In the fast-growing coastal communities of Leland, Brunswick County, and greater Wilmington, homebuyers are prioritizing long-term livability more than ever. With an influx of active adults, retirees, and families seeking personalized coastal living, one feature stands out as the most requested in 2026: a first-floor primary suite.
At Richmond Homes LLC, our family-owned design+build team has seen this trend accelerate through client conversations and our award-winning projects. As second-generation builder Chad Richmond and interior designer/realtor Sara Richmond, we’ve helped dozens of clients create main-level primary suites that combine convenience, beauty, and coastal resilience.
Coastal North Carolina’s lifestyle — with its mild climate, waterfront access, and relaxed pace — appeals to buyers who want to enjoy their homes for decades. A first-floor primary suite supports that vision by:
Local market data and buyer feedback in areas like Brunswick Forest and emerging communities near Leland confirm this shift. Homeowners want homes that work hard for real life, not just look impressive on paper.
What sets our process apart is the seamless integration of architecture, construction, and interior design. During the early planning stage, Sara Richmond brings her licensed real estate background and passion for functional beauty to every project.
Sara helps clients select finishes, color palettes, and layouts that feel both timeless and personal — whether it’s a spa-like bathroom with durable coastal materials, a spacious walk-in closet optimized for storage, or a bedroom that opens directly to a screened porch for indoor-outdoor flow.
Our advanced 3D visualization takes this even further. You can virtually walk through the primary suite, test furniture placement, adjust window positions for morning light, and see exactly how Sara’s design choices come together — all before construction starts. This eliminates guesswork and costly mid-build changes, especially important for coastal considerations like humidity-resistant materials and elevation requirements. More about Sara Richmond
Clients have experienced this firsthand in our Diamond Award-winning homes featured in the Brunswick County Parade of Homes, including Marsh Wind (2025) and Angela’s Retreat (2024). In these projects, first-floor primaries weren’t an afterthought — they were thoughtfully designed with Sara’s input to create serene, practical retreats that enhance everyday coastal living.
Whether you’re building in Leland, Southport, Hampstead, or elsewhere in Brunswick or New Hanover County, we tailor the suite to your lifestyle: perhaps adding a sitting area for reading with water views or incorporating smart home features for convenience.
Choosing Richmond Homes means more than just a floor plan. You get:
If you’re planning a custom or semi-custom coastal home in Leland or Brunswick County and want a main-level primary that truly fits your life, the best next step is to experience our process firsthand.
Schedule a consultation today and step into a 3D visualization of your future home. Sara and I will guide you through every detail, from layout to finishes, so your new coastal residence feels like it was made just for you.
If you are ready to start planning your architectural masterpiece, see our new custom homes and contact Richmond Homes to begin the conversation.