My friend Dean Farris knows I love Otto Zenke, and I was thrilled when he sent me a link to this listing for an estate in Lewisville, North Carolina… Built in 1971, it was designed by Otto Zenke who from 1950 – 1980 designed the finest homes in North Carolina and along the East Coast. Zenke was a New Yorker who had trained at the Pratt Institute and the Parsons School of Design before relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina. “Back then, homeowners only had to say ‘Zenke’ when asked who was doing their interiors,” reported the Greensboro News & Record. “No extra explanation was necessary, thank you.” Sadly, few pictures of his work are available today, and so I am always excited when Zenke-designed houses pop up from time to time on the MLS.
This exquisite Zenke designed estate is set on 26 picturesque acres. According to the listing, the home was created with grandeur artistry and entertainment in mind, with a sophisticated foyer boasting an enchanting staircase. Custom woodwork and detail abound from room to room. Features include oversized rooms, 10-foot ceilings on main level, three fireplaces, and sunroom. Let’s take a tour!
This beautiful home is the perfect example of timeless design at its best. Please click here for additional information, and to see more of Otto Zenke’s work, past articles from The Glam Pad linked below.
Design Crush: Patricia McLean Interiors
Mad for Madcap Cottage!
Style Profile: Anne Wagoner Interiors
Zenke with a “Z”
Well, well, well. That was balm for the senses in the middle of a rocky week. Just what the doctor ordered! Everything is beautiful and as it should be. I supposed it only follows that someone with enough taste to buy Zenke would have the taste to furnish it properly as well. Thank you! I needed that.
Your post was so calming for my senses! I live in Greensboro, NC where Otto Zenke did many interiors. Several years ago a condo with his “finishing touches” was updated to Pottery Barn style. Am a neighbor so lived through the renovation. I always find it sad when people find “good bones” annoying. Nice moldings, built in book shelves (the new owners don’t want paper/books), an aged smudgy mirror surrounding a fireplace all annihilated. A bare space filled with mundane cheap furniture, pergo floors and no soul. It could be any moderate price hotel room found anywhere now………sigh
Was it also done over in grey? So tired of gray spaces with all the warmth of a maximum security prison.
I was told that one of the things Mr. Zenke used to say was “Put on shoes and be somebody” ! Words to live by!
Such a beautiful home and such a beautiful furnishings! Why don’t they make them like this anymore?
Wait… when was this done? It’s so beautiful but the kitchen and bathrooms look nice but older? It’s such a chic house. I’m a little confused though. Xoxo
Hi Elizabeth,
I believe these are the original Zenke interiors, although kitchen and bathrooms appear to have been updated in the early 90s?
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad
So many wonderful, timeless details. Just love it!
Beautiful !! And so tasteful ., I particularly love the wood paneled living room , and intrigued by the unusual looking coffee table ??
It really is unusual! I wonder if it had a certain purpose in a previous life?
Another Zenke from my hometown:
http://www.traditionalhome.com/category/beautiful-homes/country-french-home-north-carolina
I love this house. The doors, the trim, the paneling, the stairway, the lighting. All these lovely details are hard to find. It is not over the top at all but liveable. I love the ‘outdated’ rooms especially the kitchen, the sunroom, the bathrooms. I would not change them. Give me outdated. Give me Otto Zenke! I am looking to buy a house that is not updated but this one is out of my price range.