Text: Jeanne de Lathouder
Photos: John O’Hagan
Poised atop a steeply sloping lot, this breathtaking home is well-positioned to take in the scenic splendor that is the Blue Ridge Mountains. Privately situated within The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, the gracious 8,887-square-foot property offers exhilarating views of the community’s sprawling golf course set against the rugged scenery of the Appalachian chain. Designed to accommodate a growing, multigenerational family with diverse interests and a penchant for entertaining, the dwelling embodies a mountain lodge feel, utilizing local stone, oak timbers, cedar siding, and slate and copper roofing. The exterior is intended to blend with the colors of the natural environment, and the interior styling reflects an eclectic mix of timber, fresh finishes, and traditional elements.
“We have never built a home before,” says homeowner Lori Clark, “but both Bill and I have dreamed of living under the massive timbers of a timber-framed home. As we discussed this with our realtor and builder, they told us PLATT was the area’s most recommended architectural design firm. After meeting with Al and Parker Platt, Bill admired their previous work and was also drawn to their comfortable and thorough approach.”
“The attempt is always to help our clients make a home that is right for them,” says architect Parker Platt, president and principal of PLATT, a prestigious full-service architecture, construction, and interior design firm based in Brevard, North Carolina. “What we bring is a good site plan and floor plan to ensure the house lives well, as well as an understanding of how to connect the house and the family to the environment through materials, captured views, and daylight.” Platt, who the Clarks enlisted to take on the task, worked alongside his colleague Katie Jackson, who led the interior design.
Inspired by the movies Beauty and the Beast and My Fair Lady, the two-story library doubles as an office and music room for owner Lori Clark. Grand-scale custom sheer draperies from New Fashion Drapery and a charming window seat adorn the two-story window, amplifying its soaring height. A vintage upholstered chair and gold silk roman shades custom designed with Cowtan & Tout fabric complement the timeless elegance of the grand piano. “Now I sit at my desk and enjoy views out windows on three sides of the house,” says Lori. “Every detail is beautiful and functional.”
“The homeowners wanted to be near the Appalachian Mountains—and Bill had just completed his second Appalachian Trail hike,” says Jackson. “They have four grown children and grandchildren, and they wanted a dream home that was both luxurious and beautiful but also offered a special place to spend time with their large family.” The extraordinary home features an incredible two-story library where Lori spends many hours and a brewing room where Bill makes beer. There is also a lavish infinity pool, hot tub, billiards room, wine room, bunk room, and a cozy lower level with a bar and full kitchen.
Working together with his internal affiliated design group, Platt helped the couple fully define the interiors of their home. “We always work very closely with our clients in a collaborative way,” notes Platt, “and we stay involved throughout the construction and furnishings phases. A testament to how closely we worked with the Clarks is that their son-in-law, who was an architecture student during the design process, is now an important member of our design studio.”
Lori’s father, a talented craftsman who started a kitchen cabinet business years ago called Dutch Made Custom Cabinetry in Harlan, Indiana, provided all the custom cabinetry and built-ins throughout the home. “Since I was 15 years old, every summer job was working with my dad in the drafting office next to the fancy display kitchens loaded with samples of countertops, hardware, wood finishes, and all that inspires your kitchen dreams,” Lori recalls. “So as soon as we announced we were building, my dad’s eyes lit up with excitement as he presented me with his latest wood stain and glaze color samples. This house will forever bring a memory of my design time with my incredibly gifted dad, and I will treasure those days working with him to create my dream kitchen.”
The beauty of this spectacular home comes from a culmination of impeccable architecture, incredible views, and well-curated furnishings and fabric choices. Backdropped by a soothingly soft palette, everything in the house emanates a beautiful livability. “Southern elegances, creamy tones, rich materials, and sumptuous fabrics were all intentionally chosen to enhance the views,” says Jackson. “Lori also loves antiques, so we incorporated some of her favorite pieces, such as a gateleg table in the keeping room reminiscent of the one she grew up with.”
The entertaining aspects of the property include a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, ample exterior space—covered and uncovered—and plenty of room to accommodate overnight guests. The Clarks also love lighting, so they had custom fixtures created by The Heirloom Companies in Greenville for the great room, bar, and billiards table. In every space, carefully chosen lighting pieces complement the home as well as the furnishings.
The kitchen’s classic design includes polished stone countertops and a decorative backsplash by Victoria Falls and pendants from Simon Pearce. Sofas from Lancaster Custom Crafted Upholstery offer comfortable seating with accent tables by Rose Tarlow. A custom waterfall concrete coffee table from Making Whole completes the room.
“It was very special to design this house for the Clarks and really pay attention to how it was going to be both beautiful and functional for a full-time family home,” Jackson recalls. “During move-ins, our whole team shows up and buzzes around, but the homeowners aren’t typically involved, so they don’t have to see the chaos. But Lori and Bill wanted to be a part of it all—so much so that Bill slept in a hammock in the house the night before so he would not miss a second of it.”
“Our new home resembles a revolving door at a bed-and-breakfast—and we like it that way.” Lori laughs. “We built this house to be a homestead, where everyone and their friends will feel welcome to come visit—and I think it’s working.”
