Rahul and Anita Basole were up to the challenge of finding a mid-century modern home in Atlanta. Traditional houses with features such as crown molding filled the listings, but the couple preferred clean lines.
Maybe it was parent’s intuition, but the Basoles passed on a home on nearly an acre before they snapped up a contemporary Sandy Springs ranch with a backyard bonus: a certified Japanese garden.
The priority
The townhome they purchased in 2006 was more than enough space when the couple was first married. After having two children, they outgrew the Sandy Springs townhome, Anita said. Yard space and a basement for a playroom were must-haves. With a budget of up to $1 million, Rahul, who is from Germany, and Anita focused on contemporary homes. “Ultimately we wanted something very unique,” Rahul said.
The search
They preferred an older home inside the Perimeter, because of the commute to Rahul’s job as a professor at Georgia Tech, and Anita’s job as a dentist in Sandy Springs. They worked with Kirsten Conover with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Midtown.
“Kirsten always informed us on a regular basis if something popped up,” Rahul said. “We received three properties in succession on a Thursday evening.”
The next morning — the start of Easter weekend 2014 — they viewed a home that impressed them with its long driveway, clean roof lines and sleek updates. They put in an offer that night, one of 12. The home, located in Sandy Springs but inside the Perimeter, was listed for $769,900. They offered $775,000.
“We were like, ‘OK, we gave it a fighting chance. That’s all we can pay for it,’ ” Anita said. “Saturday afternoon, we were having lunch. (Kirsten) said, ‘You’re not going to be believe this, they accepted your offer.’ ”
They moved in during Memorial Day weekend and sold their townhome in August.
The home
The four-bedroom, three-bath ranch home was built in 1962 but had a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, Viking appliances and cabinets by Poggenpohl, a German company. Other luxury updates included travertine tile and cork floors, and a custom master closet. A full basement offered a guest suite, office and family room. The couple and their kids can spot wildlife in the wooded 1.3-acre yard.
“You drive up and you’re like, ‘OK. It’s a ranch house,’” Anita said. “Then you walk in and (think), I wasn’t expecting this. Then, ‘Whoa. I wasn’t expecting this at all.’ ”
The tip
If you are seeking a mid-century modern home and options appear limited, don’t feel the pressure to settle. “Finding a modern-style home at the price point and in the place we were looking for was a challenge,” Anita said.
They were close to buying a home that needed a makeover. Anita recalls both of them waking up one morning, saying, “I don’t feel good about it.” Soon after, they found the home they bought.
“The master was on the main. It had these bedrooms upstairs that were awkwardly shaped,” she said. “(We thought), ‘Wow, this is going to take an overhaul for us to get it to the point where we like it.’ ”
About the Author
