A Blowing Rock home harmoniously blends sentimental heirlooms and modern mountain ambiance.
Lee and Stuart Nunn were searching for a serene getaway close enough to their home in the Piedmont Triad for spontaneous weekend trips but far enough to feel like a true escape. They found it in an early-1900s hunting cottage nestled in the heart of Blowing Rock’s Laurel Park neighborhood. The rustic charm and mountain setting promised the perfect retreat to relax Spaniels while making memories and creating new traditions.
“Covid made us realize that having a change of scenery would be a great mental health refresher,” Lee says. “We knew the hunting cabin was the one when we saw the view.”
The Nunns, personal friends with one of the owners of Barbour Spangle Design, hired the firm to advise on the home’s layout, but what began as a plan to renovate and expand the original structure quickly evolved into a complete rebuild when structural issues were discovered. The project was spearheaded by designers Kate McKee and Judy Burrey. “The scope of work evolved quite a bit,” says McKee. “We were initially asked to help with the floor plan, but it grew to include finishes, furniture, and, though part of the foundation was salvageable, ultimately an entirely new house.” Despite construction interruptions from the pandemic, supply chain delays, and the challenge of anchoring the home to a steep mountain slope with cantilevered steel beams, construction resumed in mid-2023, and the completed home exceeded all expectations when finished in spring 2024.
The new 3,500-square-foot home features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that served as the cornerstone of its design. Lee’s collections of original art, antiques, and her handcrafted ceramics bring a sense of character and history to the space, while textural details like mushroom board ceilings, elegant stonework, and nickel-gap walls echo Stuart’s love of unique materials. Inherited heirlooms, such as a crystal newel post finial and a door knocker from Lee’s childhood home, are thoughtfully showcased, adding sentimental value and a personal touch to the interiors. Salvaged elements from the original cabin, such as wood paneling found in the crawl space and repurposed windows and doors used on the wet bar and upstairs hallway, further connect the past to the present.
Pops of green—Lee’s favorite color—are infused into the decor in each room, a unifying thread that creates flow and connectivity in the home. Earthy elements like stone fireplaces, wooden ceiling beams, and custom cabinetry throughout are complemented by high ceilings, Benjamin Moore White Dove paint, and light- colored window treatments to soften the space and create harmony between rustic and modern elements. Functionality was equally important. The home was designed to accommodate the Nunns’ lifestyle, from hosting family and guests to ensuring durability for their dogs. Expansive windows frame breathtaking mountain views while strategic lighting enhances the home’s naturally darker spaces.
“The goal was to toe the line between timeless chic and a cozy mountain cabin, showcasing their amazing collections while not distracting from the views,” says Burrey. The result is a home that feels collected yet livable, sophisticated yet inviting—a retreat that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
“The entire house is so special. The kitchen is my happy place and views from the deck are incredible,” Lee says. “We could not be more satisfied. Stuart and I wanted a curated home that incorporated our meaningful family pieces into the design, and the final product is layered and beautiful.”
