The Lloyd Home
By Christina Davenport
Photography by Philip Slowiak
Decades before moving to eastern Tennessee, Jeff Lloyd visited on a mission trip and quickly fell in love with the area.
“The beauty of this place and this land really resonated with me, and the people were genuinely nice,” he says. “Years later, my business took me to North Carolina, and it reminded me of my time in Tennessee.”
“We were also really attracted to this lot because of its beautiful view. We had looked at other locations, but when we saw the long-range, extended view of the valley it took our breath away.”
– Jeff Lloyd
The more time that passed, the more Jeff began to consider a move to the southeastern U.S. With their two sons pursuing their education and careers away from home, he and his wife Maggie thought about what they wanted for the next chapter of their lives. There was no question the right decision was for them to pack up their things and make the cross-country move from California.
With such an appreciation for the history and the surrounding land, it’s no surprise that the Lloyds’ home has a delicate ode to nature woven throughout its design. Built by McCoy Homes, an MH Builder Group company, the exterior features white Hardie board that is embellished with several vertical expanses of stacked stone. Numerous gable brackets and wooden shutters bring in another natural material, and four arch-topped windows let plenty of natural light flood the interior.
“We really liked the style of homes that were being built in this development, and we knew that we wanted a spacious, single-story home,” says Jeff. “We were also really attracted to this lot because of its beautiful view. We had looked at other locations, but when we saw the long-range, extended view of the valley it took our breath away. We knew this was the spot for us.”
The subtle rustic flair isn’t only present on the home’s exterior, however. Natural materials and elements that help provide a sense of place appear time and time again, all the while being paired with a more sleek and streamlined foundation. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the home’s entryway and great room.
Upon entering the home through a stately set of French doors, guests find themselves standing underneath an understated chandelier composed of sheds from whitetail deer. Sliding barn doors on either side provide access to his-and-hers offices, and their rich color mimics that of the exterior wood.
Progressing further into the home, visitors arrive in the great room, which is anchored by a sense of serenity. A hermitage stacked-stone fireplace rises to the peak of the 18-foot ceilings and is flanked on either side by built-ins. A framed TV allows for entertainment without sacrificing style, and two nearby cathedral-paned mirrors reflect light back into the room. Lively botanicals punctuate the space and plush seating options abound, but the real crowning jewel of the space is the fir trusses.
“Some of the few things we absolutely knew we wanted in this home were the arched trusses and a large fireplace,” adds Jeff. “We wanted those rustic elements since this is a mountain home, and we also wanted them to be to scale so that the entire room feels like it flows together.”
Just steps away, an open-concept kitchen allows for an effortless flow of conversation. Dark island cabinetry is paired with white, double-stacked perimeter cabinets, and the high contrast tones are pulled together with leathered quartzite full of dark veining. A glossy gray backsplash and stainless-steel appliances round out the monochromatic motif and provide a stylish simplicity.
The adjacent dining area, while still open to the kitchen, sports a recessed ceiling and two linear beams, which help to give the space definition and an identity all its own. Millwork travels roughly halfway up the Agreeable Gray walls, and the six dining chairs dotting the space feature ornate backing and patterned seats – both of which offer a more traditional touch.
Just off the dining area, a screened-in porch is a relaxing oasis regardless of the season. More stacked stone makes an appearance and complements the flagstone floor. A wicker sofa can seat three, and two matching swivel armchairs round out the arrangement. Nearby, a gas fireplace provides a convenient source of heat, and that sense of warmth is layered on top of the deep grain tongue-and-groove ceiling.
Back inside, the spacious master suite delivers a calming aesthetic with its use of cool neutrals. Black Pepper walls pop against the Snow Bound trim, and a tray ceiling with two horizontal beams adds a dose of sophistication while celebrating clean lines. An upholstered bed frame is topped with a botanical quilt, and the grays found in the textiles are repeated in the metallic table lamps and a plush rug.
Steps away, the ensuite doubles down on the spa-like atmosphere. Two vanities bookend a set of French doors, and their overlay, shaker-style cabinetry is a simple selection. A narrow alcove houses a freestanding tub complete with a floor-mount faucet, and the entire room is washed in soft light, which truly embodies the spirit of the Lloyd home.
