Cabin on Top of the World

Homeowners Lynn and Kent began the build in 2017, and they had a particular vision for the design. Their previous home was in more of a traditional style, and the family was ready for something new. “We saw some houses in Montana and Wyoming that have the timber-frame style,” Lynn recalls. “It was so unique, and we just fell in love with it.” This elegant aesthetic is a perfect complement to the house’s placement among thick forests and the rolling hills beyond.

On the exterior, red cedar beams punctuate the entryway with elegant arches, hinting at the interior to come. Stacked stone mixes with shake-style and lap siding to create a contemporary façade that showcases the beauty of the natural elements used in its construction.

Stepping into the home, guests’ eyes are immediately drawn to the undulating vista beyond. Cathedral ceilings accentuate the effect, nearly doubling the amount of natural light allowed in the room. As with the exterior, the great room is framed by large beams that constitute of the skeleton of the house. Assembling this frame was a feat of engineering, backed by the refrain, “Measure twice, cut once.” Once the measurements of the layout were taken to perfection, the beams could be brought in on cranes and fit together like a giant puzzle. This frame is built to last and held together perfectly by small mortise-and-tenon joints.

While the timber beams are a beauty in their own right, they blend seamlessly with the cozy, old-world aesthetic throughout the home. “We wanted that woodsy, mountain feel,” Lynn says, “and our designer helped us select several textures that are layered throughout the décor to create that effect.”

From the organic wood grains and stone surfaces to the softness of leather and chenille, this home elevates rustic elements to natural luxury. The great room includes a stacked-stone fireplace mirroring the exterior, while a bespoke leather sectional offers a comfortable spot for repose. Tufted furnishings repeat throughout the home, offering pops of metallic accents alongside warm, earth-toned textiles.

Steps away from the living area, the kitchen ceiling beams continue the continuity of the great room. Here, elegant Tuscan charm is at the forefront of design. The perimeter backsplash is comprised of pale stone subway tile, while the cabinetry features raised panels with dark detailing.

A spacious island seats four with two iron pendant lights hanging overhead. Drawing all of these elements together is a hammered copper range hood, which coordinates with the copper sink. This striking material brings warmth and dimension to the muted neutrals and rich browns of the room.

For dining, the formal dining room adjoins the entryway. The table here can seat six at the beautifully upholstered chairs under the illumination of an ornate iron chandelier. For a more casual affair, the breakfast nook abutting the kitchen offers panoramic views of the breezy canopy beyond.

Meandering through the main level brings guests to the primary suite. One of Lynn’s favorite features is the vaulted ceiling, which adds height to the room while retaining a sense of coziness. Recalling images of Italian villas, the walls here are a textured plaster that contribute a layer of depth to the space. This suite masterfully blends outdoor elements with interior luxury, from the stacked-stone fireplace to the velvety bedding and drapery, and scrolling motifs on the nightstands and bed frame create a softening effect. From here, guests can step through the double doors onto the back porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains far on the horizon.

The primary bath also gets a dose of the cathedral effect with arched trusses high overhead. Parallel vanities line the ensuite, at the end of which is a copper soaking tub set atop river stone tiling. This tiling motif repeats in the perimeter and flooring of the spacious walk-in shower. Lynn points out that the vanity mirrors also have TVs installed within them, “perfect for watching the news while getting ready in the morning.” An elegant walk-in closet with a decorative drum chandelier completes this space.

While the interiors succeed in bringing elements of the outdoors in, the home also succeeds in directing guests to the stunning landscape beyond. Lynn’s husband, Kent, particularly enjoys the opportunity to step right out into his backyard to hunt. The family shares the property with numerous deer, turkeys, foxes, and even the occasional rambling black bear, while little critters take residence in the butterfly bushes, weeping love grass, and rhododendron. A trickling waterfall completes the scene, offering an idyllic background for dining al fresco or soaking up the sun. This home is the perfect oasis for the family, and Lynn and Kent look forward to many years to come in their cabin on top of the world.