A stunning North Carolina sanctuary set against the serene Blue Ridge Mountains

Mountain home exterior with stone fire pit and boulder wall stairs

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Designed by The Architectural Studio in collaboration with Morgan-Keefe Builders, this one-of-a-kind mountain retreat offers a secluded sanctuary nestled in the gated golf community of Balsam Mountain Preserve in North Carolina. This home is perfect for entertaining, hobby pursuits, and enjoying nature. Set on a dynamic, multi-level homesite, the property features striking boulder wall stairs that lead to a private guest suite above the garage and a scenic fire pit.

Inside, rustic elegance shines with floor-to-ceiling windows, Port Orford Cedar beams, and tongue and groove walls and ceilings. A screened-in grilling porch with a fireplace provides cozy outdoor living, while a curved drive leads to four garage bays and a 900-sf workshop garage complete with an auto lift and a bathroom. Reclaimed barnwood accents on the gables add timeless character to this exceptional mountain residence.

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT The Architectural Studio
BUILDER Morgan-Keefe Builders
DESIGNER Lia Ford Design Co

Rustic mountain home with three-car garage and mountain views

Accolades: Secluded Sanctuary won a 2024 Gold Craftsmanship award in Parade of Homes and a 2024 Best Design Detail from WNC Stars.

Mountain retreat exterior with curved driveway and stone accents

Rustic mountain exterior with stone and reclaimed barnwood accents

Gable detail with reclaimed wood and stone foundation

What We Love About This Home

This secluded mountain sanctuary balances rustic warmth with refined craftsmanship, from the cedar beams to the reclaimed barnwood gables. We love how the boulder wall, stairs, and scenic fire pit make full use of the dynamic, multi-level homesite, while the screened grilling porch extends comfortable living outdoors. The four-bay garage and workshop with auto lift round out a home built for both entertaining and hobby pursuits.

Tell Us: Would you choose this secluded mountain setting for your dream home, or would you prefer to be closer to town? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of North Carolina: A craftsman style mountain house with serene forest views in North Carolina and North Carolina mountain home with peaceful views of the French Broad River.

Home exterior with screened porch and stone chimney

Screened grilling porch with timber frame gable and fireplace

Breezeway with timber posts and stone walls leading to garage

Covered front porch with timber columns and stone chimney

Front exterior with board and batten siding and timber accents

Covered entry walkway with timber beams and double front door

Entryway with glass front doors and sage green shiplap walls

Vaulted living room features stone fireplace and timber beams

Living room with vaulted shiplap ceiling and stone fireplace

Living room with timber beams and mountain views through windows

Living room open to kitchen with reclaimed wood coffee table

Open-concept living room and kitchen with timber beam accents

Living room seating area with TV above stone fireplace

Gas fireplace detail with reclaimed wood coffee table

Antique dresser console between living room and entry

Open-concept kitchen with marble island and timber accents

Kitchen island with marble countertop and dining area views

Kitchen island with seating and stainless steel appliances

Kitchen range with red knobs and stainless steel hood

Kitchen island with bar stools and double refrigerator wall

Open kitchen and dining area with timber beam accents

A dining room with sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views

Dining room with farmhouse table and timber post details

Dining area with iron chandelier and view into kitchen

Dining room with iron chandelier and antique display cabinet

Dining table with floor-to-ceiling windows and mountain views

Dining room with iron chandelier and forest views

Pantry and wet bar add function with sliding ladder storage

Pantry with sliding ladder and built-in shelving

Wet bar with blue subway tile and mountain view window

Pantry hallway with sliding ladder and built-in refrigerator

Wet bar with glass cabinets and built-in wine fridge

Screened outdoor kitchen and fireplace extend living outdoors

Screened outdoor kitchen with stone counters and dining table

Outdoor living area with stone fireplace and mounted TV

Outdoor kitchen with stone fireplace and forest view

Outdoor fireplace with stone surround and mounted TV

Outdoor kitchen with stainless grill and cedar hood

Owner’s suite showcases a canopy bed and forest views

Primary bedroom with canopy bed and mountain view windows

Primary bedroom with iron canopy bed and patterned rug

Owner’s bathroom features freestanding tub and walk-in shower

Freestanding tub with floral pendant light and forest view

Primary bathroom with freestanding tub and floral pendant light

Bathroom vanity with view into bedroom with canopy bed

Freestanding tub with view into glass walk-in shower

Entryway with paneled walls and antique console table

Powder room vanity with marble countertop and wall-mounted faucet

Marble vanity sink detail with polished nickel fixtures

Mudroom and staircase connect the home’s living spaces

Mudroom with green paneled walls and staircase view

Staircase detail with wood treads and white risers

Hallway with sunflower painting and view to stairwell

Family room and guest bedrooms offer flexible living space

Sitting area with red leather chair and ottoman

Bonus room with leather sofa and red leather chair

Hallway with white armoire and view into yellow bedroom

Guest bedroom with cream four-poster bed and yellow walls

Guest bedroom with black four-poster bed and forest view

Bedroom nightstand detail with black four-poster bed

Bathroom with gray vanity and walk-in glass shower

Bathroom with gray vanity and patterned shower curtain

Bathroom vanity with gray cabinetry and marble countertop

Mountain exterior highlights stone screened porch and forest views

Mountain home exterior with stone screened porch and forest views

Stone retaining wall steps leading up wooded hillside

Private guest suite includes kitchenette and ensuite bath

Guest suite stone exterior with timber porch and gabled roof

Guest suite bedroom open to kitchenette with green ceiling

Guest suite kitchenette with farmhouse table and black chairs

Guest suite dining nook with farmhouse table and forest view

Guest suite bedroom with arched iron bed and board and batten walls

Bathroom vanity with sage cabinets and walk-in shower view

Bathroom vanity with sage cabinetry and marble countertop

Walk-in shower with blue subway tile and herringbone floor

Stone fire pit patio takes in panoramic mountain views

Stone fire pit patio with mountain views and adirondack chairs

Backyard fire pit patio with stone retaining wall and home exterior

Side exterior with stone chimney and screened porch

Side exterior with stone foundation and large picture windows

Aerial view of mountain home with curved driveway and forest backdrop

PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Theede Photography