Lynn and Buddy Brewer’s home on Lake Murray has been a work in progress since 1996 when they moved in and began ripping up outdated carpeting. “We always wanted to live on the lake – that was our ultimate goal,” recalls Lynn. “We actually had a contract on another house nearby but someone came along and bought it out from under us.” As it turns out, the Brewers now consider that a blessing.
Buddy wasn’t too keen on the ranch-style house when he first saw it, but all it took was a bald eagle flying overhead to convince him that it might be the right move. “He’s a big outdoorsman,” according to Lynn. “He thought it might have some potential after that.”
To help offset the cost of the purchase of the property, the Brewers asked their neighbors at the time, the Dooleys, if they would be interested in buying part of the property and moving along with them. The Dooleys agreed and began building not long after the Brewers moved in. And so, “Brewdoo Point,” as it is now known, was born.
Over the next few years, the Brewers managed to complete a few small renovations, but as it so often does, life interrupted, so the major work got put on hold.
Talk of renovation ramped up again briefly in 2007, but the economy faltered and so did Lynn and Buddy’s plans. Then one day in 2010, Buddy decided that he really wanted a larger closet – and the plans to renovate began in earnest. Little did they know that their project would lead them directly to their good friend and across-the-street neighbor, Barry Davis, owner of Barry Davis Homes, Inc.
“We had gone to the Columbia Home Builders show to look around and stopped by Barry’s booth,” recalls Buddy. “We explained that we were looking for ideas on how to get a larger closet incorporated into the house. We knew Barry did new construction but never thought about talking to him for a remodel.”
That visit led to more discussion. Lynn and Buddy would come up with their three top priorities for the project; however, they ended up with six because they each had their own ideas of what to add. For Buddy, the larger master closet, a new façade for the front of the house and a window seat in their bedroom were top of his list.
“During a vacation to Hawaii, we stayed in a cottage that had a window seat that we loved, so we wanted to incorporate that into the master,” says Buddy.
Lynn’s priorities focused on moving the laundry room from the basement up to the main level of the house. “I was thinking of the future when it might not be quite so easy to haul laundry up and down the stairs,” she says.
Her other top goals included opening up space between the living and dining rooms and enlarging the outdoor living space.
After working with Barry on the initial design, the Brewers turned to Mark Bostic of Square One Design, with whom they had worked before, to draw the actual plans for their project.
Once construction began, the Brewers relocated to their basement for the duration. “We had a microwave and a coffee pot downstairs,” laughs Lynn. “We had been through the renovation process before in another home, so we knew what to expect.”
The front of the house took on an entire new look with an Arts and Crafts feel. “We wanted to incorporate a look similar to those in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton,” says Buddy.
The front stoop became a full porch with an arched door flanked by sidelights. They also chose to paint the existing brick to help it blend to the new colors of the slate porch.
In order to accomplish the goal of a larger closet, the master bedroom was extended out by an additional 10 feet. The master bath, with his and hers vanities and a garden tub, was relocated as part of the new extension, thus freeing up room to expand the closet.
A wall of windows with a beautiful view of the lake is the focal point for the master suite. Now Lynn and Buddy can relax on the expansive window seat covered in colorful cushions and pillows.
The renovation called for removal of a wall between the dining room and living room. That created a more open feel and allowed for movement between the spaces, which is very convenient when the Brewers are hosting their Saturday-night supper club.
To bring more light into the house, double windows along the front of the house replaced the existing single windows. The carport on the front of the house also disappeared and was replaced with a full two-car garage. “We got a bonus out of the garage by finishing the room above,” says Lynn. It’s the perfect spot for their grandsons when they visit or for guests, since it includes a full bath.
The laundry room moved from the basement to the opposite side of the house as part of the new garage and utility area. The utility room also serves as Lynn’s work area for her flower arranging. “I call it my ‘dirt therapy,’” she smiles.
The screened porch was also extended out to create more space. The hexagon shaped porch provides for multiple seating areas that offer breathtaking views of the lake. The ceiling features cypress wood while the tile floor makes for easy care.
While they were at it, Lynn and Buddy decided to incorporate a kitchen update with the project, replacing the cabinet doors and painting the cabinetry white. One wall features a more furniture-like cabinet where drawers replaced cabinet doors for more convenient storage.
Lynn selected a countertop made of sapele wood, which provides a wonderful contrast for the other cabinets covered in granite. The wall cabinet above features lighting and glass doors, creating a lovely display.
The Brewers knew this house would be their retirement home – one they want to be able to share with their children and grandchildren, their neighbors and friends. “One of the reasons that we decided to go ahead with the renovation was that we love where we are,” says Lynn. “If you ask what we like best about it, our answer is likely to change from day to day – we’re happy as we can be.”
