dreamy mountain retreat

Woodsy meets whimsical in this charming home. Check out these great decorating ideas.

Tis is the dream. When a vacation destination becomes your home, getting away from it all is a way of life.

In 2001, Gary and Amy Young traveled from their Atlanta home to Cashiers, North Carolina, to celebrate Gary's birthday. They rented a house for the weekend and fell in love with the scenic village. Soon they were sold on the idea of mountain streams, hiking trails, trout fishing, and stunning views.

Don't assume this is a story of all play and no work. Gary and Amy put their business sense into action. They partnered with builder Mark Carruth to start a construction company in Cashiers. For five years, they ran it from their home base of Atlanta. Last year, buoyed by the company's growth, the couple moved with sons Harrison and Connor to their own home in this gorgeous corner of North Carolina's section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. "Everyone in Cashiers knows each other, and the sense of belonging to a close-knit community is wonderful," Amy says. "Plus, no traffic! It has been a welcome change of pace."

A Stunning Showcase

Tucked into a hillside above a golf course with a view of the woods in the distance, the Youngs' home is a perfect place to admire autumn's glory. "This area rivals the Northeast for foliage change," Amy says.

Rustic materials and nature-inspired fixtures inside and out evoke the feel of a mountain cabin. The fireplace mantel and railings on the back porch are made from locust wood. The stair railing inside is crafted from sourwood. Some of the exterior materials were pulled from the lot when it was cleared for construction.

Gathering Ground

The getaway within this getaway is the open kitchen and living area, where the vibe is relaxed and casual. French doors open onto the back porch, allowing the two spaces to flow seamlessly together. Amy says, "We have spent many evenings entertaining family and friends on the porch by the fire."

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2007
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