Modern Love

Art, Light & Love Fill the Turner Home to the Brim

We all have our reasons for moving to, or staying in Chapin. Some families move here for the schools, others for the lake lifestyle; others settled here long ago in order to get away from it all, and some lucky ducks were actually born here. Susan and Walley Turner chose Chapin after retirement because it was equidistant from their six children (and six grandchildren’s) homes in Greenville, Charlotte and Columbia. 

It was back in 2005 that their search for a contemporary home on the lake began. Walley had retired from dual careers in the US Department of Agriculture in Conservation Services, and as a pilot in the U.S Air Force. Susan was retiring from over 30 years in commercial real estate. They wanted enough acreage for a large garden, some privacy, and a modern house with good bones that would last forever. It seemed like a tall order, but the house they found is exactly that.

Located off Old Lexington Highway–down a paved road, a dirt road, and another paved road that turns to the left– is the Turner’s private retreat. If there isn’t a book about the secret treasures that are hidden down the dirt roads of Chapin, there ought to be. (Hello, C. Hope Clark!)  

A meandering driveway leads across almost two acres of land to the hideaway where a waterfall, a full koi pond, and an array of flora and texture beautify the yard. Completed in 1992, the house was designed and previously owned by an architect, as seems obvious by its geometric lines and symmetrical, modern layout. Upon entry, hardwood floors, a four-foot Asian statue, and a zebra rug welcome guests in the foyer. A staircase separates the entry from the living area where a cathedral ceiling and two floors of westward facing windows splash natural light and treat guests to a wide, scenic view of Lake Murray. 

Though the walls are painted with a simple, china doll white and accent walls with a deep mushroom brown, this room is far from boring. A brightly colored variety of modern art adorns the walls, and orange, turquoise and yellow rugs, pillows and décor keep the mood playful. An abstract painting by local artist Heather Teal Jordan that includes the Turner’s dog, Ziggy, hangs over the mantle. 

A lover of modern art and architecture, Susan enjoys decorating with unique and quirky pieces, each of which brings a festive energy to the space. She loves using a neutral backdrop and changing out rugs and décor frequently to keep things fresh. Her favorite piece hangs over the breakfast table and is something between portrait and a caricature of their kids and grandchildren. While Susan’s playful yet refined taste is displayed throughout the home, she is not the sole contributor to its design aesthetic.

Susan’s husband Walley–whether he admits it or not– is an artist and woodworker, and his unique work is found in many rooms of the home. One can see wood wall hangings and end tables that Wally created with found, tightly bound, and polyurethaned branches. Using organic materials, he also creates lamps and hanging light fixtures, one of which adds a bit of whimsy to an upstairs bedroom. That same bedroom also features a unique, 3D piece of art called Family Tree. 

Susan and Walley purchased Family Tree at a SC State Fair silent, charity auction. A few days later, when she went to pick it up, Susan was a little confused because the address she was given led her to an adult day care. “No, you’re in the right place,” she was assured. Susan was then invited to meet the artists and went to the next room to discover a large group of sweet seniors. The group had spent a full year creating Family Tree out of old rolled up wallpaper and puzzle pieces. They crafted each doll by hand, and painted every little detail themselves. The group did it to raise money to purchase a game system. A true lover of art (and people,) Susan claims Family Tree is (also) her favorite piece in the house. 

Opposite from the living room on the second floor, light beams in from a wall of windows where one of the Turner’s many renovations enclosed what was once a catwalk and cathedral ceiling. Instead, the play area for the family was created and decorated appropriately. Accent wallpaper features a large, blue and green peacock and a monkey hiding among branches and flowers. It sets the tone next to the game table, behind which a sitting area and a TV await movie night. 

Except for the comfortable temperature in the house, one might forget whether he’s indoors or out. “Carrying a bit of the inside colors to the outside brings the eye to those areas and makes them feel like one large extension of the space,” Susan explained. Buckets of natural light pour in, and the view of treetops, birds and gardens meld perfectly with the airy space and Walley’s organic artwork. 

Susan and Walley compliment one another with their love of inside and outside. Both grew up on farms and learned early in life how to make what you have work for what you need. That creativity stayed with them both, in different ways. Susan loves decorating with bright colors inside, but outside is Walley’s domain. 

The large lots of this neighborhood allow privacy with comfortable buffers between neighbors. Walley–known to friends, family and acquaintances as “Honey”– has always had a love for all things growing. After the couple purchased their home, it was Honey who took on the major landscaping renovation and installation that would bring the yard several distinct gardens. 

Along with the waterfall and koi pond, there’s a subtle Asian influence across the property. A perfectly raked Zen garden and Asian style sculptures adorn the backyard. Varying rocks and stones serve to separate the gardens and add interest to the aesthetic. While there are many flowering plants, the angel wing begonias are a favorite of the hummingbirds that are often seen dancing around the grounds in the spring, summer and fall. But the nectar of the gardens that Honey planted is actually intended as an offering for “his girls” – the estimated 500,000 honeybees that he keeps. 

Wally has been a beekeeper for over seven years and is known for the delicious honey that his girls provide. The family gives the honey to family and friends, and donates it for fundraisers at church bazaars. As active members of Chapin United Methodist Church, the couple feels blessed to have their church family too. 

When asked what they enjoy most, Susan answers, “Serving our Heavenly Father, our children, and playing with our grandchildren.” With a focus on giving back, the couple does quite a bit of mission/volunteer work at Epworth’s Children’s Home, Good Works, Chapin’s We Care Center and countries outside the USA. 

When they aren’t out volunteering, the Turner home is a busy place, hosting game nights, baby showers, dinner parties, book clubs, church groups and of course, family gatherings large and small. (Two of their six kids were even married in the back garden.) 

Ironically, but not surprisingly at all, since Susan and Honey’s move the to Chapin in 2005, the Turner’s children and grandchildren all moved to Chapin to be near to their parents. Perhaps they understood what George Moore meant when he wrote, “a man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.”