Every once in a great while, a magical opportunity almost too good to be true presents itself. Such is the case with the offering of the House of Heeltop, an enchanting jazz age dwelling located at 3 Ridge Road in Chapel Hill. Built in 1928 by John Nathaniel Couch, the respected University of North Carolina Botany Professor and renowned Mycologist, Heeltop earned its name due to its perch on the highest single family residential point in Chapel Hill, adjacent to Tarheel terrain. A canopy of ancient oak trees encircling Heeltop provide a sense of tranquility and seclusion, making it hard to believe that this 1.5 acre private sanctuary is actually in close proximity to the very best of Blue Heaven… The UNC School of Law is across the road, Boshamer and Kenan Stadiums are within easy walking distance, and Heeltop’s kitchen window allows the ability to see as well as hear the lovely UNC Bell Tower. Add in Heeltop’s lush landscaping, a gurgling waterfall flowing into a serenely picturesque pond, and unique rock outcroppings, and it’s understandable as to how you may feel you’ve been transported into the setting of a storybook, whether you’re arriving at this elegant estate or gazing over its grounds from the veranda. The House of Heeltop and its verdant surroundings are indeed magical, delightful, and completely enthralling.

Purchased in 2002 by UNC alumnus Stephen Davis, Heeltop has been treasured by the Davis family for the past 13 years. Upon the recent decision of Mr. Davis to spend the autumn of his life in his mountain home, Heeltop has undergone a whole house renovation by his daughter, the well-regarded Chapel Hill-based builder Nancy Davis.

“I think I’ve touched every surface of this remarkable home,” says Nancy. “We’ve put on a new roof, painted inside and out, updated the bathrooms, restored the olden hinges on the doors, and modernized the entire house, while keeping the flavor of the original home. Most of my work these days is in historic renovation… I can honestly say that Heeltop is one of the finest homes of its age in the area.”

Aside from the graceful circular drive, meandering rock walls, and previously described luxuriant grounds, the welcoming front porch is perhaps one of the most eye-catching details of the House of Heeltop. At 26’ wide and 8’ deep, this ample space with a ceiling fan allows for rocking chair relaxation and enjoyment of the front yard view. Upon entering the foyer, a formal dining room and office on the left lead to the renovated kitchen, half bath, garden room (for flower arranging), and small side porch. On the opposite side of the house, the foyer leads to an inviting living room with a centerpiece fireplace and wonderful mantle. Beyond the living room is a comfortable sitting/hearth room with another period fireplace for cozy leisure. The sitting room opens to a spacious and private owner’s suite and an adjoining screened porch. Upstairs is home to an additional three bedrooms, two full baths, plenty of closet space, and a charming meditation room with a small arched window. Attic storage, an unfinished basement, and a detached carriage house-styled 2-car garage finish off this amazing home.

Broker René Hendrickson of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services York Simpson Underwood Realty has the House of Heeltop listed for sale at $1,395,000. The buyer of Heeltop has first right of refusal to the adjacent 1 acre lot, priced at $600,000.

“The House of Heeltop is truly special,” says René. “It’s fresh and updated, yet it has the charm, sophistication, and nuances of days gone by. Heeltop has obviously been cherished for many, many years. I’m excited for the next chapter to begin for this grand property.”

An Open House will take place on Saturday, May 9th, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. To visit, take NC 54 West/Raleigh Road in Chapel Hill to left on Country Club Road. Go .08 of a mile and turn right on Ridge Road. The House of Heeltop at 3 Ridge Road is on the left. For more information, contact René at 919-923-1377 or Rene.Hendrickson@bhhsysu.com.