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Condo Cozy in Highlands, NC
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/10 – October
Some wise decisions and a precise vision allowed Price Connor and Joe Naryka to craft their perfect Plateau getaway.
L to R: Joe Naryka, Bryan Martindale holding Marshall, Virginia Martindale, and Price Connor
Like many Plateau dwellers, Price Connor and her husband, Joe Naryka, regularly travel the 130-mile trek from their home in Atlanta to their home in Highlands.
Yet, instead of opting for a dwelling that required significant interior and exterior upkeep, they decided to keep it simple –
and convenient.
Although the couple had visited the area for many years prior, they decided to purchase a Highlands Manor two-bedroom, two-bath condo in 1999.
“We wanted to be right in town and walk everywhere, to restaurants, plays, shops, and just enjoy being here,” said Connor.
At the time, their only daughter, Virginia, was 13. The family “loved” the condo and the location on Fifth Street; even though right in town, the condo faces trees on one side and Mill Creek from the deck space. However, they began to realize they needed more space for guests.
“In 2011, we were able to purchase the condo next door, so we opened the two through the main living room and expanded the space from 1,465 square feet to 2,930 square feet,” explained Connor. “The two condos are mirror images of each other so the living room space is now large and has a fireplace on each side. And we are using one kitchen as the bar space and the other as the main kitchen.
“Out of both sides of the living room is a door to decks. We covered them and can accommodate 16 people for a dinner party out there.”
Connor said it took about four months to combine the two condos. Rustic shiplap was added to the ceilings throughout to provide a consistent lodge-y look, and the vaulted ceilings in both spaces convey an openness that belies the condo mentality.
“So many people have told us how unique it is,” she said, adding that the extra space enables her to display some of her collections: face jugs, majolica pottery, old cow bells, antique dishes.
The couple named their Highlands’ getaway “The Lodge,” and their daughter, now 35, with a husband and new baby, has an entire guest suite to enjoy during her visits from her home in Pennsylvania.
