The Cliffs Retreat

Inspired by principles of prairie-style homes, we translated these themes to fit the context of mountain living at this project located in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. We focused on simple materials, openness, strong lines and lots of light.

The house is perched on a natural knoll, elevated to maximize 360° mountain views. The existing tree canopy was disturbed as little as possible to maintain the home’s immediate connection with its site. The exterior of this home features a singular palette with varied textures, allowing it to integrate with its surrounding landscape.

Walking into the home prompts a sense of calm and repose. The owners desired a quiet, comfortable, spa-like respite to return to each day. The interior palette shifts to a lighter, softer tone and the architecture is cleaner and more refined to facilitate that feeling. Expansive windows throughout open the interior to mountain vistas and fill the home with natural light.

The homeowners love to entertain, so having a space to accommodate a crowd was a must. The living room opens up to the spacious eat-in kitchen, and the kitchen leads outside to a generous screen porch and outdoor terrace. The screen porch has its own cooking and dining area, as well as a fireplace that allows for year-round enjoyment.

This home’s four bedrooms and generous entertaining spaces were required to fit into 4,400 square feet, resulting in an efficient floor plan that lives larger than its square footage suggests.