A Modern, Elegant Home for a Walkable Life in Downtown Cary (In Progress)

For Neil and Luana, building a custom home wasn’t just about creating a new space — it was about embracing a new lifestyle.

After years spent living near Umstead State Park and raising their three children in Raleigh, they set their sights on downtown Cary. With its walkable charm, growing culinary scene, and vibrant energy, the location offered everything they were looking for in their next chapter.

“We weren’t moving because we needed a new home,” Neil shared. “It was about the opportunity to build something in a place that matched our lifestyle.”

Once they secured a premium lot in a quiet downtown cul-de-sac, the next step was clear: find the right builder. Thanks to numerous glowing word-of-mouth referrals — from friends, real estate professionals, and even the town’s former permitting director — Rufty Homes quickly rose to the top of their list.

“There were other great builders we met with,” Luana said, “but when we asked around, Rufty was the name that always came up. Again and again. We wanted the process to be enjoyable, and Rufty was the builder who could deliver that.”

They assembled a dream team for the project, bringing in Tony Frazier for home design and Noble Studio for interior selections. Though they initially led with design, they soon realized how invaluable it would have been to involve Rufty even earlier. “Knowing what we know now, we probably would have gone straight to Jon first,” said Neil. “They don’t just build beautiful homes — they guide the entire vision.”

That collaboration proved essential when a major design pivot emerged. During site prep, the Rufty team identified an opportunity to dramatically improve the home’s elevation by adding a rear retaining wall — a change that would allow the front door to sit six feet lower and integrate more naturally with the street. Though it added cost, Rufty offered to complete the wall at cost, simply because it was the right decision for the project.

“They didn’t have to do that,” said Neil. “But they had earned our trust. From day one, we knew they were looking out for our best interests.”

Construction was managed by Project Manager Justin Oates, whose dedication kept the timeline ahead of schedule — a rare feat in luxury custom homebuilding. “We moved in two months early,” Luana recalled. “Just in time for our college-aged kids to come home for the summer.”

Today, their home is a stunning blend of thoughtful design and effortless livability. A spacious kitchen with a 5x11-foot island serves as the heart of the home, perfect for both everyday meals and family-wide cooking sessions. A hidden scullery keeps appliances tucked away, while expansive glass doors connect the indoor living room to a serene outdoor terrace with a fireplace — an ideal setting for everything from morning coffee to evening entertaining.

And for Neil, a cycling enthusiast, Rufty helped bring to life a multi-functional gym and workspace, complete with custom bike mounts and ceiling reinforcements. “They paid attention to every detail,” he said. “Even in the smallest spaces.”

Just a short stroll from downtown Cary’s best shops, sushi spots, and coffee favorites like Don’s Bagels, the couple now enjoys the walkable lifestyle they envisioned — with a home that feels as timeless as it is tailored.

“We walk around and still think, ‘I can’t believe we live here,’” said Luana. “It’s everything we hoped for, and more.”