Homeowners Trey and Becky Smith (with their Welsh terrier, Remley)
Laurel Hill, a former bed-and-breakfast nestled on 75 acres, half of it salt marsh running out to Bulls Bay, underwent a renovation that preserved the structure’s history while embracing its future. Clad in composite cedar shake and a bronze-colored metal roof, it’s ready for the elements that took out its predecessor, while retaining the charm and simplicity of a traditional Lowcountry home.
The keeping room, set between the kitchen and the porch, is the most used space in the house. Four Kravet “Elon” swivel chairs, upholstered in a performance weave, circle a checked “Mollie” ottoman from Ballard Designs, providing a perfect perch for conversation. A Visual Comfort “Classic Ring” chandelier pairs with the Smiths’ antique chest, adding a touch of grandeur to the casual space.
Mulberry Home “Grand Flying Ducks” papers the entry, where a Visual Comfort “Greggory” lantern hangs near an original archway, one of architect Brent Fleming’s favorite details.
The dining room occupies part of the former wraparound porch that was enclosed to create more space. GP & J Baker “Broughton Rose” covers the walls, its pink tones complementing the Stanton rug underfoot.
The large Wolf range and Sub-Zero fridge were the first items ordered for the house; Trey is an avid chef and needed his tools. The muted Benjamin Moore “Sabre Gray” on the kitchen cabinets is offset by the warmth of the white oak island and original heart pine floors.
A teak farm table from the Summer Classics “Croquet” collection pairs with teak chairs on the main porch, strategically located alongside the dining room to absorb overflow when the entire family visits.
Trey and Becky wanted a game room for card and mah jong nights respectively. Situated in the den, the space features a wet bar with a rustic Kohler “Whitehaven” sink and brass “Artifacts” faucet alongside Trey’s grandmother’s round table and chairs.
Becky’s sitting room, in the original dining room, retains the heart pine floors.
A cushioned window seat in the new dining room, curtained in a botanical print, catches the afternoon light and, often, Remley.
The primary bedroom boasts a white pine vaulted ceiling, with walls wrapped in Thibaut “Shang Extra Fine” sisal. Kathy Kuo Home “Sylvette” French country nightstands flank the bed, dressed in Peacock Alley percale.
Trey’s office doubles as a sitting room with expansive views of the marsh.
Lined in vertical shiplap, the bath features marble tile and a Kohler “Memoirs” freestanding bath.
Upstairs, Griffin traded the main floor’s warm white palette for saturated color in the guest rooms. The “Fish” room, painted in Benjamin Moore “Herbal Escape,” is anchored by a Suzanne Kasler “Southport” rattan bed from Ballard Designs.
Benjamin Moore “Knoxville Gray” sets the tone in the “Green” room, its effect is heightened by continuing it onto the ceiling.
Despite having 75 acres, fitting Becky’s longed-for pool between the live oaks and the marsh setback took some negotiating. A fence protects the compact watering hole from alligators that might mosey in from the neighboring freshwater pond. Tucked against the terrace level, there’s still space for lounge chairs.
The terrace level features an outdoor kitchen perfect for cleaning and cooking any dinner Trey catches from the deep-water dock. A sitting area furnished in Summer Classics teak, arranged around a brick fireplace, offers a quiet spot to soak up the scenery.
See the evolution of Laurel Hill, which sits nestled on 75 acres overlooking Bulls Bay
