Every fall for 15 years the Birchfields drove to the mountains of North Carolina to enjoy the colors of the season. But a fortuitous side trip changed all that.
While driving to North Carolina for their annual fall getaway, Clay Birchfield suggested to his wife, Patti, they stop in the small town of Mentone, Alabama, to just check it out. They fell in love with the artsy village and never made it to North Carolina that year. Nor have they since. With Mentone so much closer to their home, the Birchfields decided to explore buying a place. A contractor showing the couple a sample of his work helped seal the deal. Arriving at a home he built, Clay and Patti stepped onto the deck and found themselves on top of the brow gazing south at Shinbone Valley. They were smitten. The view convinced them to purchase the lot next door.
Designing a home for themselves wasn’t a typical affair for this couple, who are both architects. While Patti specializes in residential architecture, Clay is busy designing hospitals. Since this was the first time they worked together, Patti said, “We decided up front it would be fun, not stressful.” Building their Arts and Crafts style cottage took about a year, and while under construction, the two of them would occasionally camp in the house.
The entire design was focused on the view. The living room and bedrooms all look out to the valley. Even the kitchen sink is placed so you can see the valley while washing dishes. Patti calls the home their labor of love. “It’s a peaceful getaway for the two of us, or a fun place for family and friends to gather,” she says. Of course, the thing the couple love most about the place is the view. “We spend a lot of time on the deck and never get tired of it,” she says. There is a constantly changing show produced by Mother Nature. Hawks are flying above the trees, blue birds are nesting, and cattle are grazing far below. And the Birchfields are happy to be privy to prized seating.