All You’d Ever Want

Written By: Kathy Balistreri | Issue: 2020/06 - June

In a unique and outstanding area like the Plateau of Western North Carolina, you’ll find many unusual custom-designed vacation homes.

As a full-time resident and Realtor for over 25 years, I’ve seen many outstanding properties in the Plateau area. But some are unique.

One was unusual in that it spans a bold creek, which can be seen through the glass floor in the foyer. 

Another home in Lake Toxaway sits atop a 100-foot-high waterfall. The calming sound of falling water can be heard from the deck above. 

There is a stunning vacation home on Lake Toxaway that also has an elaborate playground for the grandchildren. It includes swings, a catwalk and slides, sandbox and a cottage/playhouse, all made from laurel and locust and iron. The Stump House is a massive tree trunk that has been hollowed out and has a hinged door and windows. It’s large enough to hold five children at once. 

Occasionally, you’ll see a house that’s so much in harmony with the topography that it appears to be growing from the land, along with the trees and boulders. 

One such residence is an idyllic, very private compound tucked away on a picturesque lakefront property in Lake Toxaway Estates. 

Though secluded, it’s a five-minute drive from the Lake Toxaway Country Club, the marina, and Greystone Inn. 

This home, designed by renowned Asheville architect Bruce Johnson, appears to be perfectly suited to the surroundings. Its unassuming, relaxed feeling welcomes and invites the first-time visitor to explore this intriguing home. A myriad of visual surprises delights the eye and never disappoints. One finds it challenging to decide exactly where to rest and indulge in the natural beauty all around. 

The main level features a Great Room with Kitchen, Dining and Living Room with a beautiful stone fireplace and large picture window overlooking the lake. Large His and Hers Master Baths were remodeled in 2018, and there is a very large Laundry Room and Pantry with a separate entrance from outside. 

Views from the large roofed screened porch and the central core of this calming retreat will beckon to you, and your cares will fall away. There is also a roofed outdoor cooking center with Green Egg, grills, and yellow Adirondack chairs, with a plethora of flowers framing it all. 

I cannot forget to mention the pristine mountain lake nestled below like a sparkling jewel. It’s the perfect place for swimming, canoeing, fishing and paddle boarding.

The bright and airy interiors have high ceilings, accented with rough-sawn beams from New Hampshire. Views of mountains, lake, flowers, trees and sky surround you through generous-sized windows and doors. All of this is juxtaposed by rich, reclaimed heart pine wood floors and two stunning Rumsford stone fireplaces. The hidden hot tub is tastefully tucked away from view and sheltered by the natural landscape. 

A separate Guest House, above the two-car garage, has a private entrance from the courtyard and arbor entryway. It features a Living and Dining Room, Kitchenette, and Bedroom Suite. It’s the perfect guest hideaway.

Oh yes, “unique features” were promised at the beginning of this story, so here’s just one:

The main entry foyer opens up to a two-story Atrium/Aviary with everything one would need for parrots to perch, and orchids to flourish indoors. 

Although the birds no longer reside there, the area also serves as the spacious garden-like stairwell to the lower level of the home. On that level you’ll find Guest Suites, an Office, Exercise Room, and large open area big enough for a pottery studio or a woodworking shop.

The home has everything anyone could want.

Once you arrive here, you won’t want to leave!

This unique place is truly a bit of Heaven on Earth.

by Kathy Balistreri, Realtor