It’s difficult not to be awestruck by the backdrop of the 22nd Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse ‘A Day in the Country’ hosted by the Cashiers Historical Society. This year features Black Rock Preserve off Horse Cove Road and includes an incredible view of Black Rock Mountain from the 28-acre farmland, formally Cosper’s Flower Farm.
Black Rock Mountain overlooks the property as seen from the backyard looking past the stables.
Designers from around the globe have come to the Preserve to turn the farm and stable houses into sights to behold. The two-week event is CHS’ main fund raiser of the year and all proceeds go towards continuing its mission.
“The Designer Showhouse makes it possible to keep our mission moving along,” said CHS Chairman of the Board, Kirk Moore. “It’s a very active Historical Society and it takes a lot of support for that to happen.”
Just to give you an idea of what we’re talking about, photos below by Michael Ringlever of Ringlever Images.
This year’s Showhouse is spread out throughout the multi-acre estate with several vendors located towards the back of the property by the stable house. The event showcases a variety of presenters discussing anything from flower arrangements to fly fishing.
“Our presenters are great,” said Moore. “Those who come here will be both educated and enriched.”
The Preserve is located at 144 Cove Road, Highlands. Moore said the property was chosen in part for the natural land features surrounding it and the size of the property.
“We chose this because it really gives you a sense of place and emphasizes the beauty of the area,” said Moore. “And we purposefully chose it because it’s large enough that we can create a series of activities for visitors.”
The Designer Showhouse entails over 15 designers who each take on a room of the house to create something to behold. Eric Ross of Eric Ross Interiors tackled the living room overlooking the view of the property seemingly enveloped in Black Rock Mountain.
“The view is what I was trying to focus on,” said Ross. “It felt like a fellowship hall when I first walked in. We used the fabric to bring in a layer of elegance.”
The living room designed by Eric Ross that looks out to Black Rock Mountain at the 22nd Annual Designer Showhouse.
Bruce Andrews of Bruce Andrews Design was tasked with the downstairs bedroom, which he has turned into his “Japanese Jewelry Box.” The persimmon and pink-clad room has padded velvet walls and uses influences from pearls and cherry blossoms.
“It’s a small room and I wanted the theme to tell a story,” Andrews. “The Japanese are known for pearls and cherry blossoms so I used that to bring some color and sensuality to the room.”
The downstairs bedroom designed by Bruce Andrews that he calls the “Japanese Jewelry Box.”
Black Rock Preserve is owned by Carolyn Ritchey McCall who has had a love of nature since childhood. She purchased Black Rock Preserve in 1997 and works daily to preserve its unique beauty.
The Designer Showhouse continues through to Aug. 4. For more info click HERE.
Horses mill about the property between the main house and the stable house.
Artists and presenters are giving presentations and demonstrations throughout the two-week event to support the Cashiers Historical Society.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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