Recently we had the distinct
privilege of visiting the 2006 HGTV Dream Home. Since we had such a great
time touring this beautiful property, we wanted to share it with our friends
as well.
Located
amidst the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, the 2006 HGTV
Dream Home offers breathtaking views of Lake Lure and the surrounding ranges
of the Blue Ridge.
I must begin by saying that just getting
to this mountain top retreat is no easy feat, and not for the faint of heart
(or carsick prone). There is a note on the tour fact sheet that reads:
“The roads leading to the Dream Home are curvy and visitors should take
every precaution to prevent motion/car sickness on the trip”. Consider
yourself forewarned. Yes, the ride is a bit grueling, but the views make it
all worthwhile.
Weighing
in at 5,450 square feet, this rustic mountain retreat manages to maintain
the quaint coziness of a cherished family lodge. The rooms are relatively
small, but comfortable. Though my “decorating allegiance” is obviously to
the Italian style, the rustic quality of this home is quite appealing, and
not at all a far stretch from the basic décor of a comfortable Tuscan
villa. Here are just a few of our favorite details.
Upon
arrival, we were ushered through an inviting breezeway, complete with
conversation area and magnificent stacked stone fireplace, to the back of
the home, where we had a moment to take in the gorgeous view of Lake Lure
below, and observe the stone fire pit. Encircled by large boulders, I can
just imagine all of the marshmallow roasts that are sure to be enjoyed out
there on cool fall evenings. How fun!
Most
impressive to me, was the extensive use of local materials throughout
the house. A large portion of the exterior shingles and interior trim were
hewn from various woods found right on the lot, and craftily incorporated
into the main living areas of the home.
Our tour began on the bottom floor of
the home, which features, among other things, a fantastic exercise studio, a
toasty sauna, and indoor and outdoor showers.
Just
down the hall from the exercise area awaits a 500 bottle climate-controlled
wine cellar, complete with tasting area for two. At home in any Tuscan
villa, this novel nook seems the perfect spot to sit and sip.
Further down the hall is the rustic
family room. Built for comfort and family fun, the pub style dart board and
billiards area will keep everyone entertained. Highlights of the room’s
Adirondack style décor include flagstone flooring, rich green walls (“Svelte
Sage”), and lots of textured natural wood accents. A large mirror features
an intricate frame of twigs, bark, and
pinecones
taken right off the property. The stairs to the second floor are fashioned
from local rhododendron branches, and make for a charming ascent. A small
kitchenette services game night beverage needs, while a large screen plasma
TV graces the mantle over the cozy stone fireplace.
Off
the family room is one of my favorite spaces: the Project Room. Described
as the “hobbyist’s dream” this crafty area has lots of space and storage for
all your favorite projects. Whether its scrap booking, sewing, or jigsaw
puzzles you enjoy, this room has a place to enjoy it. Perhaps the best part
of this room is you don’t have to put everything away while in the middle of
a project. (Note to myself: incorporate this room into my next floor
plan!) The deep, pumpkin hued walls (“Autumnal” by Sherwin-Williams) in
this room are definitely Tuscan home friendly, and there is a convenient
adjoining bath so you don’t have to stray too far from your hobby (or hubby,
as the case may be).
The
next stop on the tour is the living room, complete with pale gold walls,
massive stone
stacked fireplace, and soaring ceiling with ancient pine beams.
Strategically situated to enjoy the magnificent view outdoors, the interior
of this focal area features earthen hues of apple green, rusty browns, and
pumpkin. Prickly pinecones, twisted twig accents, and faux branch end
tables mirror the natural forest surroundings found just outside.
The
living area flows into the open kitchen decorated in neutral grays, rich
browns, and golden yellow accents. Custom cabinets are in a slate gray,
with gray Silestone countertops. Stainless appliances blend with the
neutral color scheme. A large island is the focal point of the kitchen,
featuring wood plank top, and appliances below.
I
felt right at home in the master bedroom, in neutral hues of creamy ivory,
sunny yellow and chocolate brown. The vaulted ceiling,
featuring dark, rough hewn beams, contributed to the light, airy quality of
the room. The master bath had plenty of amenities for pampering, including
natural rain showerhead, and separate multi-jet tub for soaking. Pots of
rosemary, verbena, and vases of Lily of the Valley contributed to the
spa-like quality of the bath, so conducive to relaxation. The floors were
constructed of blonde Australian cypress, the countertops of Travertine, and
natural stone and Travertine tile bathed the tub and shower areas in shades
of mocha and walnut. A small, private balcony just off the bath affords the
perfect opportunity to bask in the sun after a warm soak.
Upstairs
rooms include a home office, a guest bedroom, sitting room, an
adorable
bunk room with dog bed cubby, and attic bedroom with coveted sleeping
porch. Guests will also enjoy their own laundry/kitchenette area, with dark
rustic cupboards, and walls constructed from 200 year old timbers recycled
from a Pennsylvania barn.
Estimated to have a market value of
$1,000.000.00, this rustic retreat will certainly be some lucky winner’s
dream home. We feel lucky just to have been able to experience this unique
home, if only for a day.
