At Home With ... Gini and Mark Marshall at Villa Blanca in Laurel Park, NC
Throughout their marriage, Mark and Gini Marshall have lived in homes that have been surrounded by nature, transformed under their creative vision, and infused with a sense of history, peace, and wonder.
Their first home as a young married couple was a small cabin in Boone, NC. Their $40 per month rent came with some sacrifices and several memories. For eight years, they carried their water by hand, heated the cabin with a woodburning stove, and saved money to buy ten acres where they built their very own first home using sourced materials such as antique library doors from London.
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During these years, Mark was a contractor while Gini worked as an assistant for a European antiques dealer. She learned to have a keen eye for unique treasures, architecture, design, and most importantly, how to run a business. These years gave the couple a deep sense of gratitude as the foundation was laid to begin and build their family and their careers. Mark now focuses on luxury real estate in North Carolina and Gini as Principal Designer of Hive Collective.
After moving out of state, the couple returned to North Carolina. One day, Mark discovered Villa Blanca, a 1900s manor house that sat on a hill facing the mountains in Laurel Park, North Carolina. The little-known town was incorporated in 1925 in central Henderson County.
Although dilapidated, the couple could see the potential of the home being restored and becoming their primary residence. The owners finally accepted the Marshalls’ third offer after reviewing their 20-year portfolio of construction and interior design. Mark and Gini’s intentions were clearly to honor the home during their renovation and ownership.
Over the past two years, the Marshalls have lovingly brought the manor back to life and up to modern-day standards of living, while carefully retaining original elements to the home such as the beautiful hardwood floors, original glass windows, iron fencing from Charleston, and an extensive stone patio area. While the Marshalls say there is more work to be done, the main floor and living areas, exterior, and gardens are nearly complete and being enjoyed by the family.
Mark and Gini say they don’t imagine moving from Villa Blanca and are now embarking on their next project -- opening Sylvan Ovander, a design and real estate studio based in Hendersonville, NC. This collaboration between Mark and Gini will offer clients a luxury experience with a personalized approach, just as they have achieved with their own homes.
Contributor Marci Masitto is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Caine. Online atmarcimasitto.com.