To find the most unusual features of Abbie and Mary Pingitore's Cedar Creek home in Aiken, all you need to do is look at the ceiling.

The Pingitores chose their neighborhood three years ago. Cedar Creek appealed to the retirees because of its quaint feel and the ease of getting tee times at the golf course. The New Jersey natives had a home custom built and moved in two years ago.

Their house has interesting angles that add to the spacious and open feel of the rooms. There's a tray ceiling in the great room, a tiered tray and crown molding ceiling with glowing rope light highlights the master bedroom, and a vaulted nook with a window that lets in more natural light to the screened-in porch.

They said their home was a growing project. It started off as a 2,400-square-foot house that grew to 3,000 square feet as they enlarged the kitchen and master bedroom, the latter being done to provide symmetry to the interior.

When designing the kitchen, they knew they wanted a drop-in stove and a microwave over the oven.

"It just turned out better than we expected," Mr. Pingitore said.

The granite countertop and island top have graceful swirls that complement the tile floors and cabinets. Mr. Pingitore said that they use the convenient counter 80 percent of the time they eat. In the kitchenette, two swivel armchairs back up to windows, providing the perfect reading and coffee spot.

From the screened-in porch, the Pingitores have a view of the golf course and Mr. Pingitore's collection of 10 bonsai trees.

One of the three guest bedrooms features a dark wood trunk with a marble top that was built in the 1800s. The piece belong to Mrs. Pingitore's great-grandmother. Other family heirlooms include a silk fan and white and blue china.