Not to mention the fact that Biltmore is a picturesque Southern pilgrimage.
It’s around 15 minutes from the action downtown but feels like it’s a world away.
“It’s full of light and air with classical proportions.”
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
“Great Southern homes have a connection between indoors and out.
This house feels like a quaint cottage in the woods,” Kate adds.
A laid-back escape for year-round mountain living and getting together with family and friends.
Step inside this year’s home for inspiration.
Setting the Tone
The Inspiration"The location really was my starting point.
My vision came from the views outside the windows of the house," says Lauren.
Designer PicksLauren chose fabrics and surfaces that were mostly neutral but provided a lot of texture.
Here are some of the materials she used throughout the home.
Inviting Entry
A wide terrace greets visitors.
The front door looks welcoming in Sherwin-Williams Rural Green (SW 6418) (shown on left).
An antique hall tree adds function and charm to the foyer (on right).
A jute rug, layered with a vintage kilim, helps distinguish the space.
The chimney-style range hood (with an oak board) adds a historical touch to the new space.
Liess describes this space as the ultimate party-prep area for inside and outside entertaining.
“I kept the space spare so all eyes would be fixed on the view,” says Lauren.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
A traditional farm table from her collection by Woodbridge Furniture anchors the modern metal Windsor chairs from Wayfair.
Library
A busy cottage needs a quiet room to retreat.
“Dark colors have a cavelike effect and create a sense of privacy,” says Lauren.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
With a stocked bar cart, the library can transition into a cocktail lounge later in the evening.
Screened Porch
“Living in the mountains calls for a wood-burning fireplace,” says Rick.
A screened porch off the living room combines the best of indoors and out.
The French doors behind the swing lead to the main bedroom.
“Slipper chairs are comfortable and more noncommittal than armchairs.
This is a great sneak-away spot for conversation during a party,” Lauren says.
Decorating tip: Crisp white bedding grounds the sculptural furniture and ornate wallpaper in this space.
Underneath the windows, outfitted with lace curtains from Mission Motif, sits a freestanding Japanese soaking tub.
Aged marble tiles from Lauren’s collection with Architectural Ceramics round out the look.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
This nook an ideal place for pet food, bowls, and leashes.
The vintage style dog sketches (Lauren Liess for One Kings Lane) complete the look.
The powder bath walls are painted Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition Simple Stone (SW 9521).
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
In the guest bath, fixtures with brushed-gold finishes dress up the neutral vanity.
Upstairs Landing
A pair of cane-back corner chairs are perched at the top of the staircase.
An antique rug adds patina to the quiet spot.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
A pair of Reid Classics mahogany twin beds topped with cozy quilts keeps guests feeling snug.
Subtle tones and simple details balance the adjoining bedroom’s busy wallpaper.
Textured tiles by Crossville, Inc, add stunning impact.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Bunk Room
Built-in beds double as lounging spots and keep the floorspace open.
A set of Lee Industries chairs covered in Sunbrella fabric invites guests to settle in for a board game.
In the bunk bath, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Designer Edition Natural White (SW 9542) coats the walls.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
A set of bird prints by John Gould for Biltmore add natural elements to a blank space.
Crossville Tile’s Jazz Age-Louis shower tiles in a watery grey hue wrap around thewalk-in shower.
Pick a Porch
Being in the mountain setting means you could enjoy the outdoor space year-round.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
There are plenty of spots to sit and relax.
Back DeckThe sofa and sling chairs (covered in weatherproof Sunbrella fabric) offer front-row forest views.
“Outdoor spaces play an important role in mountain living,” says Rick.
FirepitA casual outdoor place to bring family together is always a bonus.
Buy the plan for The Ramble Farmhouse (SL-2052) athouseplans.southernliving.com.
Its wooded 1,000 acres are nestled into Ducker Mountain, neighboring the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore.
Marvin
Marvin is driven by our purpose to imagine and create better ways of living.
Available in-store and online.
Southern Living Plant Collection
Want your gardens to look like the pages ofSouthernLiving?
Selected specifically for our Southern climate, these plants deliver.
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
Wellborn has high quality kitchen and bath cabinetry made in the USA.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styking: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Credit: Beau Clowney Architects
Credit: Beau Clowney Architects
