Enchanting Asheville
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains I watch the yellow glow of the setting sun through the towering trees from a bed-sized porch swing. Surrounded by pillow hugs I’m feeling like a kid again in The Perch, one of the tree-style houses built by Caroline and Mike Parrish. Caroline tells the story of plucking up pieces of property along this hillside over 10 years accumulating fifty acres in Asheville, North Carolina when land was not at a premium. Escaping the corporate world with dreams of a Dragon’s Knoll and a Wizard’s Hollow the can-do couple dreamed of something extraordinary, a cluster of unique tree-style homes in an old-fashioned walkable village complete with shops & room for a mountainside wedding venue. The Treehouse Guys on the DIY TV Network helped the Parrish’s give birth to Sanctuary, the first and still Caroline’s favorite of their 5 Treehouse kids including The Perch, The Farmhouse, Aerie and Wizards Hollow with additional domiciles, Alchemy hillside tents and Mike’s favorite Dragon’s Knoll are still just the beginning of this unique and inviting compound. By next season Mike hopes to have trails winding throughout the fairytale neighborhood and the Village underway.
Dedicated to providing guests with a standout experience Caroline’s creativity masterfully melds every detail. Edison lit railings with a hand carved dragon sign directs guests down a path flanked with mushrooms and twisting branch handrails. A tree carved owl, who welcomes naming, is an ideal perch for orioles and eagles alike. Unexpected wild turkeys roam the winding gravel roads on the property. Inspired décor brings each dream home magically to life.
What a wonderful place Serenity is to begin flexing writing muscles. Expansive views from every window stirs cherished memories, illuminating dusty corners of the imagination waiting to tell life stories. Exposing the heart’s longing is the warble of God’s plan amongst the treetops. This place is truly a ‘build it and they will come’ destination. Disney, watch out!
As I move through the third chapter of our one hundred or so years on this planet, as we all do, I wonder what it holds. Today, I feel the inspiration of the birds, free, flying high with a song on each branch, nature their home in all its splendor. God slowly tickles my fingers letting me know this turn in the road is full of wonder. The adventurous serendipity of childhood pushes me toward each new connection and a saying I once heard, “You can only learn what you already know” rings true.
Wild Turkeys Roam
Throughout the hills of Serenity, wild turkeys find their way, ducking under treehouses and of course it is spring right now….wink, wink!