New Bones, Old Style: A Luxury Home Renovation In Wild Dunes; Part 3

For almost 10 months now, Bill and Joanne Lehman have been working with Lowcountry Contractors to renovate their Wild Dunes home. As is common with most large renovation projects, the Lehmans ran into challenges along the way, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The house will be ready just in time for them to enjoy their majestic oceanfront property this spring.

When the Lehmans purchased the property on Ocean Point Drive, they knew it needed some TLC. They planned for a few important updates, but the magnitude of water and termite damage they found was more than they had bargained for. Thankfully, Lowcountry Contractors had prepared them for worst-case scenarios such as this. “We make sure clients understand that when you go opening up walls there’s no telling what you’ll find,” said Jeremy Willis, project manager. “The Lehmans have been very understanding and wonderful to work with,” he added.

In the Charleston area, termites can be very intrusive, but the Lehmans can breathe a sigh of relief now that the infestation has been eradicated. Almost the entire house has new drywall and paint thanks to the termite damage. The exterior structure had to be entirely reframed, and Lowcountry Contractors restored the architectural integrity of the home with new stucco, which was blended with paint before being applied, a process that can help keep the paint looking fresh for up to 30 years.

Many of the improvements made to the home were made with the local climate as well as the Lehman’s lifestyle in mind. The Lowcountry Contractors team brainstormed ways to improve the home with solutions that would prevent the Lehmans from having to address more concerns in the future. Materials and finishes were chosen specifically to suit the home’s location and style, maximize the lot’s gorgeous views and bring the couple’s vision to life.

In addition to new walls, the home boasts new hurricane impact windows, a new aluminum roof — which holds up better in a coastal climate — and a stunning custom iron front door. “New composite railings and decks grace the entire exterior and, in the interior, there are wide-plank engineered white oak hardwood floors with a natural finish to bring out the beauty of the wood,” said Nihad Abdin, also a manager on the project.

What started as a mostly exterior endeavor evolved into a huge transformation, both inside and outside the home. The renovation grew to include four bathrooms, which were remodeled with light colors, new frameless shower enclosures and expertly-selected fixtures. Lowcountry Contractors’ director of interior design, Katherine Brickell, worked closely with the Lehmans to give them the modern spa-like feel they were going for.

“The owners wanted to create a space that was light and bright, a relaxing retreat after a day at the beach. The fixtures lean modern with clean lines and contrast beautifully with the large format stone-inspired tile. There is a cohesion between all of the bathrooms, but each of them has unique elements designed for beauty and function,” said Brickell.

“The project keeps getting bigger,” said Jeremy Blackstock, owner of Lowcountry Contractors. “The home is absolutely stunning, and the Lehmans were the perfect family to take on this extraordinary project. They preserved the architectural details of the home but upgraded it to today’s style and standards.” Blackstock also referred to the renovated property as the premier home on the Isle of Palms. “For us to be able to participate in this project is what makes this work so fun. The final product is what I imagine the original architect intended when the home was first built.”

Preserving the charm of the original home while correcting all damage was central to the project. Everyone involved — from Lowcountry Contractors’ area and regional managers, project and assistant project managers to their support staff in the office — worked together with the Lehmans to bring the property back to its original splendor with long-lasting modern touches. Bill and Joanne Lehman along with their children and grandchildren look forward to enjoying the home and its picturesque setting for decades to come.

 

 
By Isabel Alvarez Arata