Highland Drive Cottage

A thoughtfully designed three-bedroom second home in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Warm wood, stone, and covered outdoor spaces bring the details of a custom mountain home to a comfortable cottage scale.

Highland Drive Cottage was designed from the ground up as a three-bedroom second home in Banner Elk. Drawing on experience building roughly 30 to 40 other mountain homes, Steven developed the design and drawings to bring custom details to a more approachable cottage scale.

Designed for a Mountain Site

The steep site required careful driveway and foundation planning. The foundation was completed before winter; mountain weather contributed to a build of approximately nine months. A broad concrete driveway leads to the stone foundation, timber porch, and generous covered outdoor areas.

Warm Materials and Practical Spaces

Vaulted wood ceilings, timber trim, and a stone fireplace anchor the living spaces. The kitchen pairs dark cabinetry with a bright island, stainless appliances, and patterned tile. A reclaimed-wood sliding door adds character.

Wood accents continue into the bedrooms. Clean tile, dark fixtures, and generous vanities define the bathrooms, while hall laundry keeps everyday tasks convenient. This was the first three-bedroom model in a series that also included two- and six-bedroom designs.

The cottage was built as a private retreat for Florida owners, rather than a rental property.

View or download the Highland Drive Cottage project details (PDF)

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