A Bountiful Veranda: A Family’s Passport to Outdoor Entertainment

 
Photography by Ray Strawbridge 

Melanie and Charles Abbott wanted more than a modest gray wooden deck with the basic circular table, chairs and grill. Loving the outdoors, the active family of five envisioned a living space for both entertaining friends and relaxing together at their North Raleigh home. And they got the ideal oasis of their dreams, thanks to local builder Harold Glazer.

The Abbotts’ new 1,350 square-foot outdoor veranda is a retreat for both family and friends.

“We absolutely love our new addition,” says Melanie, perched in one of the black wicker chairs on her porch. “We like to have our friends and our children’s friends gather out here, but it also is the perfect place to curl up and watch a movie by yourself late at night.”

The Abbotts are not the only ones who are impressed with Glazer’s work. The upscale porch project was the recipient of the 2008 STAR Award for Best Deck
and Porch in mid-May. The awards are presented by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh/Wake County Remodelers Council.

Wrapping around a portion of the back and side of the house, the covered area overlooks the backyard swimming pool and a small lake. Built with black iron rails without screens, the space is certainly much more than a deck and a porch.

“This is both our retreat and our entertainment center now,” says Melanie of her new outside living area. “From the very beginning, we have spent more time out here than almost any other place in our home.”

Complete with red brick floors reminiscent of her mother’s home and a golden wood slat ceiling, the area features a bar with a wooden counter, refrigerator and chairs.

The gathering space is accented with green and black furnishings from wicker furniture to cozy rocking chairs around the wood-burning fireplace. Black and white pillows, a colorful rug and black with glass side tables complete the setting.

A television anchors the mantle area, perfectly suited for late night movies or a favorite show.

But guests to the outside space don’t need the television to provide all the entertainment. The view itself off the porch offers a picturesque look at the neighbor’s lake or the Abbotts’ swimming pool and patio.

A black iron dining table that seats six completes the setting near the Weber grill that Melanie says she uses at least four times a week. Black ceiling fans with lights help keep the area comfortable during the warmer weather.

All of the Abbotts enjoy the space. Casey, Justin and Clark – the three Abbott teenagers – regularly invite friends over to grill out and watch movies. Melanie and Charles hosted the very first party on the porch in January for the Super Bowl.

The old deck was typical of many homes – basic and functional. For the Abbotts, it certainly was not enough for their busy, active outside lifestyle. After living in their house in North Ridge Estates for 18 years, they wanted a big change.

Glazer, a long-time Triangle builder and remodeler, was recommended to the Abbotts. The relationship proved to be a perfect fit.

Meeting for the first time in spring 2007, the Abbotts shared their dreams and wishes for their new porch with Glazer. Local interior designer Annie Palles also offered suggestions, assisting with the final decorating layout.

“We worked on the planning and exchange of ideas for about two months,” says Glazer, founder of H. Glazer Builder, Inc. “We established a budget everyone was comfortable with and the final blueprints were drawn by Triangle Residential Design.”

Work on the project started in July  2007 and it was completed by late November.

While the close proximity to the neighbor’s lake is a visual dream, it posed a construction challenge with tight working conditions. Another test for the builder was creating an appealing roof design that wouldn’t detract from the view at the swimming pool.

“We wanted the space to be more of a retreat than just a place to go outside,” says Glazer. “We knew it would be a great place for a party, but we also wanted it to be a place for peace and quiet.”

The wood-burning fireplace with its cozy sitting area is a favorite for both Glazer and Melanie Abbott. They also like  the openness of the space without screens or glass. And the Abbotts are glad they extended the porch an additional four feet toward the lake soon after construction started.

Melanie praises Glazer and his project superintendent, Robert Smith, for their professionalism and top-quality work.
 
“We very much appreciate the final project and working with everyone involved,” she says. “It was truly a great experience.”

JANE PAIGE IS A FREELANCE WRITER