Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/79319
Top: Jim and Margaret Foster enjoy the tranquility of al fresco dining. Left and Middle: Jim loves to cook in the 800-degree, wood-burning pizza oven, as well as on the Big Green Egg grill. Right: Ashley Robinson (from left), Katie Foster and Molly Foster like hanging out at the pool. EXTENDING LIVING SPACE INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS is a popular trend that continues to capture the imagination of homeowners. Two Ballantyne-area families, the Fosters and the Belchers, graciously shared with the magazine their visions for alfresco living and how they've brought them to life. Visitors to Jim and Margaret Foster's Carmel Estates East home are welcomed by nature's tranquility from the moment they walk into the front door of the two-story Georgian Revival style home. The light from the Fosters' screen porch cascades into the heart of their home, spilling out from the family room's bank of east-facing windows. The impeccably designed and outfitted outdoor living space sounds a clear call for the entire family, especially the Fosters' three teenage girls who take full advantage of the porch and the adjacent open-air living area, complete with a custom pool, Jacuzzi, kitchen, dining area and more. When you experience the peacefulness FALL 2012 of the private backyard, it is difficult to imagine the space was once a severely sloping hill requiring nearly 40 truckloads of dirt removal before making the property level. The Fosters, owners of Selwyn Avenue Pub, are longtime Charlotte residents. They bought the home 17 years ago just before their oldest daughter was born. Originally five bedrooms with three and one half baths, the home didn't fully accommodate the Fosters' outdoor lifestyle and desire for frequent casual entertaining. Central Entertainment Spot "We came to the conclusion a few years back when our girls started to get older that we wanted each to have her own room and bath," Jim says. "Additionally we wanted to provide a central place for entertaining and dining that was welcoming for their friends and could easily accommodate a large number of people. As we planned our remodel, outdoor living space played a very large role and was important in our plans." BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 69