Front porch with rocking chairs and a red door. Photographer: Rob Karosis

The front facade is completely reimagined to give the home a fresh presence on the street. The front door is cleverly relocated from a nondescript opening on the right to be celebrated within a larger arched opening on the left. An old porch is replaced with a modern canopy, slatted wall for privacy and a custom planter built in weathering steel.

Unique Wood Trim, and a bright red door, offers amazing curb appeal to any home. Wow your guests before they even enter the front door! Signature Homes www.e-signaturehomes.com

Texas Timber Frames

Stuart Wade, Envision Web Take a deep breath and relax… Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 and Hwy 515, but a million miles away from the traffic, stress and anxiety of the city. With 106,000 acres located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is definitely the cure for whatever ails you. Rent a cozy cabin or a luxury mountain home, or stay in a bed & breakfast inn or hotel -- and simply relax. Enjoy Mother Nature at her best… Renew your spirit on a day hiking to nearby waterfalls or horseback riding on forested trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Bring the family and discover the thrill of an Ocoee River whitewater rafting adventure, ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or treetop canopy adventure. Rent a pontoon or a jet ski on beautiful Lake Blue Ridge. Pick strawberries or blueberries at Mercier's, a 65 year old family orchard. Catch a trout on the tailwaters of the Toccoa River or a clear mountain stream; Blue Ridge is the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia. Fall in Love with Blue Ridge… Fall in love with the authentic mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Blue Ridge is an Art Town, filled with art galleries, antique and specialty shops, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people. A river runs through the quaint town of McCaysville, twin city with Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins. Here the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River, flowing northward into Tennessee.

Donald Chapman, AIA,CMB This unique project, located in Donalds, South Carolina began with the owners requesting three primary uses. First, it was have separate guest accommodations for family and friends when visiting their rural area. The desire to house and display collectible cars was the second goal. The owner’s passion of wine became the final feature incorporated into this multi use structure. This Guest House – Collector Garage – Wine Cellar was designed and constructed to settle into the picturesque farm setting and be reminiscent of an old house that once stood in the pasture. The front porch invites you to sit in a rocker or swing while enjoying the surrounding views. As you step inside the red oak door, the stair to the right leads guests up to a 1150 SF of living space that utilizes varied widths of red oak flooring that was harvested from the property and installed by the owner. Guest accommodations feature two bedroom suites joined by a nicely appointed living and dining area as well as fully stocked kitchen to provide a self-sufficient stay. Disguised behind two tone stained cement siding, cedar shutters and dark earth tones, the main level of the house features enough space for storing and displaying six of the owner’s automobiles. The collection is accented by natural light from the windows, painted wainscoting and trim while positioned on three toned speckled epoxy coated floors. The third and final use is located underground behind a custom built 3” thick arched door. This climatically controlled 2500 bottle wine cellar is highlighted with custom designed and owner built white oak racking system that was again constructed utilizing trees that were harvested from the property in earlier years. Other features are stained concrete floors, tongue and grooved pine ceiling and parch coated red walls. All are accented by low voltage track lighting along with a hand forged wrought iron & glass chandelier that is positioned above a wormy chestnut tasting table. Three wooden generator wheels salvaged from a local building were installed and act as additional storage and display for wine as well as give a historical tie to the community, always prompting interesting conversations among the owner’s and their guests. This all-electric Energy Star Certified project allowed the owner to capture all three desires into one environment… Three birds… one stone.

Roger Wade - Photography M & R Services - Builder

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

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A new porch is made in the front of an antique traditional Javanese reclaimed wooden house. Wooden cow bells are used as pendant lamps above dining table. The 1960's rattan wooden settee is filled with prewashed batik patchwork pillows for casual lounging.

Millwork, rafter tails, and ceiling treatment by Ingrained Wood Studios: The Mill. © Alyssa Lee Photography