Bathed in simple dignity, the renovated Colonial Revival style home dominates its quiet world. Visitors will step back in time when Joyce White shares her retreat on the 15th annual "Kitchens and Moore" house tour on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Sponsored by the Moore County Extension and Community Association, Inc. and chaired by Carolyn Register, the tour benefits the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw; 4-H Clubs; and local youth programs.

The new owner, who is a resident of Simi Valley, Calif., purchased the two-story white brick house in 2005 as a second home. She was familiar with this area as she and her insurance business partner had already purchased a house in Pinewild. On a random trip through Pinehurst, she saw this house and purchased it the next day.

"It was love at first sight," she says.

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half -bath house was built in 1924, according to the Pinehurst Historical Society. It had been rented and then was empty for several years after its original owners had vacated. It badly needed a facelift inside and out. Beginning the work in spring 2006, White chose Wayne Haddock of Pinehurst Homes as general contractor and Warren Langston of Pinehurst as the architect.

Given several choices that would give the house a presence while maintaining its historic nature, she chose to add a sweeping porch to the simple entrance, a balcony to the second floor above and to elongate the side porch, extending the brick flooring and adding a pergola covering. She selected a black architectural shingle roof and painted the shutters to match. In the rear of the house, she used a pergola effect over a brick patio and above several windows.

The one-car garage and garden shed were painted and re-roofed. The overgrown landscaping was taken in hand by Joel Kennedy of Reaves Landscaping and Design, of Pinebluff, who created an appropriate plan for minimal maintenance while preserving the majestic oaks in front. Landscape lighting installed by Rob Jon Moore, of Dramatic Garden Lighting of Southern Pines, softened the effect.

Lots of Work

Inside, it became obvious that extensive work was needed. The heating, air and electrical systems all had to be updated. Plaster walls were removed down to the studs to install new wiring. Today's wallboard is painted a creamy, magnolia white, which flows through the house, accompanied by white ceilings and woodwork. A heavy front door of glass and wood looks original but isn't. A familiar cloak and hat rack with mirror and storage bench awaits visitors in the entry hall.

In the living room, the original brick fireplace is fitted with modern gas logs; a built-in bead-board cabinet with a vintage look houses a media system; classically styled leather furniture is appropriate with the refinished maple hardwood floors; today's version of plantation blinds shades the windows. A newly-added 1800s secretary and an antique chest are at home in this space that has been expanded to include a former sun room.

The dining room with its aged oak pub table and matching chairs is joined by an interesting corner cabinet. The simple chandelier of black wrought iron has white opaque glass shades. Its light warms the oak pieces and the maple flooring. Seeking simplicity and more natural light, no curtains or drapes are used and few area rugs are found.

With the removal of the wall between dining room and kitchen, more space was obtained for the open kitchen designed by Christine DiMarco of Living Spaces. A black granite counter tops the half wall that now divides the two. The dining room has gained a lower half wall of old-fashioned glass door cabinetry.

In the kitchen, the same wall offers space for a gas cooktop range and other modern appliances. A uniquely shaped black granite-topped island holds a dishwasher and large apron style sink outfitted with black plumbing. Adding bar stools at the outer side creates a handy breakfast bar. The refrigerator is housed in matching white cabinetry. A side wall houses a hutch and window seat.

Inviting Bedrooms

A happy surprise just off the kitchen is an inviting guest suite with a bath. The charming bedroom has an antique white iron bed. The suite adjoins an enclosed sitting room that was formerly a sun porch. French doors were added to allow access from this end of the house to a rear patio. White's mother, who often comes with her from California, claims this is her favorite place to be.

A first-floor powder room achieves drama with its black and white color scheme that is repeated in all the baths. Small subway tiles, reminiscent of the 1920s, are used on floors and walls with attractive round white basins held in a design of black wrought iron. Wrought iron bakers' racks display linens. In the guest bath upstairs, a vintage tub was rescued and redone by the Pinehurst Blacksmith artisans. It is black on the outside and boasts black plumbing.

The size of the master bedroom suggests that two rooms may have been combined. The ceiling is deeply coved and ceiling fans are used for modern comfort. Two original closets are now professionally outfitted. A Carolina room offers the best view of the property. White has added touches of red in the accessories, including a kimono casually hung in the bath.

She credits local friends, Carol Frye and Linda Cox, for finding authentic antiques for the house, and English friend, Elaine Evans, who has given continuing support to her renovating and refurbishing endeavors. She was also pleased to secure several important additions through Ouida's Antiques in Carthage but still considers this a work in progress. She hopes to keep the house in her family "forever," she says.

Of note in the bedroom area is another antique iron bed and an 1850s North Carolina-made cupboard of dark heart pine, with boot feet and hand-carved knobs. A guest room is furnished with an 1850s hand-painted bedroom suite in which the dresser has a handkerchief drawer and a chest lid opens, probably, to allow room for a handy bowl and pitcher.

According to White, she and her family really treasure their piece of history, and plan to spend as much time here as possible. The neighbors are pleased with the "new" face in the neighborhood.

"Winning the 2007 N.C. Builders Association's Restoration of the Year award was real confirmation that this was truly a job well done," says a spokesman for the tour.

On the day of the tour, Priscilla Cole, hostess, and her committee members, will greet guests at the White home. Robert Yarter, who is pastry chef at Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour and Gift Shoppe in the Village of Pinehurst, will be presiding in the kitchen where his samples of a popular recipe will be served.

Other owners who will share their homes on the tour will include Don Thompson, Southern Pines; Ronald and Barbara Archbold, National Golf Club; Steve and Nan Moore and James and Cecelia Obi, Pinewild Country Club; and J.J. and Nancy Jackson, Fairwoods on Seven.

Tickets, recipes and brochures with directions will be available for $20 the day of the tour at The Village Chapel and at each house. The chapel may be reached from the direction of the Pinehurst traffic circle or by following detour signs around the construction area at Rt. 5 and Midland Road.

Tickets in advance for $15 are currently on sale at the following places: Phoenix Fashions, Seven Lakes, at 673-5998; The Faded Rose, Pinehurst, at 215-0505; Daphne's Hallmark, Southern Pines, at 692-7333; Gap Creek Candle Company, Southern Pines, at 695-0029; and the Cooperative Extension Service, Carthage, at (910) 947-3188.