5 Ideas For Building The Perfect Private Mountain Retreat

by Leave a Comment

Escaping the hustle of big city life and immersing oneself in nature’s serenity is a dream many share. A private mountain retreat offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re considering building a luxurious mountain cabin or a cozy home, designing your own private haven requires careful planning and attention to detail. This blog will explore mountain home must-haves and considerations to help you create the perfect private mountain retreat.

Large Windows and Doors With Views

One of the biggest advantages of building a mountain home is the views. Many look for options to integrate the natural beauty of the surroundings into the architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walls are common design features allowing homeowners to embrace their views fully. Another advantage of more windows is the natural lighting. The sun’s warm glow brings comfort, especially on cold, snowy days. 

Other popular designs include adding large sliding windows or glass doors that open rooms to walk-out decks and balconies that blend seamlessly with the landscape, allowing you to soak in the fresh mountain air.

Embrace Outdoor Amenities

Living in the mountains brings endless opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities. 

You can easily design your property to accommodate various activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, or fishing. Talk with your custom home builder and ask what limitations you have when it comes to build-outs that connect to popular hiking trails or ski slopes. If you live off a lake, add a deck or a dock with easy access to water activities like canoeing or boating. It is a great bonus feature even if you still need to prepare to set sail. Don’t forget to include storage for recreational equipment to keep them organized and readily accessible.

If you enjoy gathering with friends and families, large outdoor decks and patios with full kitchens and TVs are a host’s dream. Cozy seating areas with firepits or decks with a three-season room are great for entertaining. Consider these areas as outdoor rooms. They are places where you can breathe fresh mountain air and relax.

Cozy Relaxation Spaces

Most escape to mountain living to avoid the loud and fast life of cities and populated urban areas. Your mountain retreat should provide ample opportunities for relaxation and well-being. Hot tubs and saunas are very popular choices for relaxing. Infinity heated pools can be enjoyed year-round while basking in the unobstructed views.

Dedicated meditation rooms where you can unwind are very popular for an even more relaxed vibe, as are our yoga and fitness rooms. Home fitness centers allow you to maintain an active lifestyle in the midst of nature.

Smart Home Technology and Eco-Friendly Design

Incorporating smart home technology into your mountain retreat can enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Install a smart thermostat to regulate indoor temperature remotely, automated lighting systems that mimic natural daylight, and a comprehensive security system to keep your property safe even when you’re away.

Preserving the natural environment should be a priority when building a mountain retreat. Incorporate sustainable design principles by utilizing energy-efficient materials and eco-friendly construction techniques. Install solar panels to harness renewable energy, use reclaimed wood for flooring or accents, and opt for energy-efficient appliances to minimize your carbon footprint.

Cozy Interiors With Natural Elements

A private mountain retreat’s interior design should emphasize comfort, warmth, and coziness. Light wall colors and natural materials like wood, stone, and textiles help create a rustic ambiance. Consider a fireplace or wood-burning stove as a focal point to provide both warmth and a comforting atmosphere. Decorate with comfortable furnishings, plush rugs, and soft lighting to create a welcoming and relaxing space.

Designing and building the perfect private mountain retreat is an exciting opportunity to create a haven that seamlessly blends with nature while providing comfort and relaxation. By embracing the surrounding landscape, incorporating sustainable design principles, crafting inviting interiors, offering outdoor recreational amenities, including wellness spaces, and integrating smart home technology, you can create a personalized sanctuary where you can escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains. Let WaterStone help you build your dream retreat in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

What Style Makes a Modern Mountain Home?

by Leave a Comment

Long gone are the days of the log-cabin mountain home. The modern mountain home style has gained popularity among those seeking a balance between nature’s tranquility and contemporary aesthetics. Our design experts share tips that define the style of a modern mountain home, showcasing how it combines comfort, functionality, and sleek design. Check out what makes these homes more like a mountain retreat.

Local Materials

The design thought behind modern mountain homes is maintaining that deep connection with nature through natural materials. Wood, stone, and glass are commonly incorporated, echoing the elements found in the environment. Common choices include exposed wooden beams, wood and stone accents, and large picture windows. Many homeowners request these materials from local manufacturers and designers that source the materials from the mountains. It also makes for a great conversation piece when you can tell the story behind your home.

Large Windows and Doors

The Blue Ridge Mountain lining the sky, the lush greenery of the trees, and the sparkling lakes make mountain life so beautiful. Designers help homeowners make the most of their views by incorporating large windows and doors into the design. Larger glass windows and folding glass doors that completely open up help connect the inside with the outside, bringing homeowners closer to nature. 

Door framing choices are also a major design element. In addition to traditional wood, other popular choices include metals like aluminum. The “garage” door look adds a modern-manufactured look. 

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors help accent the natural materials found in modern mountain homes. Gray tones, blues, whites, and beiges are popular choices for both paint and decor. These colors complement most varieties of woods, like those used for accent walls and exposed beams, and cooler colors like blues help stone features pop and add that seamless connection from indoor to outdoor.

Open Concept Floor Plans

While the open floor plan concept is certainly not new, it is the most commonly requested design in mountain homes. By eliminating unnecessary walls and barriers, these designs create a sense of continuity and allow natural light to permeate the interior. Open living areas, dining spaces, and kitchens facilitate family gatherings and entertaining, enabling homeowners to enjoy the stunning mountain and nature views.

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design

Mountain living comes with a level of environmental responsibility. There is an emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient designs in modern mountain homes. Features like energy-efficient appliances, sustainable materials, and insulation are incorporated to reduce the ecological footprint and ensure long-term sustainability. It is not uncommon for mountain homes to lack oversized HVAC equipment like air conditioners. Fresh mountain air and ceiling fans can offer a cool breeze even on a hot summer day. Modern mountain homes often blend modern technology with eco-conscious choices, creating an ideal balance between comfort and environmental responsibility.

Outdoor Features

The must-have connection to the outdoors includes the actual outdoor living space. Front and back covered porches span the home’s length adding extra entertaining and relaxation areas that feel more like your own mountain retreat. Outdoor spaces include fireplaces, eating areas, and electrical for TV or speakers. Thoughtful landscaping that is low maintenance further enhances the connection between the interior and exterior serenity of the mountains.

Waterstone will help you design and build your beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain home. Our custom home builders will work with you to incorporate these design elements into your perfect mountain oasis. Contact us to get started.