space to the guest suite. The double-height master bedroom features a view of the site through a monumental window. The suite includes an intimate seating area, bath, closet, and a reading loft that overlooks the sleeping area.

Photography by Jim Sink Photography