Pemberton Heights gem superbly refreshed with modern update

Built in 1938, this sweet Pemberton Heights home received a full renovation in 2012, and the result is a beautiful balance of historic and new features. The brick-and-stucco exterior of the 2,647-square-foot, two-story home retains the classic appeal of its original vintage. The interiors, however, bring a sleek, contemporary look to the party.

Local firms Arbib Hughey Design and Wilmington Gordon are responsible for the redesign, which cleverly incorporates original features—including shiplap walls, beamed wood ceilings, wood floors, and a fireplace—into an opened-up contemporary design. The home, which has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, now has large windows and five skylights to provide lots of soft, natural light as well as high-end, contemporary fixtures and finishes. Designers also made the most of the open space with clever, built-in benches, shelves, and nooks.

The kitchen features high-end stainless appliances, a large central island, restored natural shiplap walls, marble and stainless steel countertops, an appliance garage, and custom cabinetry. In the main living area, the original 1938 fireplace remains a focal point and is backlit by floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on to the grassy backyard and its large heritage tree

The downstairs master suite is spacious and private and features double vanities and a large walk-in closet. In addition to the bedrooms, there is a downstairs flex space that could see a variety of uses.

The unfussy exterior features a covered deck and a patio that blend with the interior space and a covered carport designed to double as an entertainment area.

• 1607 Westover Road [Gottesman Residential Real Estate]