Panoramic Mountain Views

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2016/07 - July | Photograph By: Bernie Coulson

Some homes evoke precious memories of Highlands as it was in the beginning, a community of enterprising families who made it their year-round home, and more than a few families who made the seasonal trek during the summer seasons to escape the heat of the deeper south and enjoy the panoramic mountain views.  

Many who visited also decided it was the perfect place to retire. 

Such was the case for Stacey C. Russell and his wife, Helen, natives of South Carolina, who loved the cool climate of Highlands, just a few miles from where they grew up.  After Russell retired as Inspector General of the Post Office on the Isthmus of Panama, he and Helen quickly made plans to build their retirement home here.

They purchased acreage running down the ridge of Brushy Face Mountain, a tract of land minutes from the center of Highlands with incredible, layered southern views toward their birthplace.  Construction of “Homewoods” began in 1941 when a few men with a team of oxen moved in to prepare the home site and lay the native stone for the walls of the elaborate terraced gardens.  The Russells planted their Victory Garden here during the war years, when they, like so many other citizens, grew their own fruits and vegetables and raised farm animals during the time when supplies were short.

Today, the stately “Homewoods” still stands in its original grandeur, having been lovingly maintained and functionally updated, keeping its watch over the valleys below.  Few homes in this area boast such a breathtaking southern view.  The stone walls of the terraced garden have grown more beautiful with the patina of age, and today feature manicured lawns bordered with native flora and fauna.  The expansive stone patio beckons one to sit and take in the view and the gardens, and quietly enjoy the peace and quiet, interrupted only by the sound of the singing birds. This is the perfect place to greet each day with your morning cup of coffee. 

The three-bedroom, three- bath home features gleaming hardwood floors and beautiful wooden doors with original hardware.  The large open living/dining area at the front of the home features an elaborate fireplace and numerous windows to take in the expansive view.  The eat-in kitchen with original swinging doors is also on this level, as are two bedrooms and two baths.

Upstairs is a large master suite with bath.  The two sliding picture windows frame the extraordinary views and let the mountain breezes blow through.  

There is also an adjacent sleeping nook here with its own kid-sized window, perfect for visiting grandchildren. 

Oh, the stories they will have to tell of time spent here.

This historic home is listed by Melanie Nix of Landmark Realty.  Contact Melanie at (828) 526-4663 for more information.