Mountain escape

See how nature inspired this unique home blessed with glorious views of the surrounding scenery.

We all need a second wind-that fresh surge of energy that helps us hoist our sails and glide through life and all of its requirements. Sometimes it takes a bit of good news or the anticipation of a special trip, or for one Nashville family, it lies only a 90-minute drive to Monteagle Mountain. Here, at their home, Second Wind, they get back to nature with a hike through the woods, a sail on the lake, and-best of all-abundant family time.

"You have to slow down at this house. It's the greatest benefit of having it," explains one of the owners, a mother of two. With their own busy professional lives and children who are active in school, she and her husband wanted to build a place where they could take a break as a family.

Back to Nature

Because they all enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing, the mountain setting along a private lake was ideal. And because no gas-powered boats are allowed on the lake, even their outdoor activities stay low key. "We don't have a television either," the wife says. Instead, they read, talk, and play board games. "We do things here we would never do at home," she adds.

Designed for Fun

Room to host family and friends is another advantage of this house. "We have frequent guests and host large get-togethers on Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July," she explains. A spacious bunk room over the master and several smaller bedrooms permit additional guests. "We made sure the house could accommodate 4 or 40," she says. Again, being relatively close to home allows guests to come just for the day. The homeowners add with a knowing laugh, "The teenagers like it, too, because they don't have to be gone that long."

Keeping Regional Character

The house works so well because the homeowners knew exactly what they wanted, and they assembled a solid team of friends and professionals to tackle the project. Landscape architect Ben Page, commercial architect Chris Ross, and interior designers from DIGS Interiors all knew the family from Nashville. When local contractors Greg Vaughn and Chris Vaughn came onboard to build the house, then the team was complete on all levels.

"This was such a natural plan," explains Ben. "I've known the family for a long time and knew they wanted a relaxed house for kids, but one where the environment played a strong role." In fact, both a screened porch and stone patio link the house with nature and lead to the boat dock. Windows, too, perform a similar function, inviting light from and views of the surrounding landscape at every turn.

By sharing their ideas with the design team, the homeowners got the house they desired, one that would easily adapt to their needs. "The kitchen is a good example," the husband explains. "It was important that it be part of the living area." As a result, the kitchen integrates seamlessly with the dining and family rooms. Only a lower ceiling height and the arrangement of the island define its boundaries.

Because relaxing and winding down are priorities, the interiors needed to reflect that lifestyle. "Comfort is such a key component," explains Meg Turner of DIGS Interiors. Painted furniture; cottage antiques; warm colors; and soft, durable fabrics combine for a cozy, comfortable setting.

Unexpected construction elements, such as the family room's beadedboard barrel-vault ceiling and the eyebrow windows that increase the views, prove that this was not a typical project. "It was completely a group effort," says builder Greg Vaughn. "The communication lines were open between everyone. In fact, much of the design was done as the project progressed."

The home's detailed craftsmanship and the integration of the setting prove that a group working toward the same goal can reap rewards, not only visually but also emotionally. "This is a project with a personality," says Ben. "It has a strong regional voice." And that voice provides just what the name suggests-a great breath of fresh air.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2002
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