Share this Post
Historic and modern collide in a Raleigh reno.
As Raleigh rises, so should respect for its roots. So is the MO for this mod-historic Glenwood-Brooklyn home reno.
The project began like most modern-day real estate endeavors: surfing through Zillow. Hunting for the dream combo DTR-walkable home that backs up to a park, Jiten Patel jumped at the four-story stunner before it even hit the market. Initially eyeing the 2020 pickup as an investment opportunity, he recalls, “in the back of my head, I was like, I really wanna move here at some point.”
After renting it out for a year, Jiten and wife Anjali started the then-estimated yearlong construction—ultimately completed in three—before finally moving in last August. A commercial general contractor by trade, Jiten designed most of the house himself, with an architect helping shape the vision.
Maintaining the facade—because historic zone—the couple also honored the circa-1920 layout, preserving ~80%—think wood flooring, doors and brickwork—while simultaneously incorporating contemporary and personal elements to create a sleek-meets-charming look. “Our goal was not to really follow any particular aesthetic or time,” emphasizes Anjali. “We just wanted it to be our own—we wanted to preserve, but then we also wanted to have modern functionality, clean lines and all of that.”
Those modern details include skylights; a basement with an in-home gym and full bath; converting the loft into a casual living room and the attic into a finished guest room with a bonus bath; and maximizing the third-floor sitting area, master bedroom, and daughter’s and guest rooms. But the crown jewel has to be the full rear addition serving kitchen views of the 25-meter lap pool and yard, and a garage door that opens directly to the backyard.
“We’re not pioneers in this neighborhood—several neighbors have done really nice additions to their houses,” maintains Jiten, emphasizing that despite the project’s inevitable disruptions, no one voiced a single complaint. “We wouldn’t have been able to do the project without the neighbors being so accommodating.”
With upgrades throughout the kitchen, office, dining room and living spaces, Anjali brought the home to life via personal touches that reflect the couple’s story. Original stadium seats from NC State greet guests at the front porch; concert posters fill her workspace; and Indian relics—like a swing, armoire, nightstands and art—add warmth and heritage to the home.
“Just as much as I want to preserve the culture of this home, we want to preserve our own culture as well,” she says, with Jiten adding: “It’s obviously a beautiful house—I’m really proud of it, and we love living here.” As such, the home serves as an ode to the past, present and future.
Related Articles
Share this Post