Press

As seen on the Magnolia Network, “A Colorado couple moves to North Carolina with their young boys and renovates a group of historic cabins into a small luxury inn. Guests relax in the subtropical rainforest and enjoy accommodations where rustic meets modern.”

For many folks who are house hunting in the hamlet of Highlands, North Carolina, a rambling 28-acre farm with four tumbledown cabins might send them running in the other direction. But when it comes to real estate, Margaret and Chris Shutze aren't afraid of anything. "It doesn't matter what shape it's in, but it needs to have some essence that we can build upon," Margaret recalls telling their agent. "Nothing scares us, not even the most dilapidated building."

Flat Mountain Farm

“If you’re looking for a more private getaway, consider booking one of the two cabins — The Wren and The Kingfisher — at Flat Mountain Farm. The current owners, Margaret and Chris Shutze, purchased the property (previously a rhododendron nursery) in 2019 and have since turned it into a micro-resort that can also host up to 200 guests for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and large corporate events. “They put so much thought into each design element in their houses, not to mention the roaming property is beautiful,” says Braucher.”

“Located just two miles from the lively town of Highlands, Flat Mountain Farm is a stunning 28-acre mountain-modern micro-resort featuring two beautifully redesigned antique log cabins, a Scandinavian-style barn with sliding white oak doors, a private pond and waterfalls, hiking trails and a wealth of serene spaces.

Upon arriving at the main entrance, guests are greeted by the event barn on their right and the first cabin, dubbed “The Wren”, on their left. As guests venture further, they’ll discover a lovely private pond with a small dock as well as the second cabin, dubbed “The Kingfisher”. The roads continue further, leading to a private, natural waterfall that cascades year-round…”

“Just a few hours outside the city, this power couple has created a serene mountain escape and venue for the day you say “I do.”

Margaret and Chris Shutze never back down from a challenge, and when scavenging the townlet of Highlands, NC, for a forever home, investing in a 28 acre farm seemed like a no-brainer. In addition to renovating the History Highlands Rhododendron Farm at Flat Mountain for their lifestyle, they though transforming it into a micro resort was an organic transition for the hideaway. For Margaret, a luxury hotel designer, and Chris, a custom furniture maker, the property’s intrinsic allure and potential were kryptonite for the couple…..”

“After hosting small events and Airbnb guests on their three-acre “farm-ette” near Boulder, Colorado, Margaret and Chris Shutze were ready to take the next step, country-wise. “We wanted a place we could live, host weddings and workshops, and have room for guests - oh, and waterfalls and ponds too,” says Margaret. “I didn’t think we’d find it!”

“Purchased in 2019 by the husband and wife duo of Shutze Studio, this newly renovated 28-acre haven will house up to 18 and host guests in the summer of 2021. Margaret Shutze worked as a designer for Wilson Associates out of Dallas, working on prestigious projects such as the Boca Raton Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, which Chris Shutze has been creating specialty homes with award-winning architects for 20 years. With this all star duo at the helm, a retreat property complete with three cabins, barn, private lake and lawn has never felt so luxurious.”

They Left It All Behind to Build a Luxury Micro-Resort in Highlands, North Carolina: The Story of Flat Mountain Farm