Getting to know the North Georgia mountain retreat of designer Jessica Davis’ clients is a journey of discovery. With only its garage visible from the street, the house begins to gradually reveal itself down a sloped driveway, giving the initial impression of a one-story residence. Only once inside does one see the abode for what it really is: an expansive two-story home with its primary living spaces located in the basement, looking out onto a lake.
The dwelling’s unusual layout was the brainchild of its owners, an Atlanta couple who had a clear vision of what they wanted prior to engaging Davis, architectural designer Rodolfo Castro and general contractor Chad Muilenburg to bring their idea to life. First, the structure had to be big enough to accommodate the couple’s immediate family, which includes two children, as well as visiting relatives. “My husband and I both come from large families,” the wife says, “so we wanted this to be the site of family reunions.”