by Kristina Wrenn
GATHER
Come for the fantastic blood orange mimosas and brunch at Côte Restaurant at High Hill Farm and stay for the weekend or a lifetime. ‘Wild Feather’ in the High Hill Development is a design aficionado’s dream vacation home.
From the curb appeal to the storage for utensils in the kitchen, developer and builder, Jason Romano and lead designer, Yvette Leihgeber, have thought through every detail. The real genius is many details you won’t see as much as you will feel the more time you spend taking it all in.
The first of the homes to be purchased in the High Hill Development, ‘Wild Feather’ is a lovely example of the vision for and execution of the area. The exterior white French plaster, ample front porch space, metal roofing, crushed gravel driveways and the natural landscaping with pine needle mulch are based on the principles of new Urbanism.
Inside the look is cohesive, light, bright and happy. The polished concrete floors invite you into the space. A curved custom railing rings the staircase and immediately lets you know it is beautifully appointed. The main first floor living space is a study in natural materials accented by modern art. A sisal rug anchors the space and draws visitors to sit by the fire or to admire the exquisite stone surround while reading or watching TV. The full-length mirror reflects the changing light of the day back into the room.
The natural wood of the main living area coffee table is echoed in the mud room slats and again in the upstairs landing living area’s darker wood coffee table.
DINE
The kitchen is anchored by a center island clad in white quartz with wonderful wooden, director’s chair bar stools. It is a place where many conversations are sure to be had over cooking and entertaining. On either side of the chef’s stove and range are pull out cabinets that were designed to hold any utensil a chef or budding sous chef should need, all off the countertop. An uncluttered counter is truly a luxury and adds to the sense of calm.
The countertops are fabricated to be flush with the cabinetry is another touch of luxury. The drawers also glide open and close with the touch of a hand. When you rent ‘Wild Feather’ or buy at High Hill Development, stocking the refrigerator and pantry with your chosen staples is part of the amenities of the full-service experience.
The custom straw pendant lamps over the island and the sconces over the breakfast table are creations of Maya Blu Home designer, Megan Leihgeber. The sconces are lovingly referred to as the ‘fried eggs’ and you can see why when you look at the photo in detail.
The dining room in the front of the home is furnished with a solid, natural wood table in keeping with the rest at of the overall flow of the first floor. The straw chairs are not only a strong design element of the room, but they are also extremely comfortable and would be for hours of meals, card games, dominoes, or Mah Jongg!
If you look closely to the left of the dining room table, there is a freestanding, weathered branch that commands the corner of the dining room.
RELAX
The serenity of the five bedrooms is reflected in both style and color. The upstairs room with the cotton canopy is the perfect spot for a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap.
The quality of the bunk room mattresses and the size and scale of the bunks might have guests arguing about who gets to sleep in the bunks. The attached ladders are easy to navigate and safe for guests of all ages.
The detached guest suite opens to the signature backyard with dipping pool, a feature throughout the development. The light that is prevalent during the day makes this a joyous space in which to move back and forth between the tranquility of the room and the private outdoor space. The roughhewn beams that support the roof of the outdoor porch are part of the overall development aesthetic and are a welcome view from the open doors of the guest suite.
The white painted, beamed ceiling in the main bedroom is another significant detail envisioned by the developer, as well as the fabrication of the oversized, custom flush closet doors with horizontal detailing. The space is warmed by the skin rug at the foot of the bed. The lighting in the main bedroom is another of the custom pendants. The bathroom of this room is shown on the following pages and incorporates a deep soaking tub and a glass shower with full outdoor shower to add to the experience of the spa like retreat.
VIEW
Integral to the development is attention to sight lines and placement of windows so that the light and views become a part of the experience. From the landing at the top of the stairs you can see the lake and 70,000 square feet of white sand beaches, the beach bar and the acoustically perfect amphitheater that contribute to things to do at High Hill and the community master plan.
The stairs of ‘Wild Feather’ showcase the use of blond wood flooring used throughout the development and the natural stone of the entry way. It was created this way as with the guest suite, dining and living areas and backyard to blend outside and inside from front to back.
The development will remain natural around the properties so that the native trees can be appreciated and contribute to the planned sight lines as seen through the landing window. Many developments clear native trees and landscaping, but High Hill is embracing all that makes it a rural Texas oasis.
The room opposite the dining room at the front of the house was designed as a home office, since even on vacation there are calls to make and deals to be closed, but it has ample closets and is next to a full bathroom so it could be converted to additional sleeping quarters if necessary. The French doors can be opened to the front porch to enjoy fresh air year-round.
No matter what you choose to do at ‘Wild Feather’ … you’ll find a planned space awaiting you!
DIP
Cozy up on the front porch in one of the sling chairs or the built-in bench with coffee or a cocktail and admire the beach and lake described above while also enjoying the bustle of the High Hill Town Square from your own space.
Upon arrival at ‘Wild Feather’, dining al fresco beside the private dipping pool should be a priority. The water feature adds to the ambiance of the experience in this private retreat.
The lounge chairs get just the right amount of sun throughout the day and if you are one to read by the pool, the umbrella can be positioned to remove any glare or to keep you covered from the sun’s rays. Baskets of towels are provided for when you take that dip to cool off.
As with the rest of the home, each element was thoroughly planned and the all-weather palms that frame the space make you feel as if you are on the Florida coast in the middle of East Texas. It is the perfect juxtaposition with the native plants surrounding the property. The continuation of the French plaster in the surrounding wall and the artistry of the flagstone set around the pool contributes to the sense of calm you feel as soon as you arrive.
The atmosphere at High Hill Development is pervasive in every inch of the ‘Wild Feather’ home. It is a feeling that guests will savor and return for on a regular basis. ‘Wild Feather’ is one of a kind, but it is surrounded by equally well-appointed homes with design, leisure, and enjoyment as the primary focus.
Whether interested in ownership
or rental of a getaway, contact
info@highhilldevelopment.com
for more information.