Half-Mile Farm goes all the way in bringing the warmth and charm of yesteryear together with the finest amenities of today. Amid the splendor of the Appalachian Mountains in Highlands, North Carolina, Half-Mile Farm is the perfect retreat for couples, wedding parties, and travelers who treasure the fine blend of history, modern convenience, and glorious scenery.
MossCreek Rustic American Home Design provided expertise to fulfill the vision that brought 19th-century cabins, more than 150 years old, to Highlands, preserved their character and natural appeal, and successfully blended luxury and style to create a tremendous fusion of the old and new. Available options include the Justice Cabin, originally built in Alamance County, North Carolina, in 1819; the Earnest House, constructed in central Kentucky in the 1840s; and other complementary selections.
“All of the cabins are newly created out of existing antique or reclaimed materials,” explains Allen Halcomb, president of MossCreek. “Underneath the skin there is a fair amount of new construction to meet the building codes. The log walls, however, are true log construction. The cabins consist of a main level and various versions of the second floor. Some floors are full height, and others are a half story built into the reframing.”
Earnest House is, in fact, a cozy, authentic log cabin with an inviting dining room, wood-burning fireplace, and spacious front porch where guests often linger. It also features a master bedroom and bath complete with balcony, gas fireplace, jetted tub, and second shower, as well as a full kitchen.
The V notching of the cabin corners is characteristic of the Scottish and Irish immigrants who built the cabin well over a century ago. Those who visit today can still feel the march of time and sense of history that pervades the locale.
“There are three buildings on the property that comprise a total of seven cabins,” Halcomb continues. “Two of the buildings are made up of two cabins that are joined together so that they can be rented as a combined structure or locked out to be two separate rentals. The idea for the development came from a gentleman who bought and sold antique log cabins and materials. He met the owner of the farm, and they discussed the need for some cabin rentals on the farm property. There was already a large house on the property, but nothing that was as intimate as a small cabin development by the beautiful creek that runs across it.”
According to Halcomb, the cabins at Half-Mile Farm are completely green, or environmentally friendly. Embracing the three “Rs” of environmentalism, virtually all of the materials are reused or recycled materials that have simply been repurposed. “Everything from the antique metal roofing that came off barns to the logs that we turned into the cabins, to the windows that have been reclaimed, the doors, door hardware, floors, ceilings, and even the décor, are almost exclusively repurposed existing materials. It’s the cleanest kind of green you can have,” he says.
The Earnest House can be rented along with Elizabeth’s Room, a second-floor suite, for a combined two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The Justice Cabin is also available. This private, two-story log cabin still conveys the pride and craftsmanship of the Scottish-Irish settlers who honed its timbers so long ago. Today, it features a spacious living and dining room combination, breakfast nook overlooking nearby woods, wood-burning stove, completely outfitted kitchenette, master bedroom with king-size bed, gas stove, and vaulted wood-beam ceilings, and a master bath with jetted tub.
Bridal parties, family reunions, and large groups often take advantage of the entire space—Earnest House, Elizabeth’s Room, and Justice Cabin—which have easy access along hallways. “The cabins are individually owned, but they are available for rent through the adjoining commercial property that includes the country house bed and breakfast,” adds Halcomb. “They are often rented as a group. MossCreek is the designer of the homes, along with input from the material provider, who was a key participant in completing the interior décor.”
Those interested in renting at Half-Mile Farm may visit online at halfmilefarm.com. The drive across U.S. Highway 64 through the verdant, lush Appalachians is relaxing and enjoyable with scenic vistas of the Ocoee River. Two additional properties, Captain’s House and Fish Cabin, are also available for rent with similar accommodations, including two bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
“The Earnest and Justice Cabins have the most unique, organic flow,” comments Halcomb, “and you can see that there are many antique or antique-style appliances and furnishings throughout.”
At Half-Mile Farm, old meets new. Time stands still but somehow carries on. Hustle and bustle slow with relaxation and pure enjoyment—all in balance and peaceful coexistence.