Home of distinction
Tour raises funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation
by Danielle Jackson
How often does the opportunity arise to view a beautiful home while also helping to raise funds for a worthy cause? Later this spring, head to the Home of Distinction by Rufty Homes - a Durham home constructed through a joint effort between TLConcepts of Kansas City and Rufty Homes Inc. of Raleigh - to do just that.
Tours, which will be held in early summer, showcase the latest trends in new-home construction from area builders, vendors, and suppliers. And all proceeds from the event benefit the eastern North Carolina chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Fun and function
The 9,900-square-foot home, located at 290 Royal Sunset Dr., features open gathering areas on every floor and throughout its outdoor areas. It has four kitchens - three inside and one outside - and is located on a large wooded lot within a gated community.
The home's design also showcases a curved staircase and balconies overlooking a two-story living room; marble flooring throughout the first-floor living areas; and a pool, hot tub, and outdoor bath. A private tennis court exemplifies the active lifestyle of its owners, who have opened their newly constructed home to the public.
"We wanted to do a charity house, and the homeowners were willing to let us showcase their home for the event," says Jon Rufty, president of Rufty Homes.
"We're thrilled to be working with Rufty Homes to showcase construction of the highest caliber," says Tamra Trickey of TLConcepts.
Rufty Homes was integral in the project, working closely with TLConcepts to select the charity and locate other vendors willing to get involved. Other participants include ROCKin' teriors, Artistic Kitchens and Baths, Allied Spray Foams, Backyard Oasis Pools, The Coastal Window & Door Center, Dal Tile and Stone, Ferguson, Southern Staircase, and Emerald View Landscape & Design Inc."Each of the participants in this project brings the highest standards of quality and integrity," says Laura Grandlienard, stone consultant with ROCK'in teriors, which is based in Fuquay-Varina.
Organizers hope to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 through the home tour. But beyond raising funds, the event is designed to display the latest products and technologies and inspire visitors.
"Builders and their vendors and suppliers can showcase their talents," Rufty says.
"It's also an opportunity for residents to come out and see some of the innovative features of homes today while supporting a wonderful cause."
Danielle Jackson is editor of Wake Living, Fifteen501 and Triad Living magazines.
A group effort
The Home of Distinction by Rufty Homes will offer tours to the public this summer once it's complete. A solid group of vendors has worked on the project, including:
- Artistic Kitchens and Baths, Southern Pines, which supplied cabinetry
- Allied Spray Foams, Holly Springs, which provided insulation
- Backyard Oasis Pools, Wake Forest, which built the outdoor pool
- The Coastal Window & Door Center, Raleigh, which provided windows
- Dal Tile and Stone, Raleigh, which supplied natural stone tile and slabs, as well as ceramic, porcelain, and decorative tiles
- Emerald View Landscape & Design Inc., Garner, which incorporated the landscape and irrigation design
- Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Raleigh and Carrboro, which provided lighting and fixtures
- ROCKin' teriors, Fuquay-Varina, which supplied natural stone countertops
- Southern Staircase, Raleigh, which provided the staircase and railings
To learn more about the project and tour, visit www.homeofdistinction.com and click "Raleigh-Durham."
Profile: Rufty Homes
Rufty Homes, an award-winning leader in the construction of high-quality homes throughout the Triangle, has played an integral role in the Home of Distinction project since the beginning. The Raleigh-based company, which has been in business since 1988, worked with various vendors for the fundraising effort, which benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation. It also helped the home's owners with design and materials used throughout the home.
It's this focus on client relationships and giving back that drew Rufty Homes to the project.
"The client is the focal point of our company," says Jon Rufty, president. "It's not just how we build your home, but also how we do business."
According to Rufty, it's also about fostering a sense of community.
"The event gives the builder and trades a venue to showcase their premier products while providing much-needed donations to a worthy cause," he says.
"It also provides an opportunity for the community to get ideas for their own homes."
ON THE WEB: www.rufty.com
Profile: ROCKin' teriors
ROCKin' teriors prides itself on the quality of its work. The company, which opened its doors three years ago in Fuquay-Varina, is focused on offering homeowners and businesses a variety of sustainable, environmentally friendly natural stone products and techniques.
"Natural stone provides beautiful and durable applications with less environmental impact than manmade alternatives," says Laura Grandlienard, stone consultant.
"During our fabrication process, we're also mindful of our impact on the environment and use a water-reclamation system to ensure that we use as little water as possible."
Through the Home of Distinction project, ROCKin' teriors provided natural stone for three kitchens, a dry bar and bathroom countertops. It also used a combination of granite, marble and onyx throughout the home.
"We're excited to work with such an elite building team," Grandlienard says of the project.
"The home helps show the rest of the Triangle community that a distinctive home also can incorporate sustainable design," she adds. "And the Make-A-Wish Foundation does such important work in our community."
ON THE WEB: www.rockinteriors.com