The Vista Blog

Light is life. It’s a source of energy, a mood booster, a wellness enhancer. It sets the tone for how we feel — calm, focused, and uplifted. But light is also a design tool that transforms a home. A home infused with daylight feels brighter and can make rooms feel bigger and more inviting. 

If cruising along the scenic highways of Western North Carolina got you fantasizing about owning a home perched on the mountaintops, surrounded by forestland and stunning vistas, it might be time to consider moving to the mountains. 

One of the most important decisions when considering your dream kitchen is its layout, whether you’re embarking on a custom build or updating your existing kitchen. After all, it’s the one room in your house that likely gets the most use, so you’ll want to choose a kitchen design trend that offers longevity and functionality, and that satisfies your aesthetic and creative style.

Have you ever dreamed of living in a big house? For many Americans, owning a home represents the pinnacle of the American Dream — a symbol of success, stability, and personal achievement. But when you build a house, deciding on the right house size is more than just chasing a dream. It’s about finding a balance between practicality and personal preference.

While the average house size in America has grown significantly over the years, bigger isn’t always better. Ultimately, the ideal home size should align with your lifestyle, family needs, and long-term goals. 

Let’s explore the key considerations that can help you determine how big you should build your custom home.

North Carolina consistently ranks among the top 5 (and sometimes even the top 3) most popular destinations to move to in the U.S. Its appealing weather and lower cost of living have attracted many people, mainly from colder and more expensive regions throughout the country.

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant, if not the largest, investments in a person’s life. At this point, prospective homeowners are often divided into two groups. The first group consists of those who believe such a substantial investment should result in a home that fulfills all their dreams, leading them to consider building a custom home from the ground up. The second group includes those looking to buy an existing home, with their priorities often most influenced by time constraints and budget considerations.

Deciding whether to build or buy a house is a significant consideration for those exploring home ownership, and it's not a decision to be taken lightly. While both options have their merits, today we'll explore the compelling advantages of building a custom home from the ground up.

Most obviously, building a home gives you the chance to make your dream home a reality. If that's not a good enough reason, remember that most homes on the market today have been previously owned, and they often come with time-consuming challenges such as repair, remodeling, and upfront maintenance costs.

Craftsman-style homes make their occupants feel special and connected to their living space. The use of natural materials, the inviting green-view porch, the spacious open floor plan, the charming interiors, and the decorative finishes – all contribute to the undeniable aesthetic appeal of these homes. This combination of elements explains why craftsman style has remained beloved for over a century and continues to be one of the most popular home designs in the United States.

North Carolina has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and trout fishing. Western North Carolina (WNC) is home to over 3,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams that are open to the public for trout fishing. Every year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission closes 1,000 miles of the streams and restocks them with trout, making WNC a popular trout fishing hub.

If you've been planning your next trip to cast a line, we've got you covered! Grab your tackle box, rods, and cooler, and head to one of these fishing spots in Western North Carolina.

One thing we love about Western North Carolina is that there are so many opportunities for adventure, no matter what your outdoor interests are. If your family loves to hike, you already know that Western North Carolina will give you just the intensity you are looking for, but if you need a break from hiking, it might be time to give kayaking a try!