In the picturesque Southern Shores, a widow navigates love, loss, and the creation of her dream home, ‘Falling Leaves.’ This inspiring story showcases her journey of healing, along with her partner, as they build a modern sanctuary rooted in mid-century design, reflecting resilience and hope amid challenges.
In the charming coastal town of Southern Shores in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the story of love, loss, and the fruition of a dream home unfolds. This is where a widow, who has faced her share of heartache, decided to create a sanctuary reflecting her journey through life. Since losing her spouse in July 2015, she found new beginnings alongside a kindred spirit, leading to the creation of their beautiful residence affectionately named “Falling Leaves.”
Life took a new turn in 2016 when she crossed paths with Bob Friesen, a delightful man whose presence would help her heal. Together with her two lovable hounds, Patsy and Urban, they quickly formed a close-knit family. Both Bob and the author cherished the aesthetics of boutique hotels that feature mid-century and industrial modern designs, a bond that would heavily influence their future home.
In the wake of her father’s passing in October 2019, they sought some peace at the serene Sanderling resort in Duck. Inspired by the iconic flattop houses found in Southern Shores, the couple decided to pursue their own piece of land, igniting the dream to build a home that encapsulated a modern lifestyle while honoring mid-century aesthetics.
The couple embarked on their quest to find the perfect plot of land, and their journey led them to a unique pie-shaped lot with breathtaking water views. Recognizing the potential of the land, they worked with renowned architect Bobby McAlpine, who wisely noted that the purpose of building a home is to expand the heart’s territory. This sentiment resonated deeply with them, guiding the overall vision of their new abode.
The construction process began, infused with themes of grief, gratitude, hope, healing, and love. Partnering with local builder Matt Neal from Neal Contracting, their collaborative efforts transformed the couple’s ideas into concrete plans, resulting in a contemporary design featuring three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and a coveted outdoor shower.
Covering a spacious 2,500 square feet, the home design is strikingly modern, with three offset rectangular volumes and thoughtful outdoor spaces that include a cozy front porch, a mini-courtyard, and a back patio. Meanwhile, landscape designer John Rountree curated a stunning array of flora, ensuring the plantings transitioned seamlessly from cultivated gardens to a more natural feel.
Despite a few bumps along the way, like stabilizing a challenging 20-foot cliff and adjusting to delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple’s creative vision remained steadfast. They even curated a Pinterest board that grew to a whopping 2004 pins across 75 categories, streamlining their process of sourcing materials and trends for their open, minimalist space.
Once completed, the interiors of their dream home became a true reflection of their style — featuring gray concrete flooring, a warm palette of white paint and walnut cabinetry, alongside vast windows inviting the outdoors in. The couple combined vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and original pieces crafted in collaboration with local artisans, filling their home with a sense of unique character.
As construction progressed, the author dove deeper into the creative process, producing meaningful artworks for every room, nurturing a personal connection to her new space. In May 2021, the couple celebrated their love with a wedding, further establishing their life together in Falling Leaves, enjoying the rituals and memories tied to their newly crafted sanctuary.
Known as Falling Leaves, the house pays homage to its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater. Its unique design includes leaf impressions in the concrete flooring, reinforcing the connection with nature. More than just a home, it is a sanctuary that captures the essence of their experiences and the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Banks.
In Southern Shores, this beautiful story of resilience and love serves as a reminder that through grief, new beginnings can bloom, creating spaces that reflect both heart and home.
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