Dreamwork

Silver Run Reserve, located within the southern corridor of Cashiers, is a private, equestrian-friendly community catering to the outdoor enthusiast, offering activities including boating, fishing, golf, hiking, and swimming. It’s an ideal location for a family looking to create an intimate, comfortable mountain retreat. When architect Jack Davis recommended Charlie Crawford of Crawford Construction to build a home he designed for his Rome, Georgia, clients, the homesite, like many in the mountains of western North Carolina, came with some obstacles.

“The terrain’s dramatic elevation changes were certainly challenging. Every project is unique in its own way; there are a lot of moving parts to manage and execute to ensure a successful completion,” Crawford recalls. In this case, he says the winning equation included constant communication and involvement between the homeowners, the interior designer, and Crawford Construction’s management team.

With a combined 60 years of experience in the construction industry and an unwavering commitment to integrity and client satisfaction, Crawford Construction is an integrated design-build firm specializing in rustic charm and refined mountain living, known to deliver a luxury build at a competitive price. Their depth of industry expertise and a strong local network helped the team navigate one of the project’s most significant hurdles. “I think the biggest challenge was Hurricane Helene. We were in the final stretch of the project and about to move the clients in when it hit. Everything was delayed, and it caused a huge snowball effect. We are very blessed and fortunate to have the best team of subcontractors on the plateau. Everyone came together to overcome various obstacles and get the project across the finish line,” Crawford praises.

Interior designer Emily Jiles is an associate designer with Maggie Griffin Design, based in Gainesville, Georgia, a full-scale interior design firm specializing in high-end finishes, ground-up new builds, and full remodels. With clients throughout the Southeast, the five-designer team, each managing their own projects, has worked on multiple locations across the plateau, including the bunk room in the 2023 Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Jiles worked with the homeowners for several years at their primary residence and was brought on to the project during framing. Design pivots in these early stages helped to create some of the house’s most distinctive spaces.

“As with any project, it is not always easy to envision a space based on a set of plans. As the foundations and floor systems began, it became apparent that some areas were too small for the client’s needs. Naturally, we made adjustments to enlarge certain areas and repurpose other areas. This gave the homeowners more flexibility to bring their vision to life,” informs Crawford. Jiles adds, “The master bathroom had the most amazing view of the entire home. Original plans called for a closet, but during framing, changes were made to put a tub with a window there instead, and I think it turned out to be the prettiest view in the house.”

Other changes to the original architectural renderings that enhanced the final project? “The original plans called for attic space above the kitchen and master bedroom. We made minor changes and allowed that space to become an office with a spectacular view on the fourth floor. It was an incredible transformation of space, and one of my favorite parts of the home,” shares Crawford. “Upstairs there was supposed to be a porch, but we closed it in; now it has front and back views of the mountains,” Jiles mentions, stating that with a minimal four-chair seating arrangement, it is one of her favorite spaces.

A sense of sophisticated comfort echoes throughout the abode. “Our goals were to get away from the rustic cabin feeling and to move toward an elevated mountain feel using neutrals, almost minimal but also cozy,” says Jiles. Horizontal shiplap creates texture while a creamy white paint palette and architectural features like the accordion-style door connecting the outdoor covered patio, where heaters encourage year-round use, and the main living room keep the aesthetic bright and airy. “It’s a very open floor plan, Jiles continues, “The homeowners have three grown adult children, their best friends live next door, and everyone loves to entertain.”

In the living room, reclaimed wood beams create warmth while patterned fabrics offer different layers. The stone fireplace, like all the house’s masonry work, was inspired by the rocks discovered on the property during the initial site development and was expertly crafted. “Each stone placed on the exterior and interior was hand chiseled to fit their respective space,” Crawford explains. “The majority of building materials used in our area are unique compared to other locations. We incorporated natural stone on the exterior with IPE decking and reclaimed timbers, as well as tumbled brick on the interior. The iron handrail extending from the second floor to the fourth was custom-made on site.”

While natural materials reverberate the domicile’s surroundings, the homesite’s location within picturesque Silver Run Reserve created an opportunity for panoramic vistas. “Multiple living spaces throughout the home with natural light were a huge must. Every room has an immaculate outdoor view, and we didn’t want to take away from that. The steel front door aligns with another steel door on the back of the house. As soon as you enter, you can see through the entire home to capture the view from the backyard,” Emily admires.

In the kitchen, form meets function with honed marble countertops. A hidden pantry door is located on the same wall as the refrigerator, concealed with cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pashmina, a sophisticated neutral balanced between warm and cool. Lighting throughout the house is from Visual Comfort, upholstery by Kravet and Wesley Hall, and textiles by Lee Jofa and Cowtan & Tout. Hallmarks of Emily Jiles’ updated traditional home design aesthetic can be found in statement moments like a collection of Majolica and oyster plates from trips to Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta hanging above beds in the guest rooms.

Outside, the landscaping was influenced by native plants and existing site vegetation, with Renee Byrd creating the landscape architecture design, and installation completed by Mathis Landscapes. It’s a perfectly balanced way to round out the property’s edited natural refinement. For Crawford, the home’s attention to detail and dedication to quality reflect both the philosophy and signature of the Crawford Construction team. From thoughtful design pivots to successfully navigating unforeseen obstacles, the project’s success proves that teamwork really does make the dream, or in this case, dream house, work.

Builder: Charlie Crawford, President at Crawford Construction; charlie@crawfordconstruction.com

Eric Fielding, Senior Project Manager at Crawford Construction

Interior Designer: Emily Jiles, Associate Designer with Maggie Griffin Design; maggiegriffindesign.com

Landscape:  Renee Byrd, Byrd Landscape Design; byrdlandscapedesign.com

Justin Mathis, Mathis Landscapes; mathislandscapes.com