CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/647274
26 | March/April 2015 ing the first years of Hank's medical and naval career, the Parfitts were settled into the home they built on Great Oaks off Morganton. Hank's practice and their two children were thriving. Downtown wasn't quite ready yet, and neither were they. Still, they believed strongly enough in the po- tential to take a giant leap of faith. Renovating the Space As the building's new owners, the Parfitts kept the status quo for a few years, until the owner of the wig store decided to close shop. "A former boyfriend came to town and swept her away to Hawaii," Hank recalled. "We had to make a decision about what to do next." e Parfitts met with architect Eric Lindstrom, who was one of the first to move his own residence downtown. Al- though the trend for urban spaces was exposed brick and duct work, Diane knew that wasn't for her. She wanted something that fit her style as well as the history of the building. "It was the staircase that did it for me," Diane said, thinking back to that first tour of the building. It's a grand split staircase worthy of Scarlett O'Hara. When the building was home to the Miss Vogue dress shop, mod- els would grace the steps in the latest fash- ions while customers watched from below. Lindstrom visited the Parfitt's house and took their style (and large art collection) into account when drawing up his plans. "He was spot on," Diane said. Nine months later, in 2003, the renova- tions were complete. Tucked behind the retail space, a ground floor study showcases a wooden bookshelf complete with a rolling ladder that would melt the heart of nay bibliophile. Atop the staircase, an open floor plan welcomes guests into the cozy living room, dining area and kitchen. One of the most stunning features is tucked between the kitchen and master bedroom—the spiral staircase that leads to the third floor deck for an unmatched rooop view of the city. Outside, the original cast iron scroll- work and pilasters kept the late Victorian feel of the storefront in tact. e building had all the charm of an English bookstore, "It was the staircase that did it for me." – Diane Parfitt