THE ANDERSON HOME

Curated Cottage in the Woods

Premier Living

By Lindsey Clute / Photography by PJ Slowiak

Greg and Shannon Anderson’s home on Signal Mountain is a symbol of understated elegance and expertly crafted charm. Its modern farmhouse-inspired shell flaunts vertical board and batten siding in Ballet White, a gable roofline, wooden pillars, and stone accents that lend warmth and architectural interest.

They call it their “little cottage in the woods” because it’s “deceiving from the front,” Shannon shares. “From the exterior, it looks small, but it’s a 4,000-square-foot home. Sometimes we also refer to it as ‘Little Cotswolds.’” The home’s modest yet chic façade is what initially piqued the couple’s interest, and it’s something they still appreciate today. “Every person that’s been in this house is surprised at how big it is once they come inside,” Greg says. “From the street, it’s got a fairly small face, so they don’t realize its depth – and we really like that.”

Chairs on front porch

Upon entering, the home’s true scale reveals itself through a series of methodically connected spaces, unified by a crisp White Dove palette and warm wood tones. A light-filled entryway opens into an inviting dining room, where a distressed wooden table anchors the space. Surrounding it are upholstered chairs in soft beige, a gold lantern chandelier, a gilded landscape painting, and vertical shiplap – one of the couple’s favorite details.

modern cottage dining room with table chairs and a large painting

The adjoining kitchen continues the home’s cohesive pattern. Natural wood carries seamlessly from the hickory cabinetry to a large kitchen island and coordinating bar stools. Thoughtful fixtures and appliances, such as an apron-front sink, stainless steel oven with spider burners, and a built-in microwave add to the convenience, comfort, and poised aesthetic that radiates throughout the home.

At the center of this curated space, a collection of memorabilia adds depth to its story. Above the stove, four small framed photos – each symmetrically arranged and illuminated by spotlight sconces – serve as a tribute to the couple’s connection to Italy. “We go to Italy a lot,” Shannon explains. “Our daughter got married there, so these pieces – along with the ‘wedding hall’ upstairs filled with photos from her wedding – are very special to us.”

modern cottage kitchen with white and wood accents

modern cottage kitchen bar area

The living room, which combines with the kitchen to form the “great room,” is the heart of this accommodating home. “It’s a really cozy spot,” Shannon shares. “We’ve had a lot of parties here already. We have people come over and we gather and eat – it’s just the perfect spot for hosting our dear friends.”

The space showcases rustic glamour and earthy accents, particularly a wooden beam and mantel paired with a stone fireplace hearth. Layered lighting – from the fireplace’s mesmerizing glow to the dimmer switches in every fixture – gives flexibility to shift the mood from lively celebrations to a relaxed ambience.

While ideal for dinner parties and family get-togethers, the great room also comes in handy for other social gatherings. “We like to have fun,” Shannon states. “We have PJ parties all the time! We play games, our friends spend the night, and of course, everyone wears their pajamas.”

modern cottage living room with stone fireplace

Extending the great room, sliding glass doors open to a covered porch – an area that is a retreat unto itself. “The porch was a huge element for us,” Shannon says, and Greg agrees. “It was a key element because we just love sitting out there, and we love how conveniently it connects to the backyard,” he says.

Complete with its own separate living and dining area, as well as an authentic stone fireplace, the couple have a comfortable setting to enjoy another of their favorite features: the proximity to the outdoors.

“With the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park behind our house, we basically have 6,000 acres as our backyard,” says Shannon. “One day, we forged a little trail by cutting down sticker bushes, limbs, etc. to connect to the actual trail, so now we can walk out our back gate and we have a trail right at our fingertips.”

cozy cottage sun room with fireplace

modern cottage bedroom with vaulted ceilings

While the main living spaces are a haven for gathering and connection, the couple’s private retreat is equally as special. Vaulted ceilings, large multi-paned windows, and greige textiles characterize the primary bedroom, while the final standout space, a spa-like en suite flanked in soft, natural light, features a freestanding soaking tub and a marble-clad walk-in shower. Dual vanities paired with gold-trimmed mirrors and fixtures merge in a remarkable display of high-quality craftsmanship.

Whether their home is filled with friends or enjoyed in solitude, the Andersons are ready to maximize retired life in this tranquil masterpiece.

modern cottage bathroom