1. Laurel Nest, Highlands, North Carolina. Photo by Erica Dines
2. Appalachian Mountains in Fall
Bubble & Squeak
has been so unbelievably busy this fall that we’ve almost forgotten to stop and appreciate the leaves changing color.
Luckily, we’re getting our Autumnal fixes in other ways. Our good friends Bill Cook and Michael
Faust have invited us to tour their home, Laurel Nest, in the rolling Appalachian
mountains of western North Carolina (which was just published in the always beautiful Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine).
Bill is the founder of Vermilion Designs Interiors and Michael is an
architect, both based a stones throw from Highlands in sweet and sultry
Atlanta. Intrigued by fairy tales
and a taste for whimsy, their style is truly a mix of fantasy and reality. Their storybook spirit comes across
loud and clear with a mingling of Adirondack-inspired balconies, exposed beam rooflines,
and a stacked log and stone façade.
Inside, they’ve created a magical world of Swedish Black Forest ski
chalet meets English country house meets Hansel and Gretel (no German children
were harmed in the building of this house). Bill, and his discerning eye for antique furniture and rare
objects, and Michael, and his classically trained architectural sensibility
have created a uniquely modern and comfortable home-away-from-home. Grab a seat
by the fire and enjoy the fairy tale.
1. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Lou Freeman
3. 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Cabriolet
Resting on the seat
next to him is a thoughtfully packed basket containing an apple pie, still warm
from the oven, which his mother insisted he take when he left. She can be
overbearing, but a bad cook she is not. It will be the perfect treat to end the long drive home. With each twist and turn up the steep road,
Hunter tightens his grip around the bony steering wheel of his vintage red ragtop Mercedes-Benz. He’s driven this way every weekend since building his dream
cottage up in the mountains two years ago, but tonight something is different.
Dusk came early this evening, he thought, as the headlamps catch flashes of
golden foliage floating over the dark, damp pavement. Although the route
is familiar, there is an eerie unknown in the air. The wind picks up,
and the grumble of thunder can be heard over the rumble of the engine. After a sharp turn, Hunter finds a downed tree branch lying motionless in the road forcing him to get out of the car to clear the way. Dragging the stray limb across
the pavement, a howling gust of wind from the shadows knocks him to the ground
with the force of a pouncing wolf. His breath is instantly knocked out of his
chest, and his lungs begin a long fight to draw in the chilly night air.
Regaining his composure, Hunter drags the limb across the road and gets back into his car. Arriving home after an eventful drive, he heads straight for the kitchen for the long
awaited treat. “What a strange night”, he says aloud while cutting a giant slice of
his mother’s apple pie. “And my, what big eyes you have, Hunter”, he laughs while
taking his first bite.
1. Fenwick Carriage Pocket Lantern, The Urban Electric Company
2. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Lou Freeman
3. Leather and Brass Dog Leash, Sterling and Burke Ltd.
1. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Erica Dines
2. Black Forest Hall Tree, Paul Kleinwald Art and Antiques, Inc.
1. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Erica Dines
2. French Art Deco Club Chair, Jean-Marc Fray
2. French Art Deco Club Chair, Jean-Marc Fray
1. Argentinian Wrought Iron Chandelier by Jose Thenee, Architectural Artifacts
2. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Lou Freeman
2. Vintage Hermes Orylag Fur Blanket, 20th Century Interiors
3. Vintage Stag Horn and Brass Mirror, Hadassa Antiques
1. Woodland Dinnerware, Spode
2. Vermilion Designs Interiors, photo by Erica Dines
1. American Hooked Rug, The New England Collection
2. Ripple Circular Table, Soane Britan
3. Vermilion Designs Interiors, Photo by Lou Freeman
