Southern Hills Estates

January 18, 2024

Luxury custom homes in Southern Hills Estates - Raleigh's premier gated community. Overview includes home details, location, builders, access & guidance
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Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, Southern Hills Estates offers an unparalleled living experience.

This community is strategically located to provide residents with easy access to the city's vibrant downtown, top-rated schools, and major employment hubs, making it an ideal choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Specific Neighborhoods and Notable Features

Southern Hills Estates is renowned for its luxury custom homes, built by some of the most prestigious builders in the area, including Exeter Building Company, Loyd Builders, and Ange Signature Homes.

These builders are celebrated for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that each home is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly.

List of Builders

These builders are renowned for their quality, craftsmanship, and dedication to creating homes that not only meet but exceed the expectations of discerning buyers.

Here is a comprehensive list of the builders associated with Southern Hills Estates:

Raleigh Custom Homes:

  • Led by founder Tim Thompson, Raleigh Custom Homes is celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The team, known for its innovative designs and use of advanced materials, has garnered numerous awards in the Parade of Homes, particularly in the highest price categories. Their commitment to socially responsible building practices ensures that each home is not only luxurious but also environmentally friendly.

Exeter Building Company:

  • Exeter Building Company specializes in luxury custom homes that cater to the active lifestyle of their clients. Their homes are known for expansive interiors, open floor plans, and energy-efficient construction, reflecting a commitment to quality and innovation.

Loyd Builders:

  • Loyd Builders focuses on creating custom luxury homes that mirror the unique preferences and lifestyles of their clients. Their meticulous attention to detail and quality craftsmanship guarantee that each home is a masterpiece of design and functionality.

Ange Signature Homes:

  • Ange Signature Homes is distinguished by its fine craftsmanship and green building practices. As one of the Triangle's premier home builders, they design custom luxury homes with the environment in mind, incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient features.

Hurst Home Company:

  • Information specific to Hurst Home Company and its involvement in Southern Hills Estates was not directly provided in the sources. However, given the community's focus on luxury and quality, it's reasonable to infer that any builder, including Hurst Home Company, associated with Southern Hills Estates would share these values of excellence and bespoke design.

These builders represent the pinnacle of luxury home construction in North Raleigh, offering a range of styles from classic designs that embody tradition to more contemporary styles that meet today’s family lifestyles.

Each builder brings a unique set of skills and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that residents of Southern Hills Estates have access to the finest homes in an idyllic setting that welcomes them home.

Types of Housing, Typical House and Lot Sizes

Southern Hills Estates offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, active adult homes, and custom homes.

The typical house size ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, with lot sizes that provide ample space for outdoor living and entertainment.

Southern Hills Estates Amenities

Southern Hills Estates offers residents a wealth of amenities befitting its status as a premier gated community in North Raleigh.

Privacy and security are ensured through a grand entrance that opens its gates only to residents and their guests.

Spacious homesites, many over an acre in size with meadow and wooded views, provide generous room for luxury estate homes with amenities like pools, patios, and circular drives.

Custom home options allow residents to work with award-winning builders to design residences tailored to their personal styles and needs.

The location provides convenience, with easy access to RDU International Airport, Research Triangle Park, shopping centers, parks, hospitals, and more.

Low taxes and reasonable HOA dues enhance the economic value. Utility infrastructure like natural gas, community water, and septic systems delivers modern convenience.

Everyday amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, gyms, and diverse dining are located nearby.

The community also allows quick access to Raleigh's thriving entertainment scene including music venues, museums, spectator sports, and performing arts.

Southern Hills Estates blends tranquil country living with urban convenience for an unparalleled lifestyle.

Parks, Outdoor Spaces, and Recreational Amenities

Residents of the Southern Hills Estates community have access to an abundance of spectacular parks, outdoor spaces, and recreational amenities that contribute to the area's immense appeal.

The proximity to Raleigh's largest park, Pullen Park, provides 66 acres of family fun with amusement rides, picnic facilities, playgrounds, athletic fields, an aquatic center, and more.

The community also offers easy access to the vast natural beauty of William B. Umstead State Park, where residents can hike, bike, and ride horses along miles of wooded trails and lakes.

Pullen Park

Located a short drive from the Southern Hills Estates community, Pullen Park is one of Raleigh's most beloved parks.

As the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., Pullen Park offers a rich history alongside its numerous amenities.

The park spans 66 acres and features a carousel, train, kiddie boat rides, playgrounds, picnic areas, a lake, and much more. It's an excellent spot for family fun and outdoor activities, with attractions available at a nominal fee.

Amenities at Pullen Park include:

  • Community Center
  • Aquatic Center
  • Playgrounds
  • Athletic Fields
  • Arts Center
  • Cafe
  • Shelters
  • Multiuse Field

William B. Umstead State Park

Although not mentioned in detail in the provided sources, William B. Umstead State Park is another significant outdoor space near Southern Hills Estates.

This state park offers a vast expanse of natural beauty and tranquility, with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as lakes for fishing and boating.

It's an ideal destination for those looking to escape into nature without straying too far from home.

City of Raleigh Parks

With over 200 parks in Raleigh, residents of Southern Hills Estates have access to a wide variety of outdoor spaces and recreational facilities.

These parks feature amenities such as playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, dog parks, greenway trails, and more.

The Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all, ensuring that the city's parks are welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Shopping Centers, Restaurants, Entertainment

The community's proximity to Raleigh's shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues ensures that residents have everything they need within easy reach. From fine dining to casual eateries, the culinary scene in Raleigh is diverse and vibrant.

Top Local Restaurants Near Southern Hills Estates

Here's a curated list of the top 10 restaurants in the area, each offering its unique charm and delectable dishes, accompanied by brief insights from Google reviews:

Ajja (Mediterranean)

  • A vibrant addition to the Five Points neighborhood, Ajja delights with eclectic decor, interesting kebabs, dips, and creative desserts. Reviewers praise its cozy ambiance and innovative Mediterranean flavors.

Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish Tapas)

  • Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious Spanish small plates, Barcelona Wine Bar is a hit among locals. Patrons love the croquetas, Spanish tortilla, and the lush, green-covered patio.

Beasley’s Chicken and Honey (Fried Chicken, Southern Food)

  • A hip and casual eatery by Ashley Christensen, offering classic Southern dishes with a twist. The crispy fried chicken and mac n cheese come highly recommended in reviews for their comfort food perfection.

Brewery Bhavana (Dim Sum, Chinese)

  • A unique space that combines fresh beer with fancy Chinese dim sum. Reviewers are captivated by the modern take on small plates, the flower shop, and the library within the restaurant.

Hummingbird

  • Celebrated for its New Orleans-inspired offerings and sunny atmosphere. The Peacemaker Po’boy and Ricotta Fritters are standout dishes, with reviews highlighting the quality of brunch offerings.

Death & Taxes

  • Part of Ashley Christensen’s Raleigh restaurant empire, known for its appetizers and wine list. Reviews often mention the excellent pairing of champagne and cabs, alongside the inviting ambiance.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

  • Offers a taste of New Orleans in Raleigh. The oyster selections and Creole cuisine receive high praise, with reviewers noting the fun atmosphere and quality seafood.

Stanbury

  • A spot for those seeking a refined dining experience. Reviews commend its innovative menu and cozy, welcoming environment, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Centro

  • Celebrates Latin American cuisine with a focus on fresh, authentic dishes. Patrons appreciate the vibrant flavors and the restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients.

Cucciolo Terrazza

  • Known for its Italian cuisine, particularly the pasta dishes. Reviewers rave about the authentic flavors, modern ambiance, and attentive service, making it a must-visit for Italian food lovers.

These restaurants, each with their unique offerings and ambiance, have captured the hearts of both locals and visitors, making them standout choices for anyone looking to explore Raleigh's dynamic culinary scene.

Southern Hills Estates Proximity and Commute Times

Southern Hills Estates enjoys a strategic location that provides quick and easy access to some of the most important destinations in the Triangle area:

RDU Airport

  • Approximately 15-20 minute drive

Suggested Route: The most straightforward route to Raleigh-Durham International Airport involves taking I-540 W. This route typically allows for a quick commute, taking about 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The airport serves as a major hub, facilitating travel for both business and leisure.

Downtown Durham

  • 25-30 minute commute

Suggested Route: For those looking to explore the rich culture and dining options of Downtown Durham, taking I-40 W is the most direct path. The commute usually lasts about 25-30 minutes, making it an easy trip for a day out or for attending events and festivals that Durham is famous for.

Downtown Raleigh

  • 20-25 minute drive

Suggested Route: To reach the heart of the state's capital, Downtown Raleigh, residents can take I-540 E to US-1 S, which merges into Capital Blvd. This route takes approximately 20-25 minutes, offering access to Raleigh's vibrant arts scene, museums, and government buildings.

Research Triangle Park (RTP)

  • 20-30 minute commute

Suggested Route: RTP is accessible via I-540 E to I-40 W, with the commute taking around 20-30 minutes. This route opens up a world of employment opportunities in tech, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries, as RTP is one of the most prominent high-tech research and development parks in the United States.

The community's proximity to these major hubs provides residents with the perfect balance of a serene, country lifestyle and convenient access to employment, entertainment, education, and more.

A Local Realtor's Perspective on Southern Hills Estates

As a leading real estate professional with over 17 years of experience guiding clients through the Triangle housing market, I highly recommend Southern Hills Estates as one of the area's most appealing communities if you're thinking to make Southern Hills Estates your long-term home.

For buyers, I suggest working with the on-site builders like Raleigh Custom Homes and Loyd Builders to fully customize your luxury estate residence.

Collaborate on choosing high-end finishes and layouts tailored for your lifestyle through a transparent design process.

The quality construction and attention to detail from these award-winning builders ensures every home meets exceptional standards.

If preparing to list your Southern Hills Estates property, our tried and tested marketing strategies targets qualified buyers through channels like luxury home magazines, social media, and strategic networking events.

I also leverage professional photography and 3D tours to showcase the property’s finest attributes.

Our intimate knowledge of the local real estate landscape allows me to price your home advantageously to maximize visibility and drive competitive offers.

As a long-time Triangle resident, I'm deeply familiar with what makes Southern Hills Estates a one-of-a-kind community, from its rolling, wooded homesites to its proximity to Raleigh’s vibrant urban amenities.

At the Tim M. Clarke Team, our commitment to integrity and transparency in every transaction aims to make your buying, selling, or living experience not only smooth but pleasant.

Please don't hesitate to contact us to begin your journey in discovering the many rewards of Southern Hills Estates living.

Listings in Southern Hills Estates

**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

Tim M. Clarke

About the author

17 years as a Realtor in the Research Triangle, Tim seeks to transform the Raleigh-Durham real estate scene through a progressive, people-centered approach prioritizing trust & transparency.

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