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Southern Living’s Idea House Is a Dreamy Mountain Escape

The hideaway can be toured virtually.

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We could all use a little escape right now. And that's precisely what drove the vision for Southern Living magazine's 2020 Idea House design this year. With so much going on in the world, building a sanctuary in the mountains of North Carolina seemed like the perfect project to tackle.

The modern farmhouse-style hideaway is located in Asheville and used a team of all-star designers—interior designer Lauren Liess, Beau Clowney Architects, Buchanan Construction, and Cloos Landscape Architecture—to craft the final vision. The result was a 3,650-square-foot, four-bedroom house with an open floor plan, tons of light, and stunning outdoor spaces.

Related: 10 Nature-Inspired Vacations You Need to Take

"Without a doubt, this was the most challenging Idea House we've ever built, but that makes it feel all the more special," said Sid Evans, Editor-in-Chief of Southern Living, in a statement. "Our team of architects, builders, designers, and landscapers had to overcome countless obstacles, from factory delays and changing timelines to unpacking furniture with masks on. But there was something about designing a beautiful sanctuary in the woods during this crazy year that gave us all something to dream about. And, now, I'm very proud to debut one of our best houses yet."

The house is located in The Ramble Biltmore Forest, a community with 1,000 wooded acres perched in Ducker Mountain. It neighbors both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore but is close enough to the action. Despite being a secluded retreat, it's just 15 minutes from the area's top restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and galleries.

Related: Architects Are Designing Spaces to Make People Happy

If you're interested in visiting the property, in-person tours begin today with a portion of ticket sales going to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. A virtual tour is also available online that lets you roam through the grand house and expansive grounds. To purchase tickets and to learn about the safety guidelines for tours, visit buchananconstruction.com.

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