This “casual, warm” home at the headwaters of the May River is designed for rustic comfort — and the location is perfect for its photography-minded owners.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUTCH HIRSCH
11 HEADWATERS ROAD, BLUFFTON
With its Lowcountry appeal, thoughtful design and character-rich features — such as wooden beams and a quirky garden railroad — it’s no wonder the Palmetto Bluff property at 11 Headwaters Road won the 2009 Gold Aurora Award for being the best house in competition across the southeast United States and the National Best in Living Award for best custom home of 6,500 square feet or greater.
But owners Norm and Marge Agin stress that a collaborative team effort was instrumental to bringing the project to fruition. The couple worked closely with architect Wayne Windham, builders Johnson Dulaney and interior designer Dean Huntley from the beginning to formulate ideas, even scheduling monthly meetings to ensure everything ran smoothly. “It wasn’t your typical hectic, stressful building experience,” says Marge.
“It’s a very casual home, designed and furnished to be
COMFORTABLE, FRIENDLY and WARM.”
Situated at the headwaters of the May River, this 7,000-squarefoot, 24-acre property features a large meadow, plentiful oak trees and sprawling marshlands, which attract deer and other wildlife. The picturesque setting particularly appeals to Marge, a noted local photographer. But otherwise, Norm says, “It’s a very casual home, designed and furnished to be comfortable, friendly and warm.”
The expansive kitchen makes for an ideal entertainment space, while a large wrap-around screen porch dominates the back of the house. There is also a threebedroom guesthouse, a one-bedroom apartment and a four-car garage. And, of course, not to be forgotten is space for the couple’s two Labradors. “It works for them,” Norm says, “and it works for us.”
Alison Crawshaw
SELECT vendors
- Advanced Kitchen Designs
- Building Specialties
- Distinctive Granite and Marble
- Dulaney Builders
- Plantation Interiors
- Wayne Windham, architect
