Virtual Ticket
Explore our six glamping tents, designed by renowned designers, in the comfort of your own home!
CHS has created a narrative of design since 1998. However, the recent real estate boom on the plateau left us in a unique situation; no homes were available for our annual Showhouse event. This required a fresh look at what “home” is for 2021. Always ready to jump at the opportunity to think outside of the box, we decided to capitalize on one of the most popular installments in the 2020 Showhouse and go glamping! With a theme of “Home is where the heart is,” we used the 2021 Showhouse to highlight not just what makes Cashiers luxurious in a house but our natural resources as well.
With a stage set by six identical Diamond Brand Gear tents, Acorns Boutique, Alexander Interiors, DWH Interiors, PLATT, Spruce Interiors, and Tribus created out-of-this-world glamping experiences- redefining the spirit of escapism. Folks often refer to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau as "adult summer camp" and the 2021 Showhouse brought that sentiment to life!
In addition to an exciting collection of luxurious glamping tents, the two-week event included a series of panel discussions that highlight where nature and design, style and stewardship meet. Not only did we offer guest-favorite Design Day panel discussions and workshops, we also teamed with stewardship partners including the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, Duke Energy, Highlands Audubon Society, Highlands Biological Foundation, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, The Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited, and Witherspoon Platt + Associates to discuss ways private property owners can be better stewards of the plateau's natural resources. Cashiers is our home, and where our heart is, we want to provide a platform to talk about how to prepare it for future generations, both luxuriously and responsibly.
2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse Virtual Ticket
content was made possible by:
The Cashiers Designer Showhouse, including content in the virtual ticket, is the Cashiers Historical Society's largest annual fundraiser. If you enjoy the content provided in this virtual ticket, and are interested in helping the Historical Society continue to provide a narrative of preservation through education, stewardship and advocacy, please text 158 to (828) 332-5572 to donate.
Welcome to Camp Luxury
Hello fellow glampers! The fresh mountain air, lush green forests and abundant lakes, rivers and streams welcome you to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Camp Luxury is located on the beautiful grounds of the Cashiers Historical Society. Click the virtual map below and select designer icons for Matterport 3D tours and designer interviews showcasing our six Diamond Brand Gear wall tents.
Contact This Glamper:
Old Edwards Inn & Acorns Boutique
Highlands, NC
(828) 301-8961
Acorns Boutique
Holly Laughridge
Acorns Boutique director of retail, Holly Laughridge, has received much of her design experience helping Old Edwards Inn & Spa owner, Angela Williams, design and decorate many parts of the inn, Half Mile Farm, 200 Main, and the Old Edwards Club Renovation. Holly has a passion for mixing new and old design elements creating timeless spaces. As the buyer for Acorns in Highlands, she selects pieces that can “make a room,” as well as more subtle elements to fill empty space in a nearly finished room. Her focus is always finding the perfect balance between quality, design, function, and price.
Contact This Glamper:
Alexander Interiors
Highlands, NC and Nashville, TN
(615) 438-6388
Alexander Interiors
Tori Alexander
Alexander Interiors provides clients with high-end custom interiors offering full design service, interior architecture and renovation, consulting, and E-Design. With a main office based in Nashville, Tennessee, principal designer and owner Tori Alexander divides her time between Nashville and Highlands, North Carolina. Tori describes her design aesthetic as “timeless and approachable.” This is Alexander Interiors’ second year of participating in the Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Alexander Interiors has been featured in various publications and media, such as Southern Living, The Today Show, Country Living, HGTV Magazine, The Scout Guide, Style Blueprint, Ballard Designs podcast, and The Business of Design podcast. Tori graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 with a degree in furnishings and interiors. Outside of the office, Tori and her husband, Dave, are kept busy with their three young daughters Mamie, Eliza, and Birdie.
Contact This Glamper:
DWH Interiors
Atlanta, GA
(404) 550-5484
DWH Interiors
Douglas Hilton
DWH Interiors opening offices in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is the latest milestone of founder Douglas Hilton’s 30-plus year career in the Atlanta design community. DWH Interiors is a boutique firm founded on personal service and attention to detail. Hilton brings his experience in logistics, interior design, and running a wholesale showroom to each of his projects— whether a high-rise condo, primary residence, or a vacation home. Hilton is known for his use of art and color. He loves to use large, overscaled pieces to add a focal point and interest. Creating gallery walls is also one of his signature looks, intricately mixing varied sizes and styles of art together to form a display that creates conversation and visual pleasure. He works with each client to help them create their personal signature look. He has been quoted in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution and the Northside Neighbor, given talks at ADAC, and spoke at the 2018 Cashiers Designer Showhouse. His work has been published in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Modern Luxury, Elegant Homes, The Atlanta Journal, and New York Times Magazine.
Contact This Glamper:
PLATT
Brevard, NC
(828) 884-2393
PLATT
Parker Platt &
Katie P. Jackson
PLATT is a full-service architecture, construction, and interior design firm based in Brevard, North Carolina, serving clients throughout the southern Appalachian Highlands and beyond. Established in 1982, the company is led by Parker Platt, owner and principal architect, and supported by a team of 40 professionals including Katie P. Jackson, interior design director, who leads interior design efforts for the firm. With a combined 50 years of experience in the industry, Parker and Katie bring unique design sensibilities to every project, drawing inspiration from their love of art, travel, food, home, and community. Their 2021 glamping tent is furnished by PLATT HOME, an affiliated boutique showroom in downtown Brevard that features a curated collection of furniture, lighting, rugs, pillows, antiques, accessories, and more.
Spruce
Melanie Couch &
Nancy Dyleski
Melanie Couch and Nancy Dyleski developed a lasting friendship while finding shared interests when attending The University of Georgia. Couch perfected her knowledge of textiles and design while Dyleski found her passion in Studio Art. Each pursued the field of design during their post graduate years—Couch with House Dressing Interior Design of Gainesville, Georgia, and Dyleski with Cullen & Company Interior Design of Athens, Georgia. The two were reunited years later when their families moved to the mountains of Highlands, North Carolina. Both Couch and Dyleski realized the need for an “understated-elegance” interior design group in the area and conceived Spruce Interiors. They share a love for blue and white, updated traditional spaces, and the majestic landscape and climate of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Contact This Glamper:
Tribus
Cashiers, NC and Greenville, SC
(864) 729-4148
Tribus
Susan Peace-Vernon
When Susan is not spending time with her family or at the lake, you can find her in the office, diligently supporting client relationships. An interior designer raised in a home-building family, Susan understands the valuable connection between architecture, space planning, and interior design. As the vice president and principal at Tribus Interior Design, she uses her vast experience and knowledge to continually surpass their clients’ expectations. Susan is also the vice president of Dillard-Jones Builders and serves on the Southern Living Custom Builder Program’s board.
Contact This Glamper:
Diamond Brand Gear
Fletcher, Nc
(828) 209-0322
Diamond Brand Gear
In choosing our designers’ glamping tents, Cashiers Historical Society sought a brand in western North Carolina with historical roots that embraced our “home is where the heart is” concepts of conservation, preservation, and stewardship. We found one in Diamond Brand Gear, located in Asheville, North Carolina.
In addition to our designer's six Atlas wall tents, Diamond Brand Gear revealed their newest tent at the Showhouse, the LMNL tent system – an innovative glamping tent uniquely positioned to serve a broad array of end users, from those looking to earn income in the booming outdoor lodging market to individuals seeking a backyard getaway.
Glamper Highlight: Our Diamond Brand Gear tents weathered two tropical storms during the Cashiers Designer Showhouse- Frank and Ida. Thanks to the clever functional and stylish design choices of our designers, combined with our tried-and-true Diamond Brand Gear tents, the designers remained able to convey feelings of relaxed serenity for Showhouse guests- even in the midst of major storms.
Design Day
Camp Luxury's Design Day consisted of a Friday full of panel discussions and workshops. Click on the links below to watch and learn more about style and stewardship!
Style and Stewardship
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, with audio from Dutch & Dutch. Hear from industry leaders about an architect’s unique perspective in utilizing a private property owner’s natural resources to position and design a home.
Jon Warrington, vice president of design for Dillard Jones, Mitch Lehde, regional director of MHK Architecture & Planning, and Parker Platt, president of PLATT, form this interesting panel of industry creatives and influencers.
Share the Legacy-
Preservation and Design
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, with audio from Dutch & Dutch.
Hear from Susan Wojnar of Blackberry Farm Design, Ann McKee Austin, founder of the High Hampton History Center and co-founder of the Cashiers Historical Society, past national president of the American Society of Interior Designers, Charles Gandy, and High Hampton History Center director, Robert Gleason, as they discuss how the two-year renovation of High Hampton combined history, design, and preservation.
Rhythm of Color
With audio from Dutch & Dutch, Shane Jones, one of the American Society of Interior Designers’ “One’s to Watch” and designer account executive with Sherwin-Williams, presents on color trends for 2021. Rhythm is the secret to how the natural world stays in step. See it take shape in 40 trend colors, presented in four palettes designed to bring your own rendition
of rhythm to beautiful life. Join Shane as she dives deeper into the 2021 color palettes: Sanctuary, Encounter, Continuum, and Tapestry, each with unique design influences.
Tricky Places-
Mountain Landscape Design
With audio from Dutch & Dutch, enjoy an insider’s take on how to hold hands with nature while coaxing your outdoor landscape environment to fit your lifestyle like a glove. By considering a myriad of tricky landscape design challenges,
Mary Palmer Dargan, a licensed landscape architect and botanist, shares tips you can take home to be a great steward to your land and immediately improve your home grounds. From creating seating terraces and complicated parking solutions, perennial beds or more complex environmental features such as rain gardens, you will be
inspired to make your garden the best it can be and hold hands with nature.
Stewardship Partners
For centuries, naturalists have explored the southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the temperate world.
In his 1791 writings, “Travels of William Bartram,” the Philadelphia-born naturalist wrote of the plants and animals he saw, as well as the traditions and cultures of the native tribes he encountered. Biodiversity is extremely high in terms of both the variety of different species and the abundance of each species. Nearly 10,000 species are already known to exist here, with more discovered each year–some of which are new to science. Additionally, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau sits at the headwaters of six different watersheds. What we do on the plateau is felt throughout the Southeast. The beauty of this area has a long history of inspiring stewardship. The writings of Horace Kephart and the photography of George Masa (who settled in Asheville, NC, after taking a job at the Grove Park Inn) were used to support the effort in creating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated $5 million to purchase the lands that later became part of the park after seeing Masa’s photographs.
When deciding to go glamping for our 24th Showhouse, we knew we wanted to share all of the elements that create Cashiers’ luxury. That includes both the design of and inside a home and the natural beauty that surrounds it. The Cashiers Historical Society is proud to partner with the following stewardship partners. Click through the images below to read their mission statements and scroll through our video library to hear panel members weigh in on a variety of topics.
Development and Conservation
Celebrate the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s natural resources with a panel discussion hosted by Smoke Rise Field Club, a private, full-service gun club featuring three sporting clay venues, two covered five-stand venues, trap and skeet fields as well as a covered pistol range and limited use rifle range. Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine moderates this panel of industry leaders regarding development and conservation of private lands and how good stewardship helps protect our natural ecosystem, creating habitat for wildlife. Mike Neiduski of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Jeffrey Wright with Trout Unlimited, and John Witherspoon of Witherspoon Platt + Associates form this interesting and informative discussion.
Clean Energy and Conservation
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, with audio from Dutch & Dutch.
Listen to a panel of experts from Duke Energy speak about their clean energy strategy, hydropower, and stewardship of Lake Glenville. Jerry DeWeese, lead engineer for hydroelectric fleet and Trout Unlimited
representative, Marcus Pitts, lead environmental professional for hydroelectric fleet, Christy Churchill, project manager for historical preservation, and Jennifer Bennett, project manager for water strategy and hydro licensing, will weigh in on this informative discussion.
Hunter’s Conservation
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, with audio from Dutch & Dutch.
Listen to a this panel of top sportsmen regarding how hunting plays a role in good stewardship, creating balance in local ecosystems, and protecting habitat for wildlife. Local hunter Curtis Green, Kenneth
Ashe of North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and international hunter Hal Cottingham of Smoke Rise Field Club will weigh in on the subject. Hunters, outdoorsman, and those interested in how sporting activities affect wildlife and habitat will enjoy this informative conversation.
Benefitting Biodiversity
Moderated by Katherine Ford Richardson, CDS co-chair and managing editor of Plateau Magazine, hear from local leaders about best practices in protecting habitat and benefitting biodiversity. Brent Martin of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy
and Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, Paige Engelbrektsson of Highlands Biological Foundation, and Dr. Gary Wein of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will form this educational panel discussion.
River Cane Renaissance
Three-Part Video Series
During the summer of 2021, CHS was proud to partner with Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in displaying their River Cane Renaissance exhibit.
River Cane Renaissance is 30-minute video with three short episodes examining the historical, scientific, and cultural importance of this amazing native bamboo. This video was produced by Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, and directed and edited by WCU Communication major Sara Stanley.
River Cane Reverie:
Voices from the Past
Take a brief trip back in time to contemplate the centuries of cultural traditions surrounding the Cherokee people’s use of river cane. This video was produced by Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, and directed and edited by WCU Communication major Sara Stanley.
Stories From The Showhouse
For kids and the young at heart!
The Cashiers Historical Society has teamed up with Sunshine StoryTime to bring children’s educational content to the Showhouse! Everyone has a story to tell, and there is no better story than one told while camping, or, in this case, glamping! Join beloved children’s storyteller, Ms. KK of Sunshine StoryTime—a YouTube series and
program that encourages reading and learning—as she brings you “Stories from the Showhouse.” It’s sure to be a fun time as we spread joy and have fun learning about nature and design, one story at a time!
Plus, be sure to pick up copies of the Cashiers Historical Society’s “Zach-tivity Book” and the 2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse activity book “Let’s Go Glamping!”
Interview with Resident Artist Shannon Whitworth
Join Ms. KK as she interviews the 2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse artist resident, Shannon Whitworth. There is magic to be found in the mountains of North Carolina, and if you can’t go there to find it, Shannon Whitworth’s art and music will bring it to you. “My art is how I see the world and my music is how I hear it,” says Whitworth.
Interview with Justin Allman
Join Ms. KK as she interviews Justin Allman, Cashiers ceramic artist and friend of the Cashiers Historical Society. Referencing a deep background in history, Justin created stories in one of the world’s oldest mediums with traditional Western and Eastern carving techniques and imagery reflecting regional flora and fauna. A member of the Jackson County Arts Council and creator of Pots on the Green, his philosophy and skill played with light and sculpture creating a narrative of how the hope and safety of ancient campfires illuminate a world of murky thought and cultural uncertainty in his trademark form, lanterns. The Cashiers Historical Society honors and remembers our friend Justin and his legacy of the arts in Jackson County.
Glamping Stories
Once Upon A Time
Join Ms. KK as she takes a look at some of the glamping tents from the 2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse and hears their stories through the designers inner creative self…Once Upon a Time. Featuring Hilton Interiors, PLATT, and Spruce Interiors.
Are you looking for a creative way to teach a child about history? Try the Cashiers Historical Society's "Zach-tivity Book"! It is coloring book for all ages with activities based on the history of Cashiers, NC from the Cashiers Historical Society.The Cashiers Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors and protects the historic past of North Carolina's Cashiers Valley.
Our CHS glamping counselors are hard at work to finish "Let's Go Glamping!" inspired by the 2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Stay tuned for this fun and creative way to learn about design, preservation, conservation, and stewardship!
Can't wait for our new "Let's Go Glamping!" coloring book? We can't either! Until then, download this free coloring sheet featuring the 2021 Cashiers Designer Showhouse logo.
PRESS
Announcements, Announcements, Announcements!
With a theme of "Home is where the heart is," the Cashiers Historical Society had a lot to say about what makes Cashiers our home and where our heart is. Click the links below to read stories about the 2021 Designer Showhouse. Be sure to check back for updates and pick up your copy of the January 2022 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine for more incredible pictures!
Read the August/September issue of Plateau Magazine with stories including:
•Pg 36 The conservation story of George Masa and Horace Kephart
• Pg 44 Designer Showhouse artist resident Shannon Whitworth
•Pg 54 PLATT's Parker Platt
•Pg 74 Designer Showhouse Special Section
•Pg 84 A guide on healthier skin with interviews by Designer Showhouse special event guest Linda Sibler of Woo Skincare and Cosmetics
•Pg 96 A look into the Dillard-Jones/Tribus Interiors Walnut Cove Idea Home
Read the October/November issue of Plateau Magazine with stories including:
•Pg 54 Charlotte Muir of Highlands Biological Foundation
• Pg 60 River Cane Renaissance
•Pg 80 Preserving Panthertown Valley
•Pg 84 Glamping at the Cashiers Designer Showhouse
August 11, 2021 issue of
The Crossroads Chronicle
Read page 13 of the "Mountain Homes Section to learn more about out the Cashiers Designer Showhouse stewardship partners.
August 25, 2021 issue of
The Crossroads Chronicle
Read page 5A and 1B to learn more about out the Cashiers Designer Showhouse and read Q&A from our six designers.
More From Camp Luxury
Do you have a case of the post-adult-summer-camp blues?
Don't fret, glampers! There is still more fun to be had. Missing the fabulous shopping Vendors from the Vendor Village and Fieldsmen's Retreat? Contact them or visit their online shops by clicking here! Wish you could see more work from our artist resident, Shannon Whitworth, follow her here! Don't forget to sign up for the Cashiers Historical Society's e-blast and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Camp Luxury updates and for breaking news on the 2022 Cashiers Designer Showhouse, our 25th year!
