Feast for the Eyes

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2018/08 - August

Nestled atop a knoll in the Mirror Lake area of Highlands is Laurel Nest, a cottage-style home that offers a feast for the eye.

As you near the front door, you immediately realize that you’re approaching a home that is unique and beguiling. Like a child entering a fairy-tale cottage, your eye darts from treasure to treasure.  

Light cascades through the gallery windows to fill the foyer in brilliance.  A birch-branch balustrade adds rustic charm to this cottage that defies description of less than thesis-length narrative. Architectural elements abound, adding vintage character and charm to a house that has been constructed in the last few years.  Arched doorways and pocket doors are reminiscent of homes from the early 1900’s.  Like a novel whose story envelopes you into the life of the hero one chapter at a time, each room of this home has a story to tell.  It’s easy to see that the owner is a collector, since everywhere you look are charming treasures amassed through the years. 

A Guest Bedroom near the front door is the perfect retreat for older members of the family.  Large pocket doors, when open, ensure that you’re a part of the action, but can easily be drawn to when you’re looking for quiet and solitude. Snuggle in front of the fireplace with a favorite book, or enjoy a soothing bath as you relax after a busy day.

Join the action in the living room in front of the stone fireplace when you have re-energized.  A variety of comfortable seating beckons you to kick back for a spell.  No need for a clock, tantalizing aromas will alert you when meal-time approaches.  Kibitz across the counter as the chef du jour creates his masterpiece.  The glass-enclosed porch has been transformed into the Dining Room.  Awaken slowly as the morning mist lifts off Mirror Lake or end the day as the gentle hues of the blazing sun settle in the distance.  Whether enjoying a casual bite or a seven-course extravaganza, you are building memories with family and friends.

Throughout the seasons the wrap-around porches offer the perfect spot to commune with nature.  Gather with friends or enjoy the quiet solitude that we sometimes crave.  

Transcend the stairs to the upper level.  You’ll continue to be in awe of the thoughtful detail at every turn.  Suspended from the guest room ceiling is a bicycle, reminding you of Toto in “The Wizard of Oz.”  The younger clan are immediately drawn to the ladder that leads to the loft – a perfect “tree-house” style hide-away tucked neatly in the corner.

The Owner’s Suite with its vaulted ceiling and two-sided fireplace is a sight to behold.  Review that pending contract or send an e-mail or two before crawling into bed beneath the vintage pulley-driven woolen mill ceiling fan.  Not quite ready to end the day?  Enjoy a warm shower or a soak in the sunken tub in the Master Bath.

Few of us could accomplish what has been done here. An extremely talented designer from the Atlanta area, owner Bill Cook (vermiliondesignsinteriors.com), along with architect Michael Faust, have created a masterpiece of design. If you attended the Cashiers Showhouse, you saw some of his handiwork.  If not, revel in the beauty of pictures shown here.