Exposed beams span the high vaulted pine ceilings above the centrally located main-level living area, the go-to gathering spot for the Caseys and their guests. Right: Short sets of stairs seamlessly unite all three floors. Meticulously constructed by local builder Fred Murray and his crew, the main level tongue-and-groove pine ceiling with exposed beams is a striking reflection of keen craftsmanship and precision. The design of the ceiling called for custom trusses for the purpose of free spanning. Kersting explains that this allows for big ceiling spaces without the need for columns. Also essential to the ceiling’s structure and architecture were 50 40-foot cross gables, which were manually hoisted into the space with ropes and pulleys around existing power lines. Murray’s crew accom-plished this labor-intensive job in the course of one long work-day, eventually cutting the gables individually into fitted pieces for the ceiling. “We then built the roof around it,” Murray explains. “The craftsmanship of Fred’s guys is exceptional. Just phenomenal. The house is truly crafted like a piece of furniture,” Kersting says. About the ceiling’s angled craftsmanship, Murray says, “My guys insisted on those mitered corners.” He also notes that not much is ready-made in the house; a lot is handmade. Virtually every space in the home reflects the Cape Fear area’s local artisanship and artistic talent. Interior design consultant, Susan Covington of SAC ART DESIGNS, was the eyes and ears when the Caseys could not be on site during the construction process. “Susan was like an angel who took care of us,” Sarah says. “You have to have a Susan when you live away if you want your own home, your own look. I totally trusted her decisions. She was just an incredible resource and gave such attention to detail and accents, which was really important.” Most everything in the house is custom-made, says Covington, including an eclectic array of doors found throughout the home. 70 WBM august 2014
2014-8
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