771 Smith Level Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

A home for the ages on eleven sweeping acres in a quiet, leafy hamlet--barely five minutes from downtown but a world away. Enter through a custom iron gate and stone-columned entry to artfully planted rolling acreage edged by old-growth forest, steps from Carrboro and Chapel Hill's culture and dining. Designed with Sitzer Spuria studios and Will Johnson Building Company, this soulful residence sits in natural harmony with the land. Metal roofing, low-maintenance Nichiha Sierra Premium shake, local stone, cedar v groove eave ceilings, and a solid dark sapele-and-glass front door begin the story of how this home quietly impresses with unparalleled quality, elegant artistry, and innovative function. The strength of the architecture lies in the clarity and seeming simplicity of the composition - a simplicity that belies a rigorous selection of materials and finishes. Interiors embrace a calming neutral palette and organic textures that amplify the greens + blues of the landscape through strategically placed Marvin casement and picture windows. Expanses of glass create open sightlines; daylight becomes a material as skylights and sculptural overhead fixtures from Artemide, Foscarini, and Terzani cast diffuse glow. Stop and stair: the home's hallmark is a floating staircase of Cumaru cantilevered treads, solid glass balustrade, and a custom-coated concrete wall--a testament to precision + passion. Thoughtful, versatile spaces foster moments of serenity and corners of creativity. The living room's corner windows, built-in console, and flow to the screen porch invite linger-longer lounging. Carefully curated appointments include bespoke Aventine cabinetry and built-ins; stone countertops; Cumaru hardwood, natural slate, and soapstone floors; solid doors; sculptural fixtures; expansive ceilings; and integrated home automation for lighting, audio, security, and cameras. The modern, ultra-functional kitchen and dining area balance organic warmth with luxe functionality: curly maple cabinetry, moss-hued wall tile, Miele appliances (including wall-oven stack, induction, and refrigerator drawers), island with prep sink, and walk-in pantry. A beverage center with picture window, sink, Miele wine cooler, and second dishwasher elevates entertaining. The main-level primary suite is a meditative retreat with two custom walk-in closets. The modern primary bath soothes with neutral finishes, dual vanity areas with curly maple cabinetry, a spacious shower with glass tile accent wall, heated floors/towel bar and a soaking tub enveloped in the tile floor. A personality-packed powder room features a lava stone and enamel sink imported from France. The command-center office with built-in desk and pocket door empowers household management. An organizer's dream conjured the loads of style laundry and put together, practical mudroom. Upstairs, slumber in style in secondary bedrooms with vista views; perfect the art of work-life balance in flex space; and read between the lines in the fresh tile bathroom with en-suite + hall access. Popcorn-fueled movie-night marathons await in the lower-level home theater starring eight uber comfy, reclining seats + top of the line equipment including a giant screen. Concessions provided by the adjacent, conditioned 2700-bottle wine cellar. Expansion potential and storage abound in the unfinished, pre-plumbed room above the three-car garage and the poured-concrete lower level with outdoor access. The insulated mechanical room maintains comfortable year-round temperatures. Outdoor living is effortless: screen porch with wood-burning fireplace and Mugnaini pizza oven; Trex deck with raised stone planter and arbor; fenced garden; pergola-topped patio; and a covered front terrace favored for evening wind down. Park-like grounds open to surrounding woods and nearby trails. Architecture, design, horticulture, and poetry converge in a residence of understated elegance-authentic artisanship utterly connected to nature.

Listing courtesy of Erika Buchholtz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeService



Listings that are marked with an icon are provided courtesy of the Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina, Internet Data Exchange Database. Copyright 2026 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. All rights reserved.

Last checked: 2026-04-13 11:22 AM UTC