Cabin Details that Celebrate the Spirit of Mountain Living

Six all-weather chairs linger across the wraparound front porch to take in views from all angles. Durable, but lightweight enough to gather together for conversations, the pieces are easy to move for parties or solitary reading. Front porch posts are locust trees that had fallen on the property. Further showing the community's commitment to using natural resources, a rain chain falls from a copper gutter into a barrel to capture water for the garden.

A pair of chairs nestles against the stacked stone fireplace. Overlooking the valley below, this quiet corner displays the artistic use of native material. The garden gate, made by a local craftsman, showcases a leaf formed from rhododendron and mountain laurel branches. The stone on the fireplace, pulled straight from the mountain, meets a green guideline: Using native materials cuts down on energy costs because they didn't have far to travel.

Outdoor furniture rests comfortably on the back porch. This durable design blends with indoor decor, such as the Tiffany lamp and rag rugs made from recycled blue jeans. Quilts are at the ready for chilly evenings. Bedroom windows open onto this serene space to catch the sound of Whisper Creek.

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A scrap of lumber supported by a locust branch works perfectly as a backdoor bench. Left with the bark on, this kind of rough-hewed detail pleasantly contrasts with the finer things throughout the house.

Horizontal boards made from a fiber-cement composite wrap the sides of the cottage. This man-made material adds low-maintenance properties to the exterior―no rotting, warping, or mildew―which are especially important attributes when caring for a second home.

Featured Here: James Hardie siding

In the dining room and throughout the house, furnishings are reproduction antiques. "Reproductions are an easier and less expensive way to give a home the same period look. It's a way to bring in nostalgia without the expense," says designer Steve Chambliss. A hand-crafted metal fixture above showcases fish and fisherman. Beneath, a patchwork cow-hair rug offers drama.

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The headboard in the guest bedroom backs up the porch windows. Other windows look onto views of the valley. Even when the windows are closed, the sound of the rushing creek can be heard. The bed offers extra storage with shelves above and drawers below. Matching side tables hold Tiffany lamps.

Forged iron curtain rods display nature-inspired finials in the primary bedroom. Bending into branches holding birds and pinecones, the graciously turned metal adds a subtle but dramatic accent against soft golden walls and white trim.

Hand-scraped walnut wood planks complement the cabin's elegant, rustic charm. The smooth but textured finish pairs well with hand-crafted rugs.

Featured Here: HomerWood Flooring

A home improvement store lamp was aged overnight with an acid coating. Set on cut squares of poplar bark siding, the sconces match up well with the recycled and natural materials on the home's exterior.

Outdoor furniture sets the scene for front porch dining. Transitional styling―simple lines and natural teak―make the dining set at home anywhere, including the primitive exterior of Whisper Creek Cottage.