My New Home: Happy homeowners in Highpoint Terrace

Emily Adams Keplinger
·3 min read
Charlotte and David Wallace are very happy with their new home in High Point Terrace.
Charlotte and David Wallace are very happy with their new home in High Point Terrace.

Even before Charlotte and David Wallace got married in March 2020, they knew they were ready to have a driveway, a yard and a bit more peace and quiet. Charlotte, an attorney, and David, a neurosurgery resident at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, had both been living downtown for the past five-plus years.

“We knew we wanted to be in Midtown or High Point,” recalled Charlotte. “We wanted a house that had at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Also, we knew we didn’t want a total fixer-upper.”

Front elevation
Front elevation

“We met Leigh Martin, an agent with Hobson Realtors, at one of her Midtown listings and immediately hit it off. She was so helpful and patient with us as we navigated purchasing our first home," Charlotte said. "We started looking in early 2022 and it took about seven months for us to find this home. She was very accommodating of our busy schedules and was always able to show us properties as they came on the market. We developed such a great relationship with Leigh and we were so grateful to have worked with her. She knew exactly what we wanted and was super knowledgeable of the neighborhoods we were looking in.”

With Leigh’s assistance, the couple looked at 10-12 properties. They found one that fit the bill for them in High Point Terrace and paid $430,000 for 2,207 square feet of living space. The traditional, two-story painted brick home, c. 1950, offered their requisite three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The dining area features plenty of built-in storage. It is brightly lit with a wall of large windows looking out onto the front of the home.
The dining area features plenty of built-in storage. It is brightly lit with a wall of large windows looking out onto the front of the home.

“We came from a condo downtown on the river,” said David. “This house is much quieter, has a lot more space, and it's nice to have a driveway, a gate, and a garage. Also, we love our den — it's a central place that we gather and hang out by the fireplace. We also love the backyard, especially in the evening. There's a great pond and fire pit that we love to enjoy with friends.”

This charmer also had a spacious living room and dining room, and updated bathrooms. There were many new Pella windows with plantation shutters, a beautiful new garage door and an electric gate. And throughout the home were smooth ceilings and hardwood floors. Plus, a new roof had been added in 2019 and a new HVAC had been installed in 2020. Outdoors, the home boasted a low-maintenance backyard with the perfect patio space for entertaining.

The kitchen has a fresh look with new cabinets that go to the ceiling to allow for more storage.
The kitchen has a fresh look with new cabinets that go to the ceiling to allow for more storage.

Even though the couple wasn’t looking for a “total fixer-upper,” they have made a few changes to their new abode to really make it their own.

“We worked with a general contractor to close in one of the two doorways to the downstairs bathroom so we could add a double vanity and put in a new shower door,” explained David. “Also, we added shelving to the bathroom closet.”

The den features comfortable seating, a working fireplace, and plenty of storage.
The den features comfortable seating, a working fireplace, and plenty of storage.

Charlotte added, “We repainted most of the downstairs in Egret White, and in the kitchen we removed the soffit and put in new cabinets that go to the ceiling to allow for more storage. We also installed an above-range microwave to free up counter space. Future plans call for adding to the landscaping in our backyard.”

The primary bedroom provides a comfortable space to get a good night’s sleep.
The primary bedroom provides a comfortable space to get a good night’s sleep.

As for their neighborhood, Charlotte said, “We love the people here — we have the best neighbors. This location is great. It’s easy to get downtown and equally as easy to get out east.”

The back patio has modern seating along with a firepit that is perfect when entertaining under the stars.
The back patio has modern seating along with a firepit that is perfect when entertaining under the stars.

Emily Adams Keplinger is a freelance reporter who produced this feature for the Advertising Department.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: My New Home: Happy homeowners in Highpoint Terrace