WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF: Martha Nagle-Halvorson wanted to build her dream home as a replica of the classic Lowcountry houses she grew up surrounded by during her childhood. “I didn’t want anything over-the-top or too big,” she says. The result is a beautiful, 3,400-square-foot home that perfectly marries traditional architecture with modern outdoor living, while taking in quite possibly the best views in all of Charleston.
LOWCOUNTRY OASIS: A love of sailing, the Holy City, and outdoor living brought a Chicago couple back to James Island to build their forever home on an idyllic marsh-front lot.
MARSH MOMENT: A wall of glass ushers panoramic views of the Ashley River and the peninsula into the large, open-plan living and dining room. Inside, a mix of modern and antique furnishings, including vintage hookah lamps and a Baker coffee table, carry through the marsh-inspired color scheme of amber and honey with highlights of ocean blue.
A WAVE THROUGH TIME: A bold blue and white hand-painted wallpaper from Gracie evokes the home’s nautical theme in the downstairs bathroom, while Martha’s grandfather’s exquisite 1920s Indian game table greets guest in the entryway.
COUNTER CULTURE: A soapstone-topped island, painted in “Silent Night” from PPG, ties the living-dining room into the spacious kitchen. Just beyond the glass doors is the outdoor kitchen and dining room, where Martha and Paul enjoy entertaining friends and family.
A petite sitting area in the kitchen, dominated by a daring pendant light from Urban Electric, provides the perfect spot for cocktails or coffee.
LOUNGE GOALS: The spacious deck takes full advantage of views of the Ravenel Bridge and the peninsula with ample spots to sit and soak up the scenery on comfy outdoor furniture from Frontgate or enjoy an alfresco dinner from the outdoor kitchen’s Kamado Joe ceramic cooker.
FORE FUN: Cade Miller with Graceful Gardens designed the landscape, including a putting green for Paul, a dedicated golfer.
A traditional brick fireplace presides over the expansive pool deck. Its design, and other brickwork throughout the home, was inspired by Middleton Place, where Martha worked at as a teenager.
See the stunning result, complete with harbor views and seamless indoor-outdoor living
