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Sunday, October 18, 2015

Western North Carolina- Our New Home

I have just returned from a month in Asheville, North Carolina.  We have finally broken ground on our new home in the Western North Carolina mountains. I have spent the last month working with the builder and architect fine tuning the house plans.  While there, I was able to visit some new parts of the area.

 I am in awe of the natural beauty of that part of our county. 

 
Saluda River on my friend Jill and Barry's golf course in the Cliffs, Mountain Park.

 
Apple harvest time in Hendersonville County, NC.


 
A beautiful purple berry shrub growing on the goat farm where we stayed in Flat Rock, NC

 
The sky at dusk.

 
Our buddies for the month.

 
Sky at dusk.

 
River in Chimney Rock, NC

 
Chimney Rock

 
Lake Lure

 
Lake Lure

 
Bridge entering Lake Lure

 
Gardens on the bridge in Lake Lure

 
Rose at the Biltmore

 
Bees galore- so much honey harvested in this area.  Almost every farm stand sells a different one.

 
Time for dinner.  Where are those apples?

 
Leaves just starting to change.


 
Biltmore rose garden.
 
 
Signs of fall were abundant-
 


 
Absolutely perfect cabbage- abundant this time of year. 


 
Pumpkin Head mechanic fixing the truck!


 
Tons of gourds and pumpkins at the farmers markets.


 
And finally- here is our little piece of heaven on the French Broad River.
 
 
Spectacular view of the river



 
Down by the river in the river park.



 
For better - constantly seeing wild turkeys in flight and bald eagles

 
Or for worse- snake in the river while we were wading!!!

 
Finally to our property, where our builder had left us a map showing us the
pins for the footprint of our new home!

 
All of the pink flags mark the outside corners of the house!

 
The land has been cleared to fit the footprint of the house on it, but more of the smaller trees will be removed after construction, so that a complete view of the river is seen.



 
The view from the decks in the back of the house.  Our very own built in water feature!
 
 
Our goal is to have this house complete by Christmas 2016.    I spent much of the last month, trying to get the cost of the house down to our budget.  My goal   was to reduce costs while adding better and improved design features.  My friend Jill and I are building our very similar  dream homes at the same time, which is a huge advantage. Being able to  compare our budgets has allowed us to maximize design and eliminate costs.   I have managed to reduce the cost of the home by 20%, and in the process  have improved the materials and design.  For example, both Jill and I want antique wide plank flooring for much of our living spaces.  Through searching and visiting many sources, we have managed to go from $18 a square foot antique "look" floor to actually using real antique oak floors at $8.25 a square foot.  All we had to do is follow a few leads and drive 20 miles out into the mountains of North Carolina!  I will share these design elements and sources with you as we go through the building process. 
 

10 comments:

Jill said...

It really is as beautiful as your pictures!--- the location for your house is truly spectacular!!---I feel so lucky to have been a part of the planning stage of this journey ( for both of us--- it has been very special!) and now we get to see these homes come to life over the next year!!what an exciting time!

cindy weis said...

what a beautiful location for your home, I can not wait to see the final floor plan and watch while you complete your dream. thank you for taking us along on your journey.

Katha said...

Absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful part of the country! Your photography brings it all to life! The view from your property is breathtaking even with the lower level trees. Cannot wait to watch the progression of the house as it is being built!

frenchbourne said...

So happy for you and for Jill. Your right it is heaven on earth. I feel lucky that I am able to witness this journey. It has changed my mind on other places I thought were beautiful. It certainly is a favorite place of mine now also....thank you for turning me onto the Carolina's. We know the finished project is going to take our breath away!!! Can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Love the area, going back next fall, love the mountains, and all the little towns

Anonymous said...

Love the area, going back next fall, love the mountains, and all the little towns

Reclaimed wood dining tables said...

What a breathtaking view! Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Laurell Banner said...

Great time visiting last week. Your photos make me feel like I am still there.
I have to get my little home in the Highlands. I miss my goats.

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

What a beautiful piece of property --- and that view? Wow! Priceless.
So excited for you. That part of the country is so lovely.
xox
AS

Julia Stewart said...

It looks like you are truly in nature. I live in the mountains in another part of the country but it is the best. There is nothing like being able to walk from your back porch to a creek. And there really is nothing better than Christmas in the mountains. It really does feel like the most magical place ever.

Julia Stewart @ Daytona Buyers Agent