When we think of the mountains, many of North Carolina’s nature lovers think of open air, sprawling views, and late nights around a cozy fire. Many of us dream of a personal mountain retreat of our own, where we can live, work, and play in the privacy of the state’s most elegant scenery. For those of us lucky enough — and brave enough — to build our own mountain homes, there are a few key ways to make the most of the natural environment.
3 Outdoor Additions for Modern Mountain Homes
In many ways, mountain homes are about embracing the great outdoors. Custom outdoor spaces are an excellent way to blur the line between home and surroundings, allowing residents to experience that all-important natural connection right from the convenience of home.
For Carolina homeowners, designing and building a mountain home requires thoughtful planning and keen attention to detail. In this article, we’ll walk you through a few of the best ways to craft a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience in your very own nature retreat.
1. Patios: The Foundation of an Outdoor Retreat
A custom patio creates a center point from which to enjoy your home’s outdoor experience. With the right materials, a patio can be designed to complement the natural environment. Stone, brick, and local wood can be combined to create the perfect aesthetic for your space. Flagstone makes a popular choice for Carolina cabins for its rustic, rugged appearance.
Patios come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages for different experiences. A small, gated patio might be perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee at sunrise or winding down with a book in the evening. A wide, open patio, however, might be a better choice for summer barbeques and autumn potlucks. Consider features like built-in seating, pergolas, or even an outdoor kitchen to cook meals in the open air.
2. Decks: An Elevated View of the Landscape
Decks are a beloved feature for homes everywhere — especially in the Carolina mountains. The views we love are often best enjoyed from a lofted vantage point. A custom deck can provide the perfect place to capture a panoramic view or entertain company with the benefit of a stunning backdrop.
When designing your deck, use materials that can withstand the mountain elements. Consider which building materials will offer the highest levels of durability with the lowest level of maintenance. Weather conditions can vary dramatically at higher elevations, so plan accordingly.
For those who envision a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living, wrap-around decks are a consistently popular option. In addition to providing a complete view of the mountain landscape, a wrap-around deck can also include more access points from multiple rooms, allowing you to seize the opportunity any time the outdoors call to you.
3. Fire Pits: A Centerpiece for Year-Round Gatherings
There are some who would say a mountain home is incomplete without a sizable fire pit — and we’re inclined to agree. There’s nothing quite like a chill evening spent roasting marshmallows in the glow of a fire. In addition to repelling bugs, fire also generates warmth, which can extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space well beyond the summer months.
There are a few essential points to consider when designing a fire pit: Will it be built into your patio or set off on its own? Will it be built from rustic red bricks or smooth, natural stone? Will the seating be built-in, or will vintage Adirondack chairs be the better fit? It’s also vital to consider safety when placing your pit. It will need to be a safe distance away from both the home itself and the surrounding trees and brush.
Incorporating Nature
Whatever pieces you decide to include in the outdoor living space of your mountain home, remember the power of nature to bring an aesthetic together. There are tons of ways to incorporate natural elements into your space.
Sourcing local wood and stone can help your patio and deck to match the natural colors and textures of the surrounding area. Landscaping can likewise help to blur the line between home and nature with man-made ponds, tiny waterfalls, and gardens of local fauna.
Build Your Dream Retreat With VPC Builders
In the same way that our natural world is built on balance, constructing the perfect outdoor space for a mountain home is a matter of balancing functionality, aesthetics, and personal vision. If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect retreat to embrace your love for the Carolina landscape, VPC Builders is here to bring your vision to life.
VPC has built mountaintop cabins of all shapes and sizes across the state, each a work of art finely attuned to the tastes of its owner. Get in touch to tell us about your vision today, and we can get to work planning your one-of-a-kind home.
Want more ideas for outdoor living? Contact VPC Builders today.