An Asheville vacation home becomes a natural respite to relax and unplug.
A vacation getaway in picturesque Western North Carolina was always on the homeowners’ bucket list. After working with designer Liz Goldberg on their primary residence in Raleigh, the family of four entrusted her to transform a 4,000-square foot, four-bedroom Asheville home into a bright, welcoming escape tailored to their lifestyle.
“Having lived in the greater Asheville area before, we’d dreamed of finding a home here to enjoy the outdoors, vibrant arts and music scene, and tight- knit community. When this wooded property with abundant natural light came up for sale, we knew we had to act quickly,” says the homeowner.
The family envisioned a peaceful retreat to vacation, host loved ones, and unplug from daily life. With busy schedules, they handed over creative control, and Goldberg delivered a seamless, full-scale redesign in a single phase. “Our goal was to enhance functionality while imbuing the home with personality,” Goldberg explains.
Working with a local contractor, the designer executed extensive updates, restoring the home’s original unique features from its 2004 construction—stone floors, wooden ceilings, and a copper hood in the kitchen—and modernizing its overall aesthetic. The kitchen and bathrooms received custom cabinetry as well as new tiles, countertops, and lighting. Plumbing fixtures were replaced, and a modern lighting plan brightened every corner. Goldberg sourced all-new furniture, window treatments, artwork, and decor, blending natural materials with playful elements for a warm yet sophisticated aesthetic. Modern and vintage pieces elevate the design, while curated local pottery and a collection of vintage copper vessels add mountain charm.
The living room highlights the home’s expansive windows, offering lush mountain views—a challenge and an advantage in the redesign. Goldberg selected rust velvet sofas with low backs to preserve sight lines, adding swivel chairs, a bar cart, and a game table with reupholstered vintage chairs to encourage connection. Adjacent, the fireside lounge, with plush chairs flanking the double-sided fireplace, is ideal for curling up with a book or glass of wine.
Upstairs, the loft-turned-family-room offers multifunctionality. Custom earthy-green cabinetry houses the home’s only television, reflecting the family’s desire to prioritize conversation and relaxation. A plaid sectional, nature-inspired pillows, and tapestry-upholstered ottomans enhance the cozy atmosphere, while zones for reading, gaming, and relaxing cater to quality time. In the dining room, an extendable table and deep leather chairs invite lingering meals. Ochre- patterned Roman shades and vintage copper molds nod to the mountain setting, while open stone flooring seamlessly connects the space to the entryway. The bedrooms, designed as intimate retreats, feature layered bedding, warm wood tones, and curated decor that exudes cozy indulgence. Expansive windows frame stunning views throughout, and local artisan pieces—from pottery to sconces—add unique character.
“We loved the challenge of updating the whole home without major construction. Using natural colors and textures is something we excel at, and this home perfectly showcases these elements,” Goldberg says. “This was a fun project, mixing natural elements with whimsy.”
“Our space is warm, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing with family and friends,” the homeowner says. “We simply wouldn’t have had the vision without Liz’s work.”
The result is a serene getaway where natural tones—rust, ochre, green, and dusty blues—echo the surrounding landscape, and every detail invites relaxation. Blending contemporary updates with select vintage touches and nods to the home’s original mountain charm, this Asheville retreat truly embodies the great escape.
