While 2020 has been uniquely challenging and unlike any other, there has also been an unexpected silver lining: it comes in the form of a charming mountain cottage in Linville, North Carolina, and it has captured my heart and attention. This quaint home’s property oozes character and boasts spectacular outdoor living spaces that I find enchanting.
I first visited Linville in 2014; my husband had long spoken about this very special place and surprised me with a weekend getaway. We stayed at The Eseeola Lodge, which did not disappoint with its gorgeous flower gardens, chestnut bark siding clad buildings, cozy interiors, and elegant dining experience. All these characteristics immediately appealed to my senses of wonder and beauty. Never in a million years would I have imagined one day becoming a part of this storied and cherished community!
In mid-March my husband was informed that a Linville home he had previously inquired about was back on the market. To be honest, I approached our first visit with a mindset of skepticism and trepidation. However, I was immediately struck by the beautiful setting, vast potential, multiple outdoor living spaces – and the look of excitement on my husband’s face. It turned out to be love at first sight for both of us, and there was no turning back.
Those who know me know I adore a renovation project. After all, where’s the fun in purchasing a home that is already perfect? I much prefer to find a diamond in the rough and add my own touches. The main challenges in this particular renovation project are that my husband has put me on a strict budget (so I must kick the creativity into high gear!) and managing the project long distance from Nashville.
Additionally, the bedrooms are quite small with low ceilings, and there is literally a narrow “hall of louvered doors” that could make one dizzy just looking at it! Some parts of the ceiling resemble swiss cheese (more can lights than you can imagine) and there is a sea of green shag carpeting that is begging to be removed. All in all, my idea of fun!
Renovations are scheduled to begin this month, and I can hardly wait! I look forward to sharing with you the ideas my staff and I have come up with to give this cozy cottage a much bigger presence and updated feel. With a focus on spaciousness and functionality, we hope to document the renovation process and give you a first row seat to the good, the bad, and the ugly, inherent in all renovation projects. So please join me as we learn about “Linville Living” together.
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