This mountain modern farm home is a quiet retreat designed by Samsel Architects, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest Virginia. The dwelling is nestled atop a small hill that overlooks the property with views of the barn, a duck pond, and pastures beyond. Every aspect of this home was tailored to capture the personalities and pursuits of the owners.
Transitioning away from busy city life and into a new phase, the farm is a place where the owners can pursue their passion of raising Rocky Mountain horses. At the heart of this farm are the horses and the site captures the beauty of the barn and horse pastures. The inspiration was to create a home that used timber framing, stone, and natural wood tones to blend into its surroundings.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Samsel Architects BUILDER Omnibuild INTERIOR DESIGNER Alchemy Design Studio LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Drake Fowler
At the main entrance is a transparent vestibule that offers a clear view through the foyer and to the pasture beyond. To the right of the main entry is a unique custom metal screen that plays with light and shadows. At night, the screen is backlit to show off the detailed leaf vein pattern. This venation pattern was designed to reflect the connection the owners have to the land, their horses, and to each other.
Beyond the screen is an all-season porch with retractable glass walls. The owners refer to this room as the “Sunday Room” where they can sip coffee and catch up with the morning paper. The walls can be opened on either side to allow cool breezes in the summer, or shut in the winter months to enjoy a lit fire.
Across the main entry is a large great room that is dubbed “The Pavilion.” The Pavilion is the heart of this home, with tall ceilings and expansive views towards the barn and the woods beyond.
The kitchen island has a custom hammered copper sink and separates a bank of cabinets from the sitting area. The dining table niche is tucked away under a dropped paneled ceiling to offer a more intimate experience for formal dining.
The pantry is hidden behind the kitchen and offers a place to keep countertop appliances and clutter hidden from view. This room offers more workspace, added storage, and features a bar with custom beer taps.
At the heart of this dwelling is a large staircase that invites visitors up to two guest suites. The stair railing itself is detailed to invoke the stirrups of a riding saddle and the leather of a bridle.
The landing offers a gallery wall to display unique art and at the top of the stairs sits a spacious office with paneled doors which can be closed for privacy.
On the other side of the main entry is a spacious garage that has room for both cars and farm vehicles to park. From the garage, muddy boots and paws can be left multipurpose laundry, mud, and dog room before entering the main living areas. This room also has a direct path into the owner’s suite via a walk-through closet, giving even more function to the arrangement of rooms.
Inside the owner’s suite is a serene refuge from the main living spaces and guest rooms on the second floor. A reading nook at a large window overlooks the pastures and is a perfect place to curl up next to the fireplace. Custom lighting and a tree bark wall behind the bed give a distinct contrast to the smooth oak-paneled walls of the room.
What We Love: This mountain modern farm home provides a wonderful respite in the breathtaking Virginia countryside. Equestrian influences can be witnessed throughout the interiors, creating a casual vibe with an air of sophistication. We are especially loving the screened porch with its peaceful views, a cozy spot to relax, unwind and connect with nature… and the horses! We also love the backyard fire pit, the perfect spot to gather with family and friends under the stars.
Tell Us: What do you find most appealing in the design of this home and why in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other spectacular home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Virginia: Modernized historic farmhouse in Virginia: Snowy Owl Farm and Gorgeous Virginia lake house gets reimagined with industrial-modern vibe.
While the interior spaces of the home are cozy and inviting, the exterior spaces beg to be enjoyed. Multiple patios and terraces spill from the home giving the owners and guests plenty of opportunities to soak in the views. The outdoor kitchen and dining patio sit just beyond the entryway with easy access to the kitchen and pantry.
A lower patio with a fire pit is the best spot for sunsets and s’mores. The landscaped dog runs on either side of the home give the owners’ two canine companions options for exploring the outdoors as well.
PHOTOGRAPHER Keith Isaacs
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