From the canoe on the lake, I could see my husband up on the porch of the cabin. Really, it’s an estate house, a sprawling 4-bedroom, 4 1/2 bath cabin-inspired showcase of architecture, furniture and design. The Peregrine is the largest home on the property at Flat Mountain Farm, a newly renovated 28-acre micro-resort just outside Highland, NC. The brainchild of creative powerhouses Christopher and Margaret Shutze, the storybook property can host up to 27 guests in three charming cabins. They purchased the property from an eighth-generation Highlander who carved out a magical compound over 40 years. The Shutzes completely renovated the antique log cabins and barns, polished the landscaping, cleared hiking trails and now host weddings, retreats, family reunions and long weekend getaways for folks like us who look to starry skies, porch swings and big comfy beds for a recharge.
We felt right at home (not that our home is in the same league), spreading out across oversized custom sofas, curling up in adorable club chairs and sidling up to the marble counter in the most beautifully lit chef’s kitchen I’ve ever seen.
Formal living and dining rooms are spacious but inviting, with giant sliders that lead to a deck, deep and wide with more nooks for dining, telling stories and star gazing.
A spring-fed lake for fishing and canoeing is a looking glass in the morning and a short trail leads to a waterfall where Adirondacks await. Pack a picnic and a book and pretend this was all your idea.
Margaret’s experience working for international hospitality firms working on prestigious projects such as the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Vail led her to this chapter. Chris has been creating specialty homes and custom furniture with award-winning architects for 20 years, and his design prowess is evident across the property.
The charming town of Highlands is about five minutes away, so book a massage at The Old Edwards Inn, eat out, shop for gifts and get back to Flat Mountain Farm in time for a fire in the jumbo Solo Stove where s’mores and stars are served.