Cozy Cabin Retreat

“We drove out here with me shaking my head ‘no’ the whole way,” Dawn recalls. Far off the beaten track, the location was initially a hard sell for the couple, who would be moving farther away from extended family. “But when we stepped foot on this land,” Dawn says, “I listened to the creek, and tears welled up in my eyes. I said, ‘This is home.’”

Once the land captured the couple’s hearts, they began the process of building. Set against such a rich backdrop, the resulting home is a cozy cabin retreat crafted to suit their family’s everyday needs.

It’s easy to see how the serenity of the surrounding land inspired the home’s rustic design. The welcoming interiors are grounded with natural wood and stone elements. Exposed ceiling beams frame the living room’s vaulted ceiling, while the stacked-stone fireplace is a natural anchor for the gathering space. Offsetting these features are wide windows allowing in generous amounts of natural light, giving the room a breezy atmosphere.

Guests will also notice bird- and lizard-themed décor throughout the house, paying homage to both the critters they share the land with and Dawn’s background studying wildlife management. The living room and back porch provide fantastic vantage points for birdwatching

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

Steps away from the living room, the kitchen boasts a space designed for entertaining. The dining table is a standout feature, asymmetrically adjoining the kitchen island to seat nearly a dozen guests. “The whole house was basically built around the table,” Dawn explains. “For Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’ll have almost 30 people over here, and that table gets used to the fullest.” The blended dining and kitchen area are well suited to host Dawn and Spencer’s extended family, creating a shared space for conversation, meal prep, and dining.

Cabinetry: Innovative Interiors | Table: Lumberjacks
Hardwood Center

After a good meal, the next stop in the Cox home is the game room. The family’s fun personalities shine through in this space, featuring a pool table and dry bar. Above the window hangs an airplane propeller, which belonged to a small aircraft that Dawn’s grandfather flew. Her father was also a pilot, making this small vignette an homage to them.

Lighting: Southern Lighting

The primary suite extends the cohesive style of the living room, including high ceilings accentuated with beams and a stone fireplace. When crafting the home, Dawn and Spencer wanted to incorporate built-in furnishings wherever possible, as seen here with shelves and dressers bookending the fireplace. They were also intentional about incorporating features that make the home more accessible, including doorways wide enough for wheelchair users and a roll-in shower. Thoughtful details like this ensure their home is prepared to accommodate both themselves and guests at all stages of life.

Tile: Louisville Tile

Out back, the pool deck is a little slice of paradise. The surrounding tree canopy forms a small haven for poolside enjoyers, and the rambling creek creates an unmatched ambience. The pool extends in a borderless semicircle, drawing the viewer’s eye to the panorama beyond. Dawn and Spencer make the most of this space, hosting pool parties throughout the summer months.

From start to finish, the Cox home invites guests to find comfort and beauty in all that nature-inspired living offers. Between the busyness of life and hosting friends and family, the back patio is a favorite place to soak in tranquility. Dawn reflects on the joy of living in this new home, saying, “I often sit on the patio with the fireplace going. It’s pitch-black out here with nothing but the stars and the sound of the creek, and it’s the most perfect place I’ve ever known.”