Coal Train House is 100% handmade and a true work of art located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina near Penland School of Crafts.
Master craftsman Doug Sigler completed the house in the summer of 2009. It is currently available for rental by the week or month.
Coal Train House is 100% handmade and a true work of art located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina near Penland School of Crafts.
Master craftsman Doug Sigler completed the house in the summer of 2009. It is currently available for rental by the week or month.
A giant boulder at the front entrance anchors Coal Train House to it's mountainside perch. Follow the stone path onto the front porch and up to the beautiful cherry door with a full length glass panel that gives visitors a glimpse of the fabulous view beyond. A sign with the logo done by the architect Bob Leverich lets visitors know they've arrived.
Enter and you won't know where to look first . . . the stunning interior rivals the amazing mountain views. Attention has been paid to every detail and the woodworking is especially spectacular. The open floor plan is ideal for entertaining and allows light to enter freely through the many windows. Light ash floors compliment the stunning curly cherry cabinets in the kitchen. The comfortable, contemporary furniture is inviting but the antique rocker that faces the corner windows is the favorite seat in the house. Sliding glass doors in the corner by the dining table lead to another outdoor deck for outside dining. A window in the kitchen opens as a pass through for serving food on the outdoor deck. This deck overlooks the pond (yes, there is also a pond), train tracks and river.
Wondering about the basketball hoop in the living room? It was made for Doug by his crew during construction. No longer practical for use, but also a work of art and everyone voted that it should remain. The door that you see in the image above leads to a deck off the hallway that joins the living area and master suite. From this deck you can enjoy a view of the Toe River below and maybe even watch a coal train pass by. If you wave you might be lucky and entice the conductor to blow his whistle.
Kitchens are one of Doug Sigler's specialties and a place where his woodworking skill really shines. Notice the amply cabinet space in the five tall cabinets plus the many below counter cabinets and drawers. Counter tops are cherry and cabinets are faced with curly cherry. Stunning stainless steel appliances are all top quality. You'll even find a convenient pass thru window for serving on the deck. Doug's wife Kathie has equipped the kitchen with all necessary utensils, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, etc. You'll want to cook in this kitchen!
A long hallway with vaulted ceiling and picture windows leads to the master suite. Off this hallway is a coat closet and powder room with tambour door vanity, and handmade ceramic sink in a cherry counter top. The laundry room with washer and dryer is also included in this area.
The spacious master suite features a handmade queen is bed. Highly polished bamboo floors compliment the stunning white easy chairs. The door leads to the deck that we saw earlier in the living area.
The closet/dressing area is another woodworking work of art. Curly cherry was used for the closets drawers and vanity. Notice the vanity table in the center opens reveal a makeup mirror and jewelry storage area.
The master bathroom has a large Jacuzzi tub and spacious tiled walk in shower. Twin handmade ceramic sinks are set in a vanity made of curly mahogany.
Our tour continues down the stairway to the lower level guest suite comprised of two bedrooms and shared bath.
The bedroom above has a queen size bed. Behind the diagonal wall that maked the headboard for the queen size bed is a wonderful hidden walk in closet.
The second bedroom has twin beds, a fabulous handmade game table and two rockers facing the patio and river.
The two lower level bathrooms share a stunning bathroom with handmade wood cabinets, walk-in shower and handmade ceramic sink.
Both lower bedrooms have sliding glass doors that open to a stone patio with picnic bench and large lawn between the house and rail tracks that run parallel to the river.
The photo above shows the rear elevation of the house with main level decks and lower level patio. The curving path leads small bridge that connects to fishing pond with small sand beach.
Coal Train House and the surrounding grounds are meticulously maintained by your hostess Kathie Sigler. You will be impressed by the cleanliness and attention to every detail that goes into making a stay at this inspiring house an experience to treasure.
