Cabin & Cove - Fall/Winter 2015

2 www.cabinandcove.com Fall/Winter2015

Welcome to Cabin & Cove

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p. 28

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Fall/Winter2015 www.cabinandcove.com 3

Publisher/Editor-TracyMcCoyArt Director-DianneVanderHorst

Copy Editor-JanTimmsStaff Photographer-PeterMcIntosh

Office Manager-CindiFreemanMarketing Executives

MelissaWilliams-Thomas-706.982.4777CindiFreeman-706.782.1608

Contributing Writers:DavidDarugh,AshleyBoudeur,HeatherLeighJohnson,ScarlettCook,

TracyMcCoy,PeterMcIntosh,LauraSims

4 ~ Memories of Lake Rabun Talking with Lorie Thompson6 ~ Unique and Lasting Structures Preserving Lake History8 ~ Cover Artist - Danny Young Inspired by Creation12 ~ A Book Review Boat Load of Trouble16 ~ The Booth Home When Wishes Come True20 ~ Bon Appétit Blue Cheese for Any Occasion24 ~ Festive Fun with Cookies and Cocoa28 ~ Chef Spotlight Meet Tyler Williams 32 ~ The Brown Home A Big Job Taken in Stride36 ~ Adventure Out Autumn Road Trip39 ~ Mountain Happenings Affairs to Remember44 ~ The Smith House A Designer’s Touch

Cabin&CovemagazineisapublicationofRabun’sLaurel,Inc.

Mailing:POBox2218Clayton,Georgia30525

Office:633Highway441SouthClayton,Georgia

Phone:706.782.1600

Website:CabinandCove.comE-mail:[email protected]

Fall/Winter2015•VolumeFive•IssueTwoCopyright2015

In this issue:From the Publisher

Fall and winter on ourmountain lakes are a greattime to enjoy the indoors.A day snuggled up by thefireplace is not necessarily abadthing.Acupofspicychilior a piece of warm caramelapplepiecanbringawarmthto your day in spite of thecoolertemps.Thecoverofthisissue will make you want toputanextralogonthefireand

aquiltonthebed.

Thisissuefeaturesthreegorgeouslakehomes,someincrediblerecipes for theholidaysandeverydayandanautumnleaf tourthatwilltakeyououtsideofyourcomfortzone.OurAdventureOut writer Peter McIntosh gives excellent directions and hisoutstandingphotographywilldrawyouintothetrip!

Ourcalendarofeventswillgiveyouallthereasonsyouneedtovisiteverychanceyougetandwearesurethereissomethingforeveryonetoenjoy!WeappreciateyouandareverythankfulthatyouhavemadeCabin&Covepartofyourmountainexperience.

Enjoyyourholidays,Tracy

Copyright 2013 by Rabun's Laurel Inc. All rights reserved. The Cabin & Cove magazine is published twice per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Cabin & Cove magazine's right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Cabin & Cove magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.


LorieRameyThompsongrewupinthevalleyovertheridgefromLakeRabunoff of RameyRoad.Her parentsHoyt andBarbaraRameyownedahomeat theheadof the lake.During the summerLorie

remembers riding her motorcycle to the lake everyday to swim withfriends.TheRocks,alocationtheothersideofwhatwasHall’sBoathouse(todayit isRabunBoathouse),wasaprimeswimmingholeforlocalsand visitors to the lake. An old rope hung from a tree perfect forswingingoutandintothewater.IfLorieandfriends:VonWatts,BettyJoWebb,HopeCrumleyandGaylaGipson,werenotswimmingattheRocks,theywerehangingoutatthedam.Saturdaynightswerealmost always spent atHall’s Boathouse. Everyone gathered forpickin’andgrinnin’.ShirleyManryrantheboathouseduringthis

time(midtolate70s)andSaturdaynightdanceswerewhatthegirlslookedforwardtoallweek.

Local musicians like CurtisBlackwell and Shirley’s husbandJim Manry, played bluegrassmusic on Saturday nights from8:00PMtillmidnight.Folkscouldenjoyahamburger from thegrilland somewould bring beer.Themusic and buck dancing werethe main draw. The communitycame together and enjoyed thesummer on the lake. Unliketoday’s lake residents, visitors tothe lake thencameonMemorialDay and stayed till Labor Dayand didn’t come back until thenextsummer.Todaylakeresidentscomeasoftenastheycantostayfor aweekend or aweek duringthe holidays and throughout the

Memories of Lake RabunLorie Ramey Thompson

“The community came together and enjoyed the summer on the lake.”


Memories of Lake RabunLorie Ramey Thompson

fallandwintermonths.Manywhocameandbuilttheirdreamhomestoretirehavedonejustthatandarehereyear-round.

Inthe70s,therewerelongstretchesof undeveloped shoreline on LakeRabunandtherewasnoroadonthebacksideofthelake,infactLorie’suncleRussellRameybuiltBrandonMill Road. He traded the roadwork for a lake lot. Lorie’s father,HoytRameyandgrandfatherBurchRamey built many of the originalhomesonthelakeduringthistimeperiod.Allthewhilelifewasgoodfor five Rabun County girls ridingmotorcycles all over Lakemont,Georgia. The girls would meet atMr.LamarAlley’sstoreanddecidewhere theywanted togo thatday.Theywereexcitedeachsummertomeetthesummerfolksorgetreacquaintedwithfriendsfromlastyear.

ManyofthehomesonLakeRabunandLakeBurtonwerebuiltbyboatduringthe60sand70s.Buildingmaterialswerebroughtacross the lake on boats. Lorie remembers her dad sendingmaterials down the sideof themountainbyflume to thepad.Homes were built differently; there was just a different levelofexpectation.Whatwasacceptedasasummerhouse then ismuchdifferentthanwhatweseeontheshorelinestoday.WhenLorie’s fatherbuilt theircabinonthelakeheusedmaterialshehadsalvagedfromhomeshehadremodeled.Manyoriginallakehomeshadascreenporchthatwasasbigastheentirehome.TheRameyfamilyenjoyedmanyyearsvisitingthehomeacrosstheridgeonweekendsandholidays.WhenLoriegraduatedin1979,herdadsoldthehousefor$28,000.Ifonly...

Lakehomeshavechanged; thereweremany40yearsago thatweren’t muchmore than glorified camping, no windows, justscreens,noheatandnoair.Afireplaceforcoolnightsandbunkroomswerethenorm.Manypeoplecarriedwaterfromthelakefordrinkingandbathing.Mostresidentsspent their timeintheboatorbehindit.LorielearnedtoskibehindanoldChrisCraftboatandremembersbegging toskibeginning inMarch.Todaythoseoldlakecabinsaretorndownandnewmuchlargerandelaboratehomesarebuiltintheirplace.Newmemoriesaremadebytheyoungandoldalike.

Aswas the case back in the day, communitieswere tight knitandfolksfromLakemontdidn’tminglewithfolksfromDillardorClaytonorevenLakeBurton.SowhileLoriewascruisingaroundthelakeonhermotorcycle,herfuturehusbandwasgrowingupnearLakeBurton.Anthony“Peanut”Thompson, the sonof JoeandCarrieThompson,livedonHighway197.Oftenreferredtoas“thebacksideofthelake”therewasn’tmuchtrafficbackthenandLorieremembersAnthony’sgrandmotherInaBeck,sittingontheporchofhisparent’shouseamazedwhensummerbrought thevisitors.Shewouldsay,“Lordy,Lordywherearetheyallgoing?Reckonwheretheyallcamefrom?”ImaginewhatMissInawouldsaytodayaboutthecarsthatzipupanddownthelakeroads.

LorieandPeanutmetandmarried.Theirweddingtookplaceatthe Clay Estate on Lake Rabun.After shemarried, Lorie spentmore time on Lake Burton than Rabun.Her husband and sonenjoyfishingandoftenfish in localand regional tournaments.AnthonyistheownerofThompsonConstructionbuildinghomeson the lakes and beyond. Lorie is in the business of helpingbuyersandsellersfindtheirdreamhomeinthemountains.ShehasenjoyedasuccessfulcareerinrealestateandworksatReMaxofRabuninClayton.ThecouplehastwogrownchildrenJoeandKendall.Loriestillenjoysmeetinglakeresidentsandthinksoftenofthefriendsshemadeonthelake.

byTracyMcCoy

PhotoscourtesyoftheLakeRabunCentennialCelebrationcollection.


Thisyear,LakeRabun,createdin1915bythecompletionoftheMathisdam,iscelebratingitscentennialanniversary.Withthathascomearenewedfocusonthetraditionsand

historythatmakeittheuniquelycharmingdestinationitistoday–onethatIhavebeenexcitedtocomehometoaftertoomanyyearsaway.Aroundthissmalllake,the100-yearanniversaryhassparkedneweffortstoreconnectwiththelake’shistoryandthereisapalpablesenseofexcitementandcelebrationas1915-2015flagsappearonboats,housesandcarsalike.

Evenas a child, I knew that the twenty-fivemilesof shorelinewinding through the North Georgia mountains encircled averyspecialplace.Referredtoas“Georgia’sLakeComo,”LakeRabunhasbeenoneofthemostsoughtafterlocalesforsecondhomes since its creation. Even as properties changed hands,homeownershavealwaysretainedastrongsenseofcommunity,aswellasadeepappreciationfortherichhistoryoftheirbelovedlake. While other destinations seem to thrive today on theprincipleof“bigger-newer-better,”forLakeRabun,thesecrettoitscharmliesinitsabilitytohonorthepast.

Along with a general sense of jubilation, the centennialanniversarytriggeredarenewedinterestinLakeRabun’shistory,inwhichitshistoricpropertiesplayanimportantrole.ThemostwellknownoftheseisWithmereHouse,onWithamPoint.

In1918,WilliamStuartWithampurchasedapeninsulaon thelakeandin1921builtahouseknownas“Withmere,”inspiredbythesummerhuntinglodgesofGreatBritain.ThehomewasoneoftheveryfirstresidencesbuiltontheshoresofLakeRabunandthefourbedroommainhouseremainsintactwithmanyoftheoriginalfurnishings.Overtheyears,fourgenerationsoftheWithamfamilyhavebothprotectedandrestoreduniquefeaturesoftheestatesuchasleadedglasswindowsandtheoriginalhandcranked phone that still hangs on the wall in the great lodgeroom.Today,aquickboatridearoundWithamPointrevealshowthe grounds have beenmaintained completewith the originalswimstructuresattheshoreline,includingthestoneboathouseandstepsleadingdirectlyintothewater.

Unique and Lasting Structures Help Lake Rabun Preserve Its History

AshortboatridefromWithamPointliesanotherhistoricproperty,StoneHaven,onlandpurchasedbyDr.GeorgeBellingerin1914fromAugustusAndreae,founderoftheLakeRabunHotel.Everyinchofthepropertywasdesignedtobeinvitingandtoencourageenjoyment for visitors traveling from Atlanta and beyond.Throughoutthe1940’sand50’s,theestatewasadestinationresortwithaguestlistthatreadlikea“who’swho”ofAtlantasociety.NotableAtlantanssuchasLindseyHopkins,PeggyMitchel,SamDobbs,JimCrawfordandNunnalyWinshipcametostayintheoriginallodge.EvenayoungMargaretMitchellstayedatStoneHavenduringthebeginningofhercareerasareporterinAtlantaasshewasresearchingastoryaboutmountainlore.

One of Stone Haven’s most unique features is its distinctiveseawall,whichwas inspiredby theseawall inRiode Janieroand incorporates two diving turrets and a sunbathing turret.Describingtheseawall,Dr.Bellingersaid,“IhadbeeninSouthAmericaandtheseawallinRioissobeautifulthatafterIreturnedtothestatesithauntedme.Therefore,whenopportunitycametometobuild,IadaptedthedesignatStoneHaventosuitthefaceoftheMountainsideatmyplace.”Atthetimeofconstruction,thepowercompanyagreedtolowerthewaterlevel22feetinorderfortheoriginalbuilder,andhis168hiredmen,tocompletethewallanddivingturrets.Inhisownwords,Dr.Bellingerdescribedthebuildingoftheseawallasanaccomplishmentthatwasonlyachievedthroughcooperationfromthepowercompany,whichthankfully“lenteverypossibleassistancetothebeautifyingofthelakefront.”Throughmeticulouspreservationefforts,thegroundshavebeenrestoredtothesplendoroftheproperty’sresortpast.

AcrossthelakefromWithamPointliethehistorichousesoftheLooker Estate. In 1987, upon the death of Antonina HansellLooker,her largeestateof38.726acreswithover3000feetofshorelinecontaininghistoricBluebirdCottage,HillhouseandtheWhiteHouse Lodge became the object of potential unwanteddevelopment.Fortunately,officersoftheLakeRabunAssociation(LRA) realized this threat and successfully negotiatedwith theLookerEstatetoselltoanLRAmember,adeveloper,whocreatedthe20privatelotsthatexisttoday.ThroughthestewardshipoftheLRAanditsmembers,manyoftheoriginalstructures,including


the charming Bluebird Cottage, were preserved and are nowproudlyprotectedbythefamilieswhoownthem.

This was not the only time the influential LRA stepped in,with the help of individual residents, to protect the uniquecharacterofLakeRabun. Firstchartered in1928, today’sLRAhasremainedactiveinitscommitmenttocommunityprotectionandpreservation. Inordertosavetheoriginalmarinaknownas“Hall’sBoathouse,”whichwasopenedinthe1930’s,CharlieArp, StanAshley and 18 other LRA investors organizedHall’sBoathouse, Inc., and leased the land from theGeorgia PowerCompanywhohadboughtthepropertytoensurepublicfacilitiesand lake access points. After leasing the property, the LRA-drivenHall’sBoathouse Inc., rebuilt and reopened themarinain1983,preservingasmuchoftheoriginalstonestructuresandvintagememorabiliaaspossible.Affectionatelyknownsimplyas“Hall’s,”todayitisaone-stop-shopwhereresidentsandvisitorsalikecanfillup,repairorbuyavintageboataswellasstopforasweettreat,allwhileenjoyingatruepieceofLakeRabunhistory.

Thosewho do not have the opportunity to stay in one of thehomes on the lake can also get a taste of the unique Rabunexperience by staying in the Historic Lake Rabun Hotel.Anothershiningexampleofhowstronglythecommunityvaluesitshistory, thehotelcelebrated its90thbirthday in2012. ThelodgewasfoundedbyAugustusAndreae,whogrewupinMilanand along the shores of Italy’s LakeComo. Since opening in1922,thehotelhasbeeninoperationcontinuallywithonlyshortperiodsofclosureforrestorationandrepairs.Onesuchclosurewas in2008whenitwascarefully restoredbypreservationiststomaintain its ancestral charm. Today, guests can stay at thehotelorsimplydropbyfordinnerandeatanaward-winingmealintheimpressively,butnotsurprisingly,lastsurvivingmountainlodgeonalakeinthestateofGeorgia.

HowfortunateforusallthattheLakeRabuncommunitycontinuesto successfully blend its rich history with its thriving present.Thatiswhatmakesthelakewhatisittoday,anditisultimatelywhat calls to those of us lucky enough tomake the lake ourhome.WhiletherearemanybeautifullakesinNorthGeorgia,theuniquecharmofRabunliesinthetraditionsthathavebeenpassed down through generations and closely guarded by thecurrentresidents.Aswecometotheendofthisanniversaryyear,weshouldbesuretocelebratethosewhohaveprotectedourhistoryandrenewourcommitmenttodothesame.

byLauraSims

Laura Sims graduated from Davidson College in 2005 and Vermont Law School in 2014. She recently moved home to

Atlanta from Colorado. Laura’s family has had a home on Lake Rabun for generations and she

remembers spending every summer on the lake. She was inspired to write about Lake Rabun history after attending

their centennial celebration this year. She is proud to be a part of

the Lake Rabun community.


Anative of Columbus, Georgia, Danny YounggrewupinMarianna,Florida.Afterhighschool,he served three years in the Marine Corps,

includingatourofdutyinVietNamasaradiooperator.He was educated at Carson-Newman University andSouthwesternBaptistTheologicalSeminary.HepastoredchurchesinAlabama,TexasandFloridabeforecomingtonorthGeorgiain2002.

While in Florida, Danny worked as the publisher ofa faith-based magazine in Tallahassee. They had anaveragemonthlyprintrunof10,000andthepublicationwasdeliveredto300+churchesandministries.Thiswassomething that he found enjoyable. In need of photosfor themagazine,Dannybeganshootingimagesoutofnecessity, but in no timehewashooked! Photographybecamehisonlyhobby.Later,in2005,whenhegothisfirstdigitalcamera,hebegantoimprove,becausenowhe could take practice shots which he couldn’t affordwithfilm!

At times, his photography experiences were veryfrustrating.Hesaidhewassodiscouragedatonepointhethoughtaboutthrowinghiscameraintothelakeinsteadofmakingapictureofthelake!Buteagertoimprove,hekeptatitanddidn’tgiveupandtheresultsareamazing.Danny has seen great benefit in being part of areaphotographygroupswhereprofessionalslearnfromeachother and trial and error.He is currently amember oftheFoothillsPhotographyGroupinHabershamCounty,the Nature Photography Network, which is a globalonlineorganization and theAthensPhotographyGuildofAthens,Georgia.

On Our CoverDanny Young Inspired by Creation

Danny says he soonbegan thinking about selling his photos andheenteredhisfirstshow.Hehadsomeincredibleimagesandamongthemwasaphotoofpinkflamingos.Hestudiedtheguestswhovisitedhisdisplay thatdayand found theywerenotdrawn towhathe thoughtwasbest.Mostofhiscustomersthatdaywerewomenandheendedupsellingthepinkflamingophoto.Hehadarevelationthatdayandthatwasheneededtothinklikeawoman.Hebeganlookingathissubjectmatterdifferentlyandithasbeenaprofitablelesson.Whilenoteverycustomerislookingforbigbirdswithpinkfeathers,theyarelookingforauniquetwist,somethingthatcatchestheireye.

WhenIaskedwhathisfavoritesubjectwashewasquicktosay,flyingbirds.Hefindsitachallengetocaptureamallardinflight.Infactthatveryimageiswhatbroughthimfromphotographertoartist.Onedaywhile shooting on the lake he shot amallard in flight low, near thewater.Theimagewasnotassharpashisphotosusuallywere,butinthatDannysawanewpossibility.Heworkedwiththeimageandtheresultwasanincrediblyartisticphoto.Hetransitionedtoamoreexpressivestyleandithasbeenwellreceived.

Nature seems to be his forte, although he has shot weddings andportraits. He finds himself humbled by creation and in awe of theCreator.HeoftenasksGodforagreatshotandmoreoftenthannothegetsthem.AtoneshowawomanbrowsedthroughhiscollectionandtherewasoneimagehehadtitledPeacefulPlacethatshecouldn’ttakehereyesoff.Hewatchedastearsstreameddownherface.Heallowedherthattime;shethenwanderedon.Sometimelateragentlemancamebyandboughttheimageforhiswife,whohadjustlosthermother.

ShowsledDannytogalleriesandtodayhisphotographycanbefoundatSoqueArtworkson theSquare inClarkesville,GeorgiaandBurtonGalleryattheintersectionofHighway197andBurtonMountainRoad

nearLakeBurton.IaskediftheYounghome is filledwith his photographyandlaughinghesaidyes,unlesstherewasashowthenhiswife’swallswereempty.HehascustomerswhocollecthisphotographyandoneinparticularthatheknowshasmoreDannyYoungphotos inhishome thanDannyhasinhis.

His most recent achievement wascominginfirstplaceinaphotographycontestatGibbsGardens.Withover800entriesDannywassurprisedthathis image was chosen.While I amsure that thereweremany beautifulimages submitted, none was betterthan Danny’s pink water lily, theperfect restingspot foradragonfly. Iwasnot surprisedDannyYoungwasnamedthewinner.


Avisittodannyyoungphotography.comwillrevealacollectionofinspirationalphotographythatincludesscripture.Dannyhasfoundthatcertainscenesoftenbringascripturetomindandlaterheaddsittotheimage.Thisisn’tsomethingthatheplansitjustseemstohappen.Heproducesinspirationalnotecardsbyrequest.Youwillalso find that travel is something theYoungs enjoywith trips tomanyNationalParksresultinginbreathtakingphotosthatmaywellneedtobeaboveyourmantleoronyourwalls.

TodayDannyYoungstaysbusyshootingahalfadayeachweek,givespresentationstophotographyclubsandchurchgroups,volunteerswiththeHIMministryattheFirstBaptistChurchinClayton,Georgiaandhelpscareforhisagingmother.Hecanbereacheddirectlybye-mailingdannyoung56@yahoo.com.

byTracyMcCoy


Irecently took a comfortable chair to enjoy agood book, a mystery, essentially my first readinthatgenre. Afterpublishingsevenotherbooks,

accomplished author John Shivers has released his firstmysterytitled,ABoatLoadofTrouble.Thisisthefirstnovelofthe“SlopBucket”Series.

Shivers confesses to being a lifelong fan of mystery, which isobviouswithin thisbook,where thereferencesspeakvolumes.Avid readers who indulge in mystery will appreciate all thefamiliarmysterytextreferencesthroughoutthebook.“ThensherealizedhowAnnieDarlingmusthavefeltinDeathonDemand,when that miserable Elliot Morgan was murdered, and poorAnniewasaccusedofdoingthedeed.”Or,likeme,ifyouhaven’tpreviouslyreadamysterynovel,youcanstillenjoythisbookjustasIdid!

The story takes place in Crabapple Cove in the mountainousNortheast Georgia.The scenery is breathtaking! “The sunwasdipping into the west, making beautiful saffron highlights thatpeepedinandaroundthevariousmountainpeaks.”Surroundedbyalakehousecommunity,divorcedrealestateagentMargaretGordon, aka “Mags,” findsnew life aftermarriage.Booklovers

ON THE BOOKSHELFBoat Load of trouBLe

embarkupontheunfortunateevents that transpirewhenMags,atMountainMagic Realty, discovers a deceased client on herboat.Thesameboatsheusestotransportpotentialclientswhenshowingproperty.

Get on board with Mags on the journey that will keep youguessing; there’s never a dull chapter, which is an importantfactor formewhen choosing a good book to read.The entirenovelrevolvesaroundansweringthequestionofwhokilledMr.Humphries;howevermoredramaticsspawnmoretrouble,andadditionalquestionsarise.Mr.Humphriesisn’tMr.Humphries,sowhoishe?

Whilereading,Ifoundmyselfengagedbythismysterycomposedofacleverlydesignedscheme.AuthorShiverscertainlypiquesthe

reader’s interest withMags’ dilemma. Readerswill find themselves literally in her office atwork, getting mad at the Sheriff and tired, asthemain character becomes sleep deprivedafterMags’friendisframedandarrestedformurder.

If that wasn’t bad enough, her businessdeclines and contracts are cancelled. Therealestateagent’sboatisseizedforevidence

andshecan’tgetherboatback;hernameisslanderedduetothehigh-profilecrimethatwas

committed.Magssensesthisisallafixedcrime,andsetsouttohelpherfriendCaroleclearhernamesoshecangetheroutofjail.TheSheriffasksMagsnottoleavetownforawhile,stating that shemaybea suspect.She ignoreshis instructions,andsneaksatriptoAtlantatohireanattorneyforherfriend.Eventhoughtheoddsareagainsther,Mags,whohasquicklybecomediscouraged, starts rackingherbrain. Thereare fewclues,butMagsissureofonething;herfriendisinnocent.HerheartbreakswhenshefinallygetstovisitCaroleinthelocaljail.

ItbecomesblatantlyclearthattheSheriffhasarrestedthewrongpersonwhenMagsbeginsgettingharassingemails.“Betyou’veneverpeddledprisonpropertybefore,”onetaunts.Theharassmentquicklyescalatestopropertyvandalismandthepoisoningofhercorgicompanion.

Why has her ex-husband been seen in town? Mags reachesout to other resources for help, who further confirm that thelaw enforcement has no interest in pursuing an investigation


touncoverthepersonattemptingtointimidateher.Whyis lawenforcementsounhelpful?Thisisverysuspicious!

Withherbusinessinthedump,herbestfriendinjailandherdogalmostdying,whatcouldpossiblygetworse?Carole,theaccused,who isMags’ close friend, attempts suicide insidehercell.Ordoesshe?TheattorneyworkingCarole’scase,asafinalattempt,recommendsagoodprivatedetective tohelpMags. Solutionsbeginproducingprobability,andwiththePI’sassistance,Mags’inklingsareproventrue.Shealsodiscoversthatthedetectivelifesuitsher.

Once all the puzzle pieces fall into place a promise remains:Magswilltakeusonasecondjourney.Icannotwaittoreadthenextbookanduncoverhernewestmystery!

byAshleyBrodeur

Autographed copies of Boat Load of Trouble are available directly from the author at [email protected] or through Amazon.com. His web site is www.johnshivers.com.


Create or Revitalize!

706.490.1490

KurtCannon,ownerofRabunBuilders,Inc.,hasearnedtheundeniablereputationofcreatingandrevitalizinghomesandboathouseswithexceptionallyhighqualityworkmanshipinRabunCountyfor25

yearsasageneralcontractor.Wearehereforyounowandwillbehereinthefuture.Weusealllocalsubsandsuppliersthatwillalsobehereforyouinthefuture.Wesupportthelocaleconomyandwearelicensedand

fullyinsuredtoprotectyouthehomeownerandyourinvestment.ReferencesAvailable.Moreinfoavailableatwww.rabunbuilders.com

www.rabunbuilders.com•[email protected]•Clayton,Georgia

RABUNbuilders, inc

Create or Revitalize!


Ifyou tosseda coin intoawishingwell andwishedforahomeonLakeBurtonwithvintagecharmonawonderfully flat lot, you’d be lucky to end upwith

TeesBooth’sfamilyhomeonMurrayCove.Theoriginalstructure was built in 1929 by a prominent Atlantaattorney, and Booth’s grandparents acquired the homethrough a sealed-bid auction in 1963. Since that time,thehomehasbeenthecenteroftheJohnsonandLarginfamiliesmanylakememories.

Thelotisbufferedontheleft-handsidebyparklandthatwill never be built on, so thewide expanse ofmaturehardwoods – hickory, red oak, white oak and poplars– stand permanently as the best possible neighbors.On that end of the property, the original rock Delcobuilding remains as a reminder of times when powercameonly throughgenerators.Also still standing is theoriginalsmokehousewherecookingwasdoneuntilthe1940swhenthekitchenwasbroughtindoors.Bothout-buildingsboasttheiroriginal,weatheredpatinaandlendthelotpicturesquecharm

The Booth House When Wishes Come True


.Alsocharmingis the fact the lot itself isveryflatandverynear thewater.ThewavesofMurrayCovelapontheseawallnotthirtyyardsaway.Beingsoclose to thewaterallows for lakeviews fromeverywindowinsidethehome.Thebreezecomingoffthewaterisconstantandrefreshing,alovelyformofnaturalairconditioning.

Inside, thehomeretainsmuchof itsoriginalcharm.NotmuchhaschangedsinceBooth’sgrandparentsboughttheplace.Theybroughtantiques from theirAtlanta home, so a pre-Civil war piano standsin the living room right where they placed it.The wood panelingthroughoutthehomethough,predateseventhem.

Booth believes the heart-pine tongue-and-groove paneling in thebedroomswas likelymilledon site in the twenties, alongwith thepaneling throughout the vaulted living room and house. The twobedroomsontheleft-handsideofthehomeshareaccesstoalargebathroomsituatedbetweenthem.Bothroomsfeaturelakeviewsaswellasold-fashionedlakesimplicity.Themasterbedroomsitsontheright-handsideof thehouse,and itcontains itsownensuitebath.Thehearth in this roombears theoriginal inscription from thedaythefireplacewasfinished,January19,1929.Talkaboutlivinghistory.

Upstairs, the large space was once twobedroomsthatBooth’sgrandfatherrenovatedtomake one large room.The bedroomhasplenty of space for four beds, and it offersa renovated half-bath for its lucky guests.Windowsonbothendsofthespaceallowforthebreezeoffthelaketotravelrightthrough,acharmingfeatureinanyhome.Throughoutthespace,originalbuilt-inbookshelves linethewallsandcontainvintagemementoesoftimesgoneby.

Downstairs, thefireplace in the living roomstandsas its featureelement.Madeof localstone, possibly right off the lot, the widehearthanddeepchimneyallowforlargefirestoheatthetidyhome.Boothsaysthatwhenthefiregetsgoinginthewinter,thefeldsparandmica in the rocks sparkle and shine, acharmingtouchdesignedbynatureherself.

Across the frontof thehome,adeepporchfacesthewatersofMurrayCove.BillyGoatIslandcanbeseenin thedistanceamongastand of undulating ridgelines. A concretesidewalkdowntheshortflightof rock-linedstepsleadsdirectlytothewater.Aroundthecorner stands the home’s originalwell, justincaseyouhave thatcoinhandy to toss inand make your Lake Burton home-owningdreamscometrue.byHeatherLeighJohnsonPhotosbyPeterMcIntoshmcintoshmountains.com

This Historic property is exclusively marketed by Connie West, Broker and Owner of Burton Rabun Real Estate Company. Connie is a veteran Realtor and life-long Lake Burton resident who has been helping families’ dreams come true there for over 30 years. Call Connie today at 404.790.6416 to tour this home and turn your wishes to reality.www.burtonrabunre.com


The Booth Home



MosteveryonewilltellyouthatCheddarorMozzarellaistheirfavoritecheese.Butforvariety,everyonelikesalittlebleucheese.Thetermbleucheesecoversalotofground.InEuropemanybleucheesessuchasRoquefort,Danablu,Cabrales,GorgonzolaandBlueStiltoncarryaprotecteddesignationoforigin,meaningtheycanbearthenameonlyiftheyhave

beenmadeinaparticularregioninacertaincountry.

Bleucheeseisbelievedtohavebeendiscoveredbyaccident,whencheeseswerestoredinnaturaltemperatureandmoisturecontrolledcaves,whichhappenedtobefavorableenvironmentsformanyvarietiesofharmlessmold.Roquefortismentionedintextsasfarbackas79AD.Gorgonzolaisoneoftheoldestknownbluecheeses,havingbeencreatedaround879AD,thoughitissaidthatitdidnotactuallycontainblueveinsuntilaroundthe11thcentury.Stiltonisarelativelynewadditionbecomingpopularsometimeintheearly1700s.Soifyoulikeareally“blue”bleucheesethereisoneforeveryone.

byScarlettCook

Bleu Cheese Logs24appetizerservings

28-Ouncepackagescreamcheese,softened8OuncessharpCheddarcheese,cutinsmallcubes24-Ouncepackagescrumbledbleucheese1/2Smallonion,minced11/2TablesWorcestershiresauce1/2Teaspoongroundredpepper2Cupsfinelychoppedandtoastedpecans2Cupsfinelychoppedfreshparsley

Process cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, bleu cheese, onion,Worcestershire sauce and red pepper in a food processor 1 to 2minutesuntilcombined;stoppingtoscrapedownsidesreallywell.

Stir together thecheesemixture,1cupof thepecans,and1/2cupparsley.Coverandchillforatleast1hour.

Shapemixtureinto47”-logs.

Combineremainingpecansandparsley. Roll logsinpecan/parsleymixture; coating well. Cover and chill until ready to serve withcrackersorpitachips.

Logscanbemadeandfrozen.Thawintherefrigeratorovernight.

Bon AppétitBleu Cheese for Any Occasion


Bleu Cheese PuffsYields2dozen

1/4Cupbutter3/4Cupwater3/4Cupplainflour1/8Teaspoonredpepper3Largeeggs14-Ouncecontainercrumbledbleucheese

Preheatovento400˚.

Bring butter and water to a boil in a heavysaucepan.Removefromheat.

Addflourandpepper,beatingwithawoodenspoonuntilmixtureleavesthesidesofthepanandformsasmoothball.Addeggs1atatime,beatingwellaftereachegg.

Stirincheeseandletmixturestand20minutes.

Dropbyroundedtablespoonfuls2”apartontobutteredbakingsheets.

Bakefor30minutesoruntilgolden.Canbeservedwarmoratroomtemperature.

Bleu Cheese Potatoes4servings

11/4Poundspotatoes,peeledandcutintowedges1Tablespoonoliveoil1/2Cupbleucheesesaladdressing–preferablytherefrigeratoredkind1/4Teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1/4Cupcrumbledbleucheese

Preheatovento425˚.

Ina13”x9”bakingdishdrizzlepotatoeswithoil;tossingtocoatwell.

Bakefor25minutes.

Placepotatoesinservingbowlandtosswithdressingandpepper;sprinklewithcheese.


Bleu Cheese Chile Grits6servings

3Cupsmilk1garlicclove,minced11/4Teaspoonsalt1Cupquickcookinggrits1/2Cupcrumbledbleucheese1/3Cupmargarine,cubed1/2Cupwhippingcream2Largeeggs,slightlybeaten2Eggwhites,slightlybeaten14-Ouncecanchoppedgreenchilies.drained2TeaspoonsParmesancheese2Teaspoonschoppedfreshbasil1Teaspoonchoppedfreshthyme1/4Teaspoonpepper

Preheatovento325˚.

Bring milk, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in mediumsaucepan; gradually stir in grits. Cover and reduce heat andsimmer10minutes,stirringoccasionally.

Stirinbleucheeseandbutteruntilbotharemelted.Stirin1/4teaspoonsalt,whippingcreamandremainingingredients.Pourintoagreased11/2quartbakingdishandcookforonehour.

Bleu Cheese Pasta6–8servings

2Cupspennepasta,uncooked2Teaspoonsoliveoil1/2Cupchoppedonion1Teaspoonsugar114.5-Ouncecandicedtomatoes1/2Poundcookedchicken,chopped11/2Cupschickenstock1/4Cupwhippingcream2Garliccloves,minced1Teaspoonsalt5Ouncesbleucheese1/2Cupfreshlychoppedbasil

Insaucepanovermediumhighheat,cookpasta15minutes.Drainandrinsepasta.

Heatoil inskilletovermediumheat. Addonionsand sugar, cooking and stirring 2 – 3 minutes.Removefromheatandsetaside.

In large skilletaddpastaand tomatoesandcook

over medium heat 1 minute. Add chicken stock,whippingcreamandgarlicandstir.Cookandstir5minutesoruntilsauceslightlythickens.

Addonion,salt,bleucheeseandbasil.Cookanadditional2minutes.

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Shrimp with Bleu Cheese Sauce4–6servings

4–6Ouncesbleucheesecrumbles1Stickbutter1Garlicclove,minced116-Ouncepasta,cookedaldente1Poundofcooked,deveinedshrimp,chopped

In skillet overmedium lowheat, combinecheese,butter andgarlic,stirringconstantly.Tosspastawithsauceandaddshrimp.


Treat your holiday guests to something special this Christmas.Frommouth-wateringspritzcookierecipesthatwilloutshinetherest,todelicioushotcocoaboostedwithsaltedcaramelandanediblecandyspoonontheside,you’llbethehostwiththemostinnotimeatall.

SpritzCookieswithaLittleGlitzYouknowgingerbreadandsugarcookie,butdoyourecall themostimpressivecookieofall?Spritzcookiesarefastandfun.UseaWiltonCookie Press tomake dozens of delicious, perfectly-shapeduniformcookiesquickly.AddaspritzofediblesilverorgoldColorMistFoodColorSpraytomakethemshinyandbright.

Santa’sFavoriteSpritzCookieIndulgeSanta’ssweettoothwithdecadentchocolatespritzcookiesandwichesfilledwithalayerofpepperminticing.Takeashortcutby using decorator icing that is already flavored and ready tosqueeze,perfectforthetime-crunchedholidays.

Ho-Ho-HotCocoawithaTwistThere’snothingquiteascomfortingasacupofhotcocoaonacoldwinterday,butaddadashofsaltedcaramelflavorandyou’rein fora real treat.MadewithvelvetyDarkCocoaCandyMeltscandy,steamedmilkandasplashofTreatologySaltedCaramelflavor,thiscocoaoffersjusttherightbalanceofsaltyandsweet.

Melt-in-Your-MouthSugarCookieSpoonsThedelicioustasteofsweet,bakedChristmascookiesiscapturedin the Limited Edition SugarCookie FlavorCandyMelts candyandmadeintoediblecandyspoonswithamicrowaveableSpoon-ShapedSiliconeCandyMold.

Formoreholidayideasandinspiration,visitwilton.com.

Festive Fun with Cookies and Cocoa


Metallic Spritz CookiesMakes:10dozencookies

31/2 Cupsall-purposeflour1 Teaspoonbakingpowder11/2 Cups(3sticks)butter,softened1 Cupgranulatedsugar1 Egg2 Tablespoonsmilk1 TeaspoonWiltonPureVanillaExtract1/2 TeaspoonWiltonImitationAlmondExtract SilverColorMistFoodColorSpray GoldColorMistFoodColorSpray Buttercreamicing WiltonSilverSugarPearls WiltonGoldSugarPearls

Heatovento350˚.

Inmediumbowl,combineflourandbakingpowder.

Inlargebowl,beatbutterandsugarwithelectricmixeruntil lightandfluffy.Addegg,milkandextracts;mixwell.Graduallyaddflourtobuttermixture,mixingtomakesmoothdough.Donotchill.

Placedoughintocookiepressusingan8-petalflowerdiskandpresscookiesontoungreasedcookiesheet.Bake10-12minutesoruntillightlybrownedaroundedges.Coolcookiesonpanoncoolinggrid2minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on grid.Youwillneedtwocookiespertreat.

UsesilverorgoldColorMistfoodcolorspraytospraycookies.Letdry,about3-5minutes.Turncookiesoverandsprayunderside.Letdry,about3-5minutes.

Preparebuttercreamicingorusepre-madebuttercreamicing.Usetip12,acutdisposabledecoratingbagandicingtopipeelongatedbeadsonbottomofonecookie,followingcookieshape.Sandwichtwocookiestogether.

Usetip4,acutdisposabledecoratingbagandicingtopipeadotincenterofsandwichcookie.Topdotwitheithersilverorgoldsugarpearls.

Sugar Cookie Candy SpoonsMakes:24spoons

WiltonSugarCookieCandyMeltsCandy(12-ouncebag)WiltonChristmasCandySpoonMoldWilton12-inchDisposableDecoratingBags

Break12candywafersinhalfandplaceincavitiesofmold.Placemoldinmicrowaveandmicrowaveathalfpowerordefrostsetting

for 1 minute. Gently jiggle and lightly tap mold to smoothmelted candy. Continue tomicrowave and tap at 30-secondintervalsuntilsmoothandcompletelymelted.

Alternatemeltingmethod:Meltcandyindisposabledecoratingbagaccordingtocandypackagedirections.Snipasmalltipoffendofbagandgentlysqueezebagtofillcavitieswithmeltedcandy.

Chill filled mold until candy spoons have hardened, about10-15minutes.Placemoldonflatsurfaceandgentlypushonbottomofcavitiestoreleasecandy.


Chocolate Peppermint Spritz Sandwich CookiesMakes:4dozensandwiches

21/2 Cupsall-purposeflour2/3 Cupcocoapowder1/2 Teaspoonbakingsoda1/4 Teaspoonsalt11/4 Cups(21/2sticks)butter,softened1 Cupgranulatedsugar2/3 Cupfirmly-packedbrownsugar1 TeaspoonPureVanillaExtract2 EggsWiltonPeppermintDecoratingIcing

Heatovento350˚.

Inmediumbowl,combineflour,cocoapowder,bakingsodaandsalt.

Inlargebowl,beatbutterandsugarsuntillightandfluffy.Addvanillaandeggs,oneatatime,beatingwellaftereachaddition.Graduallyaddflourmixturetobuttermixture,mixingtomakeasmoothdough.

Placedoughintocookiepressandpresscookiesontoungreasedcookiesheet.Bake10-12minutesoruntiledgesareslightlybrowned.Coolcookiesonpanoncoolinggrid2minutes.Removefrompan;coolcompletelyongrid.

SandwichcookiestogetherwithPeppermintDecoratingIcing.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Makes:4cups

4 Cupsmilk1 CupDarkCocoaCandyMelts1/4 TeaspoonWiltonTreatologySaltedCaramelFlavorConcentrate

In large saucepan, cookmilk onmediumheat until hot; remove from heat. Whiskincandyandflavorconcentrate.Continuewhiskinguntilcandyismeltedandmixtureissmooth.Serveimmediately.

Festive Fun


28 www.cabinandcove.com Fall/Winter 2015

I first met Chef Tyler Williams when he appeared at “Tourism Day at the Capital” in Atlanta in January 2015.On that day Rabun County was designated “Farm to Table Capital of Georgia” by

the state legislature. Chef Williams joined in our celebration of this achievement. We had no idea this “designation” would be the draw for him to relocate to our corner of North Georgia.

It was months later that I heard rumors of a “famous” Chef purchasing property in our area to develop a farm and build a new farm to table restaurant. We learned that that this mystery chef was making Pizza at “By Hand Pizza” at Lake Burton, so Gayle and I drove out to see for ourselves. Yep, it was Chef Tyler Williams who we had met at the capital. I asked if he would tell me his story and he agreed.

- Tyler Williams Chef Spotlight

Fall/Winter 2015 www.cabinandcove.com 29

We talked that evening and agreed to an interview. It was clear from the get-go that Chef Williams is vectoring sharply off his then career path to come to Rabun County. Here’s his recent history:

Worked under famed Chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon; Graduated Grand Toque from Western Culinary Institute, Portland Oregon; Worked with Graham Elliot in Chicago; Recruited as Sous Chef by Annie Quatrano at Atlanta’s 5 Star Bacchanalia; Executive Chef at Abattoir where he was named Atlanta’s 2012 “Rising Star Chef” and Eater’s 2012 “Chef of the Year”; Executive Chef, Woodfire Grill and Awarded Eater’s “Chef of the Year” again in 2013.

So these are some serious credentials for a chef who has moved to a region where most folks are looking for a good chicken fried steak. At Abattoir (literally defined as a slaughterhouse), Chef Williams created whimsical fun dishes like root beer barbecue sauce-laced wagyu beef belly and seafood sausage on monkey bread. My question to him was “so what exactly is going on for a chef with your back-ground relocating to this remote but beautiful corner of North Georgia?” Chef Williams said it’s kind of a long story.

“I started loving food from my mom who was a mid-west cook in Okemos, Michigan. But I did not grow up with a small-town palate. As a child, I became friends with the son of a Lebanese family and quickly became enamored with the culture and cuisine. And as I grew up, I was enthusiastic about all things new and different in food and culture, eventually majoring in cultural geography at Arizona State University, maybe to satiate my inner wanderlust. I quickly learned that food is at the heart of all cultures. After college I decided to go to culinary school and had a real awakening at Portland’s “Western Culinary Institute.” I got rid of my television and immersed myself in the study of food.

I ended-up graduating number one in my class (Grand Toque) and was awarded an internship to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Restaurant in Las Vegas. Once there I was the lowest person on the totem pole; lived in a budget suite and worked a one-apron life. In Chef Keller’s program you have to learn to clean, organize and pay excruciating attention to every detail. There is authentic care for every single thing that happens in the kitchen, including the way you skim your stock. I did that for one-year then returned to Oregon.

For awhile I worked at Salty’s on the Columbia River, a large resort/restaurant that typically served brunch to 1,000 people. I helped with pastries each morning. There I learned to multi-task and work fast. We had to be done with desserts and turn


the entire kitchen over to the savory staff. I was done by noon and took an evening job so I could cook savory. The Sous Chef for the evening job offered valuable advice. He said, ‘in order to someday be great you need to learn and perfect three new things every day. And you need to sacrifice.’ I heeded his advice and taught myself new things each day and practiced. That advice has stood the test of time and has set me apart.

Then, by happen-stance, my brother moved to Atlanta after college with my two beautiful nieces. Next my Mother moved to Atlanta. Things were crazy in my life. Annie Quatrano hired me as a Sous Chef at Bacchanalia. She’s a genius and seeks only to produce the best product. When Chef Joshua Hopkins left Abattoir she encouraged me take the job as Executive Chef. Once there I started getting personal credit for food and I started establishing personal and rewarding relationships with farmers. I also started getting many personal accolades: ‘2012 Rising Chef of the Year’, Eater’s 2012 ‘Chef of the Year’. My head was spinning.

When Chef Kevin Gillespie left Woodfire Grill he left some big shoes to fill. The owners’ recruited me. Woodfire Grill offered some changes from the “meat centric” Abattoir, with tasting menus and greater creativity. I enjoyed making new partnerships with even more farmers. More personal accolades came including Eater’s 2013 ‘Chef of the Year’. I left Woodfire Grill to pursue even more creative avenues such as pop-up dinners and art dinners. I got lots of offers but I wanted to explore further what I could do. A year later Woodfire Grill Closed.

I was invited to go to Los Angeles to compete on “Top Chef.” I accepted and flew to California. I asked myself ‘Is this insanity? Did I do all this work just to become a celebrity?’ My life seemed out of control. Then after many hours of contemplation while sitting in my hotel room I had a ‘Robert Frost Moment’. I walked out of the hotel and flew back to Atlanta.

Three days later while serving as a guest chef for a special dinner at Club Magnolia in Augusta, Georgia, during the Masters Golf Tournament, I met someone at the dinner. We hit it off from the start. We talked a long time and found we had much in common. Before I left for the evening he said with a smile, ‘I’m going to buy you a restaurant someday.’

Still reeling from my experience in California I actually hid in Mexico for two months. Three days after I returned from Mexico he called me out of the blue. He offered to help find and establish a new restaurant venue. We are now business partners. First we looked in Atlanta. But Atlanta is unreal. The city is being over-populated by ‘semi corporate farm to table restaurants’ and the truly unique boutique restaurants are being slowly squeezed. And the city is absurdly expensive. I love and respect Atlanta diners, but why try to compete in that environment?

Friends from Rabun County encouraged us to get out of the city and look up here. Together we started driving around. We knew the area’s reputation for farms, wineries, orchards, mills, art and creativity. We felt bolstered by the county’s designation as ‘Farm to Table Capital of Georgia.’ This region has it together. We took

My culinary experience really took off when I headed to Chicago. After working for several months in the front of the house at Homaro Cantu’s Moto, I took a position at Graham Elliot, where I was inspired by his whimsical and nostalgic style. Chef Elliott became my first true culinary mentor. He taught me menu construction, free thinking, that there are no constraints and how to banter off other talented people you work with to improve the whole experience. I later worked as chef de cuisine at Gemini Bistro, where I started to refine my own playful, global approach.


some time and walked through the hills and valleys. After just one visit to Rabun County we stopped looking in Atlanta.

Once we were shown the old farm on Highway 76 West of Clayton both of us fell in love with its diversity. Part old pasture, part steep hillside and divided down the middle by Timpson Creek. The property offers very unique bio-nooks. The land and stream fit perfectly into our intentions. We also know it will be a large investment to build a biodynamic organic farm. We are also committed to using local talent as much as possible.

I took over the Pizza Place at LaPrades just keep my hand in cooking. At Woodfire Grill I would often make hand-made pizzas for the crew. It is something I really enjoy doing – especially using local farm ingredients – something you don’t find at most pizza parlors. And by using local ingredients I am quickly building connections to this area’s local farms and gardens

Our plan is to develop the 26 acres into an organic farm and make it not only productive but also a showplace and teaching experience. It will start out small but in time will grow, and then grow again. Not too long from now, passers-by will see hoop

houses sprouting-up. We have already planted some cover-crops. We will have a professional farm manager.

The restaurant will also start small – and casual. We plan to open this coming spring in the old house we are restoring on Highway 76. Gradually we will add more dining venues on the property with pavilions and gazebos for events amongst the gardens and along Timpson Creek. Diners may even have the opportunity to harvest their own dinner.

Our farm to table dinners will be enhanced with local foraged ingredients from North Georgia’s coves and mountains. I chose the name for the pizza restaurant ‘By Hand’ because we pick the foods by hand. I am proud to now be living in the oldest mountain range offering some of the greatest bio-diversity in the world. I also feel this is my life’s plan, to be connected with the land, the farmers and the weather. Most of all I really feel welcomed by the North Georgia community.

http://www.cheftylerwilliams.com/home/

As retold by Chef David Darugh, Beechwood Inn.


The Brown Home - A Big Job Taken in Stride


No job is too big or complex for local builder Kurt Cannon. After twenty-six years in the business, he can build a new home from

the ground up, or he can make an old home look and feel brand new with a complete renovation. Such was the case with the Lake Rabun home of Carolyn and Mickey Brown.

The Brown’s original home on the Pigeon Mountain Run section of the lake was a bright-yellow farm house in need of an update. Cannon began on the dock, replacing and upgrading the original structure. When he was done, he’d created a space that visually ties in to the home sitting at the top of a grassy hill by finishing both with cedar shake shingles and matching accents.

The upper level of the boathouse leads directly to a flight of Crab Orchard Stone slab steps. The Tennessee stone appears throughout the home’s exterior, tying together the walkways and outdoor fireplaces with its rust and peach tones. Looking up from the lake, a boulder retaining wall adds visual interest to the sodded lawn while creating a level place for a large outdoor patio and fire pit.

Entering the home from the newly-installed porte chochere, the dining room and kitchen appear just inside the front door. Straight ahead, cozy seating and an expanse of large windows let in a sweeping view of the lake. The upgraded kitchen provides plenty of light and room to work. A granite-topped island sets itself off with a different shade of paint than the cabinets. Cannon worked closely with the Brown’s designer to unify the construction and finishes.

The main floor also features a guest room to the left of the dining area, while the master suite sits to the right. The master bath boasts heated floors, a spacious his-and-hers walk-in closet with outdoor windows to provide natural light and a door-less walk-in shower. A large window over the soaker tub lets in a view of trees and deep green.

Off the central vaulted living space, a door leads to the wrap-around porch. Cannon removed the original flat roof and replaced it with exposed beams and slanted ceilings to give the porch a more rustic look. Around the corner, a stacked-rock fireplace of

The Brown Home - A Big Job Taken in Stride


Crab Orchard Stone features comfortable seating for the ladies to gather. A cook shed down the hill a few steps, nicely blocked from view by the fireplace, gives the men their own space to gather and create.

Upstairs, two children’s bedrooms are joined by a walkway open to the vaulted living room. Cannon removed the old popcorn ceiling and replaced it with warmly-toned boards. Just off the kitchen, a French door reveals the staircase leading to the lake-level living spaces. Two bedrooms here come equipped with a kitchenette tucked behind a barn door. This type of door is also used upstairs off the kitchen to access the laundry room and pantry.

On the lake level, each room features doors that open onto the patio area. Around the corner outside the home, just at the top of the stairs coming up from the lake, Cannon tucked a bathroom and shower

for convenience. Using corrugated tin and weathered barn wood, Cannon created the perfect space for wet swimmers to dry off before heading indoors.

Homeowner Carolyn Brown says Cannon and his team were dedicated to the project and easy to work with. His effect on the Brown’s home was so transformative that even long-time lake residents no longer recognize the place. The complete renovation has given the Brown’s home a completely new look – a big job Cannon made look easy.

By Heather Leigh Johnson

Photos by Peter McIntosh - mcintoshmountains.com



On this adventure we’re leaving the beauty of our mountain lakes and hitting the road for a leaf peeper loop tour that takes us from Rabun County to White County to Towns County and back to Rabun. And since this is a loop, you can

start anywhere, Helen/Robertstown, Hiawassee, Clayton or any community nearby. I’m starting in Clayton, with all the roads being major thoroughfares so you can follow this route with a simple map or GPS. And you hikers fear not, there are several great hiking excursions along the way.

ADVENTURE OUT - Autumn Road Trip

Let’s get started. From downtown Clayton, we’re heading south on Main Street which is also Old Hwy 441. in 2.5 miles we come to Tiger Mountain Vineyards where you can stop in for a wine tasting or a snack at the Red Barn Cafe. 1/2 mile further we come to the four way stop in Tiger. The Tiger Food Mart here serves up some very tasty burgers. We now turn right on Bridge Creek Road and in a little over three miles we come to another roadside attraction, the Bridge Creek Fresh Market where Pat Crunkleton serves up lots of delicious

Warwoman Road

Autumn Overlook


goodies. A little further down there’s Stonewall Creek Vineyards, another terrific local winery. Bridge Creek Road dead ends into Burton Dam Road where we take a right and head over to Hwy 197. We turn left on Hwy 197, heading south for 3 miles to the intersection with Hwy 356. We turn right on Hwy 356 following the signs to Unicoi State Park. (Please keep in mind this adventure is about the journey, not a destination, so take it easy, pull over to take photos, etc.) After 9 miles on Hwy 356 we come to Unicoi State Park, crossing over Unicoi Lake. There’s a parking area on the far side of the lake that offers access to the Lake Loop Trail, a 2.5 mile footpath circling the lake with some nice bridges and fishing docks along the way. Anna Ruby Falls is also nearby if you’re so inclined. We continue on Hwy 356 to its end at Hwy 17/75. Just before this intersection, look for Fred’s Famous Peanuts on the right, a great place to stop for a snack. We turn right on Hwy 17/75 and go north for 1/2 mile to the intersection with Alt. Hwy 75 on the left, crossing over the Chattahoochee River. There’s a flea market here and a zip line course that takes you back and forth across the river. We turn left on Alt 75 and go a little over 2 miles to the intersection with Hwy 348 on the right, aka the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. This is a really beautiful stretch of road, and freshly paved I might add. In 1.7 miles on Hwy 348, look for the Dukes Creek Falls parking area on the left. (another hiking opportunity, 1/2 mile each way) Continuing on, it’s about a mile to the Raven Cliffs parking area, also on the left. (This is a moderate trail, 2.5 miles each way, leading to Raven Cliffs Falls. This is a beautiful footpath with several cascades along the way.) Onward and upward we come to a scenic overlook on the left but go just a little further to a much better overlook, offering the same view of Mount Yonah and the foothills below. Higher up we go and soon come to the high point on the road, Hog Pen Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Now the road descends down to its termination point at Hwy 180. (Lots of pretty views on this section of road.) We turn right on Hwy 180 following the signs to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain. In a little less than 9 miles, we reach the access road to Brasstown Bald on the left. It’s

Bridge Creek barn

Unicoi Lake

Batesville Barn


3 miles to the parking lot and a 6/10 mile steep hike to the observation tower at the top. During the day, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, there is a shuttle to the top. There is a visitors center/gift shop and restrooms at the parking area. There are restrooms and a theater at the top. The 360 degree view from the platform on the top of this 4,784 foot mountain is spectacular. Now back down to Hwy 180 where we go left, heading back to Hwy 17/75. (The sign says Helen but we’re

Brasstown Bald

not going that way.) At Hwy 17/75, we turn left again, going north to Hiawassee and then right on Highway 76, heading east back to Clayton. We ascend to Dick’s Creek Gap where we again cross the Appalachian Trail and then descend. After about 5 miles look for the Popcorn Overlook on the left, one of my favorites. Now back on the road and back to the lakes or maybe to Clayton where you can celebrate your adventure at one of the town’s many fine eateries. Happy driving!

And as the leaves now are turning, I’m sure it’s my poem for you are yearning: The cool autumn breeze blows through the trees,And the bright colored leaves start to rustle.The leaves that are falling are just nature calling,A journey with no need to hustle!

Unicoi State Park: http://www.gastateparks.org/UnicoiBrasstown Bald Info: 706.896.2556

If you want to see more of Peter’s photos or have a question or comment:www.mcintoshmountains.com

by Peter McIntoshFred’s store


December 4th - 6thMountain Wine Country Holiday Wine Tour14 participating wineries in North Georgia and Western North CarolinaInfo: 877.745.7483

STEPHENS COUNTY

October 3rd and each Wednesday and Saturday through OctoberFarmers’ MarketStephens County Farmers’Market Building, ToccoaInfo: 706.282.3309

October 10thSage MarketCorner of Pond & Tugalo StreetsToccoaInfo: 706.282.3309

October 10th / November 14thDecember 12thSouthern Gospel Jubilee ConcertThe Schaefer Center, ToccoaInfo: 706.297.7121

October 24th - 25thSouthern Mountain Arts ExperienceCawthorn Road at Hwy. 17ToccoaInfo: 706.778.4654

October 30thCostume ParadeDowntown ToccoaInfo: 706.282.3309

October 31stMartin Fall FestivalDowntown MartinInfo: 706.356.3573; 770.861.1955

November 7thTour de TugalooYonah Dam Park, ToccoaInfo: www.tourdetugaloo.com

November 7th - 8thToccoa Harvest FestivalToccoaInfo: 706.282.3269

December 4th - 5thChristmasFestDowntown ToccoaInfo: 706.282.3269

December 4th - 5thFestival of TreesStephens County CourthouseToccoaInfo: 706.282.3269

December 5thChristmas ParadeDowntown ToccoaInfo: 706.282.3269

HABERSHAM COUNTY

October 10thBig Red Apple FestivalDowntown CorneliaInfo: 706.778.8585

October 10thWalk a Mile in Her Shoes Downtown Awareness WalkMain Street, CorneliaInfo: 706.778.4654

October 24thSoque River Ramble 6K Run & WalkMarlan Wilbanks FarmClarkesvilleInfo: 706.778.4654

October 24thBatesville Fall FestivalBatesvilleInfo: 706.778.4654

October 24th3rd Annual Kiwanis Zombie RunOld Clarkesville Mill Art & Antique Mall, ClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.9231

October 31stTwin Rivers ChallengeTallulah Falls SchoolTallulah FallsInfo: 706.839.2024

October 31stTrick or Treat on Washington StreetDowntown SquareClarkesvilleInfo: 706.778.4654

November 7thRun with the Rams 5KHazel Grove Elementa-ry SchoolMt. AiryInfo: 706.968.5244

November 14thLake Russell 5K & Fun RunLake Russell Recreation AreaMt. AiryInfo: 706.778.4654

November 26 - January 1, 2016Christmas in the ParkCornelia City ParkCorneliaInfo: 706.778.4654

December 3rd - 6th, 10th - 13th“Stocking Stuffers”Habersham Community TheatreClarkesvilleInfo: www.habershamtheater.org

December 5thHabersham County Christmas ParadeDowntown CorneliaInfo: 706.778.4654

December 12thA Downtown Clarkesville ChristmasDowntown ClarkesvilleInfo: 706.754.2220

WHITE COUNTY

October 1st - November 1stOktoberfestHelenInfo: 706.878.1908

October 10thFall Celebration at Hardman FarmSauteeInfo: 706.878.1077

October 31stHallowine FestSautee-Nacoochee VineyardsSauteeInfo: 706.878.2056

November 6th - 8thCivil War ReenactmentHelen Riverside ParkHelenInfo: 706.878.2181

November 14thThe Barefoot MovementSNCA Theater, SauteeInfo: 706.878.3300

November 21stAppalachian Christmas & Pancake Breakfast with SantaBabyLand General HospitalClevelandInfo: 706.865.2171

November 27thAnnual Lighting of the VillageHelenInfo: 706.878.2181

December 5thAnnual Christmas in the MountainsDowntown ClevelandInfo: 706.865.5356

December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th8th Annual ChristkindlmrktMarktplatz, HelenInfo: 706.878.1908

Brasstown Bald

Mountain Happenings


December 12thAnnual Christmas ParadeHelenInfo: 706.878.2181

December 31stDropping of the EdelweissHelen Festhalle, HelenInfo: 706.878.1908

Helen Arts and Heritage CenterHelenInfo: 706.878.3933

October 17th – 20th Art Ober-fest

November 10thHistory Program - Old Time Music Traditions in White County

Yonah Mountain VineyardsClevelandInfo: 706.878.5522

October 10th - 11th and each Saturday and SundayTour de la Cave and Barrel Tasting

October 10th and each SaturdayLive Music Saturdays

October 11th and the 2nd Sunday of the monthReserve Wine Tasting

Unicoi State Park, HelenInfo: 706.878.2201

October 10th - 11th and each weekend through mid NovemberVisiting Artists Series

October 10th and each Saturday until mid NovemberSaturday Evening Music Concert Series

November 26th - December 12thFestival of Trees

North Georgia ZooClevelandInfo: 706.348.7279

October 3rd - 31stPumpkin Fest

October 10th - 11th and each Saturday and Sunday in OctoberScarecrow Trail

October 12thCelebrating Columbus Day

October 18th / Novem-ber 22ndBehind the Scenes Tour

October 24th - 25thBOO at the ZOO

November 21st - 22ndSanta is Coming

November 27th - 29thHoliday Celebration

November 10thMommy & Me at the Zoo

November 14th - 15thPumpkin’ Smashin’ Fun

December 25th - 30thWinter Break & Tree Toss

Smithgall WoodsHelenInfo: 706.878.3087

October 3rd and the first Saturday of the monthFirst Visit Tours

November 7thBags to Baskets

RABUN COUNTY

October 10th and each Saturday through November 21stSimply Homegrown Farmers’ MarketCovered Bridge Shopping CenterClaytonInfo: www.rabunmarket.com

October 10th and each Saturday in OctoberOktoberfestStonewall Creek VineyardsTigerInfo: 706.212.0584

October 10th and each Saturday through NovemberBluegrass on the SquareMain Streetallulah FallsInfo: 706.754.6040; 706.212.0241

October 10thDale Woodruff, Native American Dance, Music and Sorytelling12 Spies Vineyards & FarmRabun GapInfo: 813.335.2886

October 10th / November 14thDecember 12thWayne Dutton Livestock RopingRabun ArenaTigerwww.rabunarena.com

October 15th and the third Thursday of each monththrough NovemberRabun Trout Unlimited MeetingThe TU/Scout HutClaytonInfo: rabuntu.org

October 17thSky Valley’s Annual FallFestSky ValleyInfo: www.skyvalleyga.com

October 31stFall Farm DayHillside Orchard FarmsTigerInfo: 706.782.2776

October 31stHalloween Hay DayClayton City Hall ComplexClaytonInfo: www.downtownclaytonga.org

November 5th - 7thCirque PerformanceRearden Theater, RGNSRabun GapInfo: www.rabungap.org

November 26thTurkey Trot for Clayton Cluckers 5K Fun RunRegistration at FromageEarl Street, ClaytonInfo: 706.982.1284

November 27thChristmas in Downtown ClaytonChristmas Tree LightingDowntown ClaytonInfo: 706.782.1520

November 27th - 28thFestival of Trees and Holiday Arts & Crafts Shopping ExtravaganzaRabun County Civic CenterClaytonInfo: 706.212.2149

November 28thSanta on Satur-day at the Rock HouseMain StreetClaytonInfo: 706.782.1520

December 3rd, 5th - 7th“Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol”North Georgia Community PlayersDillard PlayhouseDillardInfo: 706.212.2500

Mountain Happenings


December 5thChristmas ParadeMain StreetClaytonInfo: 706.782.4812

North Georgia Arts Guild Artist Program UGA Extension Rabun County Conference Room, ClaytonInfo: www.northgeorgiaartsguild.com

October 15thAlice Berg, Fiber Artist

November 19thDianne Mize, Painter

Tallulah Gorge State ParkTallulah FallsInfo: 706.754.7981

October 7th, 9th, 14th, 16thOctober 21st, 23rd, 31stNovember 1stAesthetic Water Releases

October 26th - 27thFull Moon Suspension Bridge Hike

October 31stTrunk or Treat for Halloween

November 7th, 15th, 21stWhitewater Watching Hike

November 7th - 8th, 14th - 15thNovember 21st - 22ndWhitewater Releases

November 27thWalk off the Turkey Hike

December 5thChristmas at the Gorge

Hambidge CenterRabun GapInfo: www.hambidge.org

October 3rd and the first Saturday of the monthFirst Saturday Gristmill Visits

October 10th and the 2nd Saturday of the monthSecond Saturday Artists’ Talks

October 10thGreat ARTdoors Festival

October 17th and the 3rd Saturday of the monthNature Hikes

TOWNS COUNTY

October 10th and eachSaturday through OctoberVino and VibesHightower Creek VineyardsHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.8963

October10th and each SaturdayTowns County Farmers’ MarketAcross from Georgia Mountain FairHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4966

November 28thTowns County Sheriff’s Office Empty Stocking Christmas ParadeHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4444

December 5thMountain Country Christmas Tour of HomesHomes in Hiawassee & Young HarrisInfo: 706.896.4966

Crane Creek VineyardsYoung HarrisInfo: 706.379.1236

October 24thHarvest Festival

December 21stWinter Solstice Celebration

December 31stNew Year’s Eve Party

Brasstown Valley Resort & SpaYoung HarrisInfo: 706.897.6179

November 27th - 29thBrasstown Holiday Show

December 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th,December 19th - 20thBrasstown Valley Crafters Holiday Weekend

The Ridges ResortHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.2262

October 25th7th Annual Fall-a-Bration

December 1st - 25thHappy Holly Days Celebration

December 31stNew Year’s Eve Celebration

Georgia Mountain FairgroundsHiawasseeInfo: 706.896.4191

October 9th - 17thGeorgia Mountain Fall Festival

October 9thThe Osmonds

October 10thMickey Gilley

October 11thIsaacs, Jim Brady Trio

October 13thJohn Berry

October 13thSammy Kershaw

October 14th Ricky Skaggs

October 17th Fiddlers’ Convention

October 24thGene Watson

December 12th Three Dog Night

UNION COUNTY

October 8th and each Thursday through NovemberTrivia at the ViewUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.439.6092

October 8th - 12thVietnam Veterans - The Moving WallMeeks ParkBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

October 9th and each Friday through OctoberFriday Night Concert SeriesOld CourthouseBlairsvilleInfo: 877.745.5789

October 9th / November 13thWriters’ Night OutUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 877.745.5789

October 10th - 11th, 17th - 18thBlairsville Sorghum FestivalMeeks ParkBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

October 13th and each TuesdaySmoky Mountain MelodiesFirst United Methodist ChurchBlairsvilleInfo: 706.379.3836

October 14th and each WednesdayBingoHaralson Memorial Civic CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.300.5722

October 17thCruize In on the SquareOn the SquareBlairsvilleInfo: 706.897.2501; 706.897.5857

October 17thGood Neighbors Car ShowUnited Community Bank Parking LotBlairsvilleInfo: 828.837.8539; 706.745.3985

October 18thNovember 8th, 29thDecember 20thSunday Evening SingingShady Grove Methodist ChurchBlairsvilleInfo: 706.781.2906


October 24thNorth Georgia Motorcycle ShowNorth Georgia Technical CollegeBlairsvilleInfo: 877.745.5789

October 31stHometown Halloweenon the SquareDowntown BlairsvilleInfo: 706.347.3503

November 4thMNRG Mountain Holiday FestPat Haralson Memorial Civic CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.633.3396

November 28th - 29thMistletoe Market & Sugar Plum Tearoom Arts & Crafts ShowBlairsville Technical CollegeBlairsvilleInfo: 706.896.0932

November 30th - December 31stTour of TreesUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

December 5thBreakfast with SantaUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.2151

December 12thHolly Jolly Christmas and Tour of TreesUnion County Community CenterBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.5789

Vogel State ParkBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.2628

October 17th Fall Hoedown

December 12thChristmas Tree Lighting

Paradise Hills VineyardsBlairsvilleInfo: 706.745.7483

October 10th and each SaturdaySummer Concert Series

October 10th, 17th, 24th, 31stFireside Music Saturdays

Union County Farmers’ MarketBlairsvilleInfo: 706.439.6043

October 8th - 9th and each Thursday and Friday in OctoberTrash and TreasuresInfo: 877.745.5789

October 10th and each Tuesday and Saturday in OctoberFarmers’ Market

October 12th and each Tuesday in OctoberFarmers’ Market General Auction

December 4th - 5thKris Kringle Mountain Market

CLAY COUNTY, NC

October 9th and each Friday Night in OctoberFriday Night Jam at Clay’s CornerBrasstownInfo: 828.837.3797

John C. Campbell Folk SchoolBrasstownInfo: 828.837.2775; 800.FOLKSCHwww.folkschool.org

October 3rd, 17th, 31stNovember 21st December 5th, 19thContra and Square Dances

October 6th and each TuesdayTuesday Night Contra & Square Dances

October 9thLee Knight Concert

October 16thMolasses Creek Concert

October 23rd Djoukil Concert

November 7thBlacksmith & Fine Craft Auction

November 13thButternut Creek Concert

December 6th Fireside Sale

December 11thBrasstown Ringers Holiday Concert

Peacock Performing Arts CenterHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.2787

October 9th - 11th, 16th - 18th“A Sting in the Tale”

November 7thWar Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII

December 18th“It’s A Wonderful Life Concert”

October 10thHot Summer NightsGoldhagen Art GlassHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.8847

October 16thChili-Cookoff and Pumpkin Carving ContestOn the Square, HayesvilleInfo: 877.389.3704

October 17thWine Under the Stars: Raven & RedEagle Fork Vineyard, HayesvilleInfo: 828.389.8466

October 17th - 18thPunkin Chunkin Festival811 Settawig Road, BrasstownInfo: 828.389.3704

October 24th / November 28thDecember 19thHayesville Evening MarketHayesville SquareInfo: 828.389.8931

October 31stTrick or Treat on the SquareDowntown HayesvilleInfo: 877.389.3704

Licklog Players Community Theatre34 Creek Side CircleHayesvilleInfo: 828.389.8632

October 30th - 31stNovember 1st, 6th - 8th“Let’s Murder Marsha”

December 10th - 13th“Sanders Family Christmas”

Mountain Happenings


MACON COUNTY, NC

October 8th - 10thAutumn Leaves Craft ShowMacon County FairgroundsFranklinInfo: 828.349.4324

October 9th and each Friday through OctoberFriday Night LiveTown Square, HighlandsInfo: 828.526.5841

October 9th - 11thCashiers Valley Leaf FestivalVillage GreenCashiersInfo: 828.743.8428

October 10thHighlands Own Arts and Craft ShowHighlands Civic Center HighlandsInfo: 828.526.2118

October 10thTown of Highlands Hometown DayKelsey-Hutchison ParkHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

October 10thOktoberfestLazy Hiker Brewing CompanyFranklinInfo: 828.369.5299

October 15th - 18thGem ShowCorner of 441 and Lake EmoryFranklinInfo: 828.371.9618

October 16th - 18thLeaf Lookers GemboreeMacon County Community BuildingFranklinInfo: 866.372.5546

October 17thArt League of Highlands Fine Art ShowHighlands Civic CenterHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

October 17thHighlands School Fall FestivalHighlands SchoolHighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

October 24th19th Annual PumpkinfestMain StreetFranklinInfo: www.pumpkinfestfranklin.com

October 24thPumpkin Run 5K-Run/WalkTassee ParkFranklinInfo: www.active.com

October 31stHighlands Downtown All Hallows Eve CelebrationMain Street, HighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

November 5th - 9thHighlands 9th Annual Culinary WeekendHighlandsInfo: www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com

November 11thVeteran’s Day ParadeDowntown FranklinInfo: 828.524.2516

November 28thHighlands Annual Tree LightingMain Street, HighlandsInfo: 828. 524.3161

November 28th / December 5thWinter WonderlandDowntown FranklinInfo: www.HolidaysinFranklin.com

November 29thFranklin’s Christmas ParadeDowntown FranklinInfo: 828. 524.3161

December 5thHighlands Olde Mountain Christmas ParadeMain Street, HighlandsInfo: 828.526.2112

Historic Cowee SchoolFranklinInfo: CoweeSchool.org

October 6th and each TuesdayCowee Farmers’ Market

October 17th and the third Saturday of each monthSEBA Jam

October 17thTellico in Concert

December 5thChristmas at Historic Cowee School

Smoky Mountain Centerfor Performing ArtsFranklinInfo: 866.273.4615; 828.524.1598www.GreatMountainMusic.com

October 17th An Evening with Jeanne Robertson

October 23rd - Josh Turner

November 6th - 7th, 13th - 14thThe Addams Family Musical

November 20th Lysa Terkeurst

December 5thDailey & Vincent a Bluegrass Christmas

December 6thRaleigh Ringers Christmas Celebration

December 11th, 18th“It’s a Wonderful Life”

December 12thChristmas with the Lettermen

December 19th Rockapella

Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts CenterHighlandsInfo: 828.526.9047

October 11thBolshoi Ballet: Giselle

Octo-ber 15th - 18th, 22nd - 25thHighlands Cashiers Players - “Over the River and Through the Woods”Info: 828.526.8084

October 17thMET Opera: Verdi’s Otello - New Production

October 31stMET Opera: Wagner’s Tannhauser

November 7thNational Theatre Live: Hamlet

November 14thNational Theatre Live: The Beaux Stratagem

November 21stMET Opera: Lulu - New Production

November 27thChristmas in New York:Frank D’Ambrosio

December 6thBolshoi Ballet: The Lady of the Camellias (Live)

December 17thHighlands Players Holiday Reading

December 20thBolshoi Ballet: The Nut-cracker(Recorded in 2014)


A good designer’s work blends into its surroundings. In a great interior, the designer’s hand becomes such a seamless

part of a home that one loses sight of the designer’s presence – like a fawn in the forest. That’s the case with the Lake Rabun home of Veanne and Tim Smith designed by Rabun Martin.

Martin came to the project to expand and update a kitchen and add a master bedroom suite. When that part was complete, the Smiths agreed that the rest of the house needed to be brought up to the same refined style. Rabun worked closely with her husband builder Ashley Martin to transform the home and update its interior.

The Smith HomeA Designer’s Touch


Wide pairs of Jeld Wen pull-apart patio doors let in a stunning lake view from the front door. The screens on the porch are the wide-expanse type that allow for big views with very few interruptions. The seating out there is plush and comfortable, chosen with an eye for casual conversation. An intimate dining set provides the perfect spot for a quiet breakfast. Inside, the living room and dining rooms share one large space. The two areas are unified with white-washed ship-lap boards and a vaulted ceiling with dark stained beams. Custom furniture in the two spaces provides visual unity and utilitarian function. The coffee table and buffet pieces anchor each room while serving their specific purpose.

The open-concept kitchen looks onto the living and dining rooms. Custom-made cabinets with distressed stain finishes blend with the furnishings in both rooms. A glass back-splash flows along the back wall in natural, river-like colors. That’s part of Martin’s intent, to design the spaces using colors from the outside on the inside of the home. The resulting palette of greens, browns and creams provides her with plenty of shades to use for highlights and contrasts.


Martin draws inspiration from many sources, and she finds many of her pieces from a variety of places as well. Her over-arching desire is to design an interior that features different textures and tones while creating a seamless whole. A vintage wooden propeller, antique Chinese rice bowls, glass-globe light fixtures and one-of-a-kind art pieces work together under her keen eye to create a unified design even when combining various materials, colors and treatments.

For the Smiths, Martin found a green petrified-wood sink to use on the main floor powder room as a perfect signature piece. There’s a jute-wrapped chandelier in the stairwell that leads to the lower level. Downstairs, the fun details continue. In the basement rec room, a hand-painted map of the lake was commissioned from local artists Holli Watts and Barbie White. It takes pride of place in the comfortable space with its leather furniture and rustic accents. The two bedrooms on this floor were specifically designed with

the Smiths’ children in mind. Those rooms manage to exude masculine charm without becoming too fussy or typically country style.

Upstairs, the master bedroom suite offers an oasis-type retreat. The soothing shades of green on the ship-lap walls were created by Rabun and Ashely specifically for this room. The pair mixed and painted shade after shade, one board at a time, until they found the unique color for the Smiths. The finished look is both refreshing and relaxing.

The large and comfortable home with its palette of light and natural colors becomes the perfect backdrop for an eclectic interior design that unifies the space. With her deft touch, Rabun Martin combined numerous decisions, serious renovation and countless hours of work into an interior so successful and subtle one hardly knows she was there. But she is, in every detail.

By Heather Leigh Johnson

Photos by Peter McIntosh - mcintoshmountains.com



Documents

Cabin & Cove - Fall/Winter 2015