About

From the first step through the entry garden, Umstead Park Residence unfolds not as a typical home, but as an experience — immersive, intentional, alive. Designed by the award-winning team at ThoughtCraft Architects and brought to life through the refined interiors of Jen Cobb at Verity Design Studio, this architectural retreat was created for those who crave a deeper connection to their surroundings — to light, to air, to texture, to time itself. Here, architecture is not just shelter; it’s a form of storytelling that speaks to the rhythm of the day, the beauty of simplicity, and the calm of timeless design.

Set on a private, wooded 1.88-acre lot, Umstead Park Residence is more than a home — it’s a rare sanctuary with an irreplaceable position directly backing onto Umstead State Park, one of North Carolina’s most treasured natural preserves. From your own backyard, step onto miles of serene trails, winding through over 5,000 acres of protected forest, streams, and quiet pathways — an everyday invitation to slow down, reconnect, and breathe deeply, right at the edge of Raleigh’s growing cultural heartbeat.

Spanning over 11,965 square feet under roof, with 8,377 square feet of heated living space, the residence offers 5 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath, all thoughtfully arranged among flexible spaces including a media lounge, home office, upstairs playroom, butler’s pantry, generous mudroom, and a dedicated wellness studio. Every room is designed to feel intimate yet open, with curated views and light that changes beautifully throughout the day.

At its heart, Umstead Park Residence centers on a beautifully crafted kitchen and main living area that balance warmth, refinement, and a clear connection to the landscape. Finished in warm white oak cabinetry and veined quartzite, the kitchen transitions naturally into the dining room and living space — distinct zones for gathering, cooking, and quiet retreat. Skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows choreograph daylight from dawn to dusk, framing peaceful views of the private pool terrace and native gardens beyond. Whether hosting friends for an evening dinner or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this is where daily life feels both elevated and deeply grounded in nature.

The primary suite is tucked away in its own wing for ultimate privacy — a true sanctuary that opens to a secluded garden retreat. Inside, spa-level details include dual vanities, a sculptural soaking tub, an oversized walk-in shower, and boutique-style custom closets that elevate daily rituals into moments of calm. Just beyond, a private garden connection invites you to start each day in quiet reflection, surrounded by soft light and birdsong.

Additional bedrooms offer comfort and flexibility — each with its own ensuite bath and custom storage. An independent suite with its own living area and full bath adds rare versatility: ideal for a parent, long-term guest, live-in help, or even a private studio or office — blending independence and connection seamlessly within the home.

Beyond the walls, the experience continues: an expansive outdoor kitchen and dining terrace, covered breezeways, and an inviting pool framed by native plantings and a dedicated pool bath pavilion. Here, indoor and outdoor living blend naturally — from garden courtyards to al fresco dinners under the stars, every detail invites you to savor the changing seasons in your own private retreat.

And beneath the beauty lies performance: high-efficiency HVAC systems, advanced air sealing, R-45+ roof insulation, and VOC-free paints and finishes throughout. The sealed, conditioned crawl space and discreet natural ventilation strategies ensure year-round comfort and wellness — protecting not just your investment, but your health, your peace of mind, and your sense of ease. This is sustainable luxury, designed for the way you live today.

Umstead Park Residence is not a home to measure by square footage or finishes alone — it’s a home to feel. For the discerning buyer who values enduring design, daily connection to nature, and Raleigh’s perfect blend of dynamic growth and peaceful retreat, this is more than a house. It is a sanctuary.

Quietly confident.
Enduringly modern.
Unforgettable.