The Cashiers Historical Society’s 2024 Designer Showhouse

Tour this year's farmhouse renovation for new design ideas

By KATHRYN SMITH

Aside from family homes and estates on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau that have been passed down for generations, there are only two ways to acquire a home here: build one or buy one. This year, the esteemed Cashiers Historical Society (CHS) brings us the latter with its 2024 Cashiers Designer Showhouse offering, a living testament to our community's rich history.

In its 27th year, this event is a highlight of the plateau’s summer season. It features a week of on-site tours and a string of off-site events that have never been bigger or better. This signature fundraiser fuels this energetic non-profit’s preservation of its historic buildings and campus, educational programming, and operations budget.

This is Chairwoman Cheryl Stanzione’s first time leading the Showhouse initiative, and she says, “I couldn’t begin to manage this fundraiser without the help of the dedicated staff of the historical society”. She also credits the uptick in associated events and fundraising opportunities to the organization’s new Marketing and Events Director, Lauren Carmichael. Stanzione is excited to be part of this organization because she sees it as the best way she can serve the community with skills she developed over a lifetime of designing and new construction project management.

The main event is the tour of the Showhouse, which runs from Friday, August 23rd, through the 31st. Guests must shuttle to the venue from The Village Green, the town’s central gathering place with acres of gardens and one of Cashier’s premier venues, Lewis Hall. The hall will be open for retail therapy during tour hours to further entertain event participants, with upscale vendors offering apparel, antiques, home décor, and other lifestyle accessories.

This year’s Showhouse, situated in the heart of Cashiers on a remarkably large (by in-town standards) 7-acre lot, exudes a fairytale vibe with its vibrant gardens, winding paths, and inviting breezeway—all of which are truly enchanting. In addition to the main house, a large pavilion with a covered porch and a detached garage with a mother-in-law suite demonstrates the use of outbuildings to create private spaces throughout the property.

Landscaping and hardscaping impact this little slice of heaven as much as the role bricks, stones, wood accents, and rooflines play. A beautiful yard with lush perennial plantings is set against a backdrop of thick moss and seemingly endless shades of green. The "secret garden" look and feel will surely delight visitors, especially nature lovers, as they enjoy the many mature plants and trees that perfectly envelop the home, giving this in-town estate a sense of rural privacy.

The home, built in 1994, was constructed by a local contractor who drew inspiration from the plateau's early days. The farmhouse look he chose pays homage to the pioneering families who self-sustained through gardening, hunting, and raising livestock. In their renovation, the current owners preserved the home’s traditional approach while introducing visually stunning modern elements and trending technologies.

Fifteen top-notch local and regional designers, along with one from Connecticut, will arrive at the Showhouse to outfit their designated areas, adding a contemporary twist to its historical charm. Visitors can purchase items featured in the show directly from the designers.

2024 Showhouse designers include Jeanie Gilmer with J. Gilmer Designs, Heather Parker and Wren Caples with Heather Wren Interiors, Jeff Parrott with J. Earl & Sons, Elizabeth Stuart with Elizabeth Stuart Design, Eric Ross with Eric Ross Interiors, Francie Hargrove with Francie Hargrove Interior Design, Lisa Wester with Lisa Wester Interiors, Holly Watson with Acorns at Old Edwards Inn, Sarah Kowalski with J. Banks Design Group, Joey Lynn Butler with Joey B Collection & Design, Douglas Hilton with DWH Interiors, Kathy Patton with Kathy Patton Designs, Melanie Couch and Nancy Dyleski with Spruce Interiors.

In addition to the interior designers, The English Gardener’s Drew English will bring to life an old potting shed and plant a dahlia garden. Gregg Irby will transform the garage into a contemporary art museum for the duration of the show.

In addition to the Showhouse tours, special events are scheduled at popular restaurants, private clubs, and revered outdoor spaces. The culmination is High Tea at the iconic High Hampton Inn on the afternoon before the final day of tours. Many events are free to the public, but some require a ticket, and all proceeds benefit CHS. For ticketed event details, visit CashiersHistoricalSociety.org.

Historically Cashiers Designer Panel Luncheon – Friday, August 23, 11 am - 1 pm

At Canyon Kitchen, designers and architects discuss their visions for timeless mountain aesthetics in a modern world— a ticketed event.

Talkin’ Bourbon with Blade and Bow – Saturday, August 24, 1 pm – 2 pm

At The Village Green, learn about the history & craftsmanship of bourbon and sample Blade and Bow Kentucky bourbon from the legendary Stitzel-Well Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky – a free event with a valid ID.

Introduction to Mountain Gardening – Sunday, August 25, 1 pm – 2 pm

At the Pavilion at The Village Green, learn from famed plant and landscape experts from the North Carolina Native Plant Society how to enhance your mountain yard to attract native species and migratory birds by providing food and shelter that is beautiful, eco-friendly, and in the spirit of your home – a free event.

Step into the World of Carolina Shag Dancing with Danie Beck – Monday, August 26, 3 pm – 5 pm

At Micas Mountain Kitchen, learn the fun, quick, and recognizable dance from across the Carolinas with lively beach music, finger foods, and a cash bar – a ticketed event.

Entertaining With Biscuits Live Demo – Thursday, August 29, 11 am - 1 pm

At The Orchard Restaurant, meet international celebrity chef Chadwick Boyd, who will give an interactive demonstration on how to make his three favorite gourmet biscuits. Enjoy champagne and biscuits during the demo, and then lunch featuring a dish by Boyd and one of his signature dessert recipes – a ticketed event.

Birds, Botany & Bogs Walk with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust – Friday, August 30, 1 pm – 2 pm

At The Village Green, an expedition into the diverse ecosystems of the plateau. Naturalists guide participants through acres of meadows, bogs, and cultivated gardens that draw visitors worldwide. The HCLT is one of the area’s most essential non-profits with a rich history of acquiring and protecting land throughout the plateau since 1909 – a free event.

High Tea at The High Hampton – Friday, August 30, 3 pm

At The Inn at High Hampton, join designers from the Showhouse for traditional teatime. Pastries and locally sourced teas will be served in the Fraser Room, where attendees can enjoy a fantastic view of the resort community’s famed Rock Mountain. Attendees are encouraged to embrace tea party fashion with casual yet chic bright colors, party hats, and other elegant summer attire – a ticketed event.

Talking Trout: The History of Native Trout & Fly Fishing in Western NC – August 23 – August 31

At Brookings Angler Fly Shop, the CHS Jan Wyatt Symposium Exhibit will be displayed throughout the Showhouse run. Learn about the industry and the pastime that has been so important to the community for generations. Information about guided fishing tours here and elsewhere will be provided – a free event.

Visit CashiersHistoricalSociety.org for more information about tickets, events, and opportunities to join the Cashiers Historical Society. And be sure to visit these beautifully restored structures at the CHS campus.