Lari Dirkmaat

A quirk of circumstance, getting lost and two children arguing in the back seat, resulted in a life altering event. I discovered Pinehurst, North Carolina. The 1993 vacation led to a magical encounter with longleaf pines and a quaint village. Driving out of town three days later, I owned a slice of Old Town Pinehurst Village and the foundation to live in a place I love. My experience isn't unique. Many are just as captivated by the idyllic setting and friendly folks who live here. I read a sign that sums it up perfectly, "I wasn't born here, but I got here as soon as I could."

Choosing an international life, I was privileged to live in several countries in the Middle East and Europe. And I enjoyed it! Small-town Pinehurst spoke to something that was missing in the large urban centers that were home for nearly 20 years. A slowdown of frenetic pace, good old-fashioned manners, and Carolina blue skies are just some of the things I treasure.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, I attended the University of Utah and American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) for Arabic. The two kids in the back seat are now successful adults and I am lucky to have my grandsons nearby.

As part of The Gentry Team, it's my pleasure to help folks discover our little piece of paradise and find a home place for family, friends and memories. And if it's time to move for new adventures, our years of proven success will make your selling experience another happy memory of living in the Sandhills.