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Mention “North Carolina mountain home” to someone and an outdated image might come to mind – a rough-hewn structure with dark woods and heavy textures put together with whatever materials might have been available nearby.

Today, the many retirees looking for real estate in Lenoir NC are far more likely to find builders utilizing carefully-selected, durable products and the same fundamental construction principles that are applied elsewhere.  And the “dream home” of today is designed to be very much in harmony with our mountain terrain.  When trying to decide upon a floor plan, don’t fall into the trap of thinking in terms of flat subdivision lots.  You don’t want the added expense of excavating and having to build retaining walls.  The rule of thumb here is to avoid changing the topography and instead to plan a home that will best fit the property and take full advantage of the spectacular views.

Today’s North Carolina mountain home uses floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outside in and highlight the property’s natural setting.  Retirees looking for smaller spaces will find floor plans that do away with traditional living and dining areas and instead include larger kitchens and great rooms that better reflect their lifestyle.  

At The Coves Mountain River Club, you’ll find design professionals who can evaluate your property and help you create a home that perfectly expresses your individuality.  In fact, we can streamline the entire building process and make the experience stress-free.

One crucial step in the planning will be selecting windows that are energy-efficient and minimize the cost of heating and cooling the interior.  There are four factors to consider:  frame, glass, design and installation.

The various types of frame all have their own positives and negatives.  You’ll need to decide which one is best for your style and your budget.

• Vinyl – A well-constructed, properly installed vinyl window is a good choice for the budget-conscious.  It provides excellent energy efficiency, with insulated glass and tight construction that reduces air leakage.  But vinyl windows offer limited color choices, and some people don’t like their appearance.

• Wood – You get the best insulation with wood windows, but they require more upkeep. And they may not be the best choice for extremely humid or rainy climates because of the potential for rot.  But a well-built wood window will stand the test of time.

• Aluminum – Aluminum windows are less efficient than vinyl or wood, but they’re practical in rainy, humid climates and are strong enough to satisfy building codes in hurricane-prone areas.

• Wood-Clad – With a low-maintenance exterior of vinyl or aluminum and a core of wood, these would seem to incorporate the best characteristics of the other alternatives.  But they require expert installation to avoid water intrusion that can cause rotting.

Some window designs are more efficient than others. Here are the most common types:

• Double-hung – These are commonly found in older homes.   They can be efficient but may not be the best option in extreme climates because air can get in between the top and bottom sections.

• Casement – Casement windows crank outward to open.  Their hinges and seals do require occasional maintenance, but they actually seal themselves tight when wind blows against them.

• Picture windows – Available in many shapes and sizes, these can be made more efficient by your choice of glass.  Many homeowners specify panes with vacuum-sealed, argon-filled interiors.

Don’t minimize the importance of proper installation.  We at The Coves can recommend window contractors who are properly licensed and have both a track record working specifically with real estate in Lenoir NC and an excellent record of customer satisfaction.

Whether you move to the foothills just to explore the remarkable hiking trails in Western NC or you’re more involved in the many other things there are to do here, you want your home’s design to take full advantage of its magnificent natural surroundings.   For windows, the roofline, the exterior or anything else related to style, we can give you a lot of attractive options to consider. 

By the way, The Coves Mountain River Club in Lenoir is surrounded by 39 miles of those famous hiking trails in Western NC, and they lead to some of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever encounter:  majestic waterfalls, pristine community parks and the land along Johns River.

We hope you’ll stop by and meet with some of our builders.  They have all the information you need regarding the latest trends in North Carolina mountain homes and will be happy to answer your questions and make suggestions.

Call us at 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour.