By Alexandra Hruz
Photography by Med Dement
Contractor: Dexter W. White Construction
Interior Design: Real Interior Solutions
Gracefully perched beside a lake in Soddy-Daisy, this serene home is an escape from the hustle and bustle that brings new meaning to the word retreat.
In the 1960s, a small cabin sat on this lakeside lot in the relatively undisturbed and remote beauty of Soddy-Daisy. When plans were developed in 2014 to build a larger home, the cabin that the homeowners’ family had built was demolished and this Dexter White-constructed home rose from the same spot.
The home’s exterior, a semi-translucent gray cedar shake siding, helps it blend seamlessly and naturally into the rustic environment. Windows with a cream trim give the home a crisp look. Exterior stone work contributes further to the home’s rustic appeal.
Upon entering the residence, the magnificent lake views and abundance of natural light are incredible to behold. The home’s foyer is highlighted by wood beams in a cathedral-style arch above the entry, and the dining room to the immediate left carries on the look of rustic charm. Distinctive light fixtures with a vintage flair hang throughout the area, and the home exudes comfort and relaxation.
The home’s main living area greets guests with plush couches, a remarkable natural stone fireplace, and a hand-crafted mantel that has a special story: the cherry wood used to build the mantelpiece came from a tree that once stood on the property. A woodworking friend of the homeowner crafted the piece as a memento of what stood on the land before.
A powder room sits off the main hallway and its unique countertop and beautiful glass sink make it an unforgettable room. Down the hall is a flawlessly organized mudroom and desk, and up a flight of stairs is a bonus room perfect for visiting grandchildren to enjoy.
Just off the main entrance is the master suite. Simple, clean lines speak to the easy, comfortable vibe that resonates throughout the room. A feature wall of shiplap and a tray ceiling with the same treatment are reminiscent of a coastal cottage. The stately bed dominates the room while grasscloth-woven wood shades lend necessary privacy to the suite.
The master bath is an oasis. Real wood cabinets have a true wood grain texture. “This is really neat, the way the grain is cut,” interior designer Julie Bledsoe says. “It’s something you don’t see as often, since I usually have to source laminate to get this look. But this is real wood, so it’s exciting to be able to use it here.”
Round, clear-crystal knobs are a theme throughout the space in both the light fixtures and hardware. A giant soaking tub lends a spa-like feel, and the double shower, complete with a coin-shaped marble pebble floor and marble-topped corner seats, is both luxurious and elegant. The soothing white and gray porcelain tile floor has exquisite veining and is a perfect pairing for this bathroom retreat.
The home’s kitchen is truly spectacular. Bright white cabinets frame the open-air space that again features the beauty of the outdoors through extra-large windows. The crown jewel of the kitchen is the island countertop. The massive piece of translucent quartzite is certainly gorgeous on its own, but with a tray of LED bulbs lighting up the surface from below, the counter glows.
“This is my favorite island I’ve ever done, and I don’t know if I’ll ever get to do another one,” Bledsoe says. “It really looks different with the light on or off, but it’s pretty both ways. It’s like a piece of jewelry.”
A marble and glass backsplash adds visual interest to the space without taking away from the island masterpiece, and a large fire-glazed sink makes clean-up easy and stylish. Concrete-inspired brushed quartz countertops grace the kitchen’s other surfaces.
“It doesn’t look like your typical quartz,” Julie says. “This is manmade, and we didn’t want it to compete with the island, so we went pretty simple on these countertops and let the island be the star.”
With its expansive views of the lake, the patio is the perfect space to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Neutral-colored furniture with cheery blue fabric cushions makes for an inviting environment for guests to linger comfortably. A rectangular dining table seats eight, and a large umbrella at its center provides shade on sunny days.
The graceful curves of the home mimic the curve of the water’s edge, just as the interior theme of the home borrows from the splendor of its surroundings, with calm, cool colors and a restful energy. In just eight months, the lot was transformed from a woodsy cabin to a lake home getaway, creating an opulent oasis that is a restful escape from day-to-day life.
Home Suppliers:
Appliances: Ferguson
Cabinetry: Norcia Fine Cabinetry
Countertops: Stone Source
Exterior of home and interior fireplaces: Stonehouse Designs
Landscape: Craig Design Group
Light fixtures: Ferguson
Painting: John Silts
Reclaimed hardwood shelves: Rhett Montgomery, Push Hard Lumber
Tile: Stone Source, Acme Block and Brick
Windows and doors: East Chattanooga Lumber
