A Timeless & Curated Castle

(Above) The façade of this stunning home is composed of multiple enduring materials. A blend of rustic brick and specialty stone make a harmonious partnership. The stone, a specially ordered Austin limestone, is composed of a rich range of golden to ivory tones. “The Austin limestone was one of the most challenging aspects of construction. Ordering from a quarry we couldn’t see presented the risk of not knowing exactly what we would get,” Hensley explains. “But I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. That material is now one of my favorite features of this home.” The decking and entryway steps are a light travertine tile that blends perfectly with the Austin limestone. Flickering gas lanterns flank the entryway which leads to arched French doors, complete with wrought iron scrollwork and fleur de lis.

Builder: RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga

Building designer: Rick Ray, Creative Home Designs

Timeless and curated, this home is a one-of-a-kind creation by RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga. “Everything we do is custom, but this home was especially custom,” says Jaime Hensley with RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga. “The homeowners hand-selected every detail, and we loved making sure it all came together for them.” Throughout the home, numerous touches of French Country and eclectic styling, along with smart blends of multiple hues, create subtly specific ambiances.

By Katie Faulkner | Photography by Philip Slowiak

Strategic Shiplap

Entering the foyer, shiplap-wrapped walls welcome visitors with a sense of an elegant, rustic charm. Accented by a weathered credenza, the ceiling is a pale blue which helps the space feel naturally large. A pristine oak floor ushers guests into the great room beyond, where shiplap makes another appearance in the room’s gabled ceiling. These well-planned touches of texture ground the space with an approachable atmosphere. In the great room, light-colored furniture, the pale stacked-stone fireplace, and white built-ins wash the room in an airy ambiance.

See more from RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga Homes at riverbirchchattanooga.com.

Custom paneled cabinetry in a cream shade is perfectly matched by the custom cooktop hood. Over the gas range, a special soft gray tile backsplash lends a touch of personalized flair, and a pot-filler faucet is tucked away for convenience. The thick granite countertops bare a bold black, gray, tan, and white pattern, which agrees nicely with the rest of the room’s shades. Stainless appliances and ample storage space create an enviable experience for any home cook. Additional seating at the island counter supplements the nearby eat-in kitchen nook that features a rustically finished antique wooden table and French country wood-beaded chandelier.

“When the homeowner showed us nearly ten different paint choices, it was hard to envision. But she had a magical vision for the home, and it was really great to see it all come together.”

– Jaime Hensley, RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga

In the dining room, a primitively finished trestle table is elevated by a sparkling crystal bar light hung overhead and extra-tall arched windows, which afford the room a great view. The trim, walls, and ceiling are all well-suited in three different shades of paint. The difference is nearly imperceptible, but creates an earthy, welcoming vibe. “When the homeowner showed us nearly ten different paint choices, it was hard to envision. But she had a magical vision for the home, and it was really great to see it all come together,” says Hensley. “For us, being able to go that extra mile for our clients and see the results is very rewarding.”

Windows: Pella Windows & Doors of Chattanooga

The master suite holds some of the most apparent traces of French country influence. A pleated, draping duvet cover, tufted bonn-style headboard, and soft shades of blue, brown, and cream bring in that provincial motif. To truly set this room apart, the builder incorporated an antique chandelier from a 100-year-old hotel in France that the homeowner found and meticulously hand-cleaned and refurbished. To showcase this crown jewel appropriately, they opted for a barrel vaulted ceiling, planked in reclaimed barnwood. The room’s rustic furnishings are warmed by a fireplace across from the bed and an expanse of windows on the nearby wall.

A luxurious treat is found in the master closet. A rolling ladder, chandelier, and flokati bench are stylish accessories of the space. Meanwhile, custom shelving, racks, drawers, and a dressing table are all part of the closet’s finer attributes.

Interior doors and trim: Matt Arner, Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.

Walking into the master bathroom, there are two options. This space features a “his and hers” style layout, with the lady’s side boasting beautiful granite countertops, a vanity, freestanding soaking tub, and an intriguing shade of glimmer on the walls.

The walk-through shower leads to “his” side. However, from “her” side, the homeowners also have access to a very special feature. “The homeowners had experienced an outdoor shower once on vacation and fell in love with it,” Hensley explains. “So when we constructed this house, we incorporated a fully enclosed outdoor shower so that the homeowners could feel like they were on vacation every day.”

The rest of their outdoor features make for wonderful entertaining areas and perfect places to spend time. The back patio is a covered porch which houses a cozy, turquoise-themed seating area, complete with a stacked stone fireplace, television, and outdoor kitchen. Austin limestone was used in conjunction with travertine tiles and a tongue and groove spruce ceiling to create this outdoor paradise.

Throughout this magnificent home, elegant and rustic finishes, touches of both eclectic and French country styling, and outstanding architectural features come together as a truly unique and thoughtfully curated home.

Pool: Aquarium Pools

Other Suppliers:

Appliances: Siano Appliance Distributors

Brick and stone: Acme Brick, Tile & Stone

Countertops: Kitchen and Bath Center

Fireplaces: Therm-Con, LLC

Floors: Five Star Hardwood Floors

Lighting fixtures: The Lighting Gallery

Outdoor kitchen: Southern Hearth & Patio, Inc.

Plumbing fixtures: Chattanooga Noland Company

Tile: Louisville Tile

Wallpaper: Chattanooga Paint and Decorating