Old-World Charm Meets Mountain Magic in This Cozy North Carolina Cottage

Text by Bethany Adams

For those lucky enough to have visited the small mountain community of Linville, North Carolina, the impression it leaves is lasting. “My husband always said after visiting, it would be his dream to have a small house in the mountains,” says interior designer Debbie LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. It seemed like the perfect opportunity, then, when a house in the woods became available—a cottage built by the granddaughter of a prominent member of the community.

“She built the house when she was 28 years old,” Debbie says. Because it was built for a bachelorette, the cottage was on the small side, but Debbie wasn’t worried. “We knew it could live large, because there were a lot of windows and porches,” she says. “There was a screened porch on the home, but it was in disrepair.”

Outdated finishes were high on the list of updates, but the ensuing renovation also entailed reworking the layout and vaulting the ceilings. “There was a long hallway lined with white louvred closet doors on both sides, and we pretty much ripped all of that out, creating a larger entrance hall,” says Debbie. “We created a drop zone . . . and just opened it up to the living room.”

Removing the wall between the living room and dining room also contributed to creating a larger feeling in the space without adding square footage. Debbie’s first purchase for the house, an antique oval window from France, was installed over the built-in desk to welcome natural light and mountain breezes.

And it’s the view outside the home’s windows that served as the inspiration for the decorating. “Linville, for the most part, is fairly understated,” Debbie says. “Most people have kept the décor in keeping with traditional mountain décor . . . so, I wanted to honor that.” Finishes that infuse an old-world style provide warmth amid a palette that leans heavily into green tones, echoing the natural surroundings.

“I wanted it to feel like there wasn’t much of a boundary between the inside and the outside,” Debbie says. Rich, textured fabrics—including wool and mohair—and hand block prints create a visual feast layered atop a mixture of French and English antiques. “There are some sentimental pieces that I’ve been able to incorporate,” says Debbie, pointing out items such as the Welsh cupboard in the dining room, which belonged to her father.

“I kind of had this vision when I started the project that I didn’t want it to look just like my house in Nashville,” says Debbie. “I’ve used almost all French pieces [there], but I actually incorporated quite a few English antiques into this space.” From the 18th-century chest in the living room to the wake table in the dining room, these pieces contributed to the strikingly cozy atmosphere that permeates the home.

Complementing the aged pieces are various finds incorporated in a way that highlights the landscape’s unique beauty without veering into kitsch. A faux-bois set dresses up the deck, and an antler mirror found at Scott Antique Markets on the screened-in porch is balanced by classic rattan outdoor furniture. Cushions refinished in a neutral fabric help keep the space timeless and restful—which is important, as it’s a favorite spot for both the homeowners and their various guests.

“Even if it’s pouring down rain outside—which it does a lot—you can sit out there and hear the water fall, curl up with a good book . . . and just really listen to nature,” says Debbie. And as it was the land that originally captured the LeRoys’ hearts, it’s no wonder they make good use of the space.