A Work of Art An artistic North Carolina couple creates a masterpiece home Photos by Roger Wade & Styling by Debbie Grahl Reprinted with permission of Timber Homes Illustrated copyright Goodman Media, New York, N.Y. Original article by Stacy Durr Albert appeared in the Summer 1999 issue of Timber Homes Illustrated. Splashes of brilliant color add cheer to the great room. The large fireplace is made of local stone. A moose chandelier fills the expanse below the high ceiling. Western accents merge with Bavarian touches for a look that reflects both of the owner's tastes. A wall of windows allow plenty of natural light to filter in all day long. The beauty of the timber frame structure can really be appreciated from the loft hallway. A collection of Western blankets hanging over the railing is a nice contrast to the wood tones. Set in a sleepy mountain village in North Carolina, the rustic timber home is a great place to get away from it all. The remote wooded lot provides glorious nature views. IT'S OFTEN SAID THAT ART IS A REFLECTION OF LIFE. In the case of Chris and Karen, it's a reflection of living. The North Carolina couple combined their artistic talents and innovative ideas to create a timber-frame home that is worthy of awards. "The home is a statement of an artist's dream" says Karen. "I wanted to have a venue for my dramatic oil paintings. My husband is a food artist and is a master of kitchen design - the home is a culinary dream for him. It's a haven from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant business and is an inspiration for artwork. The quiet rustle of trees and the intense filtered light give us a sense of peace." Western influences greet visitors as soon as they walk in the door. Antique saddles and chaps suggest an equestrian theme. Karen painted the dramatic oil painting just next to the front door Looking at the home, it's easy to see why the owners feel the way they do. Filled with color, charm and tranquillity, it's a place where anyone would feel comfortable. "We built a timber-frame home out of the desire for warmth, coziness and the clean lines of the wood itself," says Karen. "When you walk into this kind of home, the smell of the northern white pine, as well as the glow it emits, feels good. It stimulates the senses and reflects the light of the mountains around us." To complement their artistic nature, the couple searched for an engineer who could turn their ideas into a functional floor plan. They discovered Mark Wray of Mill Creek Post & Beam of Saluda, North Carolina. "We are always on the lookout for other creative people who can help us express our ideas," says Karen. "Mark impressed us because he was a great engineer, as well as a wonderful creative artist." The skylights in the loft brings in plenty of natural light, making it an ideal spot for Karen to paint. "It gives me a sense of well-being," she says. Comfortable furnishings and a tree-filled view transform the loft into an incredibly cozy nook. Once Mark drew up the floor plans, Mill Creek assembled the home. This was the easy part of the project. The next part - building the home - was slowed down by an unusually long rainy season. Despite the inclement weather conditions, Karen says the process was relatively smooth. Sitting on 2 1/2 acres filled with native growth, the 2,800-square-foot home has a highly efficient design that makes the home feel more spacious than it really is. The main level has a continuous living space that includes a great room, kitchen and dining room. A hallway leads to the master bedroom and bath. The large entryway serves as overflow for parties. The upstairs has an open hallway and loft which overlook the great room. Three bedrooms and baths are also found on this level, along with Karen's painting studio. The framework of the home is truly striking. Pine beams and panel walls are finished with a light golden varnish that enhances the home's feeling of warmth. "The view upward from the great room is a visual feast for the eyes since every beam is open and every board is seen," says Karen. One of the things that impresses Karen most about the home is how it combines the old and the new. "The wood allows it to feel cozy and rustic," she explains. "Yet there is also a sense of newness, it's so pristine and modern." Fire-engine red cabinets in the kitchen scream out for attention. Designed by Jim, the cabinets were actually recycled from a home that was torn down. The center island was created from antique Charleston doors. The deer antler drawer pulls were made by Chris. The decorating of the home reflects both of the owners' passions. Many accents reveal Karen's love of Western decor; other pieces pay homage to her husband's Bavarian heritage. Western blankets hang over the railing of the loft, along with antique saddles and chaps. A large moose chandelier hangs from the second-story ceiling. The fireplace in the great room features stacked mountain stone collected from the area. Most of the artwork, displayed in the home was created by Karen. Though the home is filled with eye-catching rooms, the place that really stands out is the kitchen. Cabinetmaker Jim Pepperell created a distinctive kitchen island using some antique Charleston doors. The remaining cabinetry was recycled from a home that was torn down. Fire-engine red paint adds a dramatic note. Owner Chris also exercised his creative talents - he carved the drawer pulls out of shed deer antlers. A bed made from oversized logs is the focal point in the master bedroom. A light burgundy paint adds interest to the wall paneling. A trio of windows provides the owners with breathtaking early-morning views of wildlife and nature. "It's a great kitchen to cook in for a crowd," says Karen. "We had 12 people stay over last Fourth of July and everyone was comfortable and happy. Our house has become somewhat of a party home because our college-age kids and our friends feel welcome here. It's a really fun place to have people come and visit." "Guests to the Owner's home feel the same way. Set in a sleepy mountain town with an air of tranquillity, the home offers respite from everyday life" The combination of creative people, serene landscapes and a masterpiece home results in a setting that few artistic souls could resist. The dining room marries rustic charm with a touch of elegance. the table and sideboard are both made of logs. A romantic swag treatment adds romance to the windows. White Georgia pine flooring softens the setting. A spacious front porch allows for lots of outdoor relaxation. Since the region boast a temperate climate, the owner's enjoy this extra living space all year long. 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