Chapelwood is a charming 55+ neighborhood situated within the master-planned community of Downing Creek in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Developed by Hagood Homes, the residences at Chapelwood have been crafted utilizing green building techniques, with particular attention to sustainability and energy efficiency through the EPA's Energy Star for New Homes Programs. The neighborhood enjoys a naturally serene setting, bordered by the wooded and pastoral acreage of the UNC Alumni-Faculty-Staff Recreation Association, known locally as The Farm. A distinctive aspect of Chapelwood’s ambiance is its commitment to preserving nature, keeping 30 percent of its land undeveloped to enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
Composed of only 69 single-family homes, Chapelwood offers an intimate and tight-knit community feel. The homes are designed as single-level residences with all-brick exteriors, and feature generous three-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 1,773 to 2,710 square feet. Each home includes an over-sized two-car garage, two or more bathrooms, spacious living areas, Carolina sunrooms, and covered porches. Residents can choose from five different models, all of which have the option of adding bonus space above the garage, providing an additional 350 to 360 square feet of living area if desired. Every home is outfitted with granite kitchen countertops, maple cabinetry, wood and tile floors, designer trim and molding throughout, and vented gas-burning fireplaces. There is also a strong emphasis on individual customization, giving new homeowners plenty of opportunities to personalize their spaces.
Chapelwood provides a low-maintenance lifestyle, with sodded lawns, irrigation systems, and lawn care included for all homeowners. The community’s amenities equip residents for a socially active and healthy lifestyle. A welcoming clubhouse serves as a hub for gatherings and neighborhood events, while residents can also take advantage of tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Paved walking trails wind through the natural surroundings, connecting homes with the community amenities and extending into the adjacent Downing Creek area. These trails provide opportunities for exercise and quiet reflection amid nature.
The location is a key feature of Chapelwood, offering both seclusion and convenience. Set just off Highway 54 and across from Meadowmont, Chapelwood is only a short drive from the University of North Carolina’s campus and the vibrant downtown of Chapel Hill. This setting gives residents easy access to a range of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions, including the Morehead Planetarium, Ackland Art Museum, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Oakland Historic District, Coker Arboretum, Chapel Hill Museum, and Horace Williams House. Residents also benefit from close proximity to some of the region's best medical centers and continuing education opportunities. For golf enthusiasts, the nearby Finley Golf Course offers 18 scenic holes of challenging play.
Chapelwood’s setting in Chapel Hill means its residents are never far from a lively social scene, fine dining, and shopping, while also enjoying peaceful and scenic trails and parks such as Eno River State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, and William B. Umstead State Park. The community is conveniently located about twenty minutes from Durham and forty minutes from Raleigh, expanding the range of entertainment, culture, and recreation available to residents. Chapelwood at Downing Creek stands out as an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in a beautifully maintained and socially engaging 55+ neighborhood, all in one of Chapel Hill’s most desirable locations.