Belle Maison | A Southern Sanctuary
With a moniker like “The Estate,” the Smeraglia family property sets up the expectation of grandeur—and grand, it is. Originally built in the late 1990’s, the main house boasts 4700 square feet sitting on 6.5 acres of picturesque landscape that is the embodiment of Southern charm. Leading up to the driveway, a one-road lane bordered by giant oak trees sets the scene, with Bradford pear trees flanking the drive to The Estate.
Purchased in 2014 by Judge and Sherri Smeraglia, the home was completely remodeled with the intent of becoming a family retreat—and, with its proximity to their business and their home, it has served as just that, a getaway without the need for travel. “They initially envisioned a family retreat inspired by their travels to Napa Valley and around the world,” explains property manager Dana Goodman. “It was important that the family retreat be close to home and their family business. They also wanted the home to be a beautiful backdrop for pictures, as we take a lot of pictures for social media, marketing both the business and the farm.”
The “farm” to which Goodman refers is part of the property, but also part of their business, breeding Teddybear Goldendoodles and Schnoodles. The couple also runs a Doodle prep school and dog training center neraby. The Estate was expanded in 2019 with the addition of the Chapel Barn, which became the premier destination for people traveling from all over the U.S. and abroad to pick up their Teddybear Goldendoodles, Schnoodles or Twoodles, occasions which the Smeraglias call “Gotcha Days.” Inspired by a venue in Los Angeles called the Lombardi House, the Chapel Barn is used daily as a place Smeraglia clients come to for their Gotcha Day pick-ups. They also have an exclusive in-house puppy boutique where their clients purchase puppy necessities before taking their puppies home. The Chapel Barn is also used for both private family and company events.