High Country Home Magazine

The heart of your

home

Your kitchen reflects your style and personality.

You need professional advice and assistance to

help you create the “Heart of Your Home”.

Call 828.963.9633 today to schedule a

visit or to receive a FREE Kitchen Design Guide.

Let’s get started. Call today!

7883 NC Hwy 105 South, Suite ABoone, NC 28607


828.963.9633

www.boonekitchensandbaths.com


The heart of your

home

Your kitchen reflects your style and personality.

You need professional advice and assistance to

help you create the “Heart of Your Home”.

Call 828.963.9633 today to schedule a

visit or to receive a FREE Kitchen Design Guide.




828.963.9633

www.boonekitchensandbaths.com


Actual view of Grandfather Mountain from Echota on the Ridge.

Like our legendary views, the reasons Echota has become the High Country’s most successful community are clearer than ever. Lock-and-leave luxury. And a central location between Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. See for yourself why Echota was the only choice over 450 families could make.

Visit one of our sales offices: 1107 Main St, Suite C, Blowing Rock, NC or 133 Echota Pkwy, Boone, NC • Condos from the High $200’s

800.333.7601

EchotaNC.com

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Editor’s Note2010 is here and everyone at the High Country Home magazine

is excited about it's arrival. For most people in this area and across both our state and nation, 2009 was a difficult year. Headlines daily reminded us of the shortcomings of our economy, from the large layoffs and bankruptcies for so many major national corporations to small businesses that simply faded away. Frankly, all businesses who survived 2009 should be proud of themselves.

We certainly are very proud. We knew the odds were stacked against us as our inaugural issue hit stands in October of 2008. We heard the media’s warnings on both the status of the economy and the status of the failing print media industry loud and clear, but we weren’t going to let that stop us. Instead we explored the reasons why major newspapers and magazines were failing. Our findings made sense and really impacted the way we conducted our business. The newspaper industry’s struggles were due to the inability to deliver news quickly when compared to the internet. The national magazines that were failing were failing because of several things including high price points for advertisements, high paper costs, loss of subscriptions, crowded niches, and over-staffing. We then discovered a silver lining. 2009 was one of the biggest years in history for regional magazine start-ups. In contrast to the public opinion, on the regional level, print media was alive! It was alive because it provided local, well written, well timed, affordable niche content. So, we ran with this, and haven’t looked back.

Since these discoveries, we have produced our first full year of magazines. All four of our issues have remained strictly within the guidelines of other successful models. We focused on delivering beautiful images and informative articles targeted at the luxury home industry, our niche. We maintained a 70% to 30% content

to ad ratio for the benefit of our readers. We maintained a healthy and constant page count well above 100 pages. All this isn’t to toot our own horn, because this was team effort. A team comprised of our incredible, hardworking and sometimes short-handed staff, our amazing and knowledgeable contributors, our highly skilled photographers, and most importantly our paying advertisers and loyal readers. We give a sincere thanks for helping us get through 2009, a rough year for everyone and our first full year with the magazine.

In gracious return, we plan on continuing to deliver quality content in our magazines throughout 2010. We promise to constantly reevaluate our goals in the hopes of producing a better final product for our readers while saving our advertisers money. We also plan on expanding to other mediums and have already taken steps to improve our online identity with our new website www.highcountryhomemagazine.com. This endeavor will be ongoing and we will continue to make improvements in functionality and delivery of information. Simply put, our goal in 2010 is to step it up even more by giving our readers multiple channels to find both informative and eloquent articles and simultaneously give our advertisers, the ones that pay for this wonderful adventure, several avenues of exposure. Now with everything transparently laid out on the table, we look forward to a wonderful 2010 and wish you the very best.

If you would like to be a part of this adventure, drop us a line at [email protected] or give us a call at 828.264.2670.

Until next time.

Jon-Paul R. Grice, Editor of High Country Home magazine

Chris Rabon, Publisher

Jon-Paul Grice, Editor

Lindsey Lanning, Account Rep.

Jonathan Triplett, Account Rep.

Katie Henderson, Writer

Stefan Olson, Photographer

Contact Us

Market ConnectionPublishers of the High Country Home 1082 E. King StSuite 6Boone, NC 28607www.highcountryhomemagazine.comhighcountryhomemagazine@[email protected]

Staff

Please contact us if you would like to advertise in our print or online mediums, contribute articles, request info on home photography, submit letters to the editor, subscribe to our magazine, or just want to give us some feedback.

SubscribeYou can find our premier home magazine

and resource guide in racks and stacks across the High Country from West Jefferson and Boone to Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. They are so popular though, that sometimes it is hard to track one down.

If you're tired of looking for a High Country Home Magazine and simply want to guarantee that you get one we've got the solution for you. If you live off the mountain and want to receive one in the mail, we've made it easy.

All you have to do is subscribe!Right now we are offering the next

four issues of the High Country Home Magazine for the low price of just $19.99 a year! This offer will cover all your High Country Home Stories, photos, and resources for the entirety of 2010!

Look for the blow in subscription card in this issue or send your check or money order for $19.99 (for the next 4 quarterly issues) or $34.99 (for the next 8 quarterly issues, only $17.50/year) to 1082 E. King St, Suite 6, Boone, NC 28607. If you wish to subscrive via credit card please call 828-264-2670.

6 • www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com


49 9 Mistakes To Avoid When You Are Designing Your New Kitchen

56 Cosmetic Surgery

60 Out With The Old

62 Easier In 2010

66 Benefits Of A Central Vacuum

68 A Better Way To View Your World

70 Timber!!!

Departments

18 People We Admire Builders & Developers

24 Businesses We Applaud Builders & Developers

Introductions

Beyond The Box

Home Guide Out Of The House

The Marketplace

99 Where To Ski

104 Where To Stay

34 Winter Cuisine From Glidewells, Bistro Roca, and Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge

17

34

117

9968

124 Final Thoughts

126 Sponsor Index

Other

In The Garage

31 The Montclair

For The Table

109 Products You Need

117 The Brokerage - 500K+ Homes For Sale

122 Services

127 Corkboard

27 The Energy Audit

113

110


Design Profiles

Cover Story: Tailormade

80

74

RCD Construction and owner Randy Strombeck proudly introduce the Gatti House, a nearly 7,000 foot masterpiece nestled in the new luxury Reynolds Blue Ridge community.Cover Photo by Rachel StrombeckPhotos by Rachel Strombeck

86 92Headwaters Enterprises’ new home in the Councill Oaks gated comunity embodies efficient building techniques and green innovation while maintaining

beauty and luxury.

Baxter Norris Construction is responsible for this nearly 10,000

square feet masterpiece in one of the most upscale communities in the High

Country.

Doug McGuire Construction adds a modern twist to a spectacular Blowing Rock home, truly showcasing their full

repertoire of skills.

5 Star LuxuryOn The Ridge The Modern Mountain

www.homeresourcecarolina.com • High Country Home Magazine • 11

Colleen Luntzel is the co-owner of House Warming, a newly established design group emphasizing the importance of making dwelling places into home through architectural design, remodeling, and decorating. She resides in Boone with her husband of thirty two years and their youngest of five children.

Judi Beck is a facilitator, art consultant, and freelance writer living in the High Country. She’s been published in Pastel Artist International, Philanthropy International and the Inner Edge, as well as numerous regional publications. She and her husband, Kevin, were owners of the Upstairs Gallery in Blowing Rock. She is the author of “The Ecology of Conversation.”

Elizabeth Shukis of AS Construction, Inc., Diversified Building Solutions, Inc, and The White Glove is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her and her husband, Andrew, have lived in the High Country for nine years and have owned their businesses for over 15 years. She prides herself on both the personal and professional relationships she develops with her clients.

Breton Frazier, the DeClutter Diva, lives in St. Augustine, Florida where she works privately with individuals and corporate clients. Breton began tackling closets as a wardrobe consultant more than thirty years ago and evolved into a personal organizer. Write her with your questions on decluttering at: [email protected]

Katie Henderson has a BS in Psychology and is working on her MBA at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Katie is very interested in sustainability, anything to do with animals, outdoors, reading, and writing.

Contributors

Check out the new websiteDrum role please! It is with great pride that I announce our new website and domain name. HighCountryHomeMagazine.com is sure to be a one-stop place for all your home needs. We have updated and expanded our website and now it is jam-packed with even more! Here you will find a digital copy of the entire magazine, exclusive articles, recipes and more. You’ll also see blogs, written by professionals in the home in-dustry. Our goal was to provide a true resource that meets every need of the homeowner. We’ve included advice and insight to help with all your remodeling projects- Plus hot products that are a must have, and photo galleries sure to inspire. A list of competent service providers is also available when its time for remodeling. If you’re looking to buy a new home, you’ll find that too. The Brokerage section contains high-end homes currently for sale here in the High Country. So browse the website and see all that’s new. I’m sure you’ll find yourself returning time and time again. Enjoy.

16 • High Country Home Magazine • www.homeresourcecarolina.com

www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com • 17

TheIntroductionsGet to know the businesses we applaud and people we admire in the High Country

People We Admire • Builders and Developers • 18 / Businesses We Applaud • In Construction • 22

builders

developers&


Capehart & Washburn, LLC was formed in the fall of 2007 when Matthew Capehart Long, owner of Capehart Construction & Renovation, LLC and Phil Washburn, owner of Washburn Custom Builders, Inc. joined forces to start a new company that would capitalize on each of their talents.

Partner Matthew C. Long was born and raised in Boone, NC and graduated from Watauga High School. Matthew received a BS degree in Construction Technology from Appalachian State University in 2000. Matthew worked as Project Manager for a commercial builder in Charlotte, NC for six years following his graduation. Matthew started Capehart Construction & Renovation, LLC in 2004 and completed residential building projects in both Charlotte and Boone. Matthew and his wife, Sarah, thoroughly enjoy working and living in Boone again.

Partner Philip Washburn was raised in Cove Creek, NC and graduated from Watauga High School. Phil began working in the construction industry for a large local general contractor and gained years of field experience prior to working with a top local residential builder. Phil worked as Project Superintendent with Olszewski Construction Company for 12 years. In 2005, Phil started Washburn Custom Builders, Inc. and has completed many residential projects in the area. Phil, his wife, Dusty, and their two children, Selah and Lex live in the Sugar Grove community.

For more info call 828-963-9216 or visit their website at www.capehartandwashburn.com

With a deep love of the mountains and a desire to share them with others, John Haynes has embarked on the fulfillment of a long held

dream, and now shares this vision with you through The Headwaters at Banner Elk.

John Haynes’ background includes five years appraising commercial real estate and even more years of experience as a corporate land development officer for Oakwood Land Development and Pulte Home Corporation; where he developed over 600 single family home sites in North Carolina.John has been married to his college sweetheart, Josephine since 1987 and has been blessed with two healthy and fine twin boys, Scott and Michael.

After extensive analysis and a land search throughout western North Carolina, John found the land that has become The Headwaters at Banner Elk. His desire was to create a beautiful community, but one that will be full of life and cater to families and active retirees alike. To do this, he has created a number of outdoor spaces to complement their incredible clubhouse. Their mountaintop clubhouse features a fitness center, game room and 14 seat theater. Their outdoor spaces include two lakes, miles of trails, and six beautiful community parks.

It is John’s hope that you will visit the outstanding community and come to the conclusion that so many others have . . . that The Headwaters at Banner Elk is where you can refresh your spirit, perhaps discover your heritage, or start your own family traditions.

For more info call 866-200-3290 or visit www.headwatersnc.com

Matt Long & Phil WashburnCapehart And Washburn

John HaynesHeadwaters at Banner Elk

Introductions :: People We Admire


Headwaters Enterprises Inc. was started by Holly & Chase Ambler after building their first home in 1992. Headwaters Enterprises builds a mix of custom homes and spec homes. They hold an Unlimited Building License with the North Carolina Licensing

Board for General Contractors, which allows them to do both residential and commercial building projects.

Since 1994 Headwaters Enterprises has built 20 homes, all located here in the High Country. Building a few homes at a time allows them to focus on all the little details of your home, while also taking into account the considerations of you, the homeowner, in every phase of the project. Their employees typically do all of the carpentry work on a project from framing all the way through to the finish work and all of Headwaters Enterprises subcontractors, as well as their suppliers, are local to the High Country.

Chase was born in Asheville, NC, Holly in Chattanooga, TN. They came to Boone to attend Appalachian State University and have remained here ever since. They live in the Valle Crucis community with their two children, Will and Kate. Chase works on the job site daily, and Holly teaches at Appalachian State University. All four of the Amblers are active skiers, spending much of their free time in the winter supporting Will and his ski racing aspirations with the High Country Junior Race Series. The Amblers are active members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Outside of work and family Holly & Chase fill their time with volunteering at the Valle Crucis Elementary School, High Country Conservancy, and Habitat for Humanity

For more info call 828-964-1097 or visit www.headwaters.us.

Randy Strombeck is the president of RCD Construction, Inc. He is also the owner of Stout Log Homes, his custom log and timber frame construction division. He is a North Carolina based builder with 25 years of experience in the construction industry.

In 1981, Randy Strombeck was a young man fresh out of his first year in college, when he decided to start his own construction company, buy his first home, and marry the girl of his dreams. He operated his business as a sole proprietor for 16 years in his home state of Florida. RCD Construction, Inc. was formed in 1997, when Randy decided to begin larger and more complex projects. In December of 2000, RCD moved its base of operations to Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

RCD has an unlimited general contracting license in the state of North Carolina. They have extensive experience with the design and building of residential homes and renovations. RCD Construction’s projects also include commercial construction throughout the Southeast United States. RCD has built sustainable relationships which has earned repeat business and attracted new and diverse clients. RCD Construction services include management, planning, development, consulting, preconstruction, and turn-key design/build. For more info call 336-838-6701 or visit www.rcdconstruction.com.

Holly and Chase Ambler

Randy StrombeckRCD Construction

Headwaters Enterprises

Introductions :: People We Admire



From the beautiful High Country of Boone and Blowing Rock to Hickory, North Carolina, Ed Spivey and Spivey Construction have been building quality custom homes since the mid-1980s.

Ed Spivey is much more concerned with how he builds each individual home, rather than with how many he builds in any given year. Spivey Construction is a true custom builder that limits the number of projects it has under construction each year in order to maintain the level of quality that their clients have come to expect.

Ed and his crew take great pride in the quality of their work and the relationship with their clients. At Spivey Construction, client relationships are built by listening, understanding, and defining the client’s wishes, offering solid, real-world advice, and building superior homes with quality materials. As a result, you’ll find some of Western North Carolina’s most satisfied homeowners living in homes built by Spivey Construction.

So satisfied, in fact, that the majority of Ed Spivey’s business comes from referrals from previous and current clients. So whether you are interested in a mountain-style log home, an arts and crafts bungalow, or a classic brick design, call or email Spivey Construction.

For more info call (828) 757-3861 or visit their website at www.edspivey.com

Logs America, LLC has been providing top quality custom log home packages to the mountains of Western North Carolina and beyond since 1994. Founded on the promise of “Doing what we say we will”, their business continues to grow supported by a talented staff and a team of reliable builders.

Logs America, LLC has the unique opportunity to offer a variety of services. They work directly with the log home lover from conceptual design to the construction of the finished product and anywhere in between. They offer a hands on approach to Do-It-Yourselfers or will liaison with a general contractor of your choice.

Logs America welcomes you to view their personal home or can arrange to show you finished and under construction homes of their gracious clients. They have a variety of homes and styles to show whether it be a particular design or log style.They are locally owned and operated from the milling of the logs and timbers to your finished home. There is no need to look further for the experience, quality and integrity available here in your community.

Stop by or call their sales office to speak to one of their team members to discuss your log home plans or to see one of their finished homes. Don’t forget to ask about viewing a current construction project.

For more info call 828-963-7755 or visit their website at www.logsamerica.com.

Logs America

Ed Spivey ConstructionIntroductions :: Businesses We Applaud


Established in 1987, Douglas L. McGuire Construction Co., Inc. is one of the premier general contractors in Watauga County. Doug McGuire Construction Company embraces personal attention, open communication, extensive construction knowledge, and a "hands-on" approach to create a positive and successful building project for each of his clients. These

key elements are constant reminders of the excellent workmanship and pride that is reflected in their homes throughout Boone, Blowing Rock, and Valle Crucis, North Carolina.

Raised by his contractor father, Doug McGuire has been around the residential construction business all of his life. Much of the company's continued success stems from their highly skilled employees, loyal subcontractors and vendors. They incorporate professionalism and construct diligently throughout the various stages of the building process.

Building a custom home or timber frame home is one of the largest and most expensive investments an individual undertakes in a lifetime. At Douglas L. McGuire Construction Co., Inc., they strive to eliminate the stress and anxiety associated with the building process, and to create a unique and masterfully crafted house that any client would be proud to call "home".

For more info call 828-963-6680 or visit www.mcguireconstruction.com.

In the year 2000 Tom Eggers and Dale Kidder, combined their 25 years of construction experience to found E and K Construction Company. Exposed to a diversity of construction styles and techniques, they've proven to be a successful team whether building in the commercial or residential sectors. Working with local developers in leading

new communities such as Bear Creek, Headwaters, and The Village at Grandfather and The Glens of Grandfather, E and K have participated in a number of magnificent developments from the ground up. Whether you're building townhouses, timber frame, Adirondack, log or other traditional homes, E and K creates elegant rustic homes in harmony with the mountains of the Blue Ridge.

E and K understands scale, size, shape, utility, and amenities and most of all - budget parameters. They’ll explore affordable and efficient approaches to elegant and balanced designs. E and K’s experience in land planning is at the core of their design approach. Their homes are designed, located, and built to complement the surroundings. External appearance is important, but feel and comfort- the soul of the home - are carefully considered.

Few undertakings in life will prove as complex as the building of your own home. E and K Construction has developed longstanding relationships with the skilled craftsmen and artisans of our mountain community. E and K and its partners share the same goal - that you move into the home of your dreams on time and on budget.

For more info call (828) 963-7299 or visit www.eandkconstruction.com.

E And K Construction

Doug McGuire ConstructionIntroductions :: Businesses We Applaud



BeyondTheBoxDiscussions on innovation and legislation, including dialogue on sustainable technologies for the home.

Fluke TIR 32Thermal Imaging

Camera

Minneapolis Blower Door

BacharachCombustion

Analyzer

Energy AuditThe

performed by Green Horizons Innovatorsfeaturing the newest and best technlogies


The transition to sustainable practices is critical for successful businesses in today’s society, but it is also the solution for many individuals who are seeking to reduce variable costs in their lives. From excessive energy bills to stuffy and poorly ventilated rooms, home and business owners are facing many problems that can be answered

through energy efficient means.

Butch Zadlo first started auditing homes for his family members, and after seeing the exponential savings he was able to provide, he expanded into Green Horizons Innovators with the mission of “leading homes and businesses to be energy efficient.”

With a background of 20 years in the construction industry, Butch was easily able to make the transition into the field of sustainability and energy efficiency, through thermal imaging, whole-house assessments, combustion analysis, and other state of the art procedures.

GHI provides building analysis and thermal imaging to show not only areas where energy may be escaping from your building, but also places where your current energy usage may be reduced. The benefits of an energy audit are vast, but Butch notes that the most advantageous results include a higher level of comfort, a stronger feeling of security, and of course a more efficient home, bringing notable energy savings. After the GHI energy audit process, owners can expect an average of 20-40% in energy savings.

GHI uses the newest and most advanced technologies for the energy audits and other services they perform. For thermal imaging they use the Fluke TIR 32 thermal imaging camera. Fluke thermal imagers (sometimes referred to as infrared imagers, thermal cameras or infrared cameras) capture fully radiometric infrared images using patent-pending IR-Fusion® technology. Thermal imaging is often referred to as the first defense in a predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance program or a building restoration or remediation project. GHI also uses advanced blower doors by Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Blower Door has long been recognized as the best designed and supported building airtightness testing system in the world. Combined with specialized accessories and testing procedures developed by The Energy Conservatory, the Minneapolis Blower Door is the system of choice for utility DSM programs, energy raters, HVAC contractors and weatherization professionals. Along with the thermal imaging camera and blower door, GHI uses the Bacharach combustion analyzer for sampling of light industrial, institutional, commercial and residential furnaces, boilers and appliances. These are the perfect tools to ensure safe operating conditions, determine combustion efficiency, or perform emissions testing in combustion applications. GHI not only has the knowledge to help you save money and become

more efficient, they also have the best tools and technologies.

In addition to significant monetary savings, owners can also expect an improvement in the overall health of inhabitants. Butch notes that while some allergens are caused from external factors, many allergies are due to living and breathing contaminants inside your home that leak in from the basement or crawl space. The energy audit process works to decrease and eliminate these pollutants from homes and businesses.

The process of an energy audit is very simple for the home or business owner. GHI begins with an audit that includes procedures such as utility bill analysis, blower door testing, attic and roof inspections, HVAC testing, and lighting upgrade inspection. After the analysis a detailed report is delivered, describing the trouble spots of the building, owner options, and approximate costs associated for efficient improvements on the property. In addition, GHI provides an estimate of the yield on the investment in order for the client to see how quickly they can expect a return.

GHI provides all weatherization services, from minor fixes to full insulation capabilities and appliance and window replacement. Utilizing the latest infrared technology, GHI can also determine how a room or floor is performing thermally, enabling owners to locate missing and compressed insulation, air intrusion, thermal bridging, water leaks, and more.

For “do-it-yourself” clients, GHI provides recommendations for all solutions, whether or not they perform the repairs. Butch notes that most repairs are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $150 to $2,000. After the repairs are made, a second audit is performed to ensure that the process was successful for the owner.

GHI’s services are not limited to older homes, but also to new homes as well. For new homes, GHI provides HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems) testing. Energy audits are available for all owners, of both homes and businesses, ranging anywhere from individual apartments and mobile homes to multi-million dollar buildings.

Butch recognizes that energy efficiency and sustainable practices are not a fad, but rather a growing trend that is taking over business practices. With benefits from health improvements to a decrease in energy costs, it is easy to see why this movement is a success across the construction industry. Many benefits are going to be coming down the pipe really soon for customers who chose green alternatives for home repairs, including rebates and tax credits.

Based in the High Country, GHI also serves Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina. For more information on GHI, and how to make your home or business more energy efficient, call Butch Zadlo at (828) 773- 2039.

Green Horizons Innovators can help your home or business become more energy efficient with an energy audit featuring the newest technologies in the industry.

WRITTEN BY KATIE HENDERSON




InTheGarageArticles on everything from organizing the garage to the cool cars and trucks that you park in the garage

Phil Critcher owner of Critchers Auto Parts is no stranger to classic cars. In fact he is the proud owner of more than one, and they are one of his many passions. We had the privilege

of visiting with Phil and seeing first hand what might have graced a few garages in 1959. Here is a 1959 Mercury Montclair. This is one of only 6 still registered in the USA according to Phil. This year model of the Montclair was said to have been revamped “from road to roof” and made a impression when it was released. This car is massive! And that is an understatement. It sports one of the largest engines, interiors and windshields. The wheelbase is a whopping 126”. The length is 217.8”, the width is 80.7” and the weight is 4240 lbs. There are few cars that compete with this vehicle’s sheer size. Ultimately, it was the size of this behemoth that lead to its rise and its fall.

The Montclair

What drives Phil’s car is a 430 V8 with a Holly 4-barrell. It has 70 thousand original miles. This engine produces a whopping 322 horsepower and 420 foot-lbs of torque. According to Phil, this 430 engine was Fords answer to the newly released Chevy 409 engine. When Phil was ask about its time from 0-60, he replied, “I don’t know, but I know it will outrun a F150 in a quarter mile, cause I’ve done it.”. The transmission named the “Multi-Drive Merc-o-matic” was one of the smoothest transmissions up to that point. Most automatics cannot be pushed to get them started in case of a low battery, etc. In such an instance, you can get this Mercury started by pushing it.

Topping Mercury owners’ best-liked list were three things: ease of handling, riding comfort and interior room. The ease of maneuverability was often praised. It was said that it handled like a much lighter vehicle yet with a safe and secure feeling. However, despite the praises, Ford produced very few of these. The production of the Montclair for 1959 was only 9,514. They retailed for $3,308. As far as we can tell it’s now worth somewhere between $14,000 and $16,000.The first complaints by owners were “as you might expect” fuel economy. Phil says with a grin, “ the good (or bad) thing about this vehicle is it gets about as good a gas mileage speeding down the road as it does sitting still”. According to Phil, many of these cars were crushed during the gas crunch of 1973. He

said, “Back then often they weren’t worth fixing. It was more economical to junk them and get a newer more efficient car.” The second complaint was the location of the rear view mirror.

Phil says the car is a fun car to drive, but despite this fact, it’s only driven about 3 or 4 times a year. He’s usually too busy helping others at “the stop”. Phil’s passion flows much deeper than just classic cars. If it moves or has wheels, Phil’s probably into it. His passion and enthusiasm is what has made Critcher’s Auto Parts so successful. Phil is quick to help with everything from questions to parts! If he doesn’t have it or know it; he’s try to find it. He even offers special services not found in most “chains”. He changes out batteries, bulbs, fuses, and more. If you have any questions or automotive needs, he’s the one to call. He also is quick to add, “Some folks just come by to visit”. It seems once you’ve been in a time or two, your treated like family. Phil, Karen and daughter Sarah; call most of their customers by name. That’s something definitely not found in big chains. Stop by and visit and ask them where “Old Blue” is.

Here are the specs on this behemoth:

Wheelbase 126”

Overall Length 217.8”

Overall Height 56.0”

Overall Width 80.7”

322 horsepower, 420 foot-pounds torque

ForTheTableRecipes from the heart of the home, the kitchen. Recipes for the gathering place of the house, the dining room table.

This is a very flavorful appetizer that plays the sweetness of the corn with the tartness of the chow chow. A chow chow is a southern vegetable pickled relish, and can be made from many different vegetables.This is a great winter dish because of the availability of good frozen sweet corn in the organic section of most supermarkets. As the season changes, vary the vegetables in the Chow Chow.

Corn Salad

2 cups Corn (fresh or frozen Shoepeg or Silver Queen)1 cup Grape Tomatoes (halved)2 cloves Garlic (crushed)1/2 cup Red Onion (Diced)1 Tbsp. Chopped Parsley1 Tbsp. Fresh Oregano Leaves3 Tbsp. Olive Oil2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar

In a large saute pan, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and saute the corn, garlic, onion and bell pepper till lightly browned. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly and add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate.

Winter Veg.Chow Chow

1/2 cup Sweet Onion (diced)1/4 cup Cauliflower Florets1/4 cup Garlic Cloves (quartered)1/4 cup Butternut Squash1/4 cup Celery1/4 cup Parsnip1/2 cup Water1 cup Rice Vinegar1/4 cup Sugar

1 Tbsp. Red Pepper flakes4 sprigs ThymeBring water, vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add red pepper flakes and thyme. Add Vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes. Refrigerate for 24 hours and serve cold.

Grilled Shrimp

12 large Shrimp (16 to 20 to the pound)12 bamboo skewers (soaked in water)

Skewer the shrimp, brush with olive oil and grill lightly. Serve the hot grilled shrimp with a scoop of the corn salad and Chow Chow.

Shrimp Brochettes with Winter Vegetable Chow

Chow and Corn SaladRecipe provided by Bistro Roca

Photos by Scott Pearson


Directions:(In a large Dutch oven add ingredients in order listed.)Heat pot on stove.Sear lamb shanks and let brown on all sidesAdd root vegetables and let brownAdd wine and scrape bottom of the pot with spoon or spatulaReduce liquid by halfAdd tomatoes and herbs Allow all ingredients to incorporate wellAdd stock and seasoningCover and cook in low temperature oven for at least six hours

Polenta

Ingredients2 oz olive oil3oz roasted garlic16 oz chicken stock16 oz whole milk1 cup Adluh corn meal (coarse ground)4 tablespoons Plugra butter3 oz gorgonzola cheeseSalt & pepper to taste

DirectionsIn a large sauce pan add milk, chicken stock, and olive oil and bring to a boil

Reduce heatIn increments; add corn meal while stir-ringBring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients

Garnish

Crumbled gorgonzola cheeseFried Vidalia onion- soak thick cut onion ring in buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour and fry @350 degrees until golden brown

Lamb Shank

Ingredients:4 lamb shanks (fore shank)

1 rutabaga (diced)2 yellow onions (diced)

2 carrots (peeled & diced)1 potato (diced)

1 sweet potato (diced)1 celeriac (diced)

8 cloves garlic (peeled)3 tomatoes (diced)

2 stems rosemary (de-stemmed)3 sprigs thyme (de-stemmed)

1 bay leaf10 oz red wine

1qt chicken stockSalt & pepper to taste

Braised Colorado Lamb Shank, Gorgonzola Polenta, Root Vegetables

Recipe provided by GlidewellsPhotos by Chris Rabon


Duck

Ingredients4 Duck breasts ( silver-skin removed)Salt & pepper

Directions:Season skin and flesh well.In a HOT saute pan add duck skin side down and away from burner or heating ele-ment. Let sear and reduce heat by 25 %As fat renders in pan ladle fat over flesh with a spoon, never turning the duck ( baste the duck in the fat from the skin)Continue basting process

until duck is medium rare. Remove from heat and allow to restSlice thinly with skin side down

Sweet Potato Hash

Ingredients2 sweet potatoes (peeled, small diced)1 red onion (diced)3 oz dried cranberries1tsp cinnamon1tsp nutmeg½ tsp cardamom2 tsp light brown sugar4 oz dark rum2 tbsp butter½ lemon juice (fresh squeeze)

2 sprigs thyme ( picked)

DirectionsIn a hot saute pan add in order:Sweet potatoesOnionsDry spicesThymeDried cranberriesRum (remove from heat, then re-introduce and burn off alchahol)Add butter and sugar until homogenous

Garnish

Saffron onion marmalade- 1-small diced white onion2 oz rice wine vinegar

pinch saffron1oz granulated sugarcombine and simmer until color infuses…cool

Orange segment maceration1 segmented orange6 oz Champagne vinegar1tsp powdered sugarPinch red pepper flakeDash vanilla extractConfetti chivesCook all together except orange segments. Pour hot solution over orange seg-ments, cover and let steep for 1 hour.

Crispy won-ton skin

Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Sweet Potato Hash, Red Onion Jam Merlot Reduction

Recipe provided by GlidewellsPhotos by Chris Rabon


The secret to this appetizer recipe is the black mission figs and the best quality naturally processed

Berkshire Pork bacon. For a party, these can be passed Hors d'œuvres

Basil Goat Cheese Cigars

6 large Basil Leaves1/4 cup Goat Cheesezest from 1/2 Lemonfresh cracked pepper

Use a fork to mix the goat cheese, lemon zest and pepper till creamy. Spread basil leaves on a flat surface. Place a dollop of goat cheese on the end of each leaf and

roll tightly to distribute the goat cheese. Refrigerate.

Bacon Wrapped Figs

12 Dried Figs. (Black Mission Figs are best)6 to 12 slices of Bacon depending on size of slices1/4 cup water (you may substitute a nice Pilsner or lager beer for the water)2 Tbsp. Honey1 cup Port Wine1 tsp. Rosemary (Fresh minced)

Heat water and honey to a full boil. Remove heat and add dried figs. Steep

for 10 minutes minimum. Remove the figs and reserve water/honey mixture.

Wrap figs in Bacon and skewer with toothpick. Set aside.

To make the sauce, add the port to the water/honey mixture, bring to a boil and reduce by 1/2. Remove from heat and add rosemary.

Baste figs with some of the sauce and bake at 500º for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve the figs hot from the oven with the cool basil cigars and drizzle sauce on all.

Bacon Wrapped Figs with Basil/Goat

Cheese Cigars

Recipe provided by Restaurant GPhotos by Scott Pearson


Restaurant GGideon Ridge Inn

202 Gideon Ridge RoadBlowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 295-3644www.gideonridge.com

Bistro Roca143 Wonderland Trail

Blowing Rock, NC 28605(828) 295-4008

www.bistroroca.com

Glidewells1182 Main Street

Blowing Rock, NC 28605-8280(828) 295-9683

www.glidewellsrestaurant.org

We would like to say thanks to our participating restaurants for sharing these amazing dishes with our readers. We hope you take the time to prepare these recipes in your kitchen and gather around the dining room table to enjoy them. If you would rather be wined and dined just visit any one of these amazing restaurants below.

Restaurant Information


Classic

We will help you create your own masterpiece...

1710 Linville Falls Hwy 828.737.0040 Linville, NC 28646 www.classicstoneworksinc.com

Granite Tile Plumbing Concrete

The Kitchen & Bath GalleryClassic Stone Works

Classic

classic stone works hc mag ad.indd 1 5/7/09 11:33 AM

FocusRemodeling

Nathan Aldous of Aldous Construction was born in Montana and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Building Construction Management with a minor in Architecture. Nathan along with his father Ken have over 50 years of combined construction experience which they bring to bare with Nathan's company Aldous Construction Services Incorporated. For more info on Aldous Construction call 828-406-6525 or visit aldousconstruction.net.


A seasonal spotlight for all the peripherals of the home. For winter we are focusing on renovations by hosting a Q & A.

on

High Country Home Magazine: Why should a person renovate their existing home rather than buy a new one?

Nathan Aldous, Aldous Construction: Because the Homeowner can get what they want, within reason of course. There will always be something about the next home that isn’t quite what you want but you are willing to live with. Why not make your current one work better for you? All too often people go buy a new home because their current one doesn’t fit their needs but fail to realize the potential possibilities of a renovation. You may realize that if you simply reorganize a few walls, move this here and that there you may get that home office or larger master bath.

High Country Home Magazine: If you were the Homeowner trying to find a renovator, what questions would you ask, and what general traits would you look for when selecting a professional?

Nathan: I think its important to get as many references as possible and then check those references. See if any of the projects the contractor previously did are not only up to par with what you are looking for as in quality and pricing but also in the same realm of construction. If all their references are exterior decks and you want a kitchen remodel, I would be more apt to look to the next contractor regardless of the first ones reputation. Then you need to go visit the references and talk to the people and try and get a feeling for the contractor to see if he/she fits your personality. Renovations are stressful enough as it is so you need to get along with the contractor as much as possible. Things will go so much smoother if you understand each other and can communicate easily. Lastly make sure the contractor is fully insured and ask for certificates. Avoid the “pickup truck petes”.

High Country Home Magazine: How much experience should a renovator have before you would consider using them for a project?

Nathan: Its hard to say because there are contractors who have been in business for decades and don’t do good quality work and some who are just starting out and do very fine work. Just because you’ve been doing something for 30 years doesn’t mean its being done right.

High Country Home Magazine: What is the most common problem you find when starting a renovation project?

Nathan: THAT OWNERS HAVENT DONE THEIR HOMEWORK! They don’t know what costs to expect or the processes involved. They get shell-shocked when they see a proposal or a change order. It takes a lot longer than they think (this isnt HGTV!) and costs more than they envisioned. Cut out pictures from magazines. Take the time and really think about all of the things that they want to have done. Go to the local lumber supply and design centers and write down everything they like and associated costs. Talk to the folks behind the counter and they will be happy help. If your budget is 3000 and you are already picking 2000 dollars worth of fixtures, tile, etc. then you need to rethink things. That’s when you talk to a renovator who can help you realize costs in better detail and maybe find better ways of doing something that gets you what you want in the budget you are looking at.

High Country Home Magazine: If you’re having problems with the renovator you've hired (ie. work not being performed to standard, going too slow......) what steps should be taken?

Nathan: First of all talk to the contractor. They may be going slower because the owner keeps making changes or ask questions etc. It may be because they are waiting on the special order shower door to be built or the tile to be shipped. If they are doing substandard work tell them and then show them an example of what you expect to see. Better yet, do this in the beginning and save both parties time and effort. The more you communicate the better things go. Its also important to have a contract that spells out the individual parts and pieces of the project.

It’s no secret that with a long hard winter and a struggling economy new home building has slowed to a crawl. With so many negative aspects to consider when constructing a new home most homeowners have decided to renovate their existing home rather than have a new one built. With these facts in mind High Country Home Magazine has assembled some of the best renovators in the High Country for a question and answer interview that should enlighten and inform our readers about the

renovation process. For our panel we chose three very reputable renovators from the High Country and queried them on various aspects of the renovation process. Our panel consists of Nathan Aldous of Aldous Construction, Jason Matthews of High Country Renovators, and Mickey Spell of Fine Home Builders.

High Country Home Magazine: What mistakes by Homeowners do you most frequently encounter during a renovation?

Jason Matthews, High Country Renovators: A lot of homeowners have their idea of what certain renovations will cost or should cost. However most of the time they overlook the little things such as dust control, flooring protection, weather protection, Job site set up and clean up, construction debris removal, Cost of permits, Builders General Liability and Workers Comp Insurance just to name a few. All of these items quickly add up and are all a part of the total cost of the renovation. Determine what you can spend on a renovation and then sit down with your contractor to determine what is realistic. Have a list of items you absolutely have to have and items that you could do without.

High Country Home Magazine: Should a homeowner ever think about moving to temporary housing during the renovation?

Jason: Depends on the type of renovation, location in the house, and length of renovation. For example, if it is a complete kitchen renovation with new floors, cabinets, counter tops, etc... then the homeowner may want to consider alternate housing or at least a temporary kitchen to use during the renovation. Talk to your contractor to help you figure out the best scenario for you and your family. For a less invasive renovation it is probably safe to stay in the home.

High Country Home Magazine: Should a Homeowner make cosmetic changes (ie. new paint, new wallpaper) before or after the renovation?

Jason: In most cases the painting and wall paper should be done in conjunction with the renovation. However items like towel holders, toilet paper holders, etc... should be completed after the renovation or at least toward the end so these items

won't get in the way or damaged during the project. Make sure before any work is started that the contractor knows you want to handle the painting / wallpaper and they can schedule it accordingly, so it doesnt impede the construction schedule.

High Country Home Magazine: Should a homeowner renovate if they are considering selling the house?

Jason: If there are definite items that may show up on the home inspection list then it may be a good time to go ahead and take care of some of these items. However if your just doing a renovation for your wants, you may want to consider a renovation that will help sell the house as well as be good for the people that are looking to buy. Kitchens & baths are where the homeowner will get the most bang for the buck. Also consult with your realtor to get their feed back and keep them in the loop on what your trying to accomplish.

High Country Home Magazine: What steps should a Homeowner take to get ready for a renovation?

Jason: First and foremost make sure the contractor is Licensed and Insured. Request to have copies of their License and Workers Comp and General Liability Insurance certificates faxed or mailed to you. Check their references and some of their work to see if it is up to your standards. Once you've settled on a contractor, get the necessary paperwork for all building permits and health department permits filled out and turned in. The Building department will review the permit and tell you if you need to provide more information. They usually have a short turn around time on getting the approved permits back to you. The health department permit is a little more complicated because you may need to go down to the county courthouse and research plats and other court documents which can take 2 weeks to over a month, so get started early.

Jason Matthews of High Country Renovators graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Construction Management. Jason now lives in Boone with his wife and son where he calls on his 15 years of commercial and residential carpentry experience to manage High Country Renovators. For more information call 828-406-1391.

High Country Home Magazine: What questions are you most frequently asked by Homeowners seeking to renovate their home?

Mickey Spell, Fine Home Builders: The type of questions I am most frequently asked are in regards to ideas and suggestions on aesthetics, material choices and feasibility of certain projects. Homeowners almost always have an idea of what they do or don't want, but often have trouble seeing some of the specific details. And often, they might not see certain issues that can make the project more difficult, and more costly. Overall, homeowners seem to want a builder's advice on the project they have begun dreaming up so that they too, can start to determine the pros and cons of any project, as well as, start to get an idea of what financial and time obligations they may be in for.

High Country Home Magazine: If planning a renovation what questions should be answered before you consult a professional?

Mickey: The best questions for a homeowner to answer before consulting a professional are the ones that help them understand what they do like and what they don't like. I am more than happy to work with homeowners in the design process, however, the design process goes much smoother if the homeowner has given as much thought as possible into what he or she does and doesn't like. Looking through magazines and on line sources of project ideas is a great start for any homeowner. Also, visiting local retailers to find out what is readily available locally, contributes greatly to any project's planning and overall efficiency. It seems, often, that the special order items can tend to slow down any project if not ordered well in advance.

High Country Home Magazine: If you could pass on just one piece of advice to a homeowner thinking about renovating

what would that be?

Mickey: First and foremost, ask yourself what are your intentions with the home. If you plan to sell the home within a few years, then, I recommend considering the projects that will make your home easier to sell and add the most to the homes value. If it is your intention to live in the home for many years to come, then forget about resale values, and curb-side appeal, and start focusing on what it is that will make you love the home that much more.

High Country Home Magazine: How many renovation contractors should you contact for estimates to insure you have a solid estimate?

Mickey: To answer this question, the homeowner needs to consider how they came upon the contractor's name. If the homeowner is calling contractors based on advertising, then I would recommend calling three contractors, which is a very standard number. However, in my opinion, you would be better off calling one contractor and checking references of past and current clients, than you would be calling three contractors and never checking any references. Now, if you are recommended some contractors, I feel that only one or two contractors need to be contacted in order to receive a fair estimate, assuming you trust the person who recommended the contractor(s) to you.

High Country Home Magazine: Should Homeowners consult with an Interior Designer before deciding on a renovation?

Mickey: Usually, that is relative to the size of the project, the available budget and the homeowners' comfort level in envisioning the final product. Certainly, hiring an interior designer is going to streamline the overall project's performance, and leave little to no doubt what the final project will look like.

Mickey Spell owner operator of Fine Home Builders Inc. is a 1997 graduate of Appalachian State University, 15 year resident of Boone. and 11 year experienced Carpenter.Fine Home Builders is a young company that strives to build stable, long lasting relationships with clients through honest hard work, fair pricing and mutual respect for others. For more info call 828-964-1994 or visit finehomebuilders-nc.com.

A century old cotton mill, an 1850s High Country grist mill, an 1860s hewn oak log cabin nestled in a high mountain meadow, and one of the many scenic, but forgotten barns that dot the High Country’s mountainside…all historic, all contributed to the survival of a country, a community, or a family, and all are either slated for demolition to make way for the new or are now forgotten and slowly crumble back to the earth. However, you have an option, to bring

this history, charm, and reclaimed wood into our next remodeling project.

Benefits of GreenGreen remodeling/building frequently

involves applications that are buried under the floors, behind the walls or above the ceiling. These applications improve heating/cooling efficiency, reduce energy needs, reduce volatile compound emissions, and inevitably reduce the impact that remodeling, building, and

Remodeling

...with characterGreen

Gum Ridge Mill explains the many benefits of using reclaimed wood in your remodeling projects.

living have on the environment. These features may give you peace of mind and make it inviting to take your jacket off every night. However, there’s one green product that will knock your socks off as you’re welcomed home each night…reclaimed wood.

Patina…Character…Historic…Vintage…Timeless…Charm…Let’s add some new descriptors to your

next remodeling project. These words may not describe the new technology and materials of green building. However, reclaimed materials from dismantled vintage structures will lend definition to these words. Reclaimed material includes brick, stone (rough and quarried), roofing tin, but most frequently wood. There’s a reclaimed wood choice to match every taste.

Formal: Vertical grain heart pine remilled from 100-150 year old textile mill or tobacco warehouse timbers is characterized by deep burgundy and a grain that is so tight, at times it’s difficult to distinguish individual growth rings. Imagine the size of the tree needed to yield a 13 inch x 15 inch x 24 foot timber…without a knot!

Country: Wide plank floor boards, ranging from 6 – 12 inches wide, offer a distinct country feel. Reclaimed white pine, heart pine, yellow pine, among others, offer a rich, unique patina that can only be achieved by 100 years of aging. The saw marks from the boards’ original milling add a new dimension of rustic charm. Boards may be face-nailed with cut nails, from America’s oldest nail manufacturer, which still uses its original 1820’s machinery.

Mountain: Rustic elegance, only achieved by a century of wind, sun, rain, and snow, will welcome you home everyday. Most readily available reclaimed mixed oak, white oak, and chestnut have rich and deep patinas of brown. Reclaimed walnut, maple, and cherry are also available in 2 – 12 inch wide floor boards. Additional rustic charm, patina, texture, and age come with preserving the saw marks from the original milling.

Flooring…Timbers…and Stairs…OH MY!Flooring, timbers, and stairs are just a

sampling of what can be produced from reclaimed woods. Add kitchen cabinets

and other built-ins, free-standing furniture (farm table, bench, side-board, desk, etc…) tongue and groove paneling/ceiling, trim, and the list is only limited to your imagination and the number of idea pages torn from magazines. The “OH MY!” is the bonus that you, your guests, and future home buyers get when reclaimed wood is used.

Walk in the PastReclaimed wood honors the original

mountain craftsmen who felled the trees, milled the boards, and built the structures from which the wood is reclaimed. Antique woods are reclaimed from structures that have outlived their usefulness and are either scheduled for demolition or abandoned, eventually to collapse and decay. Walk into a century old barn and imagine the family that built it and survived with it. The barn was built from wood timbered from or near the building site, or brought in from the local sawmill. The boards were cut, the nails were hammered, and these stout buildings were erected without power tools. Imagine 100 years ago, that in a 2-foot snow and temperatures in the teens, the mountain family hunkered down in the barn to milk the cow and

feed their small collection of animals, which were necessary for the family’s survival. Imagine also the community grist mill, which not only ground the corn for the locals, but also served as the community grocery store, post office, casket company, and gathering place. Reclaimed wood will add a piece of our Blue Ridge history to your home and begin a new chapter in the wood’s life, to be enjoyed for generations.

High Country Resource for Reclaimed WoodNestled into our country’s oldest

mountains, close to the banks of our oldest river, you’ll find some of our oldest woods regaining new life. Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture, a custom woodshop located in Fleetwood, Ashe County, offers flooring, paneling, ceiling, staircase components, timbers, custom furniture, farm tables, custom cabinets, and gift items from reclaimed wood. Each piece is handcrafted with care to reflect their historic past. For additional information and to visit, contact Ken Sevensky, owner and craftsman, at 336-877-8888, [email protected], and www.GumRidgeMill.com .



Mistakes To Avoid When Designing

Your New

HomeGuideDiscussions on and resources for the kitchen and bath, design and decor, outdoor living, and landscaping.

Nine Mistakes To Avoid When Designing Your New Kitchen • 49 / Cosmetic Surgery • 56 / Out With The Old • 60Easier In 2010 • 62 / Benefits Of A Central Vacuum • 66 / A Better Way To View Your World • 68 / Timber!!! • 70

9KitchenWRITTEN BY DAVE PARKS

Much has been written about the numerous things you should do when you are designing your new dream kitchen. Below are nine common mistakes you want to avoid.

1. Having too little light – a kitchen needs layers of lighting. General lighting is often provided by can lights, and provides an even light level, especially in the walkways. Task lighting lights the work areas, and ensures the cook does not have to work in their own shadow. Think about ambient lighting that creates the atmosphere you want, especially if it is an eat-in kitchen.

Pendant lights over a counter, or a chandelier over an island will create a mood, and unlike cans, will cast light onto the ceiling as well.

2. Having too much light – so you’ve followed all the best advice, and now you have multiple layers of light in your space. You often end up with a lot of cans in the ceiling just so you can get those halogen pendants you want over the peninsula. Don’t forget to add dimmers! Especially if you are using compact fluorescent lighting . Even though they are more expensive, use dimmable fluorescent cans.


Dave Parks, of Distinctive Kitchens And Baths in Foscoe shares some common mistakes that homeowners make when designing a kitchen and better yet, provides both solutions to these mistakes.

Photos are the actual work of Distinctive Kitchens And Baths and represent the beautiful final product when these nine mistakes are avoided.


3. Forgetting to focus – a kitchen with no particular focal point can be boring, and one with too many competing focal points can be too busy. Think about where you want the visual emphasis in your kitchen to be, and make sure it really does stand out. Is it the cooking center with an interesting hood or backsplash? Is it a window, with a great view? (Consider also how it will look after dark) Or is it a wall or open shelves where you display art or something you collect?

4. Making it too quirky – no, I’m not contradicting myself. Make the kitchen your own. A good looking, well designed kitchen will add value to your life and to your home. But you should not make it a kitchen that most people couldn’t live with. If you are 6’9” tall, by all means plan some taller counters, but include some regular height counters too, so that smaller guests or assistants will have an area they can comfortably work in.

5. Losing track of the budget – it’s easy to get carried away with decisions about appliances, finishes, and materials as you visit showrooms and discover all the options that are available to you. Remember to keep your overall budget in mind and keep a list of everything that you will need. Appliances usually get chosen first, as your designer cannot design the cabinet layout until they have been picked – and as a result there is a tendency to spend too large a proportion of the budget on them. Don’t get to the end of the process and discover you can’t afford the backsplash material you really want, or those dimmers for the can lighting. And remember to allow at least 20% for contingencies.

6. Sticking too closely to the budget – sometimes, people make decisions because their project budget has reached a certain number and they’re just not comfortable exceeding it. Now I’m certainly not advocating spending money you just don’t have, but I know that people don’t stand in their finished kitchen three years later and say, “Oh, if only I had saved that $500 there, or that $750 here”. But they might well say, “I wish I had bought the granite slab/ pantry cabinet/quiet dishwasher that I really wanted, because it’s too late to tear this one out now”.

7. Playing it too safe – so many people are concerned about resale, even if they have no plans to resell anytime soon. They end up designing their kitchen for the next owner. But they don’t even know the next owner! This is a good way to end up with a dull, safe kitchen that you don’t particularly enjoy, and when the next owner does eventually come along, they tear it all out because it is not to their taste anyway

8. Failing to trust yourself or your designer – otherwise known as “design by committee.” Do you ask everyone you know, and even people you don’t know, how you should design your kitchen? Are you constantly confused with all the conflicting advice you get? Always changing your mind about layout and materials? No doubt your friends and your neighbors and your Aunt Gwen and your husband’s cousin Dora all have plenty of opinions and advice to share – but this is not their kitchen. Are they professional, qualified, designers? You have to trust yourself, or find a professional you trust and work with them. Deep down inside you know what you like – and a skilled professional can help you pin down your style and express it.

Finally, and most importantly,

9. Failing to enjoy the process. Yes, that’s right, I said enjoy it. If you are planning wisely and designing for the long term, you probably won’t get to do this too many times in your life. So take your time, do your research, and enjoy the chance to make all these important, but definitely not life threatening decisions. Working closely with your design professional, your project can be fun and rewarding. The finished product will be a beautiful, functional kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for many years.

Dave Parks is owner of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, located on Highway 105 in the Shoppes at Twin Rivers. You may contact him or one of their kitchen and bath designers at 828.963.9633 or by visiting www.boonekitchensandbaths.com.




As the plane takes off, I flip through the in-flight catalog and realize it’s the same old catalog I’ve

been flipping through for years. Really, does anybody actually buy that stuff? You know… the life-size, resin garden zombie… the traction device that you hook up to a door jam, put your head in the halter, and ratchet up... the emergency, absolutely necessary in the event of fire, rope ladder to throw out your window for escape… (um, we’re on an airplane) and oh yeah, the European age defying treatment, guaranteed to make you look years younger. Most of it’s the corniest, dumbest stuff I’ve ever seen, but I admit it… like a fish after a sparkly lure, I go straight for the bait every time.

Leaning slightly sideways, I pull the catalog close to keep my neighbor from seeing what I’m interested in. Of course it doesn’t work. Before I can study the before and after pictures, the person seated next to me is as engrossed in the miraculous product as I am.

Together, this perfect stranger and I marvel at the dramatic results of the age defying product, as if we’ve never seen anything like it—until we get to the part about the tape. Ah… the tape. According to the ad, if you just pull your face up and tape it back behind your ears with the European age defying tape, the years will disappear. In my peripheral vision, I notice my next-door stranger subconsciously lift his hand to the hair line above his ear and push up flabby, excess skin until miraculously, a rugged jaw line emerges. I can’t help glancing over. He looks firmer…younger. I cram the catalog into the seat pocket in front of me and clench my hands together in my lap--willing myself not to pull up my own face. I mean, even if you did tape up your face… oh never mind.

The fact that people would even fleetingly consider taping up their faces tells me

something. People are vain. Who doesn’t want to look good, anyway? Nobody, that’s who, and let’s face it, everybody and everything eventually sags. Whether cinching up your face or your old chenille slipper chair—tape (even the best European brands) can only do so much. So where does that leave us? Cosmetic surgery, that’s where. Now, before you get panicky, I’m talking primarily about interior design. There just comes a time to consider taking extreme measures regarding beauty in your home.

So, how do you know if your home needs a face-lift? Well… If gravity seems stronger than it used to and your chairs are sagging in unflattering places… if your upholstery has lost its color and is going gray… if the joints in your couch groan in rebellion each time you sit… if nothing takes the age-spots off your counters… if the wrinkles just won’t come out of anything anymore… it’s time for drastic measures.

But drastic measures don’t always mean trading in the old for the new. Sometimes the best things in our lives have a little age on them. As I see it, aging is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, as time passes, what was once crisp and new loses its luster. On the other hand, comfort begins to carry greater significance in our lives. Outrageous, unpredictable displays of youth slowly fade--replaced by satisfying rituals and routine. Insecurities are set aside for confidence. Rash compulsiveness matures into sensible stability. What’s important changes and I for one, am glad. But beauty needn’t wane with age. After all, who wants to live in surroundings where things have begun to unravel and the wear and tear of use exposes threadbare fragility?

Everything sags, warps, and wrinkles up with age. The question is: is there anything you can do about it, and if so, what?

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN LUNTZEL

CosmeticSurgery

(on your home)

Take an unemotional, critical assessment of your surroundings. I say unemotional because objects with sentimental value may need to be re-purposed and rejuvenated. If you’ve got ratty old things tugging on your heart strings that you just can’t bear to give up, give them a little cosmetic surgery and a new lease on life. There’s not much that’s more satisfying than taking something long past its prime and rejuvenating it into a thing of beauty.

Let’s say you’re attempting a little cosmetic surgery on your dining room but you’re stuck. You have a table, but you need a hutch, and you want new chairs. Do you go to the furniture store and buy something? Well… maybe, but maybe not. First off, no matter what you’ve been told about keeping the same wood and type of wood in a room, discard that advice. I know, that’s a bold thing to say, but too much matchy-matchy feels a bit contrived. The days of dining room suites, bedroom suites, and living rooms suites? A thing of the past. Oh, you can buy them all right, but do you want to? Different types and tones of wood create interest in a room, adding depth and character. Mix it up, then pull it together and create uniformity through scale and the general feel of the room.

Instead of automatically thinking “Hutch” for that blank wall, why not find a really great old lowboy dresser? Paint it, cover it in mirror tile, encrust it with seashells, or veneer it with birch bark and replace the old hardware. Bank it with lamps, group together crystal or cut glass, heap fresh flowers in a vase and nestle alongside. Hang artwork, a beveled mirror or a shelf for displaying additional treasures above. If you don’t have a lowboy, hunt for one at a local thrift store or garage sale. It’s not that I’m against hutches; I just want you to know you have options. You can get the same function of a hutch, using a piece of furniture you might not associate with a dining room. The same applies to other spaces in your home. Pulling in an unexpected piece of furniture can add drama and present a fresh new take on traditional design.

If you don’t have chairs that match your table, or even each other, that’s ok. The key to successfully integrating different

chairs around a table is making sure you have uniformity through the scale and feel of the chairs and the room. In other words, an oak pressed-back chair wouldn’t be the best compliment to an oak captain’s chair in your new Country French room--even though they’re both oak and they’re both casual. However, an oak pressed-back chair may look fabulous--painted out, cushioned and skirted--with a rush seated, ladder-back walnut chair. If the size, scale and feel are similar, you can get a complimentary look by altering color if necessary or even adding upholstery.

Recovering or slipping old upholstery is another way to liven up a room using what you already have. Fabric stores have patterns and instructions for slipping. It’s not that hard to do and you’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment by doing it yourself.

Whether you’re re-purposing coffee tables into ottomans, or ottomans into coffee tables, the list of what you can do with a little cosmetic surgery on the furnishings of a room is almost endless. But don’t overlook cosmetic surgery in the room itself. How about texturing your walls and giving them a wash with the colors of a Moroccan sunset, or dusty autumn herbs? What about wainscoting your room with burlap, cork, bark or bead-board? Throwing a rug on the floor isn’t your only option for what’s under your feet. Consider painting a rug or a pattern on a wood floor, or tiling a mosaic in the center of a room. Think about the possibility of using flagstone or brick for your floors. Once you’ve made your flooring decision, look up. Ceilings are a great place to incorporate drama into a space. Faux beams, etched mirrors, mini frescos... a little pizzazz, or a lot… where ceilings are concerned, the sky’s the limit.

Pulling off a successful interior face-lift requires creativity, time, budgetary considerations and realistic expectations. And don’t think you can skimp. There’s not much worse than a face-lift gone wrong—on a person or a house. You want results from a best case scenario--where friends whisper admiringly, “She’s had something done.”


OldIs your house full of things you couldn’t live without and

haven’t used since?

Then thank Old Man Winter for giving you some extra indoor time to banish those cold weather blues and boost your spirits. Reclaim your space, restore order and create openness. How? The DeClutter Diva offers these ideas to get you started.

Find a place you can keep an attractive, open container for collecting items to donate. Charities and non-profits are particularly hard hit on the heels of the holidays. Sometimes the challenging part isn’t deciding to let go of something but getting it to the donation site. Resolve to get those things out of the house when that container is full. The relief you’ll feel is well worth the hassle and you’ll be doing a good turn, too.

If you use Schedule A to itemize your income tax, get a dated receipt from the organization with a signature. Attach a list of the donated objects. Come up with a fair market value based on what IRS calls “the price buyers of used items actually pay” at thrift stores, used clothing shops or consignment stores. The IRS stipulates that your donation be “good used condition or better”. See www.irs.gov Contribution of Property--Publication 526 and Determining Fair Market Value--Publication 561. You may need to file Form 8283 for Non-Cash Contributions. This can mean a substantial deduction at tax time, but check with your tax preparer or C.P.A. for more information.

Take some time to review your books, videos, CD’s, and DVD’s. Yes, it’s time to say goodbye to all those old cassette tapes. Consider donating to your local library. Again, if you want

a tax deduction, make a list of the title and the type of item. Is the book paper or hardback? Is it a music CD? A movie DVD? What did you pay for it new? Even if you only claim 20% of the original cost, your donation amount can be considerable.

There may be a volunteer friends of the library group that sells donated items to raise funds for new purchases. If there isn’t, why not think about starting a group in your area? Libraries have experienced deep budget cuts. A book sale once or twice a year

is simple to organize and a win-win for your community. Ask the library for a place to store the accumulating

sale items.

Did you know it’s estimated that there are $3,500 of sellable things in the average American home today? If you’re willing to spend some time and effort, you could rake in some cold, hard cash. Online resources seem to have supplanted daily newspaper classifieds. Try free websites such as Craig’s List. Of course, there are the online pay-to-

sell auctions, like eBay. It’s easier than you think to set up your own web store and reach a vast market.

Or sign up free with SwapItGreen.com. List stuff you want to trade and when another member ‘buys’ your item,

you earn points to buy things you want.

The object is to remove your stuff, keep it out of a landfill and put it into eager hands. I guarantee the space you create will bring you joy and wonderful new things into your life.

Email your organizing questions to: [email protected]. For more information, visit: www.DeClutterDiva.vpweb.com

Breton Frazier, the DeClutter Diva, lives in St. Augustine, Florida, and works organizing individuals and businesses.

OUT WITH THE


WRITTEN BY BRETON FRAZIER


Benjamin Moore©

Boone Paint & Interiors, Inc.

www.BoonePaInt.coM

Boone PaInt & InteRIoRS1852 HIGHWAY 105BOONE (828) 264-9220

Boone PaInt @ BanneR eLK3587 TYNECASTLE HWY

BANNER ELK (828) 898-2022

New Boone Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Your neighborhood FULL SERVICE, •INDEPENDENT Paint & Decorating Stores

Exclusive Distributors of •Benjamin Moore Paints

3 Designers on Staff to assist you •with all of your decorating

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• Save business reply envelopes from junk mail and use the back for grocery lists. Your coupons will fit nicely inside the envelope and you won’t have to worry about losing them

• Eating a teaspoon of sugar gets rid of hiccups in a flash

• Need to wrap a monster size gift? Don’t waste time and expensive wrapping paper. Buy a colorful paper tablecloth.

• Spray your measuring cup or spoon with non stick cooking spray before measuring out molasses, honey or peanut butter…the ingredient will pour out easier and clean up will be a snap

• To preserve the finish of your washer and dryer, wax them with car wax twice a year

• Be sure to keep your freezer packed full to consume the least amount of energy. As your food is depleted, fill gaps with plastic jugs filled with water, You will accomplish a keep it full technique and have a good supply of fresh water in the event of power failure

• Mineral oil will remove stubborn soap scum from your shower doors. Once

removed, wipe them down with white vinegar to give them a final shine.

• Hang a shoe bag on the back of the bathroom door for extra storage. Perfect for washcloths, extra toiletries, and other small items that cause clutter in the bathroom.

• Store partially full paint cans upside down. The paint will form an airtight seal, extending its useful life.

• Half a dryer sheet works as well as a whole one. Cut those babies in half before using, if you must.

• Forget to check the batteries in the smoke detector? Get in the habit of replacing them at daylight savings time.

• To clean louvered doors, dampen a disposable foam paintbrush and wipe between the slats

• Dab a little petroleum jelly on your keys and move them in and out of your locks to keep them working in the winter. Petroleum jelly will not freeze

• Burnt food in a pot or pan? Pour enough ammonia to cover the bottom of the pan, tie a plastic grocery bag around it and let it sit overnight. In the morning, uncover

The topsy-turvy roller coaster ride of 2009 is behind us, but hopefully we havent forgotten the many lessons of the year. One of which is that we all need to be more saavy with our time, effort, and our budget. So to help you get a great start to 2010, here is a large-and-in-charge list of some cool tips that are guaranteed to make you the saaviest in the neighborhood. Oh, and the best part is...some of these tips are green, so

you can save time, effort, and money while saving the world!

20102010Tips to making life easier, greener, less

complicated and more organized in

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH SHUKIS


and rinse…it will be all cleaned up without any mess.

• Keep a colander in the sink and scrape plates into it at dishwashing time. Liquids go down the drain instead of in your wastebasket

• Cut the finger tip from an old rubber glove and slip it over the end of your broom handle. Now it won’t slip when leaned against a wall

• Spray the inside of a mayonnaise jar white. Store it in the refrigerator as a hiding place for money or valuables

• Drain your hot water heater once per year to get all the gunk and sediment out. Not only will a clean one run more efficiently, but it'll last longer, saving you even more dough

• Store an opened , fragrant bar of soap in a suitcase to prevent musty odors from forming during storage

• A heavy layer of dust on an item is a sign you aren’t using it. Give it a new home

• Clear kitchen countertops and only put back what you use twice a week. Store everything else in cabinets and drawers.

• Avoid labeling files and folders miscellaneous. If it isn’t important enough to have its own label, it either belongs in another folder or it’s not important enough to save.

• In 10 minutes or while you are cooking dinner you can…

- Start a load of laundry- Put a load of laundry in the dryer- Fold 1 load of laundry- Iron a few shirts- Clean out your wallet or purse- Write a quick thank you note- Unload the dishwasher- Clean out the junk drawer- Wipe down cabinets in the kitchen - Wipe down glass or French doors• Never leave a room without picking something up and putting it away

• You can stay on top of your home and organizational skills with 15 min a day

• Do a 5 minute pickup every night before going to bed.

• Vacuum your refrigerator coils. An easy way to help your fridge run more efficiently is to clean the coils, which dissipate heat from the fridge. If they're covered with dust or caked-on "grunge," they can't work the way they should, and your fridge will run longer and more often

Some deals and steals to help you in the NEW YEAR…• Never pay to rent a DVD again. Each Monday, you can get a free rental code for a Redbox rental. You can use it once per debit or credit card. So if you carry a lot of plastic, you can load up on freebies. Get the codes by signing up at www.insideredbox.com , which is free.

• For one-stop shopping on which iTunes downloads are currently free, check out www.freeitunessongs.blogspot.com.

• Every degree your thermostat goes over 68 costs you 3 percent of your heating bill. So try turning the heat down just a little while you're home. According to the Department of Energy, dialing back the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours at a time saves 10 percent on heating and cooling bills. You can also turn the furnace down to 62 degrees at night, since you're all cozy in your bed.

•Don't ever pay for directory assistance. 1-800-FREE-411 will give you a free residential or business listing after you listen to a short ad. 1-800-GOOG 411 even connects you for free after giving you the number. 1-800-555-TELL is great for business numbers - but say "business" right away or you'll have to listen to a bunch of other options. Save them all in your cell phone to save some cash.

Well, there’s a great start for 2010, but if you feel like I left any ideas out or if you have any tips or helpful suggestions on how to save time, effort, or money and make your life less complicated please send them to [email protected] and we may even print them! Also, check back every quarter to see what new tips and ideas I have for you.

VVV


• A Beautiful Clean Home! Today’s homes, even with all their advanced technology, continue to get dirty and dusty. The central (built-in) vacuum can make total house cleaning less of a chore and more efficient.

• Powerful Deep CleaningIts powerful motor and large air flow allow the central vacuum to pick up deep-down dirt, dust and debris,even microscopic particles like pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Coupled with powerful electric cleaningbrush heads, central vacuums clean deeper than other common home vacuums. The electric floor brush, forexample, features a very strong motor and deep-cleaning roller brush. It digs through carpet, picking upeverything in its path. Say good-bye to that old upright kicking up the dirt, and making it dusty in the room.Central vacuums can completely remove the lifted dirt and dust from the livingspace, making it cleaner, fresher, & easier to breathe.

• ConvenienceNo heavy equipment to haul around or maneuver around furniture and upthe stairs. No cords caught on table legs. The lightweight hose and attach-ments are all you’ll need. Conveniently-placed inlets allow quick and easycleaning of the entire house.

• Improved Indoor Air QualityBecause a central vacuum pulls dust and dirt out of living areas, it is not re-circulated back into the living space and air you breathe. The tiniest of particles are whisked away to the power unit located in a garage, basement or storage area.

• Relief for Allergy SufferersUnlike poor filtering portable vacuums that re-circulate air back into the living space, the central vacuum can effectively remove dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander and other allergens from the indoor environment with exhaust vented to the outdoors.

• Home Value IncreasesA central vacuum adds value to a home and can increase resale of the average home by at least $1500 or more. Like other built-in appliances, it is an excellent selling feature.

• CostA complete central vacuum system can be professionally installed in the average home for less than the cost of some name-brand portable vacuum cleaners. Because it is designed to provide efficient cleaning for as much as 20 years or more, a central vacuum is a bargain.

For more information about installing a central vacuum system in your home contact A1Vacuum Solutions in Boone, NC at (828) 264-1515.

WHY INSTALL ACentralacuumV

Whether you live in a townhome or a log cabin, a big home or a small one, you can reap the many benefits including cleanliness, health, convenience, and value when you install a central vacuum system.



Window and Door Specialists in Foscoe is the High Country’s only full-service supplier solely committed to that niche within the building supply community. With a staff of four, they have

a combined total of over 70 years in the construction industry. They have the experience with this unique environment to meet all code requirements while fulfilling your design needs. Their primary window and door suppliers are Hurd and Atrium, two companies with a track record of producing quality products.

Brothers William and Harry Hurd started their business to manufacture cheese boxes for the dairy industry in Wisconsin. By 1919, they had shifted their focus to windows and other millwork products. During the great depression, Hurd suffered a fire which destroyed six out of 11 buildings. A fire in 1949 was nearly as bad. The company rebuilt and retooled with the technology that set the stage for rapid growth. With 800 train cars & 25,000,000 feet of lumber per year by 1957, Hurd was flourishing. When Harry retired in 1965 after 46 years in the millwork business, Hurd was widely recognized for its fine craftsmanship in the millwork business. Hurd began manufacturing wood patio doors and later added a full line of aluminum clad wood windows. Hurd introduced the glass technology that offered energy efficiency as well as UV block and noise reduction. In 1998 they developed a system that enables glass variation for each room according to its exposure to the elements. In 2005, they introduced products with coastal inpact glass and soon after that, the first clear glass treatment with 99.9% UV protection. The new Millennium has provided both challenges and opportunities. Hurd is now a global supplier of superior quality window and door products. As

America has faced the challenges of difficult economic realities, Hurd has responded with reorganization and outside investment to weather this business climate as robustly as their windows and doors can stand up to Mother Nature.

Founded in 1948, Atrium has an uncontested reputation for quality, selection and service with an interdependent balance between the responsibility to customers and employees. In the past decade, Atrium has grown from approximately 1,000 employees serving the Southwest markets, to over 7,000 employees in 80 manufacturing and distribution centers in 23 states. Today, Atrium is the largest manufacturer of vinyl and aluminum windows and patio doors in North America. Diverse product lines are available in a broad range of styles and price points to meet the needs and preferences of diverse customers. Your Atrium windows are manufactured in North Carolina providing jobs to our area while keeping lead times short and costs low.

Abetter wayto view

your worldWRITTEN BY RICHARD ANDERSON

TThe Christmas day ice storm is behind us and the damage

it left behind can be seen across the Blue Ridge. To help with the High Country’s recovery we have found

several tips that could be very helpful.

1. Before you start removing trees, survey the area around your specific tree and select the best place for the tree to fall. The best place for a tree to fall is on an uphill slope because the falling trunk will not develop as much impact speed. If this is not possible look for an open space, where the impact will not threaten your home, other trees that are alive, or anything else of importance.

2. If you can drop the tree into deep snow it is suggested. The snow will act as a cushion for the tree and will catch its fall. Landing the tree or trees in snow will also prevent your lawn and soil from being damaged.

3. Before you start to remove the tree, clear the snow away from the trunk of the tree. This will allow you to cut your trees at their base. Clear a path that intersects with the direction the tree

is expected to fall so you can get out of the way as the tree falls without being slowed by the deep snow.

4. When you start the removal process do not stand directly behind the tree as it is a dangerous place to be because

the tree may kick back when it falls.

5. Try to do your tree removal on a calm day. You will be able to see the tree sway prior to toppling, which will significantly lower the chance of the tree falling where you don't want it to fall. Use a rope attached to a stable object to help sway the tree in the direction you choose.

6. Do not remove trees alone. A partner can help signal when the tree is beginning to fall so you

have adequate time to move away.

7. Always have the proper gear like work gloves and boots. Make sure your chain saw, is prepared for the

work by servicing it regularly.

8. If you need help don’t be afraid to seek a professional like McKee Tree Service at 828-898-3615 or Hunters Tree Service at (828) 733-3320.


Timber!!!


DesignProfilesExplore the beautiful homes and communities of the High Country

Luxurious, sustainable, and modern. Winter's design profiles have something for every reader.

RCD 1


TailorWRITTEN BY KATIE HENDERSON

madePhotos by Rachel Strombeck


RCD Construction and owner Randy Strombeck proudly introduce the Gatti House, a nearly 7,000 foot masterpiece

nestled in the new luxury Reynolds Blue Ridge community.


Overlooking peaceful countryside, nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains, rests Peter and Sandy Gatti’s picturesque getaway retreat. Settled high above the foothills of Watauga County, the nearly 7,000 square-foot home is a prime example of mountain luxury and artistic craftsmanship. The

Gatti’s home is one of the first to be completed in Reynolds Blue Ridge a 6,300 acre development full of rich architecture and lavish design. In deciding where to build their new home, Reynolds Blue Ridge was an obvious choice for the Gattis, balanced between the High Country and the foothills, with incomparable facilities for the entire family to enjoy. Now a Reynolds Signature Community, Reynolds Blue Ridge Estate is limited to less than 1,500 houses, offering picturesque views of the Blue Ridge and unbelievable amenities. Upon completion, the development will boast a clubhouse, a championship, Reese

Jones signature golf course, a multi-million dollar spa and fitness facility, fine dining, tennis courts, rock climbing, an equestrian center, and countless other activities for the entire family.

Upon cresting the winding road into Reynolds Blue Ridge, visitors are left speechless at the array of striking homes presented. Although the houses range in size and style, the entire development exudes opulent comfort. However, what makes the Gatti’s house so unique to the region is the creative detail and personalized touch that makes the house truly customized.

Randy Strombeck of RCD Construction was the creative mastermind behind the project, adding tailored features ranging from a Star Wars bedroom and a state of the art recording studio, to imported stone-carved fireplaces and magical tapestries to hide clutter. “When doing a custom home, [your clients] want your input and your expertise,” Randy said. “But getting to know a client and getting to know their tastes is so important-

RCD 4


it’s almost an art form, I have an incredible team around me to make this a reality.” He believes that building relationships with his clients is just as imperative as knowing how to build the house. After compiling designs from previous houses, as well as adding new twists specifically for the Gatti family, Randy took the design to Boone architect Brent Davis who did all of the blueprints. “Brent was very integral in making the layout and everything work, he also added a lot of creative ideas himself” Randy said. “He does all of our architectural work. The design came out of my head and Brent made it work.” It is through this style of business that RCD Construction was able to find the perfect details for the Gatti family.

In order to ensure that each member of the family felt connected to the house, Randy along with his team designed a Star Wars themed bedroom for their son. With a custom paint job designed to look like you are sitting on the Death Star, the room is covered in far off galaxies, distant stars, and racing X-wings. The eye of the ship looks out over across the Blue Ridge mountains, as if the Death Star were about to land in the High Country. He even made a custom bed in the shape of a Tie Bomber.

While the Gatti’s son is dreaming of droids and light sabers

in his personalized bedroom, Peter can relax in his own private corner of the house. An old rock-head at heart, Peter had RCD Construction build a soundproof recording studio in the

upstairs den, with full recording equipment and the latest instrument technology.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the Gatti’s installed a wine bar with a temperature-controlled wine room and pub-like feel. RCD Construction installed a progressive, online database, with a touch screen at the bar location. The

technology has a scanner and small label printer for the bottles, as well as a program

that tells what the wine is, vintage, cost, rating, what foods it is best consumed with, years for optimal

consumption, and where that bottle is stored in the wine cellar. Dropped beams, a dark finish, and a high bar with elevated stools all added to the atmosphere of the area.

Unwilling to compromise on security, the Gattis wanted a way to ensure that the home was protected while they are away. The family had a low-voltage mechanical system installed that runs throughout the house, connecting the security system, lights, heating and air, cameras, sound, and other unmentionable power systems. The controlled system can be operated by touch screens throughout the home or via laptop, PDA, or iPhone internet


connection around the world; this process not only conserves energy, but allows the family to check on the house at any time.

Besides custom rooms and modern technologies, it is the specific attention to high-end details that makes the Gatti’s home so magnificent. The walls are textured and glazed to look rustic and old, despite being brand new, providing additional warmth to the home. This effort adds a level of sophistication and value to the house, without adding too much in further costs. Randy also likes to eliminate clutter as much as possible to guarantee a more sleek design and more livable space for the family. He accomplishes this through small details like hiding electronics behind retractable, hanging tapestries and intricate wall designs for more hassle-free living.

One of a kind items also add to the luxury of a home. RCD Construction has several overseas sources for carved stone, and the Gatti’s were able to include as a specialty item in their house through a carved-stone fireplace. The fireplace, surrounded with the over mantle, was designed in the United States, carved out of sand stone in India, crated and shipped to the High Country, and then installed in the home by RCD Construction.

Randy and his associates at RCD Construction believe that honesty and clear communication are critical to making a dream house as much of a reality as possible. Randy believes in operating at the highest level of integrity and forming close relationships with his clients to ensure not only client satisfaction, but also to eliminate any miscommunication that may occur from unclear correspondence; these relationships are evident in the magnificent homes that he designs as well as the relationships he continues to

hold. Although the Gatti home was completed in early 2009, Randy maintains close ties with the family

and continues to spend time with them in the tailor-made home he designed and built.

The key to any customized home is making it customized to your family’s specific desires. With clear communication and a

close relationship with your contractor, the house of your dreams can become a reality.

For more information on RCD Construction or Reynolds Blue Ridge, call 336-838-6701 or go to www.

rcdconstruction.com

Left Ellipse: Star Wars themed bedroom Right Ellipse: Second angle of amazing timber frame ceiling


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Baxter Norris Construction, Inc. built this beautiful home located in an upscale Blue Ridge community. With 32 years of experience building homes

in the mountains of North Carolina, Baxter Norris was excited to meet the needs of the homeowners’ mountain home. Designed by Bob Mann of Attic Design, the 9108 square foot home is a creative combination of rustic

architecture, country-western accessories, and state-of-the-art technology.

Featuring a total of four bedrooms and five and a half baths, the home is defined by elaborate natural materials, including distressed cypress posts, 8x8 pine beams, exposed structural timbers, and slate tile and cypress hardwood floors throughout. Every ceiling in the total of 25 rooms features a timber frame or exposed beam. Tongue and groove paneling offsets the timber edges in several of the main living areas.

The great room has an over-sized Virginia stone fireplace, sporting a concrete mantle. With raised ceiling to the upstairs and a view for miles, it is easy to see why this is a room full of comfort and luxury.

A gazebo-style sunroom, featuring knockdown textured sheetrock, leads to the master suit. The master bath features non-finished granite counter tops, and a walk in shower separating his and her side of the bathroom. Prominent natural elements can be found throughout the master bedroom, including exposed timbers, stone, and tile; a gas fireplace provides romance and warmth to the room.

Separating the three floors of the house are full pine staircases, with decorative wood above and naturally twisted laurel wood handlebars; small cedar pieces are intertwined on the banister for a unique look. The downstairs features a walk-in wine cellar with old English style doors and locks. The recreation space features a billiards table and indoor driving range simulation adjacent to the home entertainment room. One of the favorite rooms in the home, for owners and builders alike, the downstairs living room in enhanced with a retractable projection screen, pristine view of the mountains, and a custom fireplace. The Virginia fieldstone


Baxter Norris 5


fireplace accents the custom log mantle.

The custom saloon-style entertainment bar was handcrafted with the homeowner’s specific style in mind. One-of-a-kind bar stools, topped with Western riding saddles, add to the rich personality of the room. The bar-top granite counters are embellished with brass accents to emphasize the tack room feel.

Bathrooms are accented with full-tile showers, custom cabinetry, and even one of a kind sinks. One of the guest bathrooms features an original stump built into a pedestal to hold the deep bowl sink. A faucet emerging from the wall above

completes the distinctive look.

The top floor of the home features a sitting area with a built in cedar desk and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. An open bridge leads to the granny flat above the garage, which provides guests with a comfortable space of their own. A small kitchen, bathroom, sitting area, and bedroom provide the perfect accommodations for any visitors to the home.

Additional details really add comfort to the home, including top end appliances, walk in closets, a dog-washing bath, and a state of the art audio visual system. All lights, appliances, sound systems, and televisions can be controlled by a single remote, with over five miles of cable running through the home.

Below the flat is another unique feature to the house. Custom garage doors are made to look like folding barn doors, but are essentially normal retractable garage doors. Outside materials include cedar and poplar shingles and siding, as well as cedar beam and cypress logs to the match the interior design. The natural tones of brown are accented by rich shades of hunter green. A pea gravel drive leads around the house and the landscape boasts a tailor-made waterfall, flowing to the base of an outdoor hot tub that overlooks the Blue Ridge and Grandfather Mountain.

Baxter Norris Construction is a quality-oriented company, working to give High Country homeowners 100% satisfaction at the lowest cost. For more information on the home or Baxter Norris, please call (828) 297-3657.

Baxter Norris 6


Chase and Holly Ambler of Headwaters Enterprises, Inc. possess humble hearts and a green lifestyle that touches the community

in more ways than one. With a passion for the outdoors and giving back to the community, the Amblers have provided an alternative in the custom home industry, with the most distinctive green technologies and a fresh design.

Headwaters Enterprises, Inc. strives for excellence through their mix of custom and spec homes throughout the High Country. The Amblers remain involved in every phase of the building project, subcontracting only as necessary to remain the most efficient; they intentionally kept their company small in order to maintain an active role, and remain loyal to the community through local buying and subcontracting.

Photos by Jonathan Burton

Headwaters Enterprises’ new home in the Councill Oaks gated community embodies efficient building techniques and

green innovation while maintaining beauty and luxury.

WRITTEN BY KATIE HENDERSON


The Ambler’s core values include not only buying locally, but also giving back to the community they call home. While reducing the amount of trees that must be removed, Chase finds a way to recycle the wood from clearing land. Cleared trees are given away as firewood, branches are ground up and returned to the soil, scrap wood from construction is given away as kindling, and all extra materials are donated to the Habitat ReStore.

Headwaters Enterprises builds only a few homes each year, giving each the fine attention to detail and focus that each homeowner deserves. One such example of this innovation is located in the prestigious Councill Oaks Gated Community. The 4,747 square foot wood-frame home provides comfortable luxury centrally located near ASU and the downtown King Street area. The 92 acre upscale residential community

provides a 12 acre common area, walking trails, gorgeous mountain views, and underground utilities, all within the city limits of Boone.

The home provides a comfortable feel through vaulted ceilings, warm wall tones, and specialized iron work. Crafted by Blue Mountain Metalworks, interior handrails feature an intricate design of rhododendron flowers, further promoting the natural feel of the home; the exterior


deck railings provide strong protection, with a luxurious look. The covered deck, as well as many other wood surfaces in the home, is composed of engineered wood products that are more efficient and use a greater portion of the tree. These materials are more efficient both on site and to create because they minimize waste and come from younger trees.

What makes this house truly special to both the Amblers and potential

homeowners is the overall green nature of the home. As an Energy Star qualified house, this home is expected to use 43% less energy than a similar new home built to meet the current state building code. This home received a 5 Star Plus rating from Energy Star, the highest rating given. This rating will provide the home owners with better performance, lower ownership costs, and superb environmental protection. Many little

details go into such an outstanding rating and provide an eco-friendly homeowner with a true peace of mind.

Starting from construction, all walls and ceilings in the home are packed with a blanket of the newest generation of high-performance, spray foam insulation, called Icynene, which exceeds building code requirements and surpasses the more commonly used insulation. Expanding to form a flexible foam layer, millions


of tiny air cells reduce drafts and energy costs by up to 50%. Icynene is derived from the castor plant; a vapor-permeable layer emits virtually zero greenhouse gases, helps to minimize moisture-related problems like mold or mildew, and seals the home from air leakage. Because of its superior performance, Headwaters has been using Icynene for the past 10 years.

The home is then accented with both hardwood and carpet flooring. The Mohawk Eagle Pass carpet is made

with Dupont “Smart Strand Fiber” using recycled plastic and corn. Mohawk Eagle Pass converts 3 billion plastic bottles into 170 million pounds of carpet fiber each year. The carpet core is made out of durable plastic mix of products like soft drink bottle caps and stretch film from shrink wrap.

Several pieces of furniture in this beautiful home were handcrafted by Designs In Wood, a local company who specializes in building custom pieces

from renewable and local lumber. For info about Designs In Wood call 336-372-8995.

Two sealed gas log stone fireplaces eliminate air flow from the outdoors and provide a family room centerpiece for the family. 400 series Andersen windows and doors, made up of high performance double insulated glass with argon, also add to the warmth. While these are a more costly item during construction, the long-term benefits, both environmental


and economical, more than make up the difference.

There are other important details that provide a green nature to the home, including water conserving fixtures and faucets throughout, a sealed crawlspace to protect indoor air quality, and a high efficiency heat and air conditioning system with sealed ducts that include an electronic air filter and energy recovery ventilator. A tankless, on demand water heater saves energy by providing hot water

only when needed. The home is equipped with Energy Star appliances and fixtures throughout; essentially all lighting is florescent, with only 6 incandescent bulbs in the entire house. The majority of the upstairs lighting is provided through sky lights and sky columns, giving the home a natural glow.

Listed at $999,900, the Councill Oaks home has spacious closets and a comfortable floor plan, making this a perfect family home. Comprised of six

bedrooms and five baths, a full, finished basement, and two car garage, the home has plenty of space for storage, hobbies, and relaxation. For an opportunity to view this home contact John Volpe at Century 21 Elliott Properties at 1-800-545-3649 or 828-265-6746.

ModernThe

MountainDoug McGuire Construction adds a modern twist to a spectacular

Blowing Rock home, truly showcasing their full repertoire of skills.WRITTEN BY KATIE HENDERSON

Photos by Stefan Olson


The High Country is known for its rich heritage full of mountain tradition and southern hospitality, but Douglas L. McGuire Construction Company Inc. has taken a new approach, adding a modern twist to a Blowing Rock home. With the intensive hands on

workings of Dixon Weinstein Architects from Chapel Hill, Doug and his crew were able to establish a very contemporary home just a couple of miles from the shopping and dining of downtown Blowing Rock.

From the first glance at the home, you can tell it will be a unique blend of natural colors and modern elegance. The rich cedar siding allows the home to blend in well with the wooded lot setting, accented by the half round aluminum guttering that provides the look of copper. Skeleton-style exposed rafters add to the ambiance of the outdoor setting as you enter the main door through a suspended steel bridge walkway.

As you first step into the home the pure quality of the structure

is immediately evident. Highlighted with top quality materials and appliances, the home provides casual comfort while offering all the luxury of a high end house.

The open kitchen and living area is floored with quarter sewn oak (boards that are cut with the grain perpendicular to the surface) that extend throughout the main living areas of the home. The kitchen is surrounded by poured concrete counter tops, a natural stone tile back splash, and a custom walnut-slab island for extra storage and sitting space. The custom cherry cabinets that line the walls of the kitchen and living space stress the natural feel of the home, emphasizing quality and precision. With a hide-away refrigerator blending in, as well as the strong attribute of extra storage, the cabinets are an effective feature for the space.

The center piece of the living room is a full-wall Rumford style fireplace and slab hearth, accented with custom made screens by Triplett & Coffey, Inc. of Perkinsville. Paralleling the wood floor is a Douglas fir timber frame ceiling by High Country


Timber Frame. Inspired by Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, the frame is interlaced by 1x4 tongue and groove clear pine paneling, painted white to accent the timbers.

“We incorporated a timber frame look, which you typically wouldn’t see in a contemporary design,” said Doug McGuire. “But in this house it works very well.”

To offset the mountain feel of the home, the entire rear of the house is ornamented with stacked Andersen windows, allowing access to the view of miles of Blue Ridge Mountains from the home’s backyard.

Off of the main living area of the home is the master suit, accessed through fold-in hideaway doors and smooth pocket doors to add to the sleek effect of the home. Birdseye maple accents a built-in desk and bookshelf, with brilliant natural light warming the entire room.

The master bath combines the most luxurious of technologies, including heated tile floors, an electric toilet, a steam shower, and

specialty sinks from the Canadian company Wet. The majority of the faucets throughout the house are manufactured by the German company Dornbracht, who specialize in contemporary accents for the home. A spacious walk-in closet off of the master bath provides plenty of dressing, as well as storage, space.

The remainder of the upstairs is enriched with natural materials and comfortable living space. Bathrooms are tailored with travertine and limestone blend floors and custom closets are

“I am really proud of this home because it gave us an opportunity to do something out of the norm, and at the same time, it really showed the diversity of our company. We can do whatever comes our way, and do it well. We can build houses of every shape and every size.”

- Doug McGuire


conventional in the two upstairs guest bedrooms. The backyard blue stone patio provides a trendy entertainment space, with a large wood-burning stone fire, and built in grill area.

As a transition into the downstairs area, stainless steel and cable rails flow into the basement recreation space. A reclaimed heart of pine timber frame ceiling and stone fireplace are offset by sealed concrete floors and a contemporary billiards table. A full workout room, additional bedroom and bathroom complete the basement living space.

“We enjoy all of the houses we do,” Doug said, “but this house was special.” It is easy to see what makes this house so distinctive with its trendy appliances and unique custom products from across the world. Blended colors and natural materials, such as ipe wood and blue stone, were also brought in from the outdoor architecture giving a rustic feel to the contemporary style.

The home also features state of the art technologies, including a superior sound system that runs throughout the entire house. A Crestron system, featuring sound for the stereos, televisions, and XM radio unit, also provides a top of the line security system throughout the property. Energy efficient florescent recessed lighting, high end insulation, and other green materials also add value to the home through its coveted Energy Star rating.

To focus on the natural theme of the home, the wooded lot was


kept as pure as possible. “A lot of planning went into this house,” Doug said. “We had a landscape architect involved from the very beginning. He told us what trees we could cut and what we couldn’t. It really helped the setting of the house.”

Although the majority of the homes Doug and his crew build follow the more traditional mountain style, they were able to show there versatility through this contemporary style.

“This house was a little bit of a challenge for us because it is not something we do everyday,” Doug noted. “I am really proud of this home because it gave us an opportunity to do something out of the norm, and at the same time, it really showed the diversity of our company. We can do whatever comes our way, and do it well. We can build houses of every shape and every size.”

Started in Fall of 2008, and recently completed in 2009, the contemporary style of the home will truly be a feature of Douglas L. McGuire Construction Company’s profile. For 22 years, the company has been serving the High Country through personal attention, open communication, extensive construction knowledge, and

a “hands-on” approach to building. For more information on Doug McGuire and his company, please call 828-963-6680 or visit their website at www.mcguireconstruction.com.



Out Houseof theThis section is dedicated to showcasing all the reasons why people choose to build beautiful homes in the High Country. “Out Of The House” is your seasonal guide to exploring the wonderful and unique places this area has to offer.

Your winter guide for slopes and retreatsSki & Stay


Beech Mountain Resort is a total Winter experience. With excellent skiing (day or night), and a charming Alpine Village filled with intriguing shops, tempting restaurants and more. You'll find that Ski Beech offers a winter wonderland of fun and activities for all members of your family or group!

Located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, in the Town of Beech Mountain, since 1967 Ski Beech redefines southern skiing as the highest ski resort in Eastern North America, at 5506 ft. above sea level. Beech has the only high-speed quad lift in North Carolina with a panoramic vista. These views make riding up the mountain as much fun as skiing down. They also offer double-sided runs with their backside Oz run and their nine runs on the front side of the mountain.

As well as skiing, Beech Mountain also has two terrain parks for snowboarders and a 7,000 square foot outdoor Ice skating rink with the best atmosphere in the region.

For more information about Beech Mountain please call 1-800-438-2093 or 1-828-387-2011 or visit their website at www.skibeech.com.

Sugar Mountain, North Carolina – Sugar Mountain Resort celebrates 40 years this season! The Resort opened in 1969 with four lifts and eleven slopes for skiing. Since then Sugar has grown to include seven lifts and twenty slopes for skiers and snowboarders. Winter activity offerings have expanded over the years to include snowshoeing, tubing and ice-skating.

Slope conditions continue to be a top priority at Sugar Mountain Resort. Overhauling Sugar's snowmaking infrastructure continued throughout the summer with the replacement and upgrade of 2,500 feet of snowmaking pipes along the Big Birch slope. An additional energy-efficient snowmak-ing machine has been purchased for the 2010 winter season.

Also new this season is the installation of an elaborate scanning sys-tem designed to make the entire winter experience friendlier and easier for Sugar's customers while providing the ability to maintain and monitor more concise and accurate control of lift/slope tickets on the mountain at any given time. Join Sugar Mountain for their 40th season as they strive to make Sugar even sweeter. For additional information please call Sug-ar Mountain Resort: (828) 898-4521 x262 or visit their website at www.skisugar.com.

Ski Beech

Sugar Mountain

Where to skiThe abundance of snowfall since mid-December has everyone feeling like we live in a giant snow globe. For the ski mountains and the ski bums in the High Country it is a welcome feeling. For you, if you are not one of those ski bums, but have a hankering to get on the slopes or participate

in some winter fun here’s a guide we compiled of some excellent ski and snowboard options.

www.HighCountryHomeMagazine.com •101

Appalachian Ski Mountain has scheduled an unprecedented April 11, 2010 closing date for skiing and snowboarding in North Carolina. The plan for a season of this length is a result of Appalachian's annual commitment to improvements in its snowmaking capability. Appalachian will continue to make snow through the week after Easter 2010 to offer its guests the best quality experience and snow surface possible.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is a full service ski lodge that offers 11 slopes of varying difficulties for skiers, 3 terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding as well as ice-skating for those who want to stay off the slopes.

For more information call 828-295-7828 or visit their website at www.appskimtn.com

Zipping down the mountain now has new meaning at Hawksnest. Recognized for having the largest Snow Tubing Park on the East Coast, Hawksnest has added the longest Zip line Tour as well, featuring ten cables, two of which are known in the zip line industry as super or mega zips.

Gliding through the air with ease is trouble-free. Zippers--ages five and up--enjoy the exhilarations of speeding treetop high over valleys with expansive views and threading through the forest canopy. Hawksnests 20 Lane Snow Tubing Park has four different areas to snow tube; lanes are 400 – 1000 feet long. Hawksnest has 100% snow making and lighting on all lanes to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family.

For more information call Hawksnest at 828.963.6561 or visit their website at www.hawksnest-resort.com.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Hawksnest Tubing & Zipline



Tranquility, charm and comfort are the hallmarks of this mountain top inn overlooking the Blue Ridge. It is these qualities that assure guests a memorable stay, whether for a romantic getaway, a hiking retreat, or peaceful respite.

There’s a special magic to Gideon Ridge Inn that blends the tranquility, charm and comfort into a seamless whole. It begins with the charm of the gardens and the entranceway, the courtesy of the local staff, which greets guests and attend to their needs. But the magic may strike one in unexpected ways: while sipping afternoon tea or a glass of wine as one sees the ever-changing view of the mountains or while relaxing in front of a fireplace after taking a whirlpool bath. It also may come while strolling the grounds and gardens. Or while enjoying the special evening meal in the dining room

Gideon Ridge Inn began life in 1939, built as a private summer residence for the Lindau family. Their two-story house was built with stone quarried at nearby Grandfather Mountain. There are ten sunny guestrooms, all with private bath, featuring fine mattresses, triple sheeting of Egyptian cotton and down comforters. Many rooms have fireplaces and whirlpool baths; several have terraces or decks and most have views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more info call at (828) 295-3644 or visit their website at www.gideonridge.com

What a difference a half hour’s drive north of Boone, NC makes! For birthdays, an-niversaries, elopements and time away, celebrate your special moments in the privacy of our large, luxurious yet affordable guest rooms. Located in an 1889 mansion with 21st century updates (including wireless and TV in all rooms), our guest rooms are decorated for relaxation and comfort with a light--not fussy-- touch.

During you time at the inn, enjoy an in-room fireplace, comfy robes, candles and snacks (all included in your stay). Rock away time on the front porch or stroll in the garden with mountain views. Take a whirlpool bath for two or a soak in an historic claw-footed tub. We provide the bubble bath. Arrange to share an Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae or a homemade heart shaped celebration cake to honor your special day. The next morning, enjoy a hardy breakfast. Today’s menu included fresh fruit, juice and Herbed Baked Egg with bacon/sausage. The menu changes daily. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available in the dining room 24/7.

Now is the time to put aside your daily routine to celebrate the milestones of your life and enjoy each other. No minimum stay (except October and holidays). $99-$179/night plus tax. Weekday, last minute and early booking discounts often avail-able. Business rates (M-Th).

For more information call 423-727-0139 or 800-339-5084 or visit www.prospect-hill.com

Inn At Gideon Ridge

Prospect Hill

Where to stayWhile you are up here in the mountains enjoying the snow and slopes you’ll need a basecamp to retire to. Here are several luxury “basecamps” for you to call home while you are vacationing in the High Country. All of these are excellent choices and will only enhance your winter stay.


Surrounded by an acre of formal and “Ragged Gardens”, this early 1900’s manor offers an enchanting hideaway in the heart of the historic village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Intimate and traditional, the Inn today, with twelve rooms and suites, is immersed in the spirit of the summer cottages of Blowing Rock. This historic Mountain Inn features The Best Cellar Restaurant, which has earned a reputation for fine food and elegance in its’ 32 years of existence.

The Inn at Ragged Gardens is located in downtown Blowing Rock, NC, just two miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The central location on Sunset Drive, only two blocks off of main street allows for easy walking to all of the shoppes, boutiques, parks, and art galleries within downtown Blowing Rock, NC.

For more info call 828-295-9703 or visit their website at www.ragged-gardens.com.

The Moberg family opened their private summer home to the public in March of 2004 when their youngest son unveiled a grand addition to his late father’s original design. The result, now known as Crestwood, is a timeless fusion of both modern and traditional style. Proudly featuring The Inn, a Spa, The Table at Crestwood Restaurant and The Dawg Star Bar, their unique mountain retreat is located in the heart of the High Country, in between Boone and Blowing Rock and just off the Parkway.

Today, a younger generation of the Moberg family and their carefully selected staff strive to achieve the same welcoming environment so many have come to expect while visiting the original estate. They invite vacationers and locals alike to experience their rendition of the area’s most illustrious hospitality…inspired by three generations and bound together by a shared love for the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information call (828) 963-6646 or visit their website at www.crestwoodnc.com.

The Inn At Ragged Gardens

The Inn At Crestwood

free nighttime demonstration828.304.5483 (LITE)

OutdoorLights.com

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Trust the world’s premier landscape and architectural lighting company to turn treasured outdoor spaces into unforgettable, welcoming places that let you linger as long as you want.

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Custom Miters Touch SideboardCustom sideboard made with

Honduras mahogany & spalted poplar Get one made at:

Miters Touch828.963.4445

www.miterstouchinc.com


TheMarketplaceA section featuring the coolest local products, real estate for sale, and a business directory of services and business cards.

Products • 109 / Brokerage • 117 / Services • 123 / Corkboard • 127

ProductsYouNeedFor2010

Breville Espresso MakerStylish espresso machine is for the

true coffee connoisseurFind it at:

The Country Gourmet828.963.5269

www.thecountrygourmet.com

Summer Classic SheridanThe Sheridan wheel back chair and bench is

interpreted in cast aluminum Find it at:

Tatum Galleries828.963.6466


Products You Need

Mountain Lions & BobcatsThe ultimate rustic mountain decor,

the stuffed animal.Find it at:

Wolf Creek Traders828.963.6800

www.wolfcreektraders.com Samsung 55” LED TVSamsung’s most advanced HDTV technology

contained in a razor-thin silhouetteFind it at:

Sears Hometown Stores828.264.7327

www.searshometownstores.com

Summer Classic Terrace Rose Timelessly brilliant mesh arm chair

Find it at:Tatum Galleries828.963.6466


Bungalow SideboardBeautiful, unique, and handmade

Find it at:Wolf Creek Traders

828.963.6800www.wolfcreektraders.com

Miele Neptune VacuumPowerful and quiet HEPA vacuum

Find it at:A1 Vacuum Solutions

828.264.1515www.mtnvacs.com

LG French 4-Door RefrigeratorMarries stainless style with substance

functionality, and organizationFind it at:



Valor Madrona FireplaceTimeless, durable, and efficient - the Madrona is sure

to enhance and warm your living space.Find it at:

Wallace Propane & Welding Supply828.297.1115

www.wallacepropane.com


Products You Need

Craftsman Professional Two-stage Snowblower

A necessity for the long, cold, harsh, winterFind it at:



Cuisinart Green Gourmet SetGroundbreaking new eco-friendly cookware

Find it at:Savory Thymes: A Cook Gallery

828.263.8181www.savorythymes.com

Barnwood Octagon TableRustic dining for your mountain retreat

Find it at:Wolf Creek Traders

828.963.6800www.wolfcreektraders.com

Kenmore Elite Chili PepperLarge 4.5 cubic feet front loading washer can wash a lot of clothes while saving you

money, as it is Energy Star Rated.Find it at:




Krups Dolce GustoThe premium single-serve coffee maker

Find it at:Savory Thymes: A Cook Gallery

828.263.8181www.savorythymes.com

Napolean Modern Fireplace Collection

Combining style, modernism and elegance with energy efficiency and

advanced flame technology Find it at:

Wallace Propane & Welding Supply828.297.1115

www.wallacepropane.com

Solar Comfort HeaterStay warm and save money

Find it at:A1 Vacuum Solutions

828.264.1515www.mtnvacs.com





The Brokerage

“NOTHING ELSE COMPARES”

Rich in Design, Rich in Savings!Starting in the $300’s

VISTASThe

at Banner ElkL U X U R Y C O N D O M I N I U M S

(828) 898-3380www.VistasAtBannerElk.com

311 Penny Lane, P.O. Box 2074, Banner Elk, NC 28604


The Brokerage


Services

Orkin


Your Indoor Comfort Should Be Perfect, EspeciallyWhen the Outdoor Weather Isn’t.

Call now for a free home comfort consultation.

Rest comfortably knowing that when you install a Trane high performancesystem, it was built to withstand the daily demands of the outside environmentand to provide you the perfect indoor environment -- an environment that isheated, cooled and cleaned with the ultimate efficiency -- no matter what mothernature comes up with.

Feel better inside with a Trane.

Mountaineer Heating andCooling828-264-6625www.mountaineerheatcool.com

Services



Keep the Home Fires Burning

It’s the depth of winter. The haze has lifted from our vistas. Trees are bare of leaves. Heat blows from our furnaces and drafts seep from our windows and doors. And—a kind of calm has returned to the mountains. It’s

just us again—the locals and the students. The hustle-bustle of summer and fall has given way to the tranquility of winter and spring.

I look forward to November’s end. While the summer people add vibrancy to our environment and we depend upon their appetites for recreation, entertainment, food and art; in their absence local friends reconvene as just us mountain people again. We settle into our “townie” routines and recall why we choose to call the High Country home. For me, in addition to the usual tasks of tending our studio-gallery and writing—this means: playing regular indoor tennis matches, scheduling girls’ cross-country ski weekends, reading in front of the fire, eating cozy dinners in each others’ homes, playing board games, etc. The best part about the slower pace of winter, however, is the less frenzied face-to-face interaction with friends and colleagues. There is nothing like heartfelt conversation to make a person feel like (s)he’s come home again.

But even in the slower pace of winter, I sense with each passing year, that this soothing human ritual seems to be in increasingly shorter supply.

(The following is excerpted and adapted from “The Ecology of Conversation” by Judi Beck, Trafford Publishing, Bloomington, IN 2009.)

Authentic conversation—the kind where all participants are comfortable in their own skin and eager to exchange thoughts on what they know, feel or question—is a panacea. I crave this juicy

genre of interaction—where we reveal our inner workings and share what’s real, important, joyful, sad or confusing in our lives. I revel in the subsequent feelings of primal connectivity with the human race and feel cleansed when I’ve actively participated. From a personal satisfaction perspective, conversations such as these rank right up there with mutual intimacy with my partner, a great night’s sleep, a wonderful book and adventure travel.

But great conversations create something even more enduring. They generate mutual learning, empathy, problem solving, conflict resolution, innovation and that ever-so-important sense of well-being and belonging that leads to a long and authentically lived life. For me, there is little more satisfying than an “a’ha” moment born of a group of openhearted, excited and committed people.

Why do you suppose some of our most lively, salient, and heartfelt conversations are around a bottle of wine? Why are some of our best friendships generated in this scenario? Why do we require a relaxant to feel comfortable engaging with others on an intimate level? With the pleasure so palatable, why is this depth and freedom of expression so illusive?

We—in the Western world—have a multitude of answers, all of which carry seeds of truth:

• our culture of speed and competition— we’re busy.•families dotted all over the map—we’re distant.• frequent job switching—we’re driven.• a corporate climate of greed and stockholder value—we’re guarded.• a widening divide among political parties—we’re angry.• email, voicemail, text, Google—we’re efficient and … (dis)connected.

Yikes! Enough! Logical reasons all. But it doesn’t make our deficiency of salient human interaction right. It just makes it dismally so.

When is the last time you sat down with others and said, let’s really talk? Let’s learn things from each other. Let’s put our differences aside and create a new truth, new meaning? Let’s evolve. I get excited just writing about it.

The Courage to CommitThe painful truth is—this is not easy

to pull off. In fact, it seems to be getting more and more difficult. For this scenario to manifest, many things—that seem to be getting scarcer—are involved. To mention a few, transformational conversations require:

• time• commitment• real listening• an open heart • a beginner’s mind• awareness of one’s preconceived notions• a keen eye toward others’ responses• a desire to receive• a desire to contribute• the condition of equality

These conditions and skills were identified by physicists David Bohm and Mark Edwards, in the 1980’s and tagged as the conversational art of “dialogue.” Reinvigorated by business authors, Margaret Wheatley and Peter Senge in the early ‘90’s, savvy communicators have followed the business community’s lead and embraced dialogue as a tool for universal wisdom, insight and peace. Indeed, President Barack Obama frequently references engagement in dialogue with his staff, the military and other world leaders—as a vehicle for achieving the best possible decision

Final Thoughts

WRITTEN BY JUDI BECK, MA

Through Heartfelt Conversation

making. Dialogue websites—of all persuasions—are appearing regularly as a way for people to gather together around themes, issues and philosophies.

The Art of DialogueIn layperson’s terms, how does one

define dialogue? Dialogue is often compared to “brainstorming.” Both are active vocalizations of information. But dialogue advances the process and evolves the outcomes. Whereas, the purpose of brainstorming is to put everyone’s thoughts and ideas out there, the purpose of dialogue is to create new meaning. I get chills just thinking about it.

You see—brainstorming is easy. It asks nothing of the participant other than the contribution of an insight, opinion, fact—or lie—for that matter. The cream seldom rises to the top in a typical brainstorm session. Dialogue, however, is not easy. In fact, it’s downright challenging. But, I’ve been told that nothing good comes easily and I do believe this. Dialogue asks the participant to contribute truthfully, freely and without ulterior motive. It asks the contributor to add to available knowledge in order to create new meaning for all involved. It requires faith, vulnerability, curiosity and wonder. Conditions for dialogue, as identified by David Bohm are:

1. Participants must “suspend” assumptions, literally to hold them “as if suspended before us.”2. Participants must regard each

other as colleagues.3. There must be a facilitator who

“holds the context” of the dialogue.

Suspending assumptions is the cornerstone of dialogue. It means the often-difficult release of one’s grasp on that which one assumes to be true, thus creating room for additional information. The only time most of us find this release easy is in the presence of children. As we witness their discoveries, we’re able to view the world with their innocence—if only momentarily. This is the nature of dialogue. We afford others the acceptance and love that we so easily extend to our wee ones.

For, from its core, dialogue is indeed, a model for love. For it to succeed, participants must recognize the value of

each person’s perspective. They must demonstrate this belief through generous and heartfelt interactions. To value and be valued, after all, is the core of our humanity. (End of excerpt)

And so as our High Country hibernation period progresses, think about connecting more deliberately with friends and family. Think about the health and well-being you extend to yourself and others by doing so. Think of the discoveries and wisdom that become available as you open your heart and mind to new meaning. Throw the logs on the fire, call some friends, invite them into your home, spice the cider, pick a subject and initiate a new ritual of dialogue. It’s a practice that warms us throughout the year.

Home, after all, is a place to chill out.

For more information on forming a dialogue group or obtaining copies of “The Ecology of Conversation” contact Judi Beck at [email protected].

Copyright ©, Judi Beck, Boone, 2009

Resource IndexA S Construction......................................19A1 Vaccuum Solutions......................25, 57Aldous Construction..................................5App Prevention Products..........................30Appalachian Custom Builders................23Appalachian Furniture............................55Appalachian Radon Busters................127Barna Log Home .................................70Baxter Norris Construction....................98Blackberry Mattress................................63Blue Mountain Metalworks....................42Blue Ridge Harley Davidson.................14Boone Paint and Interiors........................61Busters Log Homes.................................33Cabin Store...........................................67Carrington Design.....................................6Carver Guttering....................................125Classic Stoneworks................................40Closet Design Center..............................65Covey Hollar..........................................101Critcher’s Auto.........................................32Custom Mica & Wood...........................59Dachille Construction............................103Design On Tap.......................................43Designs In Wood.....................................12Dilley Construction...............................115Distinctive Kitchen & Bath...................... 1 Doe Ridge Pottery.................................15Doug Mcguire Construction......................9Dougnet ..............................................105E And K Construction.......Inside Back Cover

Echota....................................................3Fine Home Builders................................47Foggy Mountain Gem Mine...................108Foscoe Fishing Co................................103Gaines Kiker Silversmith..........................5Glidewel l ’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Green Horizons Innovators..................29Gum Ridge Mill..........................................5H & H Drywall.......................................123Harry Stroud Roofing..............................59Hawksnest........................................101HC Home & Prop Services..................116Headwaters......................................101Headwaters Enterprises..........................4Heather Buchanan Electric ...................29High Country Cabinets ...........................7High Country Energy Solutions...............30High Country Renovators.......................44High Country Stone..............................54House Design and Floor Planning.......122Hunters Tree Service............................13Jason McGuire Backhoe & Grading...123Jo Lynn Cleaners ...............................114Kevin Beck Studios.............................107Knox Group.........................................116Linville Galleries...................................106Logs America...........................................2Main Street Discount.............................123Mckee Tree Service.................................71Morales Hardwood Flooring...................56Mountain Heritage Systems.................26

Mountain High Realty............................120Mountaineer Sheet Metal.....................123Munday Hardwoods..............................121New River Showcase & Design..............54Northwestern Heating...........................125Orkin.............................................29,122Outdoor Lighting Perspective............107Parker Tie...............................................63Precision Cabinets................................46Quality Tile & Marble Inc.....................62RCD Construction..................................16Regency Properties.............................116Sally Nooney Gallery...........................58Skybest Security....................................128Spivey Construction.............................21Sugar Top Resort Sales.......................102Superior Spas...................................105Supherb Gutters.................................122Sustainable Green Builders...................72Tatum Galleries...............................55, 64The Country Gourmet...........................40The Fabric Shoppe................................126The Gamekeeper ...............................39The Vistas............................................118Thunder Hill Plumbing............................45Wallace Propane..................................48Weichert / Weber Hodges Group.........116Window & Door Spec............................69Wolf Creek Traders.................................11Worth Supply..........................................61


Corkboard

Skyline Skybest

Welcome Home......to security

and peace of mind.

Your mountain home was created to be the perfect, peaceful retreat. Protect your cherished getaway with a security system that watches over your property and the people you love – when you are here and when you are away.

Count on SkyBest Security for security and peace of mind.

800-759-2226www.SkyBestSecurity.com

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