A TIMELESS RETREAT IN THE HIGHLANDS
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, this home was crafted as a true retreat—warm, inviting, and deeply connected to its spectacular surroundings. The vision for this project was clear: create a space that felt timeless and harmonious, a place that belonged to the landscape while still reflecting the elegance and individuality of the homeowners. The goal was to design a home that felt like a sanctuary, somewhere you could truly unwind and be at peace with the world," explains Anne Buresh, the interior designer based in Charlotte, NC. "I wanted it to feel as though the home had always been there, perfectly integrated with its surroundings." To achieve this, every room was designed with an open flow, ensuring that the breathtaking mountain views were always the focal point.
The Highlands is a region known for its distinct charm—steeped in tradition, natural beauty, and a relaxed ambiance. This is a place where history meets serenity, and that unique character was something Anne wanted to infuse into ev-ery corner of the home. Natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fabrics were used to reflect the local landscape and craftsmanship.Vintage pieces—like a reimagined Appalachian rocking chair and an antique sideboard—anchor the design, with each item contributing a sense of history and belonging. The sideboard, originally underused, was transformed into a stunning bar area, framed with antique botanicals and French silver to give it new life while preserving its nostalgic appeal.
"It’s always about finding the balance between the homeowners’ personal style and the history of the place," says Anne. "It was so much fun to bring in these personal heirlooms and make them feel part of the overall vision."When it came to the architectural elements of the home, certain features were too striking to ignore. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace were retained and highlighted, acting as the foundation for the interior design. "These architectural elements were the soul of the space," Anne shares. "We worked to enhance them, allowing the furnishings and layout to celebrate the beauty of these structures without overwhelming them."The large windows throughout the home were strategically placed to frame the surrounding mountain views. The result is a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, where the natural beauty of the Highlands is always in view.
"I wanted it to feel as though the home had always been there, perfectly integrated with its surroundings."
The design team took inspiration directly from the landscape when selecting the color palette for the home. Soft whites, muted blues, and subtle greens were chosen to reflect the tranquility of the natural surroundings. "These colors create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that makes the home feel like a true retreat," Anne says. Richer tones, like the deep buck leather of the armchairs, add depth and warmth, while hand-glazed green lamps in the bedroom provide a playful pop of color.The palette wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating an emotional connection to the environment. "We wanted the colors to feel like an extension of the outdoors, something that naturally brought the outside in," Anne explains.The Highlands is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the region, and the home’s design was focused on maximizing these views. Large windows allow the outside world to flow into the living space, while an outdoor porch was carefully designed as an extension of the interior.
The designer used cozy accessories like soft throws and Appalachian rocking chairs to create an inviting space, perfect for enjoying slow Sunday mornings or balmy summer evenings."There’s something magical about the way the views change throughout the day, and we wanted to ensure that the home embraced that,"Every corner of this home was designed with purpose. From the design elements inspired by the homeowners’ love of travel and their collection of global artwork to the personal pieces that hold meaning, the space feels uniquely theirs. "The most rewarding part of this project was seeing the homeowners truly fall in love with their space," Anne says. "It’s always such a joy to bring someone’s vision to life in a way that feels personal and authentic." And while each room tells its own story, the living room stands out as the heart of the home. It’s a space where the design truly comes together, with layers of warmth, elegance, and personality.
"This room really brings everything to life," Anne says. "It’s the place where family and friends will gather, relax, and make memories."For Anne, the most fulfilling part of the process was not just the design itself but the joy of seeing the homeowners create new memories in the space. "Knowing that this home will be a place for them to relax, entertain, and build a life full of experiences—it makes every detail worth it."In the end, this home in the Highlands is more than just a design; it’s a timeless retreat where nature, personal history, and thoughtful design come together to create a space that’s as breathtaking as the landscape itself.
www.anneburesh.com
