Over ten years ago, Emily South and her husband John took a fateful trip to western North Carolina. What originated as a vacation transformed into a dream. “We fell in love with the area and at that moment knew we wanted to one day own property in the mountains.”
Years passed, during which John and Emily welcomed three kids into the world and nursed their company, Shoestring Productions, well into the black. In 2018, the dream started to feel like a possibility so the Souths began their hunt for the perfect spot.
They sought a structure that would comfortably fit their five-person-one-dog clan without sprawling across the land. “It took a very long time to find our cabin and there were many times I wanted to give up,” confesses Emily. “We would come across properties that met some of our criteria but not all of it. Or aesthetically the homes just weren’t our style and no amount of cosmetic renovations would help.”
Finally, they found their Appalachian A-frame. It wasn’t perfect, but it was full of potential.
Constructed in the 1970s, the mountain getaway had its fair share of era-specific quirks. Emily, charmed by the structure’s uniqueness, preserved some of the quirks while updating the interior to enhance comfort and create a more modern aesthetic. “It’s almost unrecognizable when I go back and look at old photos,” says Emily. “I am so proud that we were able to see the potential and breathe new life into the space.”
Now, the three-bedroom, three-bath rental cabin has a deck and hot tub overlooking the hills and valleys of western NC. You’ll also discover an interior wet bar, an outdoor fire pit, and a Multicade, making it the perfect destination for a family getaway.
The Future of This Appalachian A-Frame
In the coming year, Emily has dreams for her mountain hideaway. She is a yoga teacher and aspires to host retreats at the A-frame. She also intends to shift her attention from the interior to the exterior. Her plan is to focus on landscaping and maximizing the two acres of magical forest that the home sits amid. She also hopes to soon offer additional, customized amenities and experiences in partnership with other small businesses.
Regardless, of how 2021 shakes out, Emily will continue dreaming up new ways to “host with heart” and make guests feel both welcome and valued.
And, as she looks ahead, she can’t help but look back. “2020 took a very strange turn and, for our family, gave us the gift of perspective. I believe, like our family, many are getting clear on their priorities. So it is such an honor to think that the Appalachian A-Frame is a destination people choose to gather with their loved ones.”
To reserve the Appalachian A-Frame, plan to book your stay online at least four months in advance.
