146 Yeopim
Creek Drive

When I built 146 Yeopim Creek Drive, my intention was not simply to build a large home. I wanted to build a home of exceptional strength, permanence, craftsmanship, and beauty — one designed to take full advantage of this extraordinary waterfront property for generations to come.

The home sits on approximately 1.25 acres and occupies its own private point, surrounded by mature trees and expansive water views. From approximately 80% of the rooms in the house, you can see the water. The long approach from the cul-de-sac winds approximately 225 feet around a natural grouping of trees before arriving at the residence, creating both privacy and a dramatic sense of arrival.

Built From the Ground Up

Before construction began, I hired a professional soil specialist to evaluate the property and determine the depth required to reach bedrock for stable support.

Based on that evaluation, portions of the stepdown foundation extend approximately 10 to 12 feet below grade. Rather than building standard-size concrete piers, I substantially increased their dimensions to approximately 36 x 36 x 24 inches. Continuous reinforcing steel was incorporated before the concrete was poured.

The house was then constructed on an extensive system of reinforced masonry columns. Approximately 200 columns, standing about 6 feet 4 inches high, were filled with concrete and reinforced with steel. The perimeter foundation rises approximately nine concrete blocks high and is also reinforced with concrete and rebar.

This substantial elevated foundation was intentional. In addition to providing exceptional structural support, it allowed the main living level to be positioned higher in order to maximize the property’s remarkable water views. Steel beams provide additional structural support throughout the home.

Exceptional Framing & Construction

Quality construction continued above the foundation. Exterior walls were constructed using 2x6 framing rather than conventional 2x4 construction. Spruce lumber was selected for framing to help maintain straighter walls, and the exterior structure was sheathed with approximately 1/2-inch plywood.

The roof structure was built with approximately 5/8-inch plywood decking, and special attention was given to the roof valleys, snow-load support, and hurricane clips.

The roof was replaced in November 2025 with a high-performance fortified roofing system designed for wind resistance of up to approximately 160 mph.

Full blown-in fiberglass insulation was installed throughout the walls with attention to energy efficiency and sound reduction, and premium drywall products were used throughout the interior.

Approximately 9,000 Square Feet of Living Space

The scale of the interior is one of the defining features of the home. Over 5,000 square feet of hardwood flooring on the primary level. Ceiling heights on the main level range approximately 11 to 12 feet, while the dramatic foyer rises approximately 26 feet. The grand room features a soaring ceiling reaching approximately 32 feet. Even the upper level maintains generous ceilings of approximately 10 feet.

A sweeping curved staircase was custom constructed for the home and became one of its architectural focal points.

An elevator serves the home from the first floor through the third level.

The third-floor attic was built with plywood subflooring and provides an extraordinary amount of accessible storage space — approximately 7,000 square feet according to the original construction plan.

Windows, Doors & Millwork

The home features premium Pella architectural windows, including numerous oversized windows positioned specifically to frame the water and natural surroundings.

The main entrance features substantial double doors with sidelights crafted from rich mahogany.

Interior doors are solid wood, and extensive decorative molding and millwork can be found throughout the residence, including the hallways, dining room, living room, primary bedroom and bath, and formal powder room.

Interior and exterior door hardware has also been upgraded with solid brass.

A Kitchen Designed for Serious Cooking

The kitchen was designed on a grand scale and includes approximately 40-inch maple cabinetry along with extensive custom maple cabinetry elsewhere in the home. A butler’s pantry with ample storage, a refrigerator, dishwasher and sink, wine cooler, microwave, and bun warmer.

Appliances include: two Sub-Zero refrigerators; double Dacor ovens; a professional-style eight-burner gas cooktop; propane service supplied by a buried approximately 250-gallon tank.

Lighting & Interior Details

Lighting was an important part of the design from the beginning.

The residence contains approximately 154 recessed lights along with extensive decorative lighting throughout the home.

The dining room is highlighted by a statement chandelier, and approximately 30 ceiling fans provide additional comfort throughout the property.

Exterior architectural lighting illuminates the home, landscaping, trees, and grounds after sunset.

Designed for Comfort & Efficiency

For a residence of this size, considerable attention was paid to mechanical efficiency.

The home uses a geothermal heating and cooling system with three large HVAC units — approximately 6-ton, 5-ton, and 4-ton systems — providing heating and air conditioning throughout the residence. At the peak of this summer my power bill was only $700. Even during the hottest part of summer, the geothermal system has helped make a home of nearly 9,000 square feet surprisingly manageable to operate.

The property also includes an advanced whole-house water purification system designed to remove impurities from the municipal water supply and help protect plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Two Laundry Areas & Three-Car Garage

The home includes two laundry rooms: one serving the upstairs bedroom suites and another conveniently located near the first-floor primary suite.

The three-car garage is exceptionally spacious and features a dramatic ceiling reaching approximately 30 feet.

Low-Maintenance Exterior Features

Exterior materials were selected with durability and maintenance in mind. Soffits, fascia and trim areas incorporate low-maintenance materials, and portions of the screened porch use cast aluminum elements designed to avoid the frequent repainting required by traditional wood.

The exterior architectural lighting has also held up exceptionally well and continues to complement the home beautifully.

Mature Landscaping & Privacy

The grounds have been carefully developed over many years and include mature specimen trees, multiple crape myrtles, river birches, and extensive established landscaping and shrubbery.

At night, landscape lighting illuminates both the plantings and the architecture of the residence, creating an entirely different experience of the property.

The View

Ultimately, one of the most remarkable things about 146 Yeopim Creek Drive cannot be described entirely by construction specifications. It is the view.

When I purchased this property in 1996, people described it as a “million-dollar view.” Today, the setting is even more special.

The home overlooks the surrounding creek and sound, with waterways ultimately connecting toward the Albemarle Sound and the Atlantic coastal region. Because the residence occupies its own point, water becomes part of the experience from nearly every direction.

Approximately 80% of the rooms enjoy some view of the water.

You see it when you wake up. You see it while moving through the home. You see it through the expansive windows and from the elevated living spaces. And you see it changing throughout the day as the light moves across the water.

A Home That Needs to Be Experienced

There are houses that can be understood from photographs and a list of specifications. This is not one of them.

The scale of the rooms, the height of the ceilings, the construction beneath the home, the craftsmanship of the staircase and millwork, the mature landscaping, the privacy of the setting, and especially the panoramic water views are difficult to appreciate until you experience the property in person. It is also an exceptional venue for entertaining, effortlessly accommodating gatherings of more than 100 guests.

I built this home with the intention that it would be exceptionally strong, exceptionally comfortable, and a beautiful place to live.

I hope its next owner will appreciate not only what can be seen, but also everything that was put into the home that cannot be seen — from the foundation and structural steel to the framing, insulation, mechanical systems, and countless construction decisions made along the way.

Please take time to view the photographs and video, and most importantly, come experience 146 Yeopim Creek Drive in person.

— Gale PollardOwner / Builder