Hearth and History

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: August 2023

Beautiful dwellings worthy of royalty are nestled all about the Plateau. But it’s the splendor, charm, history, and craftsmanship of August’s Home of Distinction that sets the standard for ideal mountain retreats.

This splendid property with cabin home, guest house, and gorgeous grounds, right across from the Performing Arts Center, is five minutes from everything required: excellent shopping, Rec Center workouts (and pickleball), contemporary and classic entertainment, restaurants from casual to posh, and front porch and firepit views of iconic Satulah Mountain. Add to that a panorama of Mother Nature’s wonders of the wild. It’s arguably one of the best elevation destinations ever.

Laura Puckett of The Luxury Group and her husband Tom turned this property’s historic cabin into a magnificent restoration, reminiscent of a Joe Webb masterwork. Laura adds, “(The) renovations (are) expertly executed by a former protégé of Joe Webb himself.”

The Puckett’s have a blood-lineal connection to America’s founding families (Revolutionary War heroes) and thus a marrow-deep fascination for log cabins. It was a matter of ancestral pride to restore this historical gem, and they did so, in aces, right down to decorous hand-hewn touches at every angle, line, and nook you look.

From the cabin, walk across a romantic bridge to a fabulous guest house. Doubling the dwellings has doubled the fun – and possibilities. Owners can live in one and rent the other.

Laura describes the dwellings’ alluring interiors, “The property features five bedrooms, including the three-bedroom log home with all fully-renovated en-suite sleeping quarters. The cabin is connected by a charming covered bridge to a guest house that features first floor sleeping, a full bathroom, and a second kitchen. The guest house’s second floor is set up as a bunk room with four sleeping cubbies.”

Take one step onto this property, and the essence of Plateau pioneer life will envelope your heart and soul. Gutted and lovingly restored, the cabin is reunited with its Old Highlands historic charm. Both cabin-home and guest house are fully remodeled, top to bottom. Everything is 100 percent, brand-new (2023). All is under warranty and installed with the highest quality standards. The re-build includes roof, custom finishes, electrical, plumbing, appliances, fireplace, three HVAC systems, a Weather Shield wood-clad aluminum insulated window package, prime insulation, security cameras, and more. The cost of upgrades, not including furnishings and custom fixtures, was over $1.2 million. The Puckett’s left no tile unturned.

Take a quick tour through interiors: venture onto the front porch, past beckoning rockers. Note the custom brass double gas entry light fixtures. Enter and turn into the main kitchen featuring an imported Italian 6-burner gas range, custom range hood, and reclaimed barn wood made-to-order cabinet. Notice the built-in dishwasher, oversized farm sink, under-counter microwave, a specially-made Tramp Art style built-in refrigerator, and Supreme white, honed & sealed, 2 ½” thick quartz countertops. Custom-designed, handmade wrought iron hardware adorns the cabinet. Seeded glass provides a display area for fine china.

On your exit to the master bedroom, don’t miss the kitchen’s storage pantry. A master bath featuring an ample walk-in closet, has black granite double bowl sinks, custom pendant lights, and serpent mirrors. They complement the oversized soaking-tub and epic, extra-large shower with custom, handmade imported tile.

The living area has been outfitted with hand hewn beams and another custom Tramp Art-style, built-in picture frame TV, with Gucci Bee-inspired hardware. A unique hand-laid stone fireplace was refitted to provide a roaring, one-touch, gas fire feature. An inviting powder bath allows easy access for guests on the main floor.

We’ve not even gotten to details of the second floor, guest house, and the remainder of your feast-for-the-eyes. This magnificent layout begs for a personal showing. As you consider making your appointment, here are more appetizers for your tempting visual banquet:

• Antler chandeliers
• Outdoor firepit
• Lighting the walkway are outdoor sconces made of antique train lights
• Guesthouse door, once part of a battleship
• Tongue-and-groove ceilings
• Beautiful, textural wood everywhere
• Dramatic black limestone floors
• Strategically-placed laundry for both residences
• Original rustic, hand-hewn white oak
• Re-chinked logs

If of interest, there is an optional turnkey designer furniture package (as shown) which includes many designer pieces including Ralph Lauren, Kelly Wearstler, and more.

When inquiring further, ask about the provenance of the cabin. It once served as storage for Highland Hiker and an antique glass shop. The cabin’s been a dominant landmark on the Plateau. Let it now be yours.

For more information, contact Pat Allen at AllenTate/PatAllenRealtyGroup for a private showing. She may be reached
at (828) 200-9179 or  [email protected].