Homes
Whisper Mountain is the home of Southern Living's 2008 "green" Idea House. Southern Living Idea Homes feature the finest in Southern architecture, interior design, and landscaping. Each home reflects the charm and character of the region where it was built and showcases smart ideas and decorating concepts.
The home is open for tours to the public beginning June 21st through October 12th, Wednesday – Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The 3 bedroom, 4 bath Idea House has a separate “barn” which houses a two car garage and a guest suite on the first and second levels complete with living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, full bath and a third floor sleeping loft. The Idea House has two main levels with the master bedroom on the first floor, two bedrooms with full baths on the second floor and a third floor loft. In addition to the living, dining, kitchen and screen porch on the first floor, the study has a full bath which could be used as an additional bedroom. The home’s green technology systems are housed on the ground floor and will be open for interpretive tours. Click to view the plans for the Idea House and the Idea House Garage. For directions to the Southern Living Idea House, please click here.
We are very pleased to announce that this Southern Living Idea House will be the first of its kind to adhere to a green agenda in all aspects of construction. This home will be built by Asheville's renowned EcoBuilders. Some of the home's eco-friendly features include solar paneling, radiant heated floors, and a gray water system.
Green Building Practices:
- The house will be LEED for Homes, NC Healthy Built, and Energy Star certified.
- A combination of roof-mounted solar water panels and an on-demand, tankless water heater provides the home’s hot water.
- The solar water panels also work in conjunction with a forced-air heating system, further reducing energy costs.
- Solar electricity is produced using photovoltaic panels. That electricity is sold to the local power company.
- Tightly sealed ducts, installed within insulated space, delivers conditioned air to it's intended location. While an energy recovery ventilator will draw in fresh, filtered air and remove humidity.
- Rainwater harvested on site supplies the home’s toilets.
- Extensive flashing will ensure no water gets inside the house. The 100-year roof will be fabricated from recycled metal and blu-wood, coated lumber.
- The house is constructed using non-toxic materials with extensive use of locally produced building materials.
- Paints and sealants that emit little to no harmful gasses or chemicals (also called VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds) are used throughout Davidson Gap.
- High performance, low-E, and double-glazed windows keep indoor air at the desired temperature.
- Using paneled construction created offsite greatly reduced lumber waste.
- Exterior wall and attic cavities contain a 22% vegetable-based, spray-in insulation with a 23 R-value, which is 44% better than energy code.
- Compact LED, fluorescent, and low-voltage lighting add to Davidson Gap’s energy efficiency.
- Low-flow showerheads and toilets greatly help to conserve water.
Located just above the Homestead Cabin, the heart of this historic reconstruction is a Kentucky homestead cabin with an addition using native stone and Poplar harvested from the site. The three story home is approximately 2,600 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4-1/2 baths including a separate guest suite on the ground floor. It features exposed hand hewn logs, wide-plank oak floors and many handcrafted details. Hear Old Settler's Creek rushing by and enjoy 30+ mile views of Mt. Mitchell from the living room and rustic porch. This unique home design using heritage materials was first constructed in 2005 in West Virginia by Antique Cabins and Barns and was awarded Best in Show from the WV Builder's Association. The photos linked to the 
The Longview House is named for the magnificent 30+ mile, long-range mountain views of Mt. Mitchell, as well as the Black Mountains to the east and the Newfound Mountains to the south. The home is designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, also the architect for the Southern Living Green Idea House at Whisper Mountain, and it overlooks 30 acres of dedicated parkland. The home will be located on Homesite 70, is approximately 2,900 square feet and has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths with the master on the first floor and long range mountain views from every room. The Longview House is ready for immediate construction and is priced at $985,000. Click 
This historic reconstruction is based on the structure of a hand hewn oak timber frame barn built in Ohio in the 1840s. The home offers a soaring great room with expansive windows to capture views from the homesite of your choice. With three bedrooms and a guest suite above the detached garage, there will always be plenty of room for your frequent guests. The home is 2,811 square feet with a downstairs master suite that features its own covered porch and private sun deck. This home will have antique heart pine floors, native stone fireplace and exposed hand hewn oak timbers throughout. Construction of the home can begin immediately upon selection of a homesite. Click 
The first building that greets you when you enter Whisper Mountain, sitting on the banks of Old Settler's Creek, this hand hewn log structure was moved decades ago and was originally part of the Little Sandy Methodist Church. 
