Explore the once-traditional home a Chapel Hill family transformed into a stylish, open-concept haven that embraces nature
By Sinclair Holian | Photography by John Michael Simpson
As you turn into the cul-de-sac of a north Chapel Hill neighborhood, the hum of the street fades into the quiet of the towering trees. At the end of the road, nestled in the forest, a striking home sits atop the hill, its bold exterior impossible to ignore.
Walking up the winding driveway and through the bright yellow door, the serene exterior gives way to the lively sounds of puppy Coco, brothers playing upstairs and conversation in the airy kitchen. Filled with natural light, open spaces and cozy nooks, the home is not only stunning but perfectly suited to the fast-paced life of a family of four.
Since moving in at the end of 2019, owners Robin Padayachee and Raigen Padayachee have worked to perfect this balance of style and functionality. Robin grew up in Chapel Hill while Raigen was raised in Dallas, and the couple met at Yosemite National Park in 2008 while living in the Bay Area. They married and moved into a home in Oakland in 2011, falling in love with the region’s blend of city life and nature.
LEFT Large windows and skylights bring abundant natural light in the main bedroom, nestled in a far corner of the home.
RIGHT The main bathroom is a serene, light-filled space, featuring a soaking tub and a luxurious walk-in shower.
In 2012, the couple relocated to Dallas, where they welcomed their two sons, Cyrus and August. While they loved raising their boys near Raigen’s family, after seven years, they soon felt the pull of change. “We both got pretty tired of the big concrete jungle,” Raigen says. “Robin missed the trees, and I felt like we just couldn’t escape the concrete and the heat.”
Chapel Hill’s lush environment, affordable real estate and proximity to Robin’s friends made it the perfect escape. In 2019, the couple got a tip about a house before it hit the market – and by May, they officially closed. The quiet neighborhood, surrounded by greenery and ample space, offered the perfect contrast to Dallas. “We feel very comfortable letting [the boys] go out in this neighborhood and our yard,” Raigen says. “They can explore and not feel like they’re trapped.”
Renovations on the ’80s build began in June. “For the most part, it had a very solid construction and a lot to work with,” Robin recalls. Collaborating with Grau Building Company and Linton Architects, they worked to merge Raigen’s modern preferences with Robin’s traditional tastes. “I think where we’ve landed is a little bit of a blend,” Robin says.
Knocking out a wall transformed the main floor, creating a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas. The teams completely reimagined the kitchen, featuring splashes of colorful tiling, exposed shelving and a giant island – perfect for catching family clutter. They also created a mudroom and a home office for Raigen, and upstairs, the bathrooms and main bedroom were also fully renovated. Throughout the house, cosmetic updates brought new energy, replacing old carpet with hardwood and refinishing the stair railing.
While Cyrus and August’s favorite space is the game room upstairs, Robin favors the living room, which she’s jokingly named, “the grown-up room.” With its comfy couches and the elegant fireplace, it’s the perfect place for hosting guests while keeping the kids within earshot. Massive windows frame views of the surrounding woods, filling the space with natural light and enhancing the room’s peaceful ambiance.
During renovations, the family stayed in an apartment, finally moving into their home on Dec. 30, 2019. Just two months later, the pandemic hit. “We just felt really lucky that all of that got done in time,” Robin reflects. The time spent hunkering down at home allowed the family to fully appreciate their new space, including its 3.5-acre lot. “That first spring was just so beautiful,” Robin recalls. “We had a lot of outdoor time, and it felt so safe here with the woods for the kids to play.”
By 2023, the couple set their sights on the exterior. The raised brick patio out back had integrity issues, and the narrow porch in front also needed a major makeover. They also refinished a small basement room, which serves as a home gym – and, with the boys asking Robin to cut and dye their hair, a makeshift home salon.
LEFT Folding glass doors are a nod to Robin and Raigen’s former California lifestyle, creating a seamless transition from the dining room to the back deck.
RIGHT In 2023, the family turned their attention to some exterior renovations. The new outdoor kitchen allows Raigen to embrace his Texas roots by grilling and smoking meats.
Now, the front of the house features a path winding up the driveway to modern, elevated decking, complete with red oak floors. “I love sitting in the rocking chairs out front, especially in the afternoon sun,” Robin says.
The bold exterior color, “inkwell,” a sophisticated black with bluish-green undertones, was inspired by modern homes in their former Dallas neighborhood. And the bright yellow door brings a sense of cheer, inviting guests to enjoy the joyful spirit that lies just beyond the threshold.
With their major design projects finally complete, the family has settled in to their routines of work, school, sports and hiking with Coco in Duke Forest. But looking ahead, Robin can’t help but imagine new projects, like a garden to bring pollinators to the yard. “I guess I’m kind of a restless personality,” Robin smiles. “I’m always looking for more things to do.”
