‘FalconStar’ Custom Deck Project
Nestled in the woods on Jackson Mountain is our retreat home, ‘FalconStar’. It had always been part of the plan to have a deck added because I love entertaining and we wanted to create an outdoor living space between the house and the large rock formation behind the house. When the house was built in 2019, we had it sited to back up as close as possible to a large 30 foot high rock formation. I visualized this large rock wall as an extension of the house. By constructing the space between the house and the rocks, with a large deck, would make the home feel even larger and add a beautiful finishing touch to the exterior of the new home.
The goal was to have the final outcome of the deck space to have design aspects like many of the resorts we had stayed at over the years. The plan included, a dining area, a gas fire pit, a lounge area, an outdoor shower, and an area for a large hot tub (due to arrive in June). We also wanted additional storage space below the deck so a hidden gate was designed big enough to drive an ATV, through and underneath, the structure. Another access gate on the North side allows guests to enter from the driveway. To give you a concept of size, the North gate itself weighs 300 lbs. and boasts heavy duty iron hardware. The stairs on the South side allow access to to the lower hidden gate storage area, and also offers an alternate route off the deck, and down to the lower part of the estate grounds. Lastly, because privacy is always nice, especially when you have an outdoor shower, you can bathe in nature without anyone being able to see you from any vantage point in the house!
You might ask, “How many square feet is all of this”? The deck is 1,300 square feet and very spacious!
My choice in a color scheme was based on having the outdoor living space look visually seamless from the back of the house to the Rock formation. So I chose grays and browns, which were natural colors in the rocks. The deck is made of Trex decking, and natural flagstone was laid over the back patio, where the sliding doors from the Morning Room are automated for easy access. A custom planter box was also built to fit perfectly between both sets of steps.
This whole project from start to finish took just 4 weeks to complete. I planned and ordered the furniture during this time so it would arrive before the deck was finished and then I was ready to set everything up when the building crew was done.
The before and after photo really shows you just how much bigger a home can look with the addition of the deck.
I do a lot of interior design and remodeling work. If anyone is interested in revamping an interior space or creating an exterior project let me know. mistimstar@gmail.com
Have a great Summer!
Misti Morningstar 