Listing courtesy of Compass -- Raleigh

Imagine, if you will, the improbability of finding all of the following in a single real estate listing description: water views, private direct lake access, a private dock, serenity, herons, the occasional eagle, natural beauty, the absence of road noise, a brand-new fully renovated chef's kitchen, and two primary bedrooms (original up and new addition down) -- all within just five minutes of the high-end shopping and services at Cary's Waverly Place and only fifteen minutes to downtown Raleigh. By foot via the lovely, shaded walking trails (one access point is just steps from the top of the driveway), residents can enjoy the beautiful swimming pools and bountiful neighborhood tennis courts (golf is also here, as is Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve). Rarely does a home offer the bliss of a faraway vacation lake house with the conveniences and modern finishes of a home of this quality. Originally built in 1994 on the banks of the 80-acre Lake Lochmere, this home has been in the watchful care of its current owners for just shy of twenty years. The setting is sublime and the outdoor living spectacular. The vaulted beadboard ceiling covered porch is private and large and just one portion of the multi-tier Ipe Brazilian hardwood deck. In the winter one might light the fireplace and enjoy the sunset at the end of a workday; in the lazy days of summer, a nap or a drink on the dock might be the way to go before a late dinner on the open porch as the light fades and stars come out. The addition of a first-floor second primary bedroom suite was insightful and creative; the view of the lake out over the free-standing pedestal tub feels like a scene from a television commercial. That new suite has a zero-lip walk-in shower, dual vanities, heated dolomite marble floors, and a truly massive walk-in closet. The bedroom itself features a vaulted ceiling, cool woodworking, direct access to the deck and views of, you guessed it, the lake. The kitchen is ripped from the pages of a remodeling magazine with Wolf and SubZero appliances, prep sink, and center quartz island. All formals befitting a brick home of this stature are here: the dining room is lovely thanks to pretty sun-filled bay windows, a tray ceiling, skillful wainscoting, and beautiful walls; the parlor could easily be a work-at-home office if desired; the family room has a gorgeous fireplace with marble surround; the deck spans nearly the entire rear of the home and the lake is in view from almost all rooms. Upstairs, the original primary bedroom suite has also been upgraded and renovated, and two more bedrooms, laundry and ample bonus room complete the space. A third floor bonus room could be put to use as yet one more bedroom if desired; a pair of storage spaces come in very handy. Throughout this entire home the beautiful hardwoods are a constant theme. It's a difficult decision whether to exclaim more about the home and its updates and renovations or the setting, the lot, the lake, the landscaping, and the outdoor living. Fortunately, a decision is not necessary. This home is splendid and a rare offering.