A Cashiers, NC Modern Mountain Retreat

The article details the creation of Whimsy Valley, the Western North Carolina mountain retreat of photographer and historic preservationist Perry Vaile. Vaile and her husband embarked on a long journey to find and build their dream mountain home, ultimately settling on a property near Burnsville after a previous attempt in Chimney Rock was thwarted by a landslide specialist's warning, which proved prescient when the property was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments before purchasing land for construction. With the new property, Vaile collaborated with local contractor Chris Jarrett over two years to construct a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Her background in historic preservation influenced the architectural choices, such as incorporating bark siding as a nod to late 1800s architect Henry Bacon, who popularized this style in Linville, North Carolina. This design decision aimed to give the new build vernacular sensitivity and integrate it respectfully into the region's architectural history. The interior design reflects Vaile's photography career, lending her an eye for creating visually compelling spaces. She combined antique pieces, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated color palette to achieve a timeless yet whimsical atmosphere. The living room features vaulted ceilings, providing a sense of grandeur and allowing for the inclusion of a stained-glass window sourced from a decommissioned church, which casts magical light when illuminated by the south-facing sun. The kitchen is designed to evoke warmth and character, channeling an "eccentric grandma" aesthetic. A William Morris patterned backsplash complements soft blue cupboards, adding texture and personality to the space. The master bedroom is built around a blue patterned wallpaper, inspired by an inn Vaile photographed, and features antique doors from an architectural salvage center in New Orleans. For her daughters' bedroom, Vaile aimed for a playful yet chic English bed and breakfast feel, incorporating gingham curtains and wallpaper from House of Hackney, with wood paneling completed by Vaile and her husband. Outdoor elements were also carefully considered. Vaile, who always desired to live near water, created an artificial stream that mimics natural rock formations and winds through the yard, providing a soothing soundscape and a scenic place to relax. The master bathroom features a copper tub as a focal point and an antique dresser with a marble countertop and stone sink, a resourceful find from Facebook Marketplace. The home also includes a wraparound deck equipped with rocking chairs, designed to offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The property is further enlivened by six miniature ponies, which roam the grounds, adding to the idyllic, storybook ambiance of Whimsy Valley, where Vaile's mother also resides in a nearby cabin, fostering a nostalgic, close-knit family environment. #MountainRetreat #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #WesternNorthCarolina #WhimsyValley #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #OutdoorLiving

This blog post highlights a colonial-style luxury home at 17 Cobtail Way in Simsbury, Connecticut, designed by architect Jack Kemper. The residence is notable for its architecture, floor plan, and mountain-top views, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail both externally and internally. The exterior features a granite stone facade, a portico at the main entrance, symmetrical design with large windows, two massive chimneys, a circular drive, and professional landscaping. The property offers panoramic mountain views from various vantage points, including a lower-level bluestone patio, a first-floor deck, and a second-floor deck accessible via a spiral staircase, with the latter providing the most expansive views. The interior of the home is equally impressive, beginning with an entry foyer inspired by the Governor’s Mansion in Hartford. This design choice ensures an unobstructed sightline from the front door through to the sunroom, which features an array of windows offering views of the valley. A prominent feature throughout the home is the use of random-width Georgia pine floors, which extend even into the bathrooms, contributing to a country estate ambiance. The only tiled areas are the mudroom and the sunroom, where the same stone used on the facade is incorporated into the interior design. The millwork is elaborate, including triple crown molding, wainscoting in formal rooms, five-foot-high beadboards in hallways, and dentil moldings in the formal living room, all contributing to a rich aesthetic. The first floor comprises formal living and dining rooms, each equipped with a gas-burning fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and well-appointed, featuring ample counter space, storage-rich cabinets, a brick accent wall with a fireplace, built-in double ovens, and a six-burner cooktop centered on a large island. High-end appliances, such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Miele dishwasher, are also included. The kitchen connects to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, offering additional storage, and opens into a family room with a fireplace, cathedral ceiling with exposed wood beam trusses, and magnificent valley views. A home office with built-in bookcases and cabinets, located near the mudroom and a half bath, allows for business meetings without guests needing to access the main living areas. The first floor also includes a second half bath, direct access to a three-car garage, and a rear stairway leading to both the lower level and the second floor. On the second floor, the primary bedroom suite offers a large sleeping area with valley views, a spacious walk-in closet, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom. This bathroom features a centrally located jetted soaking tub, a large dual-sink vanity, a glass shower, and a separate commode room, along with a fifth fireplace shared with the primary bedroom. Four additional bedrooms are on this floor, three of which have attached full baths. Two of these bedrooms can form a suite via a pocket door, ideal for guests or multi-generational living, given their proximity to the rear stairs and garage. The lower level includes a large gym with durable luxury vinyl flooring and direct access to the bluestone patio, offering potential as a playroom. This level also houses a wine cellar, ample storage space, and a workshop. Outdoor amenities include a professionally landscaped 2.1-acre lot with a Japanese garden featuring a waterfall, two bridges, and a fish pond. The home’s location in Simsbury is considered ideal, with proximity to Avon, West Hartford, and Bradley International Airport. The Cobtail Way community is highlighted for its convenience to services and recreational facilities, such as public golf courses and equestrian centers. The property, built in 1998, has 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, and 6,725 square feet of living space, including the lower level. #LuxuryHome #ConnecticutRealEstate #TalcottMountain #ColonialArchitecture #CustomDesign #MountainViews #SimsburyCT #HighEndFinishes #LuxuryLiving

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers a unique accommodation experience nestled within the natural landscape of Taronga Zoo Sydney. Guests can choose from a range of thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering distinct views and amenities. The retreat emphasizes luxury facilities combined with sustainable practices, ensuring a comfortable stay that also considers environmental impact. All accommodations feature spacious king or twin bedding, climate control (air conditioning and heating), elegant custom furniture, and sustainable amenities free from single-use plastics. Complimentary high-speed WiFi and flat-screen TVs are standard, providing options for relaxation amid the sounds of the Taronga sanctuary. The Bushland Room provides views of iconic Australian bushland, with native birds and flora visible from the windows. Packages for this room type typically include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant, complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney, and free parking. These rooms accommodate a maximum of two adults and one child, with options for interconnecting rooms for larger families with children aged 10 and over. Amenities include a king-size bed, an open-plan ensuite with a shower, a mini-bar menu, a pull-out trundle bed (suitable for children up to age six upon request), and a baby cot (also upon request). The Animal View Room offers direct views of the Wildlife Retreat's Sanctuary, a lush habitat where Australian animals reside just outside the window. Similar to the Bushland Room, packages include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast, zoo access, and parking. Room capacity and amenity details mirror those of the Bushland Room, including the availability of interconnecting rooms for families. The emphasis is on providing an immersive experience, bringing guests closer to the wildlife. For those seeking panoramic vistas, the Harbour View Room presents stunning sunrise views over Taronga Zoo Sydney, extending across Sydney Harbour to include the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The package inclusions for Harbour View Rooms are consistent with the other room types. These rooms also accommodate up to two adults and one child, with family-friendly options for interconnecting rooms. All standard amenities, such as the king-size bed, open-plan ensuite, and sustainable products, are provided. For an elevated experience, the Treetop Suites are the most spacious accommodation option, featuring panoramic views and an open-plan ensuite with a freestanding bathtub. These suites are designed for ultimate comfort and include the same package benefits as the other rooms. Treetop Suites can accommodate a maximum of three adults or two adults and one child. In addition to the standard amenities, they boast a custom king-size bed and the luxurious addition of a bathtub. The Wildlife Retreat also provides Accessible Rooms, specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. These four rooms include bathrooms and shower facilities suitable for wheelchair access. The N'Gurra Lounge and Me-Gal Restaurant also feature fully accessible toilets. The Sanctuary and Wollemi Tour are wheelchair accessible, and guests can obtain an accessible Zoo Map to navigate the zoo's paths. Accessible Rooms can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and one child, offering a king-size bed and a single roll-away bed upon request, alongside all other standard room amenities. #WildlifeRetreat #TarongaZooSydney #LuxuryAccommodation #SustainableTravel #AnimalViewRooms #HarbourViews #TreetopSuites #AccessibleAccommodation #ZooStay

This blog post details the design and features of a 4,000-square-foot mountain home in Park City, Utah, built by homeowners as their "forever home." The residence, designed by Unscripted Interiors, is situated on a lot with a creek, offering views of the Wasatch Range and access to year-round outdoor activities. The design process involved a collaboration with architects from the ground up, with Unscripted Interiors playing a pivotal role from the initial drawing plans. Kari Armstrong, principal of the Denver-based Unscripted Interiors, describes the home’s style as "Modern Americana" with a "mountain-ish" sensibility, avoiding overly rustic themes despite its mountain setting. The design subtly incorporates a red, white, and blue color palette, with reds appearing in vintage Turkish carpets, blues in blankets and pillows, and whites in paneled hallways and custom tile installations in the kitchen and bathrooms. Materials such as alpaca, local stone, petrified wood, bouclé, and linen contribute to the sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring the home feels elegant and adaptable to various settings. The double-height great room features custom bespoke elements, including an A. Rudin sofa, a 13-foot dining table with bronze accents from Holly Hunt, custom chairs with leather detailing, and a fireplace hearth crafted from local “Park City Gold” limestone. A custom-made rug from Nepal and a Ralph Lauren light fixture for Circa Lighting further enhance the room’s luxurious feel. The built-in bar showcases a unique approach to traditional mountain house elements, with custom-clad leather cabinets finished with nailhead details by The Tanner’s Craft. Accommodation for visiting family is a key aspect of the home's design, including a "four seasons" sun porch that provides comfort in winter with a fireplace and opens up in summer. A dedicated coffee and breakfast bar connected to guest rooms on the second floor caters to early risers. Other notable features include a sitting room with custom walnut millwork, a kitchen with a herringbone pattern backsplash from Concept Studio and metal cabinets, and a primary bedroom with an antler chandelier, a custom bench, and a bouclé bed. Guest rooms include "dueling bunks" with built-in storage and a wood-paneled guest room painted in Cornwall Slate by Sherwin Williams, adorned with vintage blankets transformed into pillows. The primary bathroom boasts a Victoria & Albert freestanding tub and Phylrich faucets. Outdoor spaces feature Gloster dining chairs and bar stools for al fresco meals and a "she shed" near concrete raised garden beds, offering a serene escape. #ParkCity #MountainRetreat #ModernAmericana #UnscriptedInteriors #HomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryHome #Utah

Providence Builders, a prominent custom home builder, has earned its third consecutive Cityview Magazine Best of the Best Award for Custom Home Builder – Over $1 Million. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to exceptional design, craftsmanship, and livability, as exemplified by their recent Parade of Homes showcase. The featured home, a 3,792-square-foot Mountain Modern Ranch in the Tennessee National development, includes an 830-square-foot garage, three bedrooms, and four baths. This project embodies Providence Builders' philosophy of blending comfort and sophistication. The architectural style emphasizes clean geometry and natural textures, incorporating authentic stone, wood, and glass. Upon entry, a wide front porch sets the tone, while inside, a vaulted great room with timber trusses and a natural stone fireplace creates a grand yet grounded atmosphere. Expansive 10-foot multi-slide glass doors seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors, leading to a covered patio and sunroom, ideal for entertaining and enjoying the landscape. The design prioritizes single-level living for comfort, accessibility, and flow. Each space transitions naturally, from the great room to the kitchen, and onward to the sunroom and patio. The kitchen is designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, featuring professional-grade appliances, ample prep space, a large island, rich wood cabinetry, Dekton surfaces, and subtle lighting. These elements contribute to a warm and inviting space suitable for both elaborate dinner parties and casual family meals. Diane Bills, co-founder of Providence Builders, emphasizes that single-level living is about intentional design, where every detail, from sightlines to materials and lighting, is chosen to enhance daily living. Providence Builders distinguishes itself through its design-build model, where architecture, construction, and interior design are integrated from conception. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and clear communication, translating the client's vision into a precise execution. The process begins with understanding the client's lifestyle, which then informs the home's design. Ron Bills, president and founder, leverages his background in aerospace engineering and corporate leadership to maintain a disciplined approach to precision, ensuring that plans are detailed to the millimeter to control quality. Transparency is a key aspect of their process, with meticulously documented budgets and regular client reports through the BuilderTrend platform, offering updates, photos, and progress tracking. Craftsmanship is central to Providence Builders' reputation, with job sites known for organization and pride. Long-term trade partners contribute engineering-level precision to every detail, from the structural and sculptural beam work in the great room to the seamless alignment of trim transitions. This culture of respect and shared pride ensures consistent quality, leading many clients to return for multiple projects. Interior design, guided by Diane Bills and Anne White, features a soft, natural palette of warm woods, creamy whites, brushed metals, and subtle stone tones, creating a serene, connected, and timeless aesthetic. The focus is on creating livable spaces, balancing spa-like luxury with practical comfort in bathrooms and designing bedrooms as tranquil retreats. The sunroom, with its broad windows, epitomizes comfort and calm. Despite receiving numerous awards, Providence Builders measures success by the relationships cultivated with clients, team members, and the community. The company maintains a community-minded approach, extending beyond construction to foster lasting friendships and support for neighbors. This philosophy underscores the belief that building homes is about creating meaningful, lasting structures and relationships. Looking ahead, Providence Builders continues its mission to elevate everyday living through precision, beauty, and heart, ensuring each new project reflects the unique story of its inhabitants and the surrounding environment, thereby building more than a house—they build a home. #CustomHomeBuilder #MountainModernRanch #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignBuild #LuxuryLiving #TennesseeNational #AwardWinning

This article highlights the completion of a contemporary hillside home in Camelback Canyon, Phoenix, a collaborative project by PHX Architecture, Vallone Design, Greey|Pickett, and DLB Custom Homes. The homeowner's vision for a California contemporary aesthetic, combined with a resort-like ambiance, guided the design process. Architect Erik Peterson of PHX Architecture emphasized the project's unique location, which allowed for a broader range of material and color choices compared to more restrictive areas like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. The home was strategically built on a steep hillside to maximize views of Echo Canyon, the desert, and city lights, achieving an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. The upper level encompasses the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary suite, while guest rooms, a theater, and the garage are situated on the lower level. The primary suite is conceptualized as a private sanctuary, featuring an outdoor shower and a tranquil water feature, contrasting with the expansive views from the public areas. Interior designer Shane Mehrer of Vallone Design drew inspiration from the architectural elements, integrating exterior materials such as stone walls into the interior spaces. The design philosophy aimed for a streamlined yet comfortable aesthetic, a warm contemporary feel that balances with the sleek architecture. This is evident in the great room, which features warm wood flooring and natural stone, complemented by a custom sectional by A. Rudin upholstered in performance velvet, cowhide ottomans from Bernhardt, and an area rug from David E. Adler Fine Rugs. A unique sculptural lighting fixture was custom-designed for the great room to add visual interest and compensate for limited wall space for art. One of the most notable features of the home is the interior stairwell, which incorporates a large tree that was unable to be preserved during construction. The tree was transformed into an art piece within the stairwell, and a custom butterfly installation made from crushed glass by artist Matt Schwenk was commissioned, adding a personal touch for the homeowner. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey|Pickett designed the exteriors to align with the home’s minimalist aesthetic, incorporating synthetic turf and wood decking to extend the resort-like atmosphere. Greey also integrated butterfly motifs into the landscape, including backlit art panels and a mural on the guest house with individual fiber-optic lighting, further personalizing the outdoor spaces. The kitchen was designed to be clean and open, featuring counter stools by Vanguard Furniture, reflecting the minimalist and integrated design approach. The project, which took approximately two and a half years to complete, is described as a significant success, attributed to the cohesive teamwork of all involved designers and builders. This collaborative effort resulted in a sophisticated hillside residence that seamlessly blends contemporary design with its natural surroundings, offering both luxury and a profound connection to the landscape. #HillsideHome #MinimalistDesign #ContemporaryArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #ScottsdaleRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #CustomHomes #IndoorOutdoorLiving

This article highlights four high-style vacation destinations in Colorado, offering a blend of adventure and sophisticated design that can inspire fresh ideas for home decor. Each location presents a unique aesthetic, from opulent Western themes to contemporary mountain chic, catering to various design preferences. The first destination, Kessler Canyon, is a 15,000-acre resort featuring five cabins and two guest suites. The design embraces a "more is more" philosophy, showcasing hotel mogul Richard Kessler's personal collection of antique guns and taxidermy. Authentic details, such as bronze-inlaid poker chips on pool tables, prevent the Western theme from becoming kitschy. The expansive wrap-around front porch with handmade rocking chairs is a notable feature. Located in De Beque, Kessler Canyon offers nightly rates ranging from $395 to $895. Dunton River Camp, nestled in the San Juan Mountains along the Dolores River, is the second featured getaway. Owned by art collectors Christoph and Katrin Henkel, this luxury campsite comprises eight tents that reflect a devotion to stylish living. Designer Christina Rossi conceived custom beds that don't sit flush with the wall to create an airier feel. The tents boast en-suite bathrooms and are adorned with cowhide rugs, Bolivian frazadas, and custom bedding from L’aviva Home. The communal 19th-century farmhouse, meticulously renovated in 2013, features quirky accessories like horsehair-stuffed rocking chairs, fish lights made from real fish, and antique milk bottles. Starting at $1,500 per night, Dunton River Camp is located in Dolores. Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, a 6,000-acre resort, is the third destination, distinguished by its locally inspired style. The design pays homage to the surrounding red-rock canyons and petroglyph-covered slickrock. Owners Maureen and John Hendricks collaborated with designer Suzanne Geibel McCammon to select a color palette that mirrors the Unaweep Canyon backdrop. Accent walls in each suite are painted with real copper and iodized to create a unique patina, while upholstered pieces and accessories feature Southwestern hues of turquoise, deep red, and soft yellow. Detailed wood case goods complement the saturated color scheme. Handcrafted Peruvian-wood barn doors are a prominent design element in the Kayenta and Casitas rooms. Rates range from $400 to $1,700 per night at this Gateway location. Finally, Scarp Ridge Lodge in Crested Butte is a 12,000-square-foot Victorian property that blends history with refined modern style. Originally an 1885 saloon and dance hall, the lodge, owned by Eleven Experience, features a restored 19th-century facade and original wooden double doors. The fully renovated six-bedroom interior exhibits exceptional craftsmanship, including a stair railing and metal chairs forged by local blacksmith Jeff Brethauer. Beams reclaimed from a Tennessee tobacco farm highlight the architecture. The decor maintains a light and chic aesthetic with a neutral palette and layered textural linens, deviating from typical mountain retreat styles. Bluestone flown in from Belgium accentuates the cool hues in the bathrooms and lobby. Summer rates start at $860 per guest per night. #ColoradoTravel #LuxuryGetaways #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorInspiration #VacationRentals #WesternDesign #MountainResorts #BoutiqueHotels

A San Francisco-based surgeon and her entrepreneur husband sought a restorative escape in Soda Springs, California, for their young family and friends. They acquired an Alpine-style cabin during the pandemic and enlisted Minneapolis-based designer Heather Peterson to transform it into a relaxed, functional home deeply connected to the natural surroundings. Peterson's design strategy centered on highlighting the dramatic landscape through color blocking, graphic textiles, and floral motifs that reflected the changing seasons. Due to pandemic-induced supply chain delays, the project relied heavily on readily available retail sources, prompting Peterson to customize key pieces to enhance their presence and uniqueness. For instance, a West Elm daybed was reupholstered in Christopher Farr fabric, and a Crate & Barrel wood bed in the primary bedroom received a vintage Guatemalan textile cover and bolster. The designer also focused on selecting pieces with potential for future collectibility, such as Sarah Sherman Samuel's sculptural Whit dining chairs. The home's aesthetic incorporated art to establish an indoor-outdoor dialogue. A mixed-media piece by Tia Keobounpheng set the vibrant tone in the living area, while commissioned wildflower paintings by Bekah Worley reinforced the connection to nature. Pattern continuity was established throughout the private spaces; for example, blue gingham bunk beds in one room were echoed by red gingham in another guest room, and each bedroom featured a distinct Lake August wallpaper with botanical themes ranging from nasturtiums to sunflowers. Peterson created multiple flexible zones to accommodate family and guests, transforming an awkward second-floor landing into a functional media room with a custom platform bed and integrated storage. Minimal structural changes were made, but significant impact was achieved through adjustments like replacing an oversized fireplace hearth with a contemporary freestanding wood stove, which opened up the living space and emphasized the high ceilings. The bathrooms received more extensive updates, with the primary bathroom featuring a gingham-tiled floor and a vanity painted in Benjamin Moore Olive Tree. A shared upstairs bathroom was reimagined into a streamlined space with a utility sink, vibrant cabinetry in Farrow & Ball's Preference Red and Lulworth Blue, and Schoolhouse knobs coordinating with other plywood elements in the home. The kitchen underwent a cosmetic refresh, retaining its original knotty-pine cabinets but updating them with black CB2 hardware, new sinks, faucets, counters, and a white-tile backsplash with handmade patterned tiles from Red Rock Tile Works. Throughout the renovation, Peterson embraced and integrated some of the home's existing idiosyncratic features, such as a chicken-wire-like second-floor landing railing, preserving the cabin's unique Alpine character while creating a joyful, layered, and deeply connected retreat. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #HeatherPetersonDesign #SierraNevada #CabinRenovation #GinghamPattern #FloralWallpaper #RetailCustomization #SustainableDesign

This article details the design and aesthetic choices made for a private hunting lodge located in rural Louisiana, north of Baton Rouge. The project involved a collaboration between Baton Rouge-based architect Mark Matthews, design consultant Allyson Hicks of Allyson Hicks Design Consulting, and contractors Ryan Crum and Noah Wilson of Waterfront Custom Homes. The primary goal was to create a retreat that functions both as a family getaway and a hunting destination for friends, blending rustic elements with a refined, timeless appeal. The lodge is designed for large groups, featuring a main living area with a vaulted ceiling and antique beams, a casual dining space, and a kitchen accessible through an arched brick opening. In addition to a large primary bedroom, there are four guestrooms and a bunkroom equipped with four twin beds. Each guestroom boasts a unique design, avoiding the uniformity of a hotel, while the overall layout allows for flexible separation of family and guests. Public areas prioritize both entertainment and practicality, including a game room, a bar, an open-concept living and dining area, and a fully appointed outdoor kitchen. A large mudroom provides private, lockable closets for guests to store gear, and a separate drop zone is designated for hunters to shed muddy attire. The exterior features a lakefront area with deep porches, a putting green, and a firepit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Allyson Hicks faced the challenge of incorporating design elements that reflect Louisiana's heritage and the lodge's purpose without resorting to a typical casual hunting camp aesthetic. The homeowner's preferences, such as a fondness for gray and a dislike for gold, guided the color palette and material selection. Gray tones were used on walls and trim, and metal finishes like polished nickel, gunmetal, and black iron were chosen. Louisiana-specific elements, such as exposed beams and old brick, were integrated into the design. A key aspect of the design involved balancing rustic and contemporary styles to ensure a current yet timeless look. Hicks achieved this by mixing worn, vintage-looking pieces with more streamlined furniture. Antique woods were a prominent feature, with weathered shiplap used for the outdoor kitchen ceiling, antique beadboard for accent walls, and antique doors complementing new stained alder wood doors. The bunkroom, designed for younger guests, incorporates remnants from the lodge’s wood beams and flooring for stair treads and upper-bunk railings, alongside shiplap walls and built-in storage. The refined-meets-rustic aesthetic extended to the use of galvanized metal, mirroring the lodge's roof indoors. Artisan Josh Guillory created a custom galvanized metal range hood for the kitchen, and light fixtures with a similar matte metal appearance were selected for the bar area. The kitchen also features oversized nickel handles on drawers and cabinets to introduce a masculine touch, alongside Mont Blanc quartzite countertops and a textured Milas white marble tile backsplash with chiseled edges. Lighting was thoughtfully curated to combine streamlined fixtures with cruder pieces that fit the rural environment, ensuring the lodge serves as a comfortable and inviting haven throughout the year. #HuntingLodge #RuralRetreat #InteriorDesign #LouisianaDesign #RusticChic #FamilyGetaway #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHomes #TimelessDesign

The Metal Lark Tower, the first cabin to open at Nordlys Lodging, is situated on a 140-acre property in Frederic, Wisconsin, 90 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The project was conceived by Jeff and Bruce McPheeters, a father-and-son duo who initially envisioned building tiny houses for vacation rentals along the river near their family cabin. The idea evolved into Nordlys Lodging Co., a venture aimed at sharing the natural landscape with visitors through uniquely designed structures. The McPheeters spent nearly two years searching for the ideal location, eventually securing a rural plot boasting a diverse range of biomes, including hills, meadows, a pond, deciduous woods, and granite outcroppings. While initially drawn to Pacific Northwest architectural styles, they recognized the need for designs resilient to Wisconsin’s harsh winters. This led them to architect David Wagner of Sala Architects, a Minnesota resident with a background in Seattle and an understanding of adapting aesthetics to demanding climates. Wagner’s approach focused on creating multiple cabins, each with a distinct setting to ensure seclusion and solitude. The Metal Lark Tower, an 820-square-foot, two-story cabin, is strategically placed on a sloping hillside against a tree line. The design prioritizes energy efficiency and climate resilience. The nearby oak trees provide natural shade in summer and allow passive solar warming in winter once their leaves fall. The cabin also incorporates solar panels and triple-paned windows for insulation. The exterior features a "steel overcoat" of corrugated Cor-Ten steel, packed with insulation, to protect against cold northwest winds. This material is chosen for its durability and rustic appearance as it develops a patina. Inside, a narrow clerestory window allows daylight to stream in and extends the ceiling, creating a sense of openness. Expansive glass windows, trimmed with Douglas fir from Winnipeg-based Loewen, contribute to the structure's weather tightness while offering panoramic views of the meadow and lake. Douglas fir is used extensively throughout the interior for wall paneling, trim, and ceiling beams, establishing a sleek, uncomplicated aesthetic. The flooring consists of wide-plank engineered wood with a Nordic whitewashed oak finish, complemented by radiant heating. The cabin’s layout includes a comfortable king bed and a luxurious bathroom with immersive nature views. Hidden Murphy bunk beds in the upstairs living space provide additional sleeping capacity. Furnishings, largely sourced from Room & Board, align with a contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired design. The kitchen is equipped with concrete-inspired Caesarstone counters and chef-grade appliances. The McPheeters team emphasizes local sourcing for amenities, including coffee, muesli, and honey, to enhance the guest experience. The second cabin on the property, named Long House, is a linear two-bedroom, two-bath dwelling with rejuvenating lake views. Its design focuses on accessibility and maximizes the scenic surroundings with floor-to-ceiling corner windows. An outdoor boardwalk leads to a satellite screen shelter, versatile for yoga, dining, or reading. The name Nordlys, meaning Northern Lights in Danish and Norwegian, reflects the McPheeters' heritage and the property's northern location, embodying their vision of architecture augmenting nature. Ecological initiatives, such as restoring wildflower meadows and installing solar panels, further support this commitment. An electric car charging station is also available, promoting a net-zero vacation experience for guests. Visitors to Nordlys Lodging can engage in quiet activities such as hiking, bonfires, paddle boating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, encouraging a deep connection with the natural environment. Architect David Wagner hopes guests leave with a renewed appreciation for the outdoors and a sense of being immersed in nature. #CabinDesign #RuralArchitecture #SustainableDesign #SalaArchitects #NordlysLodging #WisconsinTravel #ScandinavianStyle #NatureImmersion #VacationRental

The Campbell residence in Asheville, N.C., exemplifies the "mountain modern" style, a design trend gaining traction nationwide. Designed by Living Stone Design & Build, the house is strategically placed on a steeply sloping lot, with its front facade facing the top of the slope and the rear overlooking the road and the primary view. The design prioritizes conforming to the land's topography, making the house wider than deep to minimize its environmental impact. Drawing inspiration from the region's indigenous Craftsman-style homes, the residence emphasizes structural integrity and the use of natural materials. Local fieldstone and cedar, both stained and painted, are prominent, alongside heavy-timber post-and-beam construction and eave brackets, which are characteristic of the Craftsman aesthetic. To integrate a modern sensibility, the design incorporates clean lines and deep overhangs, which also serve the practical purpose of solar gain protection. Notably, the absence of corner boards and the use of mitered corners provide a full, clean reveal. HardiePlank paneling was utilized for the upper exterior walls and soffits as a cost-saving measure, while the mitered corners and stained accents were intentional design splurges. The blend of Craftsman and modern styles addresses the preferences of clients relocating from regions where modern design is more prevalent, creating a home that is both traditional in its essence and contemporary in its details. The exterior features a massive masonry presence, achieved with cost-efficiency in mind. The chimney at the rear elevation rests on a partial concrete foundation, saving costs and avoiding encroachment on the carport space. Steel support was integrated into the screened porch's flooring to manage the load from the chimney and fireplace. Additional exterior highlights include heavy cedar post-and-beam timber brackets beneath a triptych of windows on the front facade's bump-out. This bump-out houses a seating nook with built-in benches and a tabletop, designed to replace a traditional dining room. Meals are taken here or at a dining table with fold-down leaves, which functions as a credenza when not in use, optimizing space within the shallow house design. Both the nook's tabletop and the dining table were crafted by one of the homeowners from reclaimed boxcar wood. The architectural plan also incorporates two private home offices, each with its own porch, situated at the rear of the house to provide solitude and scenic views for work. Given Asheville's emphasis on outdoor living, a third, west-facing screened porch was included for family use, complete with an outdoor kitchen. Further cost-saving measures were implemented throughout the interior. An oversized barn door was constructed from scrap wood by the trim carpenter, avoiding the expense of custom-made options. In the master bedroom, prefabricated wood sheets from Home Depot were used for an accent wall, a more economical choice than individual wood pieces. Blocking within the wall during framing allowed for floating shelves, reducing the need for traditional end tables. The children's rooms featured carpeting and bunks built from scrap wood to manage expenses. A woodworking shop off the carport was also incorporated to cater to the homeowners' specific interests. The design, with significant homeowner input, resulted in a residence that supports family activities, work, entertaining, and aging in place, all within an aesthetically pleasing framework. #ModernCraftsman #MountainModern #HomeDesign #SlopingLot #NaturalMaterials #CostSavingMeasures #OutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #AshevilleArchitecture

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The United States is home to numerous national parks, each offering unique and breathtaking landscapes. For those seeking an immersive experience within these natural wonders, a stay at a national park lodge provides an opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations. This article highlights five exceptional national park lodges, each distinguished by its blend of high-end style and rugged mountain charm, offering a memorable retreat after a day of exploration. The Old Faithful Inn, located in Yellowstone National Park, stands as a historical landmark. Constructed in 1904 from local timber, it is recognized as the largest log structure globally. Guests can opt for the rustic lodging experience of the Old House, characterized by exposed log walls and an absence of modern amenities such as televisions, radios, or air conditioning, encouraging a genuine wilderness immersion. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, is famously home to Old Faithful, a geyser that has erupted over a million times, captivating visitors with its powerful displays of boiling water. Glacier Park Lodge, established in 1913, was the first hotel built along the Great Northern Railway within Glacier National Park. This lodge epitomizes a rustic mountain getaway, featuring an impressive two-story lobby where entire Douglas fir trees, with their bark intact, serve as support columns. A massive stone fireplace at one end of the lobby offers a cozy spot for relaxation, inviting guests to unwind with a book or a drink after exploring the park. In Yosemite National Park, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel perfectly embodies the ideal mountain lodge aesthetic. It boasts grand public spaces with extensive stonework, soaring ceilings, and a monumental fireplace. Private rooms feature exposed ceiling beams, four-poster beds, and wood-burning fireplaces, all contributing to a classic masculine style with leather club chairs and rough stone walls. This setting is perfect for recounting park adventures with fellow guests, perhaps with a cigar and bourbon in hand. El Tovar Hotel, situated on the rim of the Grand Canyon, offers a unique blend of rustic hunting lodge elements and art deco elegance. Its interior showcases exposed log beams, animal trophy mounts, and a large stone fireplace. Subtle art deco touches, including Frank Lloyd Wright-style ceiling lights and original penny-tile floors in suites, reveal the hotel's rich history. The hotel provides stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon, offering a sophisticated and relaxing space after a day of hiking and exploration. Finally, Crater Lake Lodge, built in 1915, is perched at the edge of Crater Lake National Park, known for its mesmerizing crystal-clear blue waters. The lodge retains a "Great Gatsby"-esque style, combining beautifully detailed wooden supports and exposed ceiling beams with art deco light pendants for a high-end feel. The stone fireplace and exposed stone walls add to its rustic mountain charm. The lodge's prime location allows guests to enjoy unparalleled views of the lake from the terrace, making it an ideal spot to relax and observe the natural beauty. #NationalParkLodges #RusticLuxury #MountainGetaways #TravelDestinations #HistoricHotels #NationalParks #YellowstoneNationalPark #GlacierNationalPark #YosemiteNationalPark #GrandCanyonNationalPark #CraterLakeNationalPark

Marie Turner Carson of M. Elle Design and architect Bob White of Forest Studio collaborated to create a unique family getaway at Victory Ranch, near Deer Valley, Utah. The clients desired a "family camp" atmosphere, which was interpreted not as a rustic, traditional lodge, but as a luxurious yet comfortable design focusing on community, activities, and nature. The home's unconventional layout diverges from a typical lodge, featuring guest rooms designed as individual "cabins" to accommodate a multi-generational family and their guests. White's design emphasizes breaking down the traditional "big box" lodge into a compound of structures that integrate with the rolling landscape and are arranged around connecting courtyards. This innovative approach optimizes views while ensuring privacy and a continuous sense of discovery throughout the property. White conducted space planning on-site to frame views perfectly and envisioned the new build as a historic home that evolved over generations, bringing an authentic feel to the design. The collaboration with local builder Ivan Broman resulted in a structure that serves as an ideal backdrop for family gatherings, allowing everyone to feel at home with their own space, while also incorporating inventive and thoughtful details. The main entry of the house offers an intimate feel with a lower ceiling, providing a glimpse into a central courtyard rather than a dramatic, expansive entrance. This design choice encourages exploration and a gradual appreciation of the home's features. The living room, a central and open area, is anchored by a monumental plaster fireplace, which provides a visual anchor amidst painted boards. Steel elements like a sculptural wood wall and door casings balance the room. From the living room, residents can enjoy views of the river and a courtyard with a fire pit, creating a sense of connection to the outdoors. To enhance coziness, the living room features layered wool rugs and various textures in its furnishings, arranged in two sections for versatile seating. The dining room, notably dark and dramatic, is positioned on a cantilevered hallway that acts as a bridge connecting different areas of the house. This unique placement offers a slightly disorienting yet engaging experience, constantly relating to the exterior landscape. An outdoor dining area complements the interior, featuring a custom-made table large enough to seat at least 16 guests, mirroring the indoor dining capacity with flexible seating options. The kitchen is strategically located at the furthest point of the house to maximize views, offering a 180-degree panorama. Inspired by Edwin Lutyens' designs, it includes a round island and cabinetry that reinterpret Alpine style. Beyond the primary living spaces, the home includes a bar with reclaimed wine barrels and walnut panels for guests to carve their names, and a basement speakeasy, embracing a cozy, wood-clad Alpine aesthetic. The main bedroom offers serenity with a muted palette and stone walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the surrounding environment. For younger guests, there are tastefully designed bunkrooms, one with rush beds for girls and another with cot-like beds and canvas curtains for boys, evoking a summer camp feel. The design team meticulously sourced items like vintage trunks to complete the authentic, yet refined, camp aesthetic, ensuring every detail contributes to the overall theme of a luxurious and comfortable family retreat. #FamilyGetaway #LuxuryDesign #MountainHome #UtahArchitecture #MElleDesign #ForestStudio #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #AlpineStyle

Amidst the arrival of winter, an escape to Upstate New York serves as an ideal retreat from the urban clamor of New York City, offering a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. Among the numerous destinations in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, INNESS in Accord, New York, distinguishes itself as a premier property for a cozy stay, designed to facilitate a deeper connection with nature. This intimate country refuge and members club spans 225 acres, featuring 28 cabins and a 12-room farmhouse, all set against a bucolic landscape. Upon arrival at INNESS, approximately a 90-minute drive from New York City, guests are directed to park at the main lot, which houses the restaurant, a farm shop, and the check-in facility. After completing the check-in process, guests are transported to their accommodations, either a cabin or a farmhouse room, via Jeep or van. While cabins are conveniently located within walking distance of central gathering areas, a driver service is readily available for transport at any time. A communal farmhouse stands centrally among the cabins, offering a hub for guests to socialize. It features a lobby bar, a library, a game room equipped with a pool table, and a spacious kitchen where coffee and a continental breakfast are served. Throughout these common areas, fireplaces contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere, with each of the 12 farmhouse rooms also boasting its own fireplace, enhancing the cozy ambiance. The private cabins at INNESS similarly exude an intimate and homey feel. They are equipped with kitchenettes for preparing drinks and snacks, dining areas, and outdoor seating options. The decor throughout the property is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and neutral color palette, designed to promote a sense of serenity. The architectural design of INNESS, a collaboration between Taavo Somer and Post Company, draws inspiration from the region's Colonial Dutch architecture. The goal was to create minimal vernacular buildings that complement the natural landscape. The design emphasizes materiality and utilitarian function, incorporating rustic elements such as clapboard siding, divided lite windows, and cedar shakes, evoking an earlier era of American design. The property's extensive layout encourages guests to explore and reconnect with nature, aligning with the founders' original vision for INNESS. The campus-style plan necessitates moving outdoors between various buildings and activities, promoting exploration. Amenities include a 9-hole golf course designed by King Collins and a network of hiking trails that all loop back to the property, allowing guests to wander freely. For those seeking adventure, certain trail sections feature obstacles like wooden walls and ropes, though bypass routes are available. INNESS also provides two swimming pools, tennis courts, an events barn, and numerous seating areas strategically placed to offer scenic views. A 3-acre organic farm, managed by landscape designer Miranda Brooks, supplies produce for the on-site restaurant and lounge. The restaurant's menu highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from the Hudson Valley, featuring dishes such as endive and little gem salads, various pastas like gnocchetti with mushrooms, fusilloni cacio e pepe, and rigatoni with prosciutto, as well as local fish and NY strip steak. The restaurant's design mirrors the rustic elegance of the private accommodations, creating a warm, informal dining experience that encourages mingling among guests and locals. INNESS offers opportunities for winter wonderland escapes, including a New Year's Eve DJ and dance party in the barn. Looking ahead, a wellness building is slated to open in Fall 2023, which will include a fitness center, space for movement and yoga classes, a spa with five treatment rooms, a heated year-round plunge pool, and a sauna. For transportation to and from INNESS, the Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 is suggested as a luxurious and capable option, ideal for countryside travel. This vehicle is praised for its off-road performance, powerful engine (577 handcrafted horsepower, 4.5 seconds 0-60 mph), and advanced navigation system, which simplifies city driving. Its comfortable seats, designed to hug the body, enhance the driving experience, particularly during city traffic. Guests looking to extend their exploration can drive to Hyde Park, New York. This route passes through the bustling town of Rhinebeck, where visitors can stop for dining or shopping. Further historical exploration includes visits to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, which also houses his Presidential Library. The Vanderbilt Mansion, built between 1896 and 1899, offers a glimpse into "The Gilded Age" with its 54 rooms and original furnishings. Guided tours provide insights into the property's and family's history. Nearby, Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and presidential library offer an extensive indoor activity, particularly suitable for colder months, allowing visitors to delve into his four terms and presidential legacy. #UpstateGetaway #INNESS #HudsonValley #Catskills #LuxuryTravel #CabinLife #Design #NatureEscape #MercedesAMG