Planning a “forever” home is an exciting challenge especially when it becomes the focal point of a new chapter in your life. We wanted to leave the city behind and look for a lower stress alternative which we found just south of the Blue Ridge mountains in North Georgia. As an architectural designer, I have always been inspired by American vernacular and authenticity in design. This new home was a great opportunity to combine a rural style into my work. Thus, we began.

It took three years to find the perfect lot, secluded but accessible, and heavily wooded adjacent to a large horse farm. This new house actually has its own story. We envisioned an older set of separate farm buildings with modern insets and connections that create flow and contrast. We chose a stone façade style that referenced building styles in my wife’s hometown of Ellicott City, Maryland. The gray exterior cement siding is matched to the surrounding tree bark. The black aluminum windows, roof, and metalwork all help the house to blend in with the woods rather than stand out.

The siting of the home sits on a ridge above a creek and is oriented to a large front yard where most of our outdoor family activities take place. Here, there is no need to “put on a show” for the street. The home reveals slowly as you approach on the 900 ft. gravel drive and walk to the entrances.

The exterior gives a hint of the more modern interior including a central kitchen, dining and great room “barn” with 22’ ceilings. There are planned focal points in every room that frame the views outside with large windows. This is a home with many places to be, from cozy and meditative to entertaining for large groups.

 This home is approximately 4800 sq. ft and through carefully chosen construction methods and materials was built for less than $190 per sq.ft. We are able to accommodate three children, two businesses, a 100-pound Labrador, and plenty of overnight guests in a home nearly 3000 sq. ft. less than our previous home—all due to strong intentional design.