Southern Pines Building Company Cottage

A conversation with Jeannie Carpentier and John Whalen - stewards of a 1910 hip roof Craftsmen cottage and carriage house built as a “model home” for the Town of Southern Pines.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I (Jeannie) moved to North Carolina twenty-three years ago looking for a change from the corporate world, commuting, etc. I was heavy involved in the building industry in the Chicago area, a project Manager of upper end residential and commercial in Boise ID and four western states, as well as a having a large corporate job. When visiting this quaint, unique area I fell in love with the idea of raising my girls and riding our horses in the epitome of horse country. The area was quite different and quieter when I arrived. I made the decision to get my contractor’s license soon after settling into a historic home in Aberdeen. I built and remodeled locally for years, mixing in personal development, design projects, and personal remodels, but historic homes have always been my favorite. Eventually I slowly set aside the building business and started efocusing on sports medicine education and teaching Pilates. I have designed and created two Pilates studios in downtown Southern Pines and these projects help me fulfill my creative “project” side.

How did you find the your house?

I rode my bike up and down all the downtown Southern Pines streets on my way to my studio/work and put the word out to my friends that I wanted a historic project. Luckily, this gem became available.

Curved living room bay window with wooden storms

Why did you want to rehabilitate a historic home versus buying new?

I love an older home with great bones. The trim and details are very expensive to recreate and I love the history and energy of the previous families that have crossed the thresholds. Older homes have such character- high ceilings, solid 8 foot high doors, incredible hardware, and wavy glass windows to name a few of the advantages. I also watched too many historic homes torn down nearby to expand churches and paved for parking lots. This sad change pushed me to be more involved with the Town and try to change this ridiculous phenomenon. I devoted so much time to Long Range Planning Committee, UDO, Appearance Commission, Sign Committee, etc.

What challenges did you face when rehabilitating your home?

Not everything is perfectly square. Finding craftsmen to assist in the remodel that respects the integrity of the building and its character has been a challenge, and I cannot find a great, reasonable painter.

Living room curved window

Interior view

Original picture window with decorative glass

Are there any features you had to replicate? What features did you have to update? 

We replicated alot of trim where we made changes. The master bath was updated years ago but I chose finishes that I am happy with currently. All the windows in the main home needed new parts and pieces but the glass is original, which is a plus. Mechanical has needed full updates. Paint inside and out is ongoing. Landscaping, adding closets, pantry, refinishing floors, hardware, chimneys and more. All well worth the money spent to keep this beauty in tip top shape.

Restored carriage house bedroom

Original interior door hinge

Newly added pantry

Describe your favorite part of your home.

I fell for the screened porches of our historic cottage. They are so functional. I recommend glass panels inside the screen panels for winter use and fragile plants. A pet screen is also a great option. We are ready to rescreen them after purchasing screen online at Metro Screen Works.

We use our modest porch every day and I feel the years of families that nested here before us. We are thankful for the opportunity to “steward” the amazing details and craftsmanship and history.  I am passionate about preservation of  anything significant and useful and beautiful.   

What is one piece of advice you would give someone wanting to rehabilitate a historic property?

Your contractor should be well versed in historic homes or things will not be preserved at its best. Don’t go the easy route. Live in it a bit if possible, ideas change. Take your time with research and ask questions from resources such as The Pines Preservation Guild, etc.

*some responses have been edited for clarity

You can follow Jeannie and John’s journey on Instagram at @jcmybpilates