From Wreck to Riches: The Barnhardt Cramer Estate's Remarkable Transformation into a $5.75 Million Luxury Historic Landmark.
Updated: Jan 23
In an exciting development for historic home enthusiasts, the colonial estate at 3217 Maymont Pl. in Plaza Midwood is now available for purchase at $5.75 million. Notably, this residence clinched Axios's coveted 2023 Home of the Year award, a testament to its exceptional contribution to preserving a piece of our city's rich history.
An additional 1,500 square feet of living space was added during the remodel in 2022.
Originally belonging to textile industrialist Charles Barnhardt, the house was designed by architect Martin E. Boyer Jr. during the Great Depression. George and Elizabeth Cramer resided in the home for an impressive 68 years, making minimal architectural alterations.
The exterior as seen from the backyard in 2018
The exterior as seen from the backyard today
Saved from demolition in 2018, the Historic Landmarks Commission acquired the property and granted it historic landmark status. The renovated mansion, spanning 7,290 square feet and masterfully crafted by Bryan Mermans Architecture, offers six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half baths.
Walking out to the backyard in 2018
Walking out to the backyard today
Exterior shot from 2018
Exterior shot from 2018
A fully renovated 7,290-square-foot mansion in 2024
Upon its completion in 1938, the estate held an estimated value of $50,000 but remained unoccupied until 1944. Tragically, during a routine visit to the construction site, Barnhardt met an untimely end, found deceased in a pond on the property, presumably having tripped on a fishing net atop the dam. Despite the completion of the residence, Edna chose not to move in, and by 1943, the house was officially marked as vacant.
Bath tubs go from bland in 2018 to grand in 2024
Vanity and closets are modernized in 2024
In 1944, the property shifted ownership to the Hollingsworth family, who later sold it to George Cramer, a prominent figure in the textile industry, in 1948. The Cramer family resided in the house for an impressive stretch until 2015 when, as per records, it was sold to a real estate developer for $5 million.
Front bay windows in 2018
Back windows in 2018
Today light fills each room from the restored windows
The need for a connecting street called for the home to be demolished, and it was already scheduled when the Historic Landmarks Commission stepped in and purchased the land in October of 2017 (four lots in total) for $975,000.
The grand staircase in 2018
Original fireplace as it was in 2018
A stunning choice of paint color transforms the space today
Owner of Grandfather Homes, Matt Ewers, expresses hope that a new owner will recognize and build upon the unique project. Ewers states, "I know the energy and potential this home delivers, so seeing a person or family fully embrace and elevate it would be highly rewarding for us and the Cramer's Pond community."
Going down the staircase in 2018
Going down the staircase today
Historic Landmark Commission First Floor Plan in 2018
Historic Landmark Commission Second Floor Plan in 2018
A view from the top today
Today thanks to the Historic Landmark Commission and Grandfather Homes the Barnhardt Cramer Estate serves as “one of the largest and best-preserved examples of the type of architect-designed chosen by Charlotte’s elites before World War II.”
Interested in owning a piece of history? This property is currently for sale and available to see.
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