Thoughtfully crafted with timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and elevated design throughout, this custom residence offers a rare blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality in one of Cary's most desirable locations, just steps from Downtown Cary Park. Featuring 4,410 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, an office, media room, exercise room, recreation room, second-floor bar area, and a three-car garage, the home is defined by warm, curated finishes and a refined aesthetic throughout. The exterior combines fiber cement siding, a brick foundation, an oak front door with transom, brick porch detailing, and dimensional roofing accented with standing-seam metal elements for enduring curb appeal. Perfectly positioned near Downtown Cary's celebrated restaurants, breweries, boutique shopping, entertainment venues, and year-round community events, the location offers an unparalleled blend of convenience, connectivity, and charm. At the heart of the home, the chef's kitchen is appointed with custom cabinetry, soapstone and quartz countertops, a Wolf cooktop and range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, microwave drawer, and a Perlick beverage refrigerator at the bar. An adjoining scullery adds functionality with under-counter ice and wine refrigeration, stone backsplashes, and concealed ventilation integrated into the cabinetry. White oak hardwood floors flow throughout the main living spaces, including the family room, where custom built-ins flank a stone fireplace and a large-format door opens seamlessly to the covered outdoor living area. Thoughtful details such as French doors to the scullery, designer lighting, and integrated Sonos audio enhance both comfort and entertaining. The main-level primary suite offers a private retreat with white oak flooring, custom lighting, and a spa-inspired bath featuring a zero-entry Schluter shower system with overhead, wall-mounted, and handheld fixtures, heated tile floors, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, illuminated shower niches, and a custom-designed closet. Additional bedrooms and baths are equally well-appointed with custom cabinetry, quartz surfaces, tile showers, and quality finishes throughout. A second-floor laundry, media room, exercise room, and flexible gathering spaces provide exceptional versatility for modern living. Outdoor spaces are designed as a true extension of the home, anchored by a covered rear porch with stone flooring, a stone fireplace, electric shades, a Big Ass fan, and a Trex-deck outdoor kitchen complete with grill, sink, and refrigerator. Additional features include a Sonos system, security system, EV charger, elevated dog wash station, low-voltage landscape lighting, on-demand water heater, dual heat pumps, 10-foot ceilings on the main level, 9-foot ceilings upstairs, custom wood closet shelving, and premium construction standards throughout. Blending sophisticated design with inviting living spaces, this remarkable property offers an elevated lifestyle in one of the Triangle's most sought-after locations. Rarely does a home combine this level of quality, attention to detail, and proximity to Downtown Cary—creating an exceptional setting for entertaining, everyday living, and life's most memorable moments.
Single-familyProperty Type
2026Year Built
0.34 acresLot Size
$635Price/Sq.Ft.
3 car garageParking
Listed by Meghan Hammes• Hodge & Kittrell Sothebys INTE
East Cary, located between Downtown Cary and Walnut Street, is a residential and mixed-use Cary neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a rail-adjacent, small-town grid. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Academy Street and Chatham Street area, where patios, coffee counters, and local storefronts set a steady, walkable rhythm. Architectural cues lean toward mid-century ranches, updated cottages, and newer townhomes near the core. Bond Brothers Beer Company and The Cary Theater act as cultural anchors for evenings and weekends. The Downtown Cary Park adds a central green for concerts, play, and open-air lounging. Greenway links and pocket parks stitch the area into daily routines.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
816 Ralph Dr · $2,800,000
$2.81M and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $2.81M+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
317 days
The average home goes pending in 40 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.4%
Most homes are selling 2% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Interior features
Butler's pantry
Ceiling fans
Crown molding
Double vanity(s)
Dressing room
Eat-in kitchen
Entrance foyer
High ceilings
High speed internet
Kitchen island
Open floorplan
Primary bedroom on main level
Recessed lighting
Smooth ceilings
Soaking tub
Storage space
Walk-in shower
Water closet
ENERGY STAR qualified windows
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms total
2 bedrooms on the main level
Bathrooms
4 full bathrooms
1 half bathroom
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Disposal
Double oven
Gas cooktop
Refrigerator
Wine refrigerator
Tankless water heater
Vented exhaust fan
Laundry & utility
Tankless water heater
Flooring
Carpet
Hardwood
Tile
Heating & cooling
Central heating (natural gas, forced air)
ENERGY STAR qualified HVAC equipment
Central air conditioning, ENERGY STAR qualified
Exterior features
Front porch
Patio
Outdoor grill
Private yard
Rain gutters
Grassed vegetation
East-facing
Home design
Site-built home
Two stories
Parking
Attached garage
3-car garage
Driveway parking
Construction
Fiber cement and stone exterior
Architectural shingle and metal roof
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
Electricity connected
Natural gas connected
Sewer connected
Water connected
Underground utilities
HOA & community
No homeowners association
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Charming brick ranch nestled on a . 34-acre, gently sloping lot in the sought-after Greenwood Forest neighborhood - features spacious, light-filled formal areas plus family room with bay window - the updated kitchen boasts KitchenAid S/S appliances and granite countertops and includes a breakfast nook with fireplace and access to the large screened porch - 3 bedrooms and 2 baths - laundry room with storage cabinets and access to backyard - hardwood floors, wainscoting and crown moldings - ample closet space plus PDS to floored attic - screened porch with vaulted ceiling adjoins grilling deck and overlooks the private backyard - attached carport with utility room or workshop - KttchenAid refrigerator and washer + dryer are negotiable - quiet street with wonderful neighbors!
Public Records
Dec 13, 2013
Sold
$353,000
$80/sq ft
Public Records
Aug 29, 2011
Sold
$172,000
$39/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$5,066 (+2.2%)
$280,000 + $310,790
$590,790
2024
$4,956 (+32.6%)
$280,000 + $308,722
$588,722
2023
$3,736 (+6.8%)
$280,000 + $308,722
$588,722
2022
$3,499 (+2.1%)
$145,000 + $215,683
$360,683
2021
$3,428 (−0.5%)
$145,000 + $215,683
$360,683
2020
$3,446 (+24.6%)
$145,000 + $215,683
$360,683
2019
$2,765 (+6.5%)
$145,000 + $215,683
$360,683
2018
$2,595 (+4.1%)
$100,000 + $156,387
$256,387
2017
$2,494 (+1.6%)
$100,000 + $156,387
$256,387
2016
$2,456 (−0.9%)
$100,000 + $156,387
$256,387
2015
$2,479 (+24.7%)
$100,000 + $156,387
$256,387
2014
$1,988 (+4.9%)
$90,000 + $122,100
$212,100
2013
$1,895 (+2.3%)
$90,000 + $122,100
$212,100
2012
$1,853
$90,000 + $122,100
$212,100
2011
$1,853
$90,000 + $122,100
$212,100
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
—
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.34 Acres
Year renovated
1999
Finished Sq. Ft.
1,879
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
1,879
Year built
1959
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Wake County
APN
0763.11 77 0317 000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 11, 2026.
R12
WATERSHED PROTECTION OVERLAY
Residential District
The R-12 district is established as a district in which the principal use of land is for single-unit dwellings, and is appropriate in areas where the Comprehensive Plan supports very low, low or medium density residential use. The regulations of this district are intended to discourage any use that would substantially interfere with the development of single-unit dwellings and that would be detrimental to the quiet residential nature of the district. The minimum lot area is 12,000 sq ft, and the maximum densityallowed is 3.63 units per acre.
Zone overlays
Watershed Protection Overlay District
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Garden center
Housing-Single unit
Fire house
Police station
Recreation
Communications tower
Park & open space
Nov 21, 2025 • Active
Bldg - demolish - sngl fam home
Demolition
Feb 18, 2023 • Final
Bldg - residential alt/add
Addition
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
6/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 105° expected this year, 17 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
64% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Cary, NC • 27511
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
48
29
54
36
70
46
77
55
79
60
89
70
91
73
82
67
81
63
72
52
65
45
53
35
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
98/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 11% for direct sun exposure in Cary. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.4 hrs
5.7 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 816 Ralph Dr
$2,567,149
$233K under list price of $2.80M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $640K to $2.4M.