What is a “Hidden Gem” in real estate?
The undiscovered home in a not so well-known neighborhood. The home waiting for a bit of TLC from the right person in a great location. Look beyond the flash and you just might find a great property  aka…hidden gem. Cottingham Chalk Hayes is a locally owned residential real estate company with a reputation of  impeccable customer service and a command of the local market. When Scoop wanted to highlight some beautiful but unknown properties and neighborhoods we sought their advice.
Reba Hatfield a Realtor for over 15 years in the Charlotte (Fort Mill and Mooresville too)gave me her take on hidden gems, “As the old saying goes, location, location,location. And I will add to that; a good lot and great bones. We have gotten so spoiled by the endless flash of stone counters, stainless steel and staged homes on prime time television that our brains cannot see or think beyond this. Now, I am not talking about taking on a massive renovation unless that is your talent. I am talking about changing some light fixtures, paint, hardware and some counter tops. Yes, a good cabinet cleaning or painting might be in order and eventually a new appliance or two. I see people walk away from great houses because they don’t like the fluorescent light in the kitchen and the green counter tops. They are walking away from gorgeous hardwood floors, a prime neighborhood and a beautiful lot of mature trees and lovely streets.
The real home gems are the ones others are overlooking because they want granite and stainless steel. Look beyond the glam and you will find your gem and create your own dream home”.
That is great advice. Most of us are “wowed” by the cosmetic features and staging, turning a blind eye to foundation. Reba also encourages house hunters to look in neighborhoods where the houses were built around the 60’s-80’s. This was a time where houses were well-built on bigger lots. While you might have to update some fixtures you have purchased a stout structure on larger property.
Without further ado… our HIDDEN GEMS
1. Neighborhood: The Cloisters  Address: 2515 Cloister DriveÂ
Quiet, close-in neighborhood just east of Foxcroft off Providence Rd. Old, new, and remodeled homes are nestled on large lots around a peaceful 3 acre lake.  Less than a 10 min commute to downtown and 5 min to SouthPark. Surrounded by stores, restaurants, and churches, a secret gem of a community that offers acreage and mature landscaping in the heart of town. Feels like you are nestled in the middle of nowhere.
This  mid-century modern home (5,352 square feet) overlooks the lake and has been beautifully remodeled. Unique features include a top-of-the-line chefs kitchen, a circular sunroom and a dog shower in the laundry room. It has wall to wall windows to bring the outside in. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 2 partial baths. Take a look……
For information about this home or to set up a showing contact Maren Brisson-Kuester
Cottingham Chalk Hayes
6846 Morrison Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28211
704.364.4400 x 1342
704.625.1372 fax
704.287.7072 cell phone
2. Neighborhood: Wesley Heights Address: 337 Viburnum Way Court
This neighborhood is a good mix of all that makes Charlotte great–tree-lined streets and good restaurants. It’s on the greenway, walking distance to uptown and Frazier Park is right in between. Even many Charlotteans don’t know about it but Wesley Heights is a great neighborhood.
This agent-owned property has top of the line interiors and appliances and it’s even Leed-certified (green). Beautiful, sunny, contemporary condo with lots of room (1400 sq ft). Priced to sell. Nothing like this in Charlotte! Large 2 BR floor plan with an outdoor patio, private 1-car garage and entry.
For more information about this property or to schedule a showing contact Kathryn Thigpen
Cottingham Chalk Hayes
6846 Morrison Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28211
704.364.4400 x1349
704.625.2138 fax
704.904.1264 cell phone
3.Neighborhood: Robinson Woods Address: 409 Whitestone Road
If you’ve headed towards Matthews on Sardis Road, or sat in carpool line at Providence Day School, you’ve probably wondered about the entrance on your right into Robinson Woods. We like to think of it as Charlotte’s best kept secret. It’s a neighborhood out of the “Ozzie and Harriett” era. Most of the neighbors know each other, there’s only one way into the neighborhood, so only one way out….meaning no through traffic. When the neighborhood was young, it was the home to Fox, Knox and Cox….. Fox being Gerald Fox, Mecklenburg County Manager, Tom Cox was the Chair of the County Commissioners, and Eddie Knox was the Mayor. Along with many doctors and other high-profile Charlotteans, it was the neighborhood home of the Who’s Who list of Charlotte.
Now you find it is home to many young families, empty nesters and a few of the originals. The young and the old mix and mingle like family. They enjoy the neighborhood Woman’s Club, Book Club, and Progressive dinner just to name of few of the activities. The neighborhood is so convenient, many neighbors have moved there to be closer to town or near their children’s school. Looking at all of the additions and construction taking place on any given day, you realize these people love their life in Robinson Woods and plan of making it their home for many years.
This lovely, Tudor style home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with 4203 square feet. Â Cul de sac. Master on main, plus additional bedroom and full bath. Large kitchen with solid surface countertops. Hardwoods on main and upper levels. Sewing/craft room upstairs, plus 3 bedrooms. Bright basement with tall beamed ceiling. Loads of windows for light. Newer windows, roof and HVAC. Walk in attics.
For more information about this property or to schedule a showing contact Bertha Walker
Cottingham Chalk Hayes
6846 Morrison Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28211
704.364.4400 x1281
704.365.9843 fax
704.502.6858 cell phone
4.  Neighborhood: Candlewyck  Address: 2010 Lawton Bluff Road
The very definition of a hidden gem is something prized which is just waiting to be discovered. In a wealthy city where there seems to be neighborhoods full of mansions on every corner, finding something affordable can be a challenge. What if you could find a great updated house with granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors, 2 car covered attached parking on a flat lot in a great neighborhood for $223,000? What if the neighborhood had walking trails, a beautiful lake, and a community pool and playground. What if the homes were on good sized lots and your neighbors around you were updating their homes too? Imagine if the home was less than a 30 minute commute from uptown and in beautiful south Charlotte near the Arboretum? You can find it! It is in Candlewyck at 2010 Lawton Bluff Road. Folks are discovering Candlewyck!  It is one of the only South Charlotte neighborhoods that offers great homes, neighborhood amenities, a grocery store in the community and walking distance to all sorts of shopping. All for a really affordable price!
This 1,774 square foot home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1 partial bath. Atrium doors open to deck overlooking large private backyard. 2 car carport with storage! Generous master bedroom with 2 closets.
For more information about this property or to schedule a showing contact Becky McGrath
Cottingham Chalk Hayes
6846 Morrison Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28211
704.364.4400 x1275
704.625.1845 fax
704.560.1124 cell phone
To see more  HIDDEN GEMS in the Charlotte area call Cottingham Chalk Hayes.Â
