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The Last, Best Place.
This gated community, just one-and-a-half miles outside the resort village of Blowing Rock, is undeniably the last, best residential land in the area. Only 96 distinctive single family homesites will ever be available, ranging in size from one to three-plus acres. Please come visit us and see why Firethorn isn't a plan or promise; it is a dream come true, here and now.
1129-1 Main Street, Blowing Rock • 828/295-7777 www. FirethornBlowingRock .com
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Open Up
Your Living Space
Let fresh air into your home without unwelcome insects or glare of direct sunlight. When you don’t need the screens, they retract completely out of sight. Suitable for doors, windows, and large openings, Phantom Screens complement any décor.
Contact your local Authorized Distributor, Retractable Screens of Western North Carolina, at (828) 524-0595 or 1-888-PHANTOM (742-6866), or by email at rscreenswnc@verizon.net. Visit www.phantomscreens.com to find out more. Ret. Screens of W. North Carolina Full Page Ad Template Phantom.indd 6• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
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Publishers’s Note Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in the High Country as the green leaves gradually turn shades of orange and red, and we hold our breath hoping that they will hang on just a little longer. This scenic time of the year seems to be almost skipped over here in the mountains as winter rushes in, allowing only a brief time to prepare for its harsh conditions. In this Fall 2011 issue we present to you a publication full of fall fun including interior decorating on a budget, delicious recipes to keep you satisfied, the best places for a fall hike, and amazing must-have products. Although the autumn season can be filled with fun projects and outdoor adventures, this issue of High Country Home will help you make the most out of the autumn season but also be prepared for winter when it strikes. We understand that there is always too much to do and too little time to do it, so with this issue we try to make your life a little easier by providing helpful advice from talented professionals on everything from pest control to winterizing your home. We also introduce you to some of the best builders in the area and walk you through spectacular homes, some of which are even available to rent or own! Our content is better than ever and our readership continues to grow as our success spreads through the High Country and beyond. To stay up to date with all the latest High Country Home news, join our Facebook fan page and visit our website to see more exclusive content. Make sure and never miss a single one of our issues full of helpful tips, local business contacts, and stunning homes by subscribing today! Please feel free to send suggestions on how we can better serve you and make our magazine the best publication possible. Now it is time to sit back and enjoy the final rays of autumn sunshine with the High Country Home Magazine in hand.
Christopher M. Rabon, Publisher
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Contact Us
About Us
Please contact us if you would like to advertise in our print or online mediums, contribute articles, request info on home photography, submit letters to the editor, subscribe to our magazine, or just want to give us some feedback. Market Connection Publishers of the High Country Home 1082 E. King St Suite 6 Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2670 www.highcountryhomemagazine.com highcountryhomemagazine@gmail.com marketconnectionads@gmail.com
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You can find our premier home magazine and resource guide in racks and stacks across the High Country from West Jefferson and Boone to Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. They are so popular though, that sometimes it is hard to track one down. If you're tired of looking for a High Country Home Magazine and simply want to guarantee that you get one we've got the solution for you. If you live off the mountain and want to receive one in the mail, we've made it easy.
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All you have to do is subscribe! Right now we are offering the next four issues of the High Country Home Magazine for the low price of just $19.99 a year! This offer will cover all your High Country Home Stories, photos, and resources for the entirety of 2011!
Chris Rabon, Publisher Katie Strasser, Content Editor Emily White, Publishers Assistant Loni Miller, Lead Graphics/ Photographer Send your check or money order for $19.99 Will Garris, Graphic Artist (for the next 4 quarterly issues) or $24.99 (for the next 8 quarterly issues, only $12.49/ Interns year) to 1082 E. King St, Suite 6, Boone, NC Kaylie Jackson-Writing 28607. If you wish to subscrive via credit card please call 828-264-2670.
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Departments Pg. 21
Pg. 91
The Marketplace 89 Products You Need 92 Business Card
Pg. 43
Introductions 21 People We Admire & Businesses We Applaud
Home Guide
For The Table 30 On the Table with Shay Griese 81 In The Cellar- Grandfather Vinard 36 Bringing The Outside In-A Guild to Perfect Hostessing
43 Good Things Come in Small Packages 44 Cut Gift Giving Costs 46 Termite Tips 49 Winter Wonderland Preperation
Pg. 42
Pg. 44
Other
95 Where is Home 93 Sponsor Index
Out Of The House Pg. 30 12• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
82 High Country Hiking Guide 84 Small Town, Big Finds
Pg. 91
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Design Profiles
Trail’s End pg. 53 Lynagh Lodge pg.68
End of the Road pg.63
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Sterling Lodge pg.74
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Contributors
Judi Beck is a facilitator, art consultant, and freelance writer living in the High Country. She’s been published in Pastel Artist International, Philanthropy International and the Inner Edge, as well as numerous regional publications. She and her husband, Kevin, were owners of the Upstairs Gallery in Blowing Rock. She is the author of “The Ecology of Conversation.”
Katie Strasser is a senior Creative Writing major at Appalachian State University. She also has a minor in Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology with hopes to someday write books and create a magazine of her own. Katie loves food, snowboarding, and spending time with her family and friends.
Calendar of Events 10/21, The Knob Sprint 5:30pm- 7:30 pm, Boone NC 10/22, 6th Annual Pumpkin Festival Valle Crucis NC 10/28, Happy Harvest Family Fest 6pm-8:30pm, Boone NC 10/31, Boo Boone Halloween Event 4pm- 6:30pm, Boone NC 11/4, Downtown Boone Art Crawl 5pm- 8pm, Boone NC 11/24, High Country Turkey Trot 8am-10am, Boone NC 11/25, Christmas In the Park Blowing Rock, NC 11/26, Blowing Rock Christmas Parade Blowing Rock, NC 12/3, Boone Christmas Parade 11am-12:30, Boone NC 12/3, Christmas with Elvis, Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre 12pm- 3pm, West Jefferson NC 12/3, Mountain Home Music- An Appalachian Christmas 8pm-10pm, Boone NC
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Emily White graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in English and a minor in Communications. She hopes to use her writing skills wherever her career may take her, and wishes to be involved in publication ventures her whole life. Emily loves to cook for friends and family, write, and snuggle up with a good book.
Breton Frazier is the Declutter Diva and works as a personal organizer in St. Augustine, FL. Over 30 years ago she began as a wardrobe consultant tackling clothes closets. She works with private clients bringing order and serenity to their spaces. Breton also teaches workshps on decluttering and is a popular speaker
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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Foundations Patios Home Construction & More
Penick Construction
Penick Construction is a company of efficiency, high-quality, grading, masonry, and general construction. Since this business’s initial start in 1978, Boone native and head of the company, Maurice Penick, has provided the counties of Watauga, Ashe, Avery with superior services ranging from clearing and hauling to stonework, ponds, and general contracting. A commitment to excellence paired with diligent labor are what set Penick Construction apart from the rest of the local industry.
545 WINKLERS CREEK RD
BOONE NC
www.penickconstruction.com
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828.262.1268
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TheIntroductions Get to know the businesses we applaud and people we admire in the High Country
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Harry Stroud Roofing is a family-owned business that has been serving the High Country for over 10 years and has been in business for over 30 years. They specialize in complete roofing systems for residential and commercial buildings, including both new construction and tear-offs. They will gladly install almost any type of roof, including slate, tile, cedar shake, designer metals, and copper works such as gutters and bay windows. Harry Stroud understands that a roof should be considered an investment, and in the High Country it is especially important to have great roofers who can protect this investment from things such as ice dams and other winter-weather damage. Harry Stroud understands the need everyone has for good roofers who can provide great service, and his business supplies customers with all types of roofing needs including a free estimate and evaluation. Although Harry still lives in Charlotte, he hopes to relocate to the High Country soon and expand his business in the Boone and Blowing Rock area. Harry Stroud Roofing installs roofs on a wide range of higher-end homes from Banner Elk to Myers Park and Eastover in Charlotte. These customers continue to express satisfaction with the job years later, their roof free of leaks and still looking beautiful. The honest and respectable business model that Harry Stroud Roofing prides itself in results in many referrals from past customers who rave about their spotless clean-up and quality workmanship. Harry Stroud Roofing prides themselves in the quality work they accomplish and wishes all roofing companies were required to obtain a permit and inspection. Harry Stroud Roofing is a GAF/ CertainTeed factory certified installer, which offers a labor and material factory warranty. Harry believes this requirement of stricter regulation would weed out a lot of mediocre roofers, leaving his superior business at the forefront of the roofing industry in this area. Harry Stroud Roofing is an honest business, and they complete the jobs they take on in a timely manner with complete customer satisfaction. They manage and oversee every job, with a foreman always on site. They also offer samples to their customers and are happy to help with any need that arises, including ordering any or all materials. To explore before and after examples of their work, as well as examples of the different types of roofing available, visit their website at www.harrystroudroofing.com. For additional information on the services that Harry Stroud Roofing provides, please call (704)634-7469 or send an email to harrystroudroofing@yahoo.com.
Harry Stroud Roofing
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Mark Kirkpatrick Mark Kirkpatrick was born a builder. His first construction project began in 1977 and he gained experience in tying steel, studying engineering detail, and reading blueprints. He also gained insight into what he wished to accomplish in life: to create well-built and well thought out custom homes. Understanding the importance of team building, he began working to develop relationships with top-notch carpenters, masons, plumbers, and electricians. Mark earned a degree in education and was employed as a teacher for a number of years, using the summers off to work in construction. After hiking the Linville Gorge one year, his plans changed; he decided to make Banner Elk his permanent home and start his own business in custom home building, Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc. His experience in construction allowed him to develop a company known for their creativity, vision, quality, and passion for the art and craft of custom home building. Established in 1982 by Mark Kirkpatrick and his wife, Debbie Arnold, Mountain Construction was the first timber frame company in Boone, and they remain at the cutting edge of custom mountain home building and remodeling. Mark Kirkpatrick has the vision and experience to build any client’s mountain memories, and their philosophy of “building art you can live in” is evident in every home they build. They are also green certified and use sustainable building practices on all of their projects. They use their experience, knowledge, and resources to advise clients on how to make their homes environmentally friendly. Mountain Construction has built homes from Blowing Rock to Linville, Grandfather, and Banner Elk, down to Lake James, across to Watauga Lake and into West Jefferson. Through these projects he has gained experience in timber construction, log construction, Adirondack style, Craftsman style and, most importantly, structure. Mountain Construction Enterprises offers a free consultation and assessment, and they can also recommend designers and architects in order to complete the homeowner’s vision. His clients express their satisfaction with his hands-on approach, creativity, and the effort he puts forth to build the finest homes for the most reasonable cost. Their vision is always client-driven, and their projects often evolve as their clients become involved in the design and building process. Mike works hard to develop relationships based on trust, commitment and followthrough with all his clients, and their satisfaction is evident when observing the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating these one-of-a-kind homes. For more information on Mike Kirkpatrick and Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc., call (828) 963-8090 or visit their website at mountainconstruction.com.
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Stone Cavern Stone Cavern is a tile and stone sales service and installation company located right here in the High Country. John Buford has been the owner for five years and is proud of what his company has to offer. Stone Cavern assists with selling tile and stone, design services, turn- key services and skilled installation. This business offers a large selection of porcelain and ceramic tile, tumbled stone, glass, travertine, limestone and many more. His inspiration in starting his own tile and stone business began when he had an installation company and dealt with local suppliers. He felt that he could compete with other businesses and provide services they didn’t offer. With his 25 years of experience, John knew that he could bring different design options and expert installation to his clients. At Stone Cavern, the key essentials to achieving a successful business are controlling costs and providing excellent customer service. A feature of Stone Cavern that John prides himself on is the turn-key capabilities that are offered. This service assures that the project is sold and constructed for the customer in ready-to-use conditions. Stone Cavern stands out from the competition due to its distinctive showroom, services in sales, designs, and installation. Because Stone Cavern offers turn-key service, the customer can feel assured that if there is a problem that is will be fixed. Stone Cavern accepts all responsibility of the sale, design, and installation of the tile or stone, so they can personally guarantee the satisfaction of their customers. This also allows the customer to simply make one payment with one company instead of multiple. Although the installation feature is the most challenging aspect of Stone Cavern’s daily operations, it is this service that allows Stone Cavern to clearly stand out above the others who do not offer this service. Stone Cavern offers experienced design ideas and consultations on professional installations. Constantly striving to improve their business, John and his staff at Stone Cavern are dedicated to providing their customers with the best options to meet their tile and stone needs. Stone Cavern is located in Foscoe on Hwy 105 in the Grandfather View Village. Check out their gallery available at www.stonecavern.com or call (828) 963- tile. 27• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
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For The Table
On the Table With
Shay Griese
by Chris Rabon 30•Photos www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
When you’re a housewife, you never know what your job for the day is going to be, so Shay Griese tries to simplify whatever she can, especially when it comes to cooking. After showing her prize-winning horse, Indigo, and taking care of her husband, two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall-of-Fame quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Bob Griese, she doesn’t feel the need to attempt the complicated recipes demonstrated on television. Shay has mastered how to make cooking an easy endeavor, as simple as throwing together good flavors and a rainbow of colors for a hearty dinner that looks beautiful on the table. Shay invited us into her beautiful home to observe as she utilized fresh ingredients in addition to items she may already have stored in her fridge to spread appetizing aromas throughout the kitchen and place scrumptious food on the attractively set table. Shay has been kind enough to share some of her recipes with us, so now you can bring simple yet delicious meals to your own table!
Delicious Baby Back Ribs!
These ribs, giving off a delicious aroma of barbeque sauce and perfected meat, are simple to prepare and wonderfully mouthwatering. Eating ribs with your hands is a must, and this isn’t a hard task with meat that falls off the bone and melts in one’s mouth like butter. Perfect for watching a football game with a group of friends, these ribs will be a crowd-pleaser for anyone with taste buds. Cut slab of Baby Back Ribs in half across the bone so that they will fit in the pan. Place Baby Back Ribs in a large foil pan Fill pan with half inch of water Rub ribs with BBQ sauce (cheap BBQ sauce works great!) then tighten foil over top Bake ribs in the oven at 350 degrees for thirty minutes and then turn down oven to 300 for another hour and a half. Open it up, but be careful to not burn yourself on the hot steam! Pour off all grease and extra sauce/water Fill pan again with a half inch of water Rub ribs again with same BBQ sauce Cover again and bake two more hours at 300 degrees.
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Salad
The ingredients in this salad seem to blend together in perfect harmony from the colors painting a beautiful mural in the dish to the flavors singing a melody in one’s mouth. The onions are not overpowering like raw onions can often be, rather they add the perfect compliment to the fruit that explode with sweet juices. The dressing is the star of the salad and brings all the components together, coating the fresh lettuce and fruit in a delicious glaze. This salad will not disappoint in taste or presentation and is the perfect complement to any dinner. Mix following ingredients in large bowl: Head of iceberg lettuce, chopped finely, 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese Hardboiled egg, pepper, white onion Soft cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and/or pineapple depending on preference Red cabbage (adds color), fresh basil, heirloom tomatoes (make sure to add these last) To make the dressing, mix following ingredients in a small bowl: Balsamic vinegar, grainy mustard, brown sugar, and olive oil to taste. You could also add a little mayo for a creamier dressing.
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Fettuccini Alfredo
This pasta dish, beautiful in color and scrumptious in taste, is a simple yet hearty meal that is sure to leave one satisfied. The cream sauce envelops the noodles with a wonderful flavor, and the vegetables provide a pleasing crunch. The red curry sauce gives the dish an exceptional and addicting flavor that is very different from traditional Fettuccini Alfredo, but breaking tradition can sometimes result in creating an even better one. Prepare fettuccini noodles according to box Mix together Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and cream (diet conscious individuals can use skim milk). Set aside SautĂŠ asparagus tips, roasted red peppers, olives, chopped spinach, and meat such as chicken according to preference in olive oil Toss together veggies, noodles, and sauce. To serve, garnish with capers and additional Parmesan cheese. You can add a little red sauce or red curry sauce for a yummy twist!
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F
all is one of the best times in the High Country. The air is crisp with the smell of an impending snowfall, but the temperature is just right for cool evening walks through the neighborhood or drives on the parkway to see the changing colors on the trees. Autumn is a great time to show off your hostessing skills and instead of spending that hard-earned money on the typical fall-themed decorations, you can simply pick up a few gifts from Mother Nature during a stroll through the yard. Being a hostess takes work, but it doesn’t have to break your wallet.
and winter months, and these simple treasures can have a multitude of uses in your home.
While these falling leaves can be a hassle to rake up, their shades of orange, red, and even burgundy can provide beautiful accents in any home. Filling a large, clear vase with a rainbow of leaves and a layer of chestnuts at the bottom can give the living room a cozy feel. You can even place a candle with a wonderful fall scent of pumpkin, gingerbread, or vanilla in the middle to add to the ambiance!
Just a simple exploration of your back yard can provide a number of beautiful, and free, decorations for your home. Nature’s inspiration is endless, and friends and family will be impressed with your craftsmanship!
While gathering up those leaves off the ground, you can keep your eye out for another one of nature’s gifts to decorate your home with: pinecones! Pinecones are everywhere during the fall 36• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
One such use is a simple craft you can complete in less than an hour, and bored kids can have fun with this too! First, insert a screw eye into the base of the pinecone, which will allow you to hang them later. Then you can spray the pinecones with a soft gold or white shimmer, giving them a warm glow. Find a pretty ribbon to tie onto the screw, then tack them up in your windows! They will catch the sun’s rays and provide the perfect autumn accent to your windows.
After decorating your home elegantly for the fall while keeping your budget intact, its time to start thinking about those guests traveling up to the High Country to see the unsurpassable fall foliage. A guestroom can be a great asset to any home, providing a relaxing retreat for friends and family who may be staying over a night or
Bringing the Outside In:
A Guild to Perfect Hostessing
two. We all know guestrooms require certain necessities such as a bed and pillow, but there are other things that you could provide for your guests to make them feel completely at ease. It is always a great idea to provide guests with things they may have forgotten or misplaced. A disposable razor, hairdryer, new toothbrush, wrapped soap, hotel shampoo bottles, and travel-sized deodorant are all good things to supply for your visitors. Make sure to be conscious of differences in preference and provide items with scents that both your male and female guests will enjoy equally. You can place these in a pretty wicker basket in the bathroom along with an extra set of bed linens and bath towels. To be the perfect hostess, it is important to make your guests as comfortable as possible, and in order to do that you may have to put a little extra thought into what would make you comfortable when staying at other person’s home. When friends or family arrive weary from traveling it is nice to offer them a small table or bench to set their suitcase on, as well as a comfy armchair or loveseat for maximum relaxation! If you have the space, adding a little desk stocked with
paper, pens, pencils, scissors, and tape is a nice touch. You can even decorate the desk with an appealing postcard rack or stationary to allow your guests to write home about how much fun they are having! And in case they have some calls to make, providing them with an extra phone in the room or a pre-paid phone card would also be a generous ambition. In addition, a small bookshelf or nightstand supplied with an assortment of novels, magazines, travel books and maps will give your guests plenty of options for night-time reading and relaxation. A copy of High Country Home Magazine would be the perfect complement to the shelf and provide them with information about many services, shopping, and dining! House guests may also get the munchies in the evening, but not feel quite comfortable enough to come down and raid the fridge, so a few snacks such as a bowl of fresh fruit, delicious cookies, or a bag of chips are a great way to calm those cravings. Having all these amenities available to your guests shows them how much you appreciate them being there. Allowing for their comfort makes them feel welcome and at ease in your home and puts you in the running for the perfect hostess! H
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HomeGuide Discussions on and resources for the kitchen and bath, design and decor, outdoor living, and landscaping.
Termite Tips! Pg. 46
Cut Holiday Pg. 44 Spending Winter Wonderland Home Preparation Pg. 49
Good Things Can Come
Pg. 43
in Small Packages
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Good Things Can Come
in in Small Small Packages Packages
By Leah Parks, Associate Certified NKBA Designer
W
hen it comes to creating a new or remodeled master bath room, many people are realizing that smaller spaces are a better fit for their budgets and lifestyles. To have an efficient small bathroom you must use the space to its full potential. While functionality is important in a small bath project, the goal should always be to blend convenience and beauty in a unified concept. . The master bathroom should be comfortable and inviting, as well as luxurious and organized. When space is a premium, a separate bath and shower may not be possible. A larger shower with a built in tiled seat and hand held showerhead is an excellent option. Using a clear glass enclosure can offer the illusion of openness. Using wall mounted sinks or vanities give more floor space and can open up the area without sacrificing function. Storage is obviously key in a small space. This means you must often build “up” instead of “across.” Shelving and cabinets with unique storage solutions can help utilize much of the wall areas. Cabinets with mirrored doors can be recessed into the wall for a medicine cabinet. Kitchen storage items such as drawer dividers and pull out spice cabinets work well in the bathroom for storage. A drawer or rollout tray in the bottom of a sink cabinet keeps the clutter organized and accessible.
Electrical outlets inside cabinets allow small devices such as electric toothbrushes, razors and hairdryers to be kept in cabinets, leaving the countertop area neat and accessible. With larger double sink vanities, a shallow wall cabinet can be placed on the countertop between the sinks, making toiletries easy to reach. Lighting, both natural and artificial, is especially important in smaller baths. Ambient lighting, separate vanity lighting and toe kick lighting can be layered to transform the mood and perceived size of a small space. LED lighting can be used in as many sources as possible to reduce heat production and conserve energy. The use of glass and mirrors will reflect light and make the space feel larger. The design phase of your project is a good time to consider using personal comfort features such as radiant heated floors, mirrors with defoggers, motion sensitive light and quiet ventilation. You may also want to include design features that will allow you to enjoy your bathroom for years to come. Well informed bath designers are very aware of the recent emphasis on “Aging in Place”. As you can see, creating a beautiful, yet functional bathroom requires the blending of numerous concepts and materials. Choose a professional bath designer who has the experience, training and creative ability to bring everything together. This will insure your new master bath will be the peaceful, luxurious sanctuary you are dreaming about. H www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •43
Organizing Throw A Pre-Holiday Party & Shrink Your Gift Giving By DeClutter Diva Breton Frazier It’s a given that the holiday season would be a lot more pleasant if we could just enjoy being with friends and loved ones without all the hassle. Who needs the pressure of decorating, shopping, baking, etc. etc.? And then there’s the post-holiday credit card blues. Here’s an idea that will save you money and time this holiday season! 1. Write down a list of friends you’d like to spend some fun time with during the holidays. 2. On another list, put casual acquaintances you’d like to get to know better. 3. Your third list is those you’re obligated to socially. You know, the ones you’ve been meaning to take to lunch or have over. 4. Last, list friends you’d love to be able to buy a gift for but .... Now compare the lists. If they overlap and some names come up more than once, have I got an idea for you! Host a Swap Party before the holidays. Look over your calendar and choose a date that’s two or three weeks off. Yes, before the crush of office parties and family commitments. This is one festivity that can precede the holidays so plan it when you’d begin your gift shopping. You’ll probably want to invite about ten to twelve guests in order to have six to eight attend. (A party larger than twelve is unwieldy.) Send out emails so those invited can start looking through their closets and drawers. Evite.com has creative invitations and you can also send a reminder closer to the party date. Ask each guest to bring two or three (or more) items suitable for gifts that he/she finds in the home. Some may be gently used; others may be brand new. The idea is not to spend a penny but to get things out of your house that you no longer want, such as:
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Clothes: especially ones for parties, jewelry, scarves, accessories, purses, shoes. (If you plan to focus on a clothes exchange, it will work better to have a couple of guests who match each other’s size, i.e. two petites, two pluses, two juniors, etc.) Decorative items: art, paintings, prints, statues, thing-a-ma-jigs Kitchenware: gadgets, utensils (like that cookie press you won’t use again this year), those cutesy Italian dessert plates, cordial glasses, whatever. Be real. Will you ever grate your own Parmesan? Linens: bed, bath, kitchen. Perhaps Santa guest towels aren’t your thing--perfect! Anything is fair game to trade: books, candles, calendars, office supplies, your sister-in-law, just kidding. A weeknight might be best and after dinner is certainly easier. If the party is 7 to 9 p.m., you can serve sweets and drinks. Or plan an earlier party with finger foods and just ‘graze’ for dinner. And there’s always the old standby: potluck. Do have a sugestion if guests ask what they can bring. (I found that no one seems to be able to come Saturday morning, which I thought would be a great time--wrong.) It will be a huge help if you can borrow a lightweight garment rack for hanging clothes and a couple of those long rectangular portable tables for displaying items. If not, round up several card tables. Serve drinks while everyone arrives—see the recipe included for Hot Spiced Spiked Cider. Choose a guest or two to arrange the ‘merchandise’ on the tables and to hang the clothes. Grouping them by small, medium and large makes ‘shopping’ easier. Pass around a festive basket that holds slips of paper
you’ve written numbers on from one to ten or so. Each guest draws a number. This is the order each person will ‘shop’ for an item that appeals to him/her. Then let the shopping begin! After everyone has chosen an item in turn, make the party livelier by going around the circle and allowing each person to ‘steal’ a gift they like from someone else. The guest stolen from gets to choose another gift. Then begin again with number one and ‘shop’ for a second item, again allowing ‘stealing’ if you want. Set the limit on three times an item can be stolen. Once each person has three ‘gifts’, the group may decide to stop or continue. At a Swap Party I hosted recently, we had so many items that everyone got to choose whatever they wanted in addition to their three gifts. It was surprising how many of the things brought were brand new, still in the original packaging. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you found the perfect present for someone on your list? And free at that!
Hot Spiced Spiked Cider Put one gallon of apple cider (not juice) in a large pan on the stove and warm over medium heat. Stir in at least ½ cup brown sugar. In a piece of cheesecloth, tie up about a cup total of the whole spices you like. I use cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, a few black peppercorns, star anise and a teaspoon of orange zest. Float it in the cider. Add 2 small bottles (at least ¾ cup) of small red hot cinnamon candies and stir in until they melt. Taste for sweetness. Bring it all to a boil. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Remove the spice bag. Carefully pour the cider into a crock pot preheated to low for easy serving. Pour in brandy to taste. Float thin slices of orange on top. You can place the brandy alongside for those who may want it stronger. The candies turn this comforting warm cider to a rich red color and the spices fill your home with holiday fragrance.
One guest sent things even though she couldn’t attend. We ended up with so many extra items that we donated three large bags to the local women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence.
plan a swap for afterwards in the doldrum days of January or near Valentine’s? It’s a perfect solution for those “What were they thinking?” Christmas presents. H
Here’s the pay dirt. We all got rid of at least three things we didn’t want. Each of us took home at least three ‘new to us’ gifts to keep or give. No money changed hands. Our wallets and our credit cards got a rest. We celebrated and visited with friends. We don’t have to shop for holiday gifts for them. And we had FUN!
Breton Frazier lives in St.Augustine, Florida where she speaks to groups on decluttering and works with private clients. For more information, visit www.TheDeclutterDiva.com
If you can’t stand the idea of throwing a pre-holiday party, why not
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Top Ten Tips for Termite Control by A1 Termite and Pest Control, Inc 1. Get a Termite Pretreatment. It is important to start a pretreat when laying the foundation so all areas exposed are protected. This treatment is more productive in keeping bugs from invading your new home and less expensive than a treatment performed after the construction is completed. 2. Begin Termite Inspections. These inspections are done once a year and can protect your home, saving you thousands of dollars in damage. A termite can damage the foundation and work its way up causing unnecessary repairs costly repairs down the road. 3. Benefit From a Guaranteed Warranty. With each termite inspection, a warranty is guaranteed, even if you move to a new residence. Most homeowner policies do no cover termite damage; if A1 Termite and Pest Control does the inspection and treatment, your home will be under warranty. 4. Maintain Annual Inspections. By keeping up with the yearly inspections, the warranty will remain intact and repair of damages up to $500,000 will be provided by A1 Termite and Pest Control. 5. Know the Difference Between Ant and Termite. It is easy to confuse an ant and a termite since they are similar in size and sometimes in color. Ants have two wings that are very sturdy and wont break off easily. Termites have four wings, all the same size, which are very frail and break off when touched. An ant’s body has a constriction between the middle of the body and abdomen, while a termite’s body is just straight. The
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antenna of an ant is slightly curved and a termites’ appear straight. 6. Take the Time for a Termite Treatment. This process is a full day’s work and consists of a team of specialists and technicians certified in protecting your home. A good treatment is provided to build a barrier of protection that begins in the foundation. In order to shield your foundation, a trench is dug out around the home and holes may be drilled in certain areas so the treatment can work its way into the areas needed. 7. Do Not Leave Your Home Unprotected. If a home is unprotected, a termite can do serious damage. According to the National Pest Management Association, a termite infestation can cause two to three billion dollars in property damage to homes every year. 8. Invest in a Quarterly Service Plan. This plan can stop pest control problems before serious damage is done to the structure of your home. A quarterly service plan provides protection from spiders, silverfish, ants, millipedes, mice, and other pests that may threaten your house. 9. Realize a Treatment is an Asset. An investment in a termite and pest treatment can prevent damages and expensive repairs in your home. In these tough economic times, A1 Termite and Pest Control will do their best to reduce expenses in order to stay ahead of any pest problems. 10. Call A1 Today. At A1 Termite and Pet Control, they treat your home as if it were their own. This has been their motto since the business began in 1966. Call today at 1-866-9393081 for a free consultation. H
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Winter Wonderland Home Preparation With High Standard Plumbing The winter wonderland of the High Country can sometimes bring a homeowner HEADACHES. Along with beautiful scenery, great ski conditions and other wintery fun, comes bone-chilling temperatures and high winds that can cause unfortunate problems with plumbing systems. Burst pipes, water damage and the accompanying headaches of insurance claims can ruin the season for homeowners if proper precautions aren’t taken.
of being subjected to these headaches. There are a few procedures a reputable company should include when professionally winterizing a home:
Having the plumbing system properly winterized can drastically reduce the likelihood of finally arriving in the High Country, only to be greeted by burst pipes and water flow damage. Winterizing is a good idea not only for seasonal residents, but even for full-time residents who are going to be gone for more than a few days.
Ensuring no hose bibs left hooked up
There is no absolute guarantee against freezing pipes, but winterization can considerably lessen a homeowner’s chances
Removing water from fixtures via a compressed air purge of water lines Adding non-toxic anti-freeze to all fixture traps
Protect your investment and your peace of mind by calling High Standard Plumbing today for a quote. We will schedule winterization on the date you specify. All rates quoted are based on a single closure per winter. Reopen services available. Discount services available for multi-closures schedules. H
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DesignProfiles Showcasing the High Country’s beautiful homes and communities
Trail’s End By Katie Strasser
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ard work and dedication are key components to any home as breathtaking as Jack and Carlene Holder’s Linville Ridge escape. However, the care and attention to detail that was observed throughout this home resonates within every counter, cabinet, and corner of Trail’s End. The home was built around the concept of re-using materials and salvaging resources instead of constantly buying new. Due to the customization and distinctive aspects throughout the interior of the home, the Holders incorporated meaningful art together with pieces from their history to create a truly one-of-a-kind home. For the Holders, the homebuilding process began long before the first piece of foundation was ever established. In order to find the best view possible, winter weekends were spent looking at various home sites, free of obstruction by trees covered in leaves. In May of 2006, Jack and Carlene purchased their Linville Ridge home site, six acres of steep mountain terrain. The elevation stands at approximately 5,000 feet, overlooking the signature sixteenth hole on the Linville Ridge golf course as well as Grandfather Mountain and plenty of long-range southern and western vistas. The family worked with Bob Mann at Attic Design to create house plans that would create a unique, lasting home with enough space to best suit the homeowner’s needs. In order to control every aspect of the interior’s construction, Jack purchased a diesel Wood Mizer saw mill to be used during the building process. The only boards and beams that were transported from Charlotte to the home site were ones with true character of the species of that particular wood family. The homeowners were able to choose each piece from 100 year old beams cut into boards to be used in the interior construction of the home to achieve the highest quality interior that could never be duplicated within another home. Working alongside them was a master craftsman with years of experience and knowledge of the mountains. Rick Gentry is the person most responsible for the perfection of the home that Jack and Carlene now share and call Trail’s End. Before guests even set foot into the interior of Trail’s End, they must first pass through the eye-catching oak double entry doors. Purchased from the Arte de Mexico showroom in High Point, the curved shape and size was so unique that the door frame had to be specifically built around the two pieces. The door is three inches thick, made of reclaimed solid oak that serves as a polished first impression for the home. The wood paneling that was used throughout the main room, kitchen, and dining room is made of twelve foot wide heart pine boards. The boards were put onto the walls horizontally, which is an effect that is often challenging to achieve as a builder. However, the Holder’s commitment to quality and beauty assured that they would meet challenges with intuitive solutions. The internal layout and design of the home was done by Jack and Carlene without professional help, all pieced together while keeping their vision for Trail’s End. Each element, whether it be furniture or multi-cultural art, was either inherited or handpicked by the Holders themselves. Simply put, the interior of this home could never be duplicated due to the detailed methods, reclaimed materials, and custom elements that were all incorporated into one. The main living area is hard to define: the space is filled with the most well-done combination of family furniture, unique art, and antique, historical pieces that make the home one in a million. A massive elk horn chandelier, over six feet tall and eight feet across, was created from horns shed in Yellowstone National Park, with large mule deer horns added in the top. Framing the lofty ceiling above the chandelier, large Douglas Fir beams were salvaged from the 54• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
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“Trail’s End is truly a masterpiece, crafted by a family to be a true extension of their interests and personalities.”
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destruction of a Western Steer Steakhouse. The Holders make great efforts to re-use as much wood as possible in their home, which gives each room character as each beam and slab carries its own story of origin. The built- in fireplace screen was personally designed by Jack and Carlene using the logo by James Earle Fraser titled “The End of the Trail” as a representation of their home. The mantle, a colossal slab of maple, was from the ancient tree that stood where the great room was to be built on the original lot. Once the grounds were cleared, the tree was in rough enough shape that the family was able to repurpose it into the mantle for the fireplace. The metal post that supports the mantle was originally an old Esso sign pole, repurposed specifically for the fireplace. Another unique focal point of the space includes antique wagon wheels from a Chinese war wagon. The wheels are mounted together on one axle that was incorporated into the second level balcony, which presented the challenge of building the structure around the set of wheels, both over 250 years old. The kitchen is a perfect place for both a family dinner and a night of entertaining all in the same week. The mossy green cabinetry that lines the walls was made by Habersham Plantation in Clarkesville, GA, Carlene’s hometown. While each piece is beautifully crafted, the cabinetry also has a special connection to the Holder family. Years ago, Carlene’s father sold the original property of Habersham Plantation to Ms. Eddy, the current owner of the company. Throughout the kitchen and the rest of the home, flawless granite
done locally by Classic Stone rests atop cabinets and even functions as a unique and tasteful way to cover air vents. The farmer’s sink was carved out of the same dark granite as the countertops, a feature that supports the homeowner’s goal to stay away from building a typical or cookie-cutter mountain house. A waterfall effect was used for the kitchen countertops, and the expansive island features a natural, rough edge that reflects the numerous rock outcroppings throughout the property. Suspended above the island is a piece very rarely seen used in home décor, but widely recognized by those who had hardworking farmers for great-grandfathers like Carlene. An ox yoke, saved for many years, was turned into a chandelier by a Charlotte ironsmith and then wired for electricity to create a focal centerpiece for the kitchen. Following the same homage to family antiques and farm décor, an old ice pick cleverly holds a roll of paper towels atop the counter, serving as a perfect example of the resourcefulness and inventiveness that the Holder family possesses. Distinctive accents have not been restricted to the largest living spaces in this home, even the informal powder room hosts walls of wormy chestnut and a vessel sink atop of a cypress stump. In Carlene’s main powder room, a deer horn mirror hangs on display, made from the result of hunting expeditions by Carlos, Carlene’s father. The room, although small and seemingly standard, boasts a narrow maple tongue and groove ceiling that creates a round barrel effect. Rare www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •57
features like this are what turn a simple powder-room into one of the most interesting places of a home, and Jack and Carlene made sure to treat every room of Trail’s End as if it was the most important part of the house. In this fashion, guests can see that in the main hallway, a niche has been cut into the wall and lined with granite specifically to showcase the Holder’s art piece by John Suazo. Upon entering the master suite, one can see that the Holders place their importance on family and the art of everyday living, not extravagant luxury or flashy attributes. Walls lined with pecky cypress frame a large painting over the bed featuring Jack’s childhood home. This tribute to family history is carried throughout the room, including Carlene’s antique desk passed along from family members that creates a peaceful workspace within the room. A prayer room built off of the master bedroom, created from the wood from a giant old cherry tree on the property, provides the perfect space for serene reflection and devotion. Green verde marble lines the edge of the circular room, salvaged from the old Duke Power building in downtown Charlotte, and a collection of crosses from friends and family adorn the walls. 58• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
The upstairs of the home features a more quiet living area with the space for a reading library, as well as guest areas and a private suite for the Holder’s son, Lovell. In the second floor hallway, a large alcove was created in the same small tongue and groove barrel half circle fashion as the powder room ceiling. This recess is framed by black granite with a rose design that was also recovered from an old elevator in the Duke Power building in Charlotte and houses a spectacular piece of ironwork by local blacksmith, Bill Brown. Old heart pine boards from various locations, tongue and grooved, were used in the upstairs hallway and across the top of the porte-cochere. All of the wood flooring done throughout the home was sanded and finished by David Ashley with Ashley Hardwood Flooring. In the two guest bedrooms and the exercise room, walnut flooring was used, provided by Carlene’s uncles, cut over thirty years ago and stored until they found use in this home. The passageway to Lovell’s suite is the only area of the house that was done in wainscoting and is very special to the family. A very specifically designed rail runs under all the windows and a custom trim was added to each surface. An antique wagon wheel effect chandelier, found in Tyler, Texas, hangs in the master guest suite. The adjoining deck space outside Lovell’s area is actually built into the mountain using a cypress post with skirted bottoms.
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Locust posts and rails, crafted by Scott Forsythe, surround the deck, although a rock face is within an arm’s reach from the platform. Scott also created the locust and rhododendron rails around the main deck on the lower level. The natural rock formations work to block the house from the howling wind that the Blue Ridge mountains are known for, providing an organic shelter for the already steadfast and sturdy home. The structure of Trail’s End has been built with every precaution and durability concern in mind; it has the almost fort-like ability to withstand any inclement weather, no matter how harsh. Under Lovell’s suite sits the garage, generously decorated by close friends George and Diane Combis. Tile floor was laid over the sprawling garage and the marble used on the walls comes from the same vein of Italian marble used in the Trump Towers in New York City. The wooden garage doors are inlaid with copper and accompany beaded antique glass windows recovered from an old Baptist church torn down in 2001. The crowning effect for Trail’s End will always be the multi-colored 100 year old antique slate roof that was recovered from the old Fox estate in Durham. Many of these pieces of slate are in excess of one
half inch thick. It was a true challenge to go through and hand select the appropriate colors that blend together and match the Jacob Creek Sauratown stone that is used in all of the rock work on the exterior of the house and the interior fireplace. Trail’s End is truly a masterpiece, crafted by a family to be a true extension of their interests and personalities. The care and attention that has been applied to this house are simply unmatched, and the Holders have created a space where they can relax, spend quality time with each other, and enjoy the stunning environment that surrounds them. Every unique characteristic of the home tells a story, from inherited family pieces, to collected artwork, to repurposed materials. Although eloquent, simple words cannot adequately describe this amazing home and unqiue peice of surrounding property. To even begin to comprehend this home’s true character, one must experience the unique and beautiful aspects that every corner of the home holds by observing it in person. Jack and Carlene have established a home that can meet the needs of their family for years to come. H www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •61
End Of The Road, Top Of The Ridge By Katie Strasser
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Walking into the great room of Sylvia and Dan Warren’s RCD Construction home, it’s hard to notice the stately grandfather clock, or the plush leather couches, or the custom-built table or the stone fireplace. It’s not because these things are not perfectly incorporated into the home, it’s the massive wall of seven huge 10 foot windows that make up the back of the home, stretching from floor to ceiling, running the entire length of the room and framing one of the most breathtaking views available in the High Country. On a clear day, those inside this home can see up to one hundred miles of blue ridges stretching as far as the eye can see. The walls and ceilings of the home are lined with impeccable North Carolina oak panels cut and finished just for this home. Randy Strombeck of RCD Construction worked closely with the Warren family and turned their ideas, sketches and plans into the livable reality that they reside in today. The homeowner and builder worked as a team to hand pick each and every sub-contractor, with each group working together as one cohesive unit. The craftsmanship is evident in this home that took almost two and a half years to finish. When Dan and Sylvia found the lot, to their utmost dismay, the property was recently sold. But they were so in love with this “end of the road, top of the ridge” lot, they contacted the owner. Seven months later, it was all theirs. They soon capitalized on their good
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fortune by working with RCD Construction to create a space that they could use for entertaining, relaxing, or spending quality time with family and friends. The utilization of floor heat, with a zoned HVAC system, total envelope insulation makes the most favorable recompense of this home its incredible efficiency. Nothing was overlooked as they carefully measured each costsaving idea in order to build this house as substantial as possible. Ideas like heavy gauge metal roofing, two foot web trusses, concrete Superior walls allowed them to use every square inch of space once construction was at an end. Anyone that knows the Warren’s, knows Christmas is a very
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special time. Having owned and operated Providence Florist in Charlotte, Sylvia pulls out all the stops. Holiday menagerie is everywhere with lit wreaths and garland, along with a half dozen brightly trimmed trees makes this home incredibly sumptuous. In order to facilitate this “holiday assault,” the house also features a couple of extremely well planned custom ideas with the Christmas spirit in mind. Throughout the entire home, a “Christmas circuit” was incorporated. No door or window is without a special electrical outlet for a holiday wreath, candle, and other decorative feature. The entire special circuit is controlled by a single panel, centralizing the often inconvenient task of turning all the lights off and on every morning
and evening. And, if that were not enough, a single panel in the coffered ceiling of the great room is mechanically removed, allowing for the previously decorated 11 foot Christmas tree to be lowered from the cavernous attic above by a special electric winch without the hassle of bringing a tree inside and decorating it every December. Sylvia trims the tree upstairs. Dan lowers it into the room. That’s his contribution to the decorating. The massive great room with its 14 feet high ceilings is balanced with opposing outdoor decks. Stepping out onto the east deck, you immediately want to cozy up in front of the outdoor stone fireplace, look out across the multiple valleys below, while the distinct aroma of kabobs on the built in outdoor grill hangs in the air. The west deck is dedicated to physical recovery. A hard day on the nearby golf course or hiking the many mountain trails in the area calls for some recovery. Grab some liquid refreshment and you’re immediately drawn towards the steam rising from the 10 foot sunken hot tub. And, if that doesn’t cure you, one of the long benches in the cedar sauna certainly will. The kitchen, which is open to the great room, features solid slab Brazilian granite countertops and full backsplash. The raised island in the center makes it easier for the “chef of the night” to comfortably work at preparing food without having to lean over, making cooking and entertaining even more enjoyable. Every amenity imaginable has been built into this kitchen: a separate stainless steel pot sink, a built-in automatic coffee maker integrated into the coffee/wine bar, refrigerated drawers and warming drawers. You’ll even find a 7 foot fridge with shelves that can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button. To incorporate the natural elements in the kitchen space, the massive gas stovetop is completely surrounded by stonework. Another subtle detail, a nearby dumbwaiter allows easy access to the three levels of the home from the kitchen. All the stainless steel appliances gleam from within their spaces in the cabinetry, and looking around this kitchen it is easy to tell that Dan and Sylvia www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •65
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refined their tastes to a tee when finishing this space in their home. Nestled between the main foyer and the master suite, one will find a spacious theatre room, complete with a line of reclining leather studio chairs for watching the latest movie or the big game. The master bedroom and master bath of the Warren home are just that: masterfully created and appointed to meet their needs. A king sized sleigh bed serves as the focal point for the master bedroom, but one of the truly interesting details of this home is the gray trim that runs throughout each room. Sylvia stated that she wanted the molding one shade darker in order to achieve more visual interest and depth in each room. This choice of trim color is not often used, but its impact in this home makes it clear that gray is a contender to be considered when white molding is failing to give your house that extra special touch. The master bathroom is a space specifically designed for relaxation and indulgence. Gorgeously finished cabinets and floors make the room seem almost too luxurious to be a bathroom. However, the cedar steam room and a huge walk-in shower will quickly remind you that this is a completely functional and useful space. Other special features were incorporated into this room such as the massive framed mirror that secretly serves as a door, as well as a large window in the shower that looks out upon the morning sunrise along distant mountain ridges. A slate inlaid, wood floor leads guests through the main foyer and up the impressive double staircase turret to the second floor. Here on the upper level of the home, symmetrical guest suites are well appointed and ready to host family and friends in the utmost comfort. Creamcolored trim was used on this level of the house, adding a more cozy feeling to this private area of the house. Each suite with its own sitting room with TV, fridge and coffee bar, also boasts a private secluded deck to allow their friends to enjoy the unparalleled view from each bed-
room of this mountaintop property. The bottom of the three level home was designed with nostalgia and fun in mind, created to be a game, recreation, and bar area all in one. Old neon signs flash as if to say, “Welcome back in time.” A red felt covered pool table rests in the center of the open space, including an antique card table, stone fireplace and a separate bar area. Old posters and rare antique collectables pepper the area, giving a playful life to the wormy maple walls and hardwoods. A rare find, a vintage Coke machine as well as a 1940’s gumball machine rest in one corner while a blinking traffic light is suspended overhead. Additionally, the old wooden walk-in phone booth fills one corner of the bar area and a Pac Man arcade machine blinks as if to invite its next challenger. Dan also pays homage to his years as a volunteer firefighter by proudly displaying a vintage fire alarm, fire hydrant from the 1940’s and his old helmet. Also located downstairs is a large mechanical room, another bedroom with its own patio and Dan’s office with connecting bath. Beyond the game/bar room is a sprawling workshop that also houses Dan’s John Deere 4WD tractor, a must for mountaintop living. The bottom line is clear when it comes to the Warren’s truly picturesque home: custom detail along with utilization of space were paired to create an incredibly unique place that the family will truly enjoy for years to come. Working with Randy Strombeck, they say, was “Incredibly easy. We bounced ideas back and forth and narrowed everything down to exactly what we wanted.” Together, the builder and homeowner successfully worked to turn a dream into a reality. H www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •67
Lynagh Lodge
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The Lynagh Lodge, sitting on a peaceful knoll high above the neighboring ridges, is a stunning example of superb craftsmanship combined with the many unique ideas that the owners brought to the project. The 7.7 acres surrounding this exquisite home offer a mixture of level fields for gardens and play as well as native forest and massive stone outcroppings. The unobstructed views of Grandfather Mountain, Grandmother, Sugar and Hawks Peak are stunning, yet this very private location is but a few minutes from Boone or Blowing Rock. The home was constructed in two separate stages. The original owner and builder was Steve Loflin, a local developer and builder. Steve, his father, Raymond and various skilled friends built the original cabin in the late 1980s with antique logs reclaimed from tobacco barns near Lynchburg, Virginia and dating back to the early 1800s. The home, at this time, consisted of one bedroom suite with a loft plus a sitting room and what is now the dining room. The hand hewn log walls and beams, oak flooring, two-story wall of windows to the view and stone fireplace all add to its’ authenticity and warmth.
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The amazing addition was completed in 1991 and was the perfect collaboration between the builder, Kevin Donovan, and the owners, Jim and Joanne Lynagh. Being mindful of the history and style of the original cabin, antique logs from Virginia were once more located and transported to the site. The exterior of the new melds seamlessly with the old through the abundant use of traditional dry stack stone work and the reclaimed logs which are mortised with authentic chinking. This method of construction is very energy efficient during the harsher winter weather. The project was a joyous one for both the owners and their builder. Joanne says that it was such a pleasant experience that she baked a chocolate cake each week for the crew. At an even later date, the Lynaghs asked Kevin to return and add a covered deck with a stunning stone fireplace, which adjoins the original stone veranda. The Donovans and the Lynaghs became good friends during the fifteen months it took to build the new and remodel the older section and have even vacationed together in Ireland. With the addition came a gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry,
great room and two additional bedroom suites. The kitchen is beautiful but also practical with space for the entire family to participate in food preparation or simply to congregate. A commercial refrigerator and freezer plus a large wine cooler are found in the pantry and in the kitchen are a commercial style gas stove with multiple subzero refrigerator drawers and warming drawers in the two tile-topped islands. The cabinetry is custom using wormy chestnut and the sinks are hand thrown pottery by local artisan, Tim Turner. The adjacent two-story gathering room is simply remarkable! A massive stone fireplace is reminiscent of colonial times when all the cooking would have been done here. The “firebox�, five foot high by eight foot wide, is made of large slabs of soapstone, which absorbs heat but is soft enough so that it doesn’t crack. At the far end, windows open to a perfectly framed Grandfather Mountain. Behind the fireplace is another work of art. The staircase leading to the 2nd floor could have only been created by the most talented artisan fitting each hand carved step into the stone wall as if nature had done the work. At the top of the stairs, a small fireplace welcomes one to a loft and bedroom wing. One suite boasts a stone fireplace, hickory wood floors, an entrance to a private covered porch and views of the beautiful garden expanses. Its bath offers a soak in the claw foot tub or a shower for
more modern convenience. The 2nd suite looks out at the stunning mountain views. The traditional thick wooden doors are equipped with old-fashioned latches preserving the time honored lodge atmosphere, unifying the old with the new. The large loft offers space for art studio, office or hobbies and is the gateway to the upstairs of the original cabin. The imagination of its owners and the expertise of the builders have created a truly one-of-a kind mountain retreat. Homeowner Joanne noted, “the most important thing was that we had the best workers, the best artisans; every carpenter, every brick layer and every stone mason were artists in their own right. They took great pains to make whatever they were doing very special, and they succeeded in doing so.” The result is magnificent, a legacy property for one fortunate owner. For more information on availability, contact Jan or Don Blair at Blowing Rock Properties, (828)295-9200.
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Sterling Lodge By Emily White
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There is nothing comparable to spotting a large, majestic eagle floating above the mountains. After gliding along the ridge, he comes to rest on a huge nest of twigs and sticks, perched at what seems to be the highest point visible to the human eye. Sterling Lodge, located in the mountain community of Lodges at Eagle’s Nest, is one such place that seems to be on top of the world. Just 300 feet shy of the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, three different states can be spotted from this 5,000-foot elevation. Diving deeper into each venue of the 360-degree view, you can explore the vivid scenes of Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and the town of Banner Elk. As you approach the home, one notices how the natural elements of the land are preserved, with large boulders leading from the driveway to the door and beautiful landscape resting on the amazingly flat five acres. In the evenings, the drive up to the house is one of beauty as the way is lined with fir trees wrapped in warm white Christmas lights, regardless of the time of year, giving off a welcoming www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •75 atmosphere.
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Sterling Lodge was built entirely from local indigenous wood and stone, allowing it to blend in with the nature that surrounds it. Paying homage to our native peoples, the lodge was developed with an extreme sensitivity to environmental and wildlife preservation, and this Native American spirit resonates inside the home as well as out. The overall construction of the house was completed by three different companies, the first a natural log manufacturer in Canada. These logs framed the design and overall structure of the lodge, which is actually very different than the traditional log home package because they devise a unique set of logs for each individual home. A local homebuilder completed the framing, wiring, plumbing, and roofing of the lodge. Exceptional bark siding was used to accent the log and natural line trim on the outside of the home, and the elegant look was concluded with an old barn metal roof. A third company was brought in from Banner Elk to specifically address custom ways to trim the interior of the lodge that would coincide with its already unique flare and venue; they added the finishing touches that represent the finished product of what you see today. Upon entering the home, one is surrounded by sights and smells of wood in every direction, as this home has not one sheet of drywall. When walking through the stately front door, unique décor greet one from the kitchen with custom-made, rustic saddle barstools pulled up to a vast slab of cherry wood, inviting one to come enjoy a delicious meal. Needless to say, there is not much in this lodge that was bought from a department store, as each piece is very distinctive in its history and construction. A canoe with hidden light fixtures rests over diners’ heads, a unique way to utilize creativity with practicality. Built in 2007, Sterling Lodge combines the craftsmanship of the Old West with more present day amenities and conveniences such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops with a stylish jagged edge. The custom-made cabinets as well as the arched entrance and elegant wine cabinet, were constructed of attractive wormy chestnut and oak. For convenience, a large pantry and practical laundry room are hidden behind the kitchen area. The kitchen flows into the open great room, which continues with the western theme as a chandelier made of wagon wheels and lit with old lanterns hangs from the ceiling. Stately wooden totem poles carved with frogs, eagles, and other animals make their home in this room as well, congruent with the Native American essence. These poles were constructed from trees off the Eagle’s Nest property and were carved on the site by one of the workers with an exceptional knack for carving wood. The floor even had to be reinforced underneath each of the poles due to their heavy weight. Stretching from floor to ceiling, the large custom stone fireplace is the focal point of the room and, with the surrounding leather couches, provides the perfect place to congregate around. Another unique feature of the great room that catches everyone’s eye is the large tree trunk, an additional element utilized from a dead oak tree on the property. It was transformed into a cabinet that houses a 65inch LCD television, which rises and rotates with the push of a button. Several French doors open up onto a deck that wraps around the entire house, giving a 360-degree view of the gorgeous mountains that cover the landscape in all directions. The large stainless steel grill and sizeable picnic table boasts the ideal setting for an outdoor summer barbeque with friends and family. While waiting for the food to cook, one can truly discover just how magnificent the views from Sterling Lodge are with the telescopic viewfinder positioned on the deck. The wooden bar with rustic swivel chairs, along with the outdoor fireplace, also give off a warm ambiance for entertainment. Coinciding with www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •77
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the theme of preserving the natural elements of the property, the adjacent fireplaces in the great room and outdoor deck were actually erected from stone that was left from the blasting site, as the lodge rests on an enormous natural rock ledge. Off the deck, there are steps down to an in-ground hot tub, the perfect place to watch the sun setting over the mountains while warming your toes after a long day of skiing in the biting wind, which the area is protected from by special Plexiglas panels. After wandering off the deck one cannot help but be enchanted by the beautiful, lush flowers and landscaping. The picturesque hammock tied between two trees supplies an ideal spot for a nap at the peak of a mountain where the feeling of being at the top of the world is most prevalent. Two Adirondack chairs placed at the edge of the mountain on the south lawn also provide the perfect place to watch the sun set while overlooking one of the most outstanding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If the evening gets a bit cool, one can meander to the back of the house and light the outdoor fire pit, equipped with a gas ignition and outdoor speakers, the perfect spot for a pleasurable and entertaining evening. Back indoors, solid mahogany doors, as found in the entire house, open up to the master bedroom which has a Western yet elegant feel, as one is drawn to the animal hide backboard and natural cherry slabs gracing the walls. The wood adorning the walls was constructed from a cherry tree off the property, and the bark was left on one side of the slab, giving it a very distinctive look. A beautiful brick fireplace sits in one corner of the room giving it a cozy feel, and a hand built cabinet at the foot of the bed houses a 46 inch LCD TV rising on command, perfect for chilly fall evenings when one doesn’t want to escape the comfort of the warm blankets. A feel of complete relaxation surrounds the master bathroom, which contains a large copper soaking tub and a beautiful walk-in shower constructed of earthy-toned slate.
Off the master is a staircase leading up to a loft overlooking the great room. As all of the metal and ironwork in the home was specifically designed for the lodge, the railing surrounding the stairwell and second floor is very unique and the pickets on the stairwell railing were actually old antique tobacco sticks. At the top of the stairs, there is a small living area off to the side with a curtain for optional privacy. The space has comfortable couches for lounging in front of the television, and the coffee table made from an old sleigh adds to the room’s simple charm. Off the loft, guests have a choice between two elegant bedrooms, both impeccable in design and comfort. The first is a welcoming space reminiscent of an old skier’s cabin, with old skis hanging on the walls and a cozy feel radiating throughout. Like the master bedroom, another animal hide graces the backboard, and the walls are again covered in beautiful wood, this time knotty pine. The wood covering the bathroom walls, as well as that in the downstairs powder room, was actually taken from the old Banner Elk Hotel and was preserved in its natural rustic state. The worn and faded look of the wood as well as the remnants of teal paint that still cling to it reminds one of old barn wood and gives the space a very distinctive flavor. As the first guest bedroom was decorated in a skier’s lodge fashion, the second reminds one of cozy cabin where hunters would gather
in the fall and winter months, with a coat hanger made of tusks and walls covered in striking knotty pine. The bed frame, which had to be built inside the room due to the size of the project, was constructed from birch sticks off the property, giving one the feeling of being in a forest surrounded by wildlife and nature. The naturalistic feel is carried into the bathroom, as beautiful stone covers the vanity and flows into the walk-in shower. While the bedrooms are filled with rustic beauty, they also employ desirable modern amenities such as an individual iPod docking station in each wall where each guest can listen to their own personal selection of music while others are listening to the main system in the house. This beautiful mountain getaway rests on the top of the world and is the perfect retreat for any season. Sterling Lodge is truly a unique homestead built on an amazing piece of property that contains everything from hot tubs to fire pits to flat screen TVs that rise out of old tree trunks. The spirit of the Old West resonates in the land as well as the décor, and this one-of-akind space will enchant anyone who is lucky enough to call it home. To experience this luxurious home and beautiful property for yourself, call Ashemore Luxury Rentals at 877-223-7642 or visit their web site, www.booneluxuryrentals.com for more information.
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In the Cellar Steve and Sally Tatum know a little bit about entrepreneurship. The Tatum’s built and opened Tatum Galleries & Interiors 27 years ago. The gallery is a showcase of fine handmade furniture, beautiful home accessories, and unique gifts with a complete interior design department that specializes in both residential and commercial design. On May 19, 2011 the Tatum family opened Watauga County’s first winery and tasting room 3 miles south of Foscoe, right off of Highway 105. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery rests at the base of Grandfather Mountain. If the assignment was to find the most picturesque location for a tasting room, they have excelled. Nestled between the Watauga River and the beautiful terraced vineyard, the tasting room is an inviting place for visitors to enjoy a glass of wine on the spacious front porch. Musical wind chimes and soothing sounds of the river makes it easy to forget you’re just steps away from Highway 105. Sally and the couple’s daughter Jesse Rose Blalock are interior designers at Tatum Galleries and add their expertise to the tasting room which includes wine accessories, gifts, and acts as a showcase for Steve’s furniture making. The winery and tasting room are the reality of a dream that started in 2003 when the first vines were planted as a hobby. Steve used the internet to research viticulture, talked with other vintners and consulted with the viticulture department at ASU. Since there was very little information about growing grapes in the NC Mountains, the Tatum’s needed to do much of their own hands-on research by planting wine grapes. Today, there are 16 varieties of grapes grown on the estate. “We’ve experimented with different vines to see what grows best at this altitude,” says Steve. They anticipate that in the next few years, there will be a better idea of which varieties will flourish within the terroir, the elevation, and the direction the sun hits the mountain slopes. The couple’s son, Dylan, is the winemaker. He has a degree in viticulture & enology and has created a nice selection of white, reds, a Rosé, and even an ice wine for the vineyard. Dylan notes that the line between white and red wine drinkers grows fainter every day. “There are excellent wines out there today and people are more willing to try different styles of wines. That’s what is nice about tasting at the winery. Try several and decide what you like best and take one home,” says Dylan. With so many varieties of grapes, visitors can expect a changing selection of wines in the tasting room. They have just introduced their “Profile Red” which is a field blend of 8 different reds grown on the estate, and will be releasing 2 more “big reds” this fall. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday 12:00-6:00 and Sunday 1:00-5:00 and is located at 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk. For more information call (828)963-2400 and visit the website at www. grandfathervineyard.com. www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •81
Out Of The House
Your seasonal guide to the wonderful places of our area and the amazing things to do in the High Country
Fall Hiking in the High Country The High Country is perhaps the most picturesque and opportune place to hike in all of North Carolina. With a wide array of trails spanning the region, one can find the perfect place for an outdoor excursion based on their experience level and amount of time available. We’ve compiled a list of the best local hikes by difficulty, so that leisurely walkers and expert hikers alike can find their next outdoor destination. Take your family or a friend and get out in the fresh air to see all the natural beauty and autumn color that the High Country has to offer.
Photo by Todd Bush© www.bushphoto.com of Flat Rock near Linville off the Blue Ridge Parkway 82•Photo www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
• Beginners
o Beacon Heights- (.2 miles, only takes ten minutes to get to the view) o Rough Ridge o Boone Trail- 3.5 total miles, o Moses Cone Park Figure Eight Trail-easy .5 mile, round-trip o Price Lake Loop Trail-easy 2.3 miles, round-trip
o Chestoa View Trail- at Milepost 320.8, (30 minute loop to vista, .6 miles)
• Intermediate
o Flat Top Mountain Carriage Trail-moderate 2.8 miles o Cascades Trail - at Milepost 271.9, (loop, falls, .5 miles) o Cedar Ridge Trail- at Milepost 238.5, (great for day hike; vistas and forests, 4.2 miles)
• Advanced
o Calloway Peak, Grandfather Mountain: highest summit in the Blue Ridge mountain range, 3.0 mi, 4.5 hrs. Round trip o Boone Fork Trail, at Milepost 296.5, 4.9 miles o Linville Falls/Gorge trail,- at Milepost 316.4: .8 and .5 miles
• Grandfather Mountain State Park offers varying trail lengths and difficulties, also mile-high swinging bridge
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Big Finds
SmallTown
Just past Tweetsie Railroad and beside Mystery Hill lies one of Boone’s greatest treasures. Randy “Doc” McCoy and his family run Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine and have for 4 years. After Doc retired from the army, he decided to pursue his passion- geology. During his sophomore year at Appalachian State University he started the Gem Mine to pass on his teaching and his passion to others. For only $10 a bucket, you can sift through dirt and find gems of all sizes and colors. The kids will love getting dirty and the parents will love what they learn! They have found emeralds, garnets, amethysts, citrine, peridot, clear quartz and aquamarine just to name a few. One 15-year-old boy even found a 10.5 carat ruby that sold for $113,000! If that isn’t enough to get you out and mining, just last March Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine was officially recognized by the NC Board of Education for their teaching. Doc says, “The gem mine and the fossil museum are both hands on educational environments where we encourage people to touch and ask questions.” In addition to teaching about gems, the gem mine teaches people about where the gems are from. Doc says, “We only use local dirt from NC mines and quarries.” It’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard! Right across from the gem mine, Doc has added an authentic and operational forge where you can watch as swords and knifes are made and the new Appalachian Fossil Museum opened this past May. Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine is open 365 days a year, from 9:30 am til 8:00 pm in the summer and from 9:30 am til 5:00 pm in the winter. 84• www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com
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WHAT DOES EXQUISITE MEAN TO YOU?
All photos of actual work
2850 Tyncastle Blvd. | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.3435 Serving the NC High Country, Foothills, & Eastern Tennessee
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MarketPlace Products, Brokerage, and Business Cards
5'x42" Kitchen Island with Pine top, 1' overhang on one side, and 2 drawers and double doors on base, complete with 4 1/4" Turned Legs, Painted and Distressed White Design in Wood www.DesignInWood.org 336-372-8995
Featured Product
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Products
Large Bread Bowl 10 inches tall and 18 inches in diameter. Doe Ridge Pottery 585 West King Street Suite D Boone, NC 28607 http://www.doeridgepottery.com 828 264-1127
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Cotton Bale Cart The Cabin Store 1101 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson, NC 2422 Highway 321 South, Boone, NC 117 S. Church St., Mountain City, TN 866-610-5647
Reclaimed Barnwood Dining Set The Cabin Store 1101 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson, NC 2422 Highway 321 South, Boone, NC 117 S. Church St., Mountain City, TN 866-610-5647
Custom coffee table in an eggplant purple color with recycled glass & recycled cement New River Concrete Countertops www.newriverconcretecountertops.com 276-773-3175
Large vase with impressed pattern, with inlaid glaze in the impressions. 37 inches tall and 18 inches in diameter. Doe Ridge Pottery 585 West King Street Suite D Boone, NC 28607 http://www.doeridgepottery.com 828 264-1127 www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •91
Business Cards T r acy A Lunceford Construct i o n North Carolina Residential License
Tracy A Lunceford 6192 US Highway 321N Sugar Grove, NC 28679
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Phone: 828.297.5074 Fax: 828.297.2417
Index A1 Termite.......................................46 Appalachian Custom Builders........34 Appalachian Electric…...................45 Ashemore Luxury Rentals………..80 Blowing Rock Properties…………48 Bargain Barn...................................49 Blake Metal Sales.......................….50 Classic Stone Works........................10 Closet Design Center..................….42 Dacchille..........................................51 Designs In Wood….........................50 Distinctive Kitchens And Baths....…4 Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine..................85 Doe Ridge Pottery….......Inside Front Firethorn........................................…2 Ferguson..........................................96 GHI……………….........................28 Glidewells....................…...............93 Grandfather Vineyard ………..........9 H and H Drywall.............................51 Harry Stroud Roofing…..................38 Hawk Mountain Garden Center.….49 “Hi” Country Ladies………….......16 High Country Cabinets…................88 High Country Renovators...........…93 High Country Stone….....................11 High Standard Plumbing.................38 JS Construction…...........................13 Jones and Farthing...........................20 Kevin Beck Studio.....................….26
Kibo Group.....................................52 Lehmann Construction…................26 Log Home Maintenance…………29 Laurel Ridge Builders…. Inside Back McKee Tree Service…...................35 Mike Smith Builders LLC...94&Back Mountain Construction…...............39 Mountain High Realty.................…86 Mountain Tile….............................34 Munday Hardwoods...................…...8 New River Building Suply……….15 New River Countertops…..............17 Penick Construction…...................18 Precision Cabinets…......................50 Purveyors of Art.........................…16 RCD Construction..........................19 Retractable Screen Doors….............6 SkyBest.............................................1 Stone Cavern…...............................40 Sugar Top Resort Sales…...............47 Superior Spas..............................…22 Tatum Galleries…...........................40 The Cabin Store…............................3 The Country Gourmet….................28 Thunder Ridge…………………....87 Timber Structures Inc..................….7 Todd Bush Photogtraphy.................51 Wallace Propane….........................22 Waters Edge Builders.................…24
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Where Is Home? By Judi Beck ~The Sixth In A Series~ My heart broke wide open – in a good way - in April of this year. Terry Tempest Williams, one of my favorite authors, came to the high country to speak at A.S.U. I’ve been following her since the early nineties when her work was introduced to me by a Taos, New Mexico bookstore owner. At the time, I was contemplating my Master’s thesis in ecopsychology* and was tapping every possible reference for my research. Her work was recommended to me because she has what can only be called a rapturous relationship with the land. She calls this rapture the “erotics of place” – a concept which has danced around my imagination ever since. In 1995 I heard her keynote address at a conference I was attending and looked forward to participating in a panel discussion with her. Sadly, due to a family emergency, she had to leave the conference early. I have long mourned this missed opportunity. Terry grew up in her beloved Salt Lake City, Utah and is best known for her book, Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place (Pantheon, 1991), in which she chronicles the epic rise of Great Salt Lake and the flooding of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in 1983, which coincided with her mother’s diagnosis and death from ovarian cancer. The cancer was believed to have been caused by radioactive fallout from the nuclear tests in the Nevada desert in the 1950s and 60s. This heartbreak, together with her maternal grandmother’s meticulous mentoring on appreciation of and respect for the natural world, rooted Terry in her life’s work as naturalist, environmentalist, writer and activist. As such, her voice – both written and spoken – is one of the most passionate and courageous in defense of the land, air and waters of the world. In fact, she is included in a collection of portraits, entitled Americans Who Tell the Truth (americanswhotellthetruth.org). There she is joined by Abraham Lincoln, Bill Moyers, Martin Luther King, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rachel Carson and many others who risk(ed) – through their words - everything for the benefit of the whole. At the close of her address, she read one of her essays entitled, “Why I Write.” Amidst a litany of soul-revealing words were such responses as: I write: “as an act of faith; for the love of ideas; to make peace with the things I can’t control; as though I am whispering in the ear of the one I love…” She continues to inspire me. And through this inspiration comes the sixth in my series written for High Country Home Magazine, themed “Where Is Home?” I hope my words tickle your fancy and provoke you to consider why you choose to call the high country “home.” Where Is Home? Home is… • the comforting warmth of the sun after moving from cool shadows, • the first tickle of a warm breeze in spring, • a starlit night, • the first yellow violet of spring – poking its delicate petals through the flattened leaves, • a patch of wild blackberries – warmed by the sun and ripe for the picking, • the scent of lilacs unexpectedly wafting into olfactory range, • the first pink-tinged trillium of spring, • my garden in full boisterous bloom, • the gentle chirping and croaking of frogs at dusk, • the first deep purple ironweed of August, • a huge river boulder, the perfect size for sunbathing and warmed by the sun,
• the first sight of mountain peaks when returning from an extended t rip, • the mountainside lit by the sharp angled rays of autumn and spring, • the first haze-free days of early autumn, • the rustle of leaves on a crisp fall day, • a “V” of geese flying and honking overhead, • the comfy corner of the couch on which I write – laptop resting on my thighs, • my Dad’s face in a dream – so seldom seen since his death, • belly-laughter with close friends, • the effortless tennis zone –where confidence and power overcome thought, • a glass of robust red wine while preparing dinner, • a poignant piece of artwork that spontaneously brings tears to my eyes, • calm salt water seas in which I can float effortlessly - in the womb of the ocean, • a nap in warm sand, • soft, sensuous moonlight reflecting off the crests of waves, • the chatter of a belted Kingfisher skimming along Dutch Creek, • a woodland trail cushioned and scented with pine straw, • a field of wild grasses blowing in the breeze, • birdsong, gently awakening me after a deep slumber, • the melodious trill of a screech owl at dusk, • the rat-tat-tat of a pileated woodpecker, • an old favorite song heard unexpectedly – recalling old memories, • a piece of new music which I spontaneously connect with, bringing tears of gratitude, • the completion of a project on which I’ve worked long and hard, • a deep meditation free of distractions, • a deep and sensuous massage, • a hammock-nap on a Sunday afternoon – the breeze tickling my skin, • a spontaneous connection with someone new and unexpected, • a heartfelt apology - given or received, • the whole truth – spoken courageously and compassionately, • a heartfelt bear hug, • a sincere “thank you,” • eight full hours of seamless, dreamless sleep, • settling into a good book in bed after a full day, • a mug of rich chai tea on a Sunday morning, • my dog’s moist and welcoming tongue on my face when returning home, • the safe container between my dog and husband – “spooning” in bed on a Saturday morning. Perhaps you have pencil in hand and are adding your own unique connotations of home – or as Terry Tempest Williams says – your own “erotics of place.” As you do, remember that we live in one of the most exquisitely diverse regions of the world, one that makes my heart break wide open – in a good way – with its beauty. Only those of us who love it can keep it that way. I offer my heartfelt thank you for treading lightly - every day. Namaste… *Ecopsychology is an – as yet – unofficial psychological discipline that recognizes environmental depression and nature deficit disorder as real maladies caused by depletion of natural resources and/or alienation from the natural world. Additionally, it recognizes the necessity for re-uniting humans with nature in a positive fashion – untainted by the usual accusations or anger of environmentalism.
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