Appealing Real Estate

For nearly three decades, summer in Cashiers officially peaks with the Cashiers Historical Society’s (CHS) annual Designer Showhouse multi-day fundraiser. From historic homes to modern constructions, a stunning residence is selected each year as the main feature for a fundraiser that in 2025 lasted nine days (September 21st through the 30th) and included numerous venues.

In 2025, the Thursday night opening party, the Stargazer Gala, was held at Carl and Trish Ring’s elegant Blue Star Ranch. Sponsors and benefactors celebrated impressive contributions by Loudermilk Custom Homes and a dozen award-winning interior designers from across the Southeast. In our issue leading up to the Designer Showhouse event, we visited with each designer.

The next day, CHS opened the show to the public, offering regular shuttle rides to the Showhouse from The Village Green. In addition to daily Showhouse tours, a series of 12 events at various venues was also arranged, with over half free. The 2025 Designer Showhouse was a resounding success, helping fund the ongoing operations and programming CHS has been bringing to Cashiers for 30 years. It began with the restoration of the Zachary-Tolbert house by local citizens who saw a need and had a passion for preserving our unique history and culture.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Perhaps it is fitting that the principal fundraising effort for CHS each year revolves around our love for homes on the plateau and the happy pursuit of a mountain lifestyle here.

This year’s home was designed and constructed by Loudermilk Custom Homes, a division of Loudermilk Group, with deep roots in Atlanta and a more recent calling here in the mountains.  Owners Sherwin and Roane Loudermilk were more than busy with their successful home construction and design business in Atlanta when they were approached about developing property on Whiteside Cove Road south of Cashiers. Although they were concerned about managing the logistics of a project several hours from their home base, Sherwin sensed something special about the opportunity and felt compelled to explore it.

Today, Saratay Falls is among the area's most desirable neighborhoods. It features 18 estate-sized lots, old-growth forest, long-range views, and a 40-foot waterfall. Located just minutes from Hwy 107, it offers easy access to the Cashiers Crossroads and a spectacular backroad drive to Highlands. Best of all, the award-winning Loudermilk Group demonstrated its in-house architectural designers and project managers, and a sophisticated and proprietary 9-step process that guides its clients throughout their custom home construction. Interior design is also available through the sister company, Loudermilk Design. An example of their work is in the elegant yet casually cozy Showhouse dining room.

Sherwin began his career with IBM in web design and telecom. He found success in the fast-paced, highly competitive culture. His role in sales honed his skills working within teams, devising ever-more efficient systems and tirelessly striving toward excellence in an incredibly competitive environment. But within a few years, he knew that being an entrepreneur was his destiny. Roane’s support, encouragement, and commitment to the endeavor resulted in a family business they thoroughly relish together.

Finding and retaining the human resources necessary for home design and construction is a challenge, but the company's success lies in listening, even demanding timely communication from employees. Giving all stakeholders the authority to speak up has created a team of enthusiastic problem solvers who are hyper-focused on superior quality and obsessed with customer satisfaction.

This pursuit of peak performance has translated well in the homebuilding business. From site selection and the construction of infrastructure to procuring seemingly endless materials and working closely with staff and contractors, success is measured by the quality of the finished structure and the enjoyment new owners experience throughout the process. Ultimately, Loudermilk Custom Homes found its niche in high-end custom homes for clients with elevated expectations.

The Loudermilk Connect cloud-based app incorporates the builder’s 9-step process to keep operations running smoothly. Clients and the entire Loudermilk team track schedules, budgets, work logs, and documentation of architecture and design selections. Photos and a live video feed of every worksite are features that keep clients up to date and comfortable with their home's progress.

Of the many talented contributors to the annual Designer Showhouse for the Cashiers Valley Historic Society, builders who accept the challenge take on the biggest financial commitment. Loudermilk’s Saratay Falls community was particularly engaging. In addition to building an outstanding home on a fabulous homesite, folks who visited the gated community could also stroll the exclusive enclave and experience the ambience of this historic tract.

Each homesite is situated to afford maximum privacy and entrancing views. With proximity to the internationally acclaimed High Hampton Resort, Saratay Falls has been the perfect addition to this scenic neighborhood. It has proved well timed to meet the demand for new, ready-to-build upscale homesites in the plateau’s post-pandemic growth spurt.

Sherwin and Roane Loudermilk have other properties ready for construction for anyone considering building their dream mountain retreat. As seen with the Saratay Falls development, they instinctively identify appealing real estate. Their vision and ability to help clients realize their vision have created a loyal following. Their reputation for conquering complex projects with a company culture that rewards excellence has been a welcome addition to the plateau. Sherwin and Roane see a wide-open opportunity in one of the country's most sought-after areas.