PREMIER LIVING

Trendy Highland Haven

THE TOTTY HOME

BY LINDSEY CLUTE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP SLOWIAK

Atop the Cumberland Plateau with sweeping views of the Sequatchie Valley and the Tennessee River, this 2,200 square-foot home sitting on 1.7 acres is a dream mountain retreat for its residents, Dawn and Kirby Totty, who traded the busyness of upstate New York for serene mountain living in the Southeast.

“We wanted to get away from the city and enjoy the peace and tranquility that Jasper Highlands brings,” shares Dawn. “It is by far the best place we’ve ever lived!”

While the home’s modern farmhouse exterior blends effortlessly into the surrounding landscape, its interior embraces a distinctly different style.

A modern living room with high ceilings, large windows, stylish furniture, and decorative pendant lights.

Modern kitchen with an island, pendant lights, and a view of greenery and water through large windows.

Inside, the home’s layout is elevated by a chic, loft-glam design. Soaring 28-foot cathedral ceilings, a custom steel-and-oak staircase, and an open-concept floor plan with an exposed second level create a dramatic first impression, while high-end finishes including wide-plank wood flooring, Venetian plaster walls, and custom barn doors add character.

The gourmet kitchen balances sleek sophistication with contemporary appeal. Outfitted with new premium appliances and finishes, such as an induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation, marble countertops, and open shelving, the space is functional and radiant. However, the Tottys’ most cherished amenity is one that adds vintage charm.

“Our favorite piece in the home is a simple primitive hutch that dates back to about 150 years ago,” Dawn says. “I brought it from my home in New York, and it blends in so nicely with the style of every home we’ve lived in.”

A modern kitchen with a large island, pendant lighting, and open shelving, adjacent to a staircase.

A modern living room with a high ceiling, large windows, and stylish decor, featuring a staircase, comfortable seating, plants, and a cozy fireplace.

A modern living room featuring two stylish armchairs facing a large window with a view of the outdoors, a coffee table in the center, and decorative items on the shelves and table.

The aesthetic of the kitchen and connected living room is enhanced by two key elements: natural light and breathtaking scenery.

“While we were working with the architect, the main focus was windows – and lots of them,” Dawn shares. “With a view like this, we wanted to have clear visibility from every room.”

Wall-to-wall windows surround the open living room area, where the Tottys spend the majority of their time. Dawn adds, “We jokingly said, ‘Let’s have so many windows that it will be challenging to hang enough artwork.’ Well, we have only two large art pieces and we are so happy with that decision.”

The living room also contains expansive 8-by-12-foot retractable glass doors with motorized roller shades – an extra special component that makes outdoor living accessible with the push of a button.

Even with the windows closed and the drapes drawn, the living room remains a masterpiece in its own right. The glamorous space strikes a thoughtful balance between timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Anchored by a dramatic charcoal accent wall and large fireplace, the space pairs crisp white architectural details with captivating finishes, including white wood flooring, a plush area rug, and graceful white drapery. A tailored gray sofa and coordinating upholstered ottoman establish a comfortable gathering place, while vibrant camel-hued accent chairs introduce warmth and personality.

Just off the living room, the dining area completes the assortment of gathering spaces. A dining set with vintage French-script chairs sits below a striking linear candle chandelier, while a cohesive console offers storage and an elegant display for glassware and decor. Above it, a large round mirror anchors another charcoal accent wall, reflecting light throughout the room and creating depth.

A modern dining room featuring a wooden table surrounded by upholstered chairs, a large round mirror on the wall, and large windows with a view of greenery outside.

“When we completed our home, we both decided to celebrate with all our new neighbors and have a grand opening. We invited a dear friend and our favorite pop singer from Nashville, Michelle Prentice, to come to entertain us all! Since then, we have had many gatherings and fundraisers for our local communities.” – Dawn Totty

A modern bedroom featuring a bed with a plush headboard, decorative wall art, a warm color palette, and a stylish chandelier, complemented by a patterned area rug and sleek furniture.

With three bedrooms and bathrooms, including a primary suite on both the lower and upper levels, the home comfortably accommodates both the Tottys and their guests.

The couple’s bedroom experiments with warm lighting, playful colors and patterns, and stylish textiles. A Persian-style red rug with floral motifs grounds the room, while a gray suede bed frame and patterned accent chair with a bamboo frame and upholstered seat create an inviting retreat. Completing the space is a wall-mounted electric fireplace that adds an extra layer of luxury.

A harmonizing en suite utilizes a neutral color palette, blending Victorian elements with modern comforts. A walk-in shower clad in white subway tile, dark gray grout, and a multi-colored penny tile floor establish the room, while a buffet conversion vanity, antique mirror, and sconces with cascading crystal shades accessorize the space.

A bright and modern bedroom featuring large windows with a view of greenery, a woven chandelier, and minimalist decor with wall art.

A modern bathroom featuring a dark wooden vanity with two bowls, a large ornate mirror, and a shower area with white tiled walls and a gray stone floor.

A modern interior space featuring large windows with a view of nature, a railing, and stylish light fixtures.

A man and a woman sitting at a table outdoors, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a blue suit, and the woman has curly, grey hair and is dressed in a light-colored outfit.

Dawn & Kirby Totty

Throughout the home, statement lighting fixtures provide visual interest and tie together the modern and French-country influences that merge to bring the Tottys’ vision to life.

“The most fun part of this entire building process was getting to start with a blank slate and create a beautiful customized space for our family’s likes and needs,” Dawn explains.

Whether enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning accompanied by a cool mountain breeze or celebrating a milestone with family gathered around the dining table, Dawn and Kirby savor each precious moment in this custom, one-of-a-kind gem.

A modern bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, a decorative chandelier, and a large window with a view of greenery.