Part of his strategy was stressing interior volume and light through unusual elements. The home's central feature is a massive stone chinmey that spans all three floors and opens to both the living and dining areas. Next, there's the freestanding, self-supporting circular staircase, which ties people in the home together both visually and physically by running from terrace level to the captain's walk overhang with three curved areas accented by woven mountain laurel twig insets. In addition, an open bridge at the entry level connects to the living area, where the ceiling at one point rises to 30 feet, and provides additional interest.
Finally, there is the elevator.
“A lot of things we did because both sets of parents are in their 70s,” says Randy. “We quickly realized we had to make this place easy to maneuver, so we put in the elevator and a cart path to the water.”
The main level is studded with four notable areas.
The sleek kitchen, which soars to 27 feet, is done with
“Randy is a frustrated architect who had his own vision. He wanted a sophisticated lodge, not anything 'campy,'“ says Eason. “Something woodsy but not an urban house.”barn red and black cabinets, granite countertops, hand-hewn trusses, and a rear wall section of slate with copper color. Down the hall, Randy's den has a Victorian look built around extraordinary woods and trims: a fireplace with carved mantel and oak leaf trim, fluted columns and lion pedestals, maple paneling and bookcases with walnut stain under a part crate-part timber ceiling, all from Bobby Burt and Robert Little of Traditions Millwork Inc., Madison, Ga. Setting off the handsome look are sage green leather upholstery with pheasant fabric, a game table from Summer House Gallery at nearby Highlands, and a custom rug by Mountain Rug Company in Hendersonville, N.C. Next there is the screened porch, constructed
FACING PAGE CLOCK WISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sheer symmetry. Two of the home's
key elements intertwine as the circular staircase ends at the captain's walk
overhang above the three-storied fireplace. |
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Bright and breezy Vibrant red, yellow and blue mix with black accents in
the Godfreys’ open kitchen as it rises to a 27-foot height. |
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Rich haven. Randy and architect Bruce Eason meet in the multi-faceted den,
a blend of ornate Victorian fireplace, accents and moldings and modern beams. |
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Easy Does It. Marcy and Randy Godfrey relax in their living room with their
dog, surrounded by towering windows and breathtaking views. |
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Hostess power. Marcy Godfrey thrives on entertaining guests at the
couples lake home, often filling the house with friends, family and associates.
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Finding Keowee at all was a matter of luck.
It was by chance that Randy saw a flyer describing the location. After buying their lot in March 1998, the Godfreys broke ground in August 2000, finally moving into their home in August 2002, though the house was not actually finished until the following October or November.
The delay was worth the wait.
The house is a unique design with five bedrooms six and a half baths, and seven fireplaces in the central section, plus three-car garage and expansive “dorm” room and bath above. Notable for at least four stunning features, it is a combination of many talents: plans by architect Bruce Eason of Greenville, S.C., construction by Malcolm Morgan of Morgan-Keefe with Jim McLea, project manager, and Talmadge Tucker, supervisor, and interiors by designer Cheryl Smith of Cheryl Smith Associates of Hendersonville, N.C., “a great resource.”
Pivotal to the home's success was the plan.
“Randy is a frustrated architect who had his own vision. He wanted a sophisticated lodge, not anything ‘campy,' “ says Eason. “Something woodsy but not an urban house.”
Marcy contributed input as well.
“Some of our inspiration came from Big Cedar Lodge, owned by Bass Pro Shops in Branson, Mo.,” she says. And while much of the interior decor and finishing is the result of months she spent finding items over the Internet, perhaps her greatest contribution was her idea for the garage's dorm door, a huge area with six double beds to accommodate a flood of guests and made up in a rustic look. “I always wanted a cabin I could decorate,” she points out.
In the end, Eason's design reflected the surroundings.
“My concept was to let the lot [a steep grade that ends at lake front] design the house. The L-shaped configuration both the property and its contours,” Eason says. “I saw early on that the objective was to get all the rooms to have a view of the water, and a real driving factor was incorporating high ceilings and open space while, at the same time, creating intimate areas.
Fall 2003
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