For Katherine Shoaf and Ashby Cook, the phrase “home is where the heart is” isn’t just a saying—it’s a compass. After building a house in Stokesdale, the couple quickly realized that nothing compared to the community feel and connection of Sedgefield. 

“We sold that house two months later and came right back,” Ashby says. “The Sedge keeps bringing me back!”

Together, they form a vibrant, hardworking, and fun-loving pair—deeply invested in both their family and the fabric of their community.

Ashby’s story starts in 1985, when his father moved their family from Marietta, GA, to serve as General Agent at Pilot Life.  Ashby grew up on Pasquatank and later Gaston Court, with summers at the club and friendships that still shape his life today. His family has been members of Sedgefield Country Club since the mid-1980s.

But at the heart of that story was his mother, Mary Cook — deeply loved throughout Sedgefield for her volunteer work and generosity. When she passed away from ovarian cancer in 2009, her impact was felt far beyond her family.

Ashby, who attended Guilford Day School and Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO,  brings equal energy and entrepreneurial spirit. “I’ve been a realtor for 12 years, and I’m now a senior partner with the PREMIERE Group at Real Broker,” he says. 

But it’s his latest venture, Ashby’s Sauces, that’s turning heads—and taste buds. What started with peppers in his backyard has grown into a fiery brand featured in over 20 restaurants and backed by partnerships with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Wake Forest Athletics, and Sedgefield Country Club. “I’m a huge foodie,” he adds, “so instead of opening another restaurant, I poured that love into hot sauces.”

Katherine, a Lexington native and Salem College alum, launched her career in the furniture industry at just 19. “I always had a passion for textiles and design,” she says. That early internship bloomed into a 26-year career spanning merchandising, sales, and leadership roles. She is currently an independent sales representative for 3 different fabric companies in High Point.

Together, they form a blended family. Katherine’s children, Holland (21) and Elizabeth (19), both graduates of Westchester Country Day School, are now students at UNCW. Holland is a senior and Elizabeth is thriving in her freshman year and active in her sorority Kappa Delta. Ashby’s daughters, Kennedy (16), is a junior at Grimsley, and Briley (15), who was born with Septo Optic Dysplasia and attends Haynes-Inman.  “Briley’s favorite thing in the world is music,” Ashby says proudly.  They both love when the kids are home and the house is full of laughter.

When it comes to downtime, the future Cooks make room for faith, fitness, and fun. Both attend Summit Church, where they also volunteer. Katherine has a 14-year-old rescue terrier who loves treats and naps. Ashby’s 3-year old Cane Corso is the loyal protector of the house. Ashby and Katherine can often be found playing pickleball, hiking, working out or catching a Wake Forest game. “We’re all in on the Deacs,” he laughs. “Home and away.”

This year has already brought major milestones- Ashby celebrated one year of sobriety, and proposed to Katherine during a trip to St. Maarten. Their private destination wedding is set for the fall.

Ask Ashby what he loves about Sedgefield “We love living in the neighborhood where I grew up. We know our neighbors, and we love entertaining and building community.”

Whether it’s through a handshake at the club, a bottle of hot sauce at your favorite restaurant, or a shared laugh over Sunday brunch, chances are you’ll cross paths with the future Mr. and Mrs. Cook. And when you do, you’ll understand exactly why they came back—for good.  Because Sedgefield isn’t simply a neighborhood.

It’s home.

Family Favorites: The Cooks' Go-To Picks