by Sarah Thorn | Jul 29, 2025 | Communities, Highlands Cashiers Plateau
Located in the heart of Cashiers, NC, Cashiers Lake is a gated community offering residents a serene mountain lifestyle in one of the area’s most coveted destinations. With 30 acres of preserved greenspace, a private lake, walking trails, and easy access to town, this community is ideal for homeowners who want nature and convenience in one stunning package.
At Living Stone Design + Build, we’re proud to be a builder in Cashiers Lake. We bring over 30 years of award-winning experience to the mountains of Western North Carolina and craft high-performance, energy-efficient homes that promote healthier living.
From trees to keys, we manage every aspect of the build, guiding you through our 8 Levels of Service and creating a home designed around your lifestyle. Our proven process and deep roots in the region ensure you’ll enjoy a home—and a homebuilding experience—with no regrets.
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by Sarah Thorn | Jul 14, 2025 | Postings
Custom Home Builder in Western North Carolina National Custom Home Builder of the Year — NAHB 2023 From the artistic streets of Asheville to the tranquil ridge lines of Burnsville, Western North Carolina offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, communities, and lifestyles. It's a region where natural beauty meets architectural creativity — and where Living Stone Design + Build, a custom home builder with over 30 years of experience, brings its expertise to craft homes that truly belong. If you're considering building a custom home in the mountains, valleys, or vibrant towns of WNC, we're here to help you do it right. Where We Build in Western North Carolina Western North Carolina attracts homeowners who want mountain views, privacy, four-season living, and homes designed to feel connected to the land. We help clients build in some of the region’s most sought-after communities and custom home markets. Also serving: Black Mountain, Waynesville, Burnsville, Brevard, Mars Hill, Lake Lure Why Choose Living Stone as Your WNC Home Builder You're not just hiring someone to build a house. You're choosing the team that will guide one of the biggest investments and most personal projects of your life. Living Stone is for homeowners who want thoughtful design, a clear process, and a home that feels as good as it looks. We specialize in custom homes, luxury mountain homes, healthy home building, and build-on-your-lot projects across Western North Carolina. We go beyond building code to create spaces that support healthier indoor environments and responsible material choices, an approach we call Whole Living. Our wellness-forward builds may include smart air flow and filtration systems, eco-friendly paints, glues, and sealants, and low-toxicity interior finishes and furnishings. Credentials Accredited Master Builder Certified Green Professional Certified Aging In Place Specialist Building Green Real Estate Certified 2021 ARDA — Bronder Residence & Hawks Nest Asheville Chamber Small Business Leader 2021 Our Design-Build Process Our design-build model in Western North Carolina means one team guides you from the first conversation to move-in day. No hand-offs between architect and contractor. No finger-pointing. Just a clear, transparent process that our clients consistently describe as the opposite of stressful. Discovery and Vision: We start by learning how you want to live, what matters most in your home, and what success looks like for your project. This includes budget, timeline, architectural preferences, site considerations, and performance goals. Homesite Evaluation: If you already own land, we evaluate the lot for slope, views, access, utilities, drainage, orientation, and buildability. If you are still searching, we help you assess potential homesites before you buy. Design and Pre-Construction: Our team develops a custom design aligned with your goals, your property, and your investment level. During pre-construction, we refine scope, materials, systems, allowances, and logistics so the build phase starts with fewer surprises. Construction: Once construction begins, we manage scheduling, trades, quality control, and communication. Because we are a design-build company, decisions stay coordinated across the team instead of being fragmented between separate firms. Completion and Move-In: Before handoff, we review every detail to ensure your home meets our standards and yours. The result is a custom home designed around your life and built to perform beautifully for years to come. What It Costs to Build a Custom Home in Western North Carolina We believe in transparency on cost from the very first conversation. Building in the mountains comes with variables, and a realistic budget depends on the lot, the design, the finish level, and the infrastructure needed to support the home. Here's what you can expect when building a custom home in Western North Carolina: Thoughtfully Crafted Beautifully appointed custom homes with quality finishes, solid building science, and efficient design. Carefully selected materials and purposeful detailing are built to perform and feel right for years to come. Mountain Signature Expansive, highly personalized homes with premium finishes throughout, custom millwork, and advanced energy systems. Every material selection is intentional, every detail considered. Legacy Residences Exceptional homes with no compromises. Architectural complexity, artisan craftsmanship, and the finest available materials inside and out. Note: Every project is different. The right investment level depends on your lot, your design goals, and the finish level you're after. We'll give you a clear picture from the very first conversation. Build on Your Lot or Find the Right Homesite Whether you already own property or are still searching for the right site, Living Stone Design + Build can help you evaluate what's possible before you commit. If you already own land, we evaluate the lot through the lens of design, construction feasibility, access, orientation, views, and cost implications. This helps you make smarter early decisions and avoid expensive surprises later. If you are still looking, we can help you think critically before you buy. Not every mountain lot is a good custom
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by Sarah Thorn | Jul 10, 2025 | Postings
Elevating Mountain Living in Cashiers, NC & Highlands, NC Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers and Highlands offer a serene blend of luxury and nature. This elevated plateau region is known for its cool summers, scenic waterfalls, and timeless charm — making it an ideal escape for those seeking refined mountain living. At Living Stone Design + Build, we specialize in crafting custom homes that feel right at home in this one-of-a-kind setting. From forested estates to ridgeline retreats, we help you bring your dream home to life in the Western North Carolina mountains. Tailored Homes for Elevated Living Designing a home in Cashiers or Highlands means more than maximizing a view — it’s about integrating thoughtful design with mountain-specific craftsmanship. We understand the unique climate, terrain, and expectations of building in this region, and we use that insight to guide every step. Living Stone homes in the plateau region are: Designed to enhance your connection to the outdoors Built with materials that withstand mountain conditions Engineered for energy efficiency and indoor air quality Whether you're starting fresh or relocating to the mountains, our team creates homes that complement your lifestyle and surroundings. Mountain Homebuilding, Refined Navigating mountain construction takes experience. From slope considerations to environmental impact, our team ensures your project is handled with precision and care. We provide a turnkey process that includes: Collaborative design partnerships Transparent project management Thoughtful detailing, from structure to finishes You’ll never feel overwhelmed — just informed, empowered, and excited about the journey ahead. Wellness as a Way of Life Homes in high-elevation areas can benefit greatly from indoor air quality systems and healthy material choices. We embed wellness into every layer of our builds, giving clients a clean, comfortable, and long-lasting home environment. Our green approach includes: Low-emission building products Whole-home ventilation design Non-toxic interior selections The result? A home that looks beautiful and lives even better. Focused on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau We know this mountain community well — from private lakefront enclaves to gated neighborhoods with long-range views. Our team respects the local design aesthetic, adheres to regional building requirements, and partners with area specialists to create homes that feel right in place. Communities we serve include: High Hampton Wade Hampton Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Lake Glenville area Sapphire Valley Start Building Your Mountain Retreat Your dream home in Cashiers or Highlands deserves a builder who understands the land, lifestyle, and level of quality you expect. With award-winning experience and a passion for thoughtful design, Living Stone Design + Build is your partner in building better — at elevation. Let’s bring your vision to life in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Contact us to get started.
by Sarah Thorn | Jul 10, 2025 | Postings
Custom Home Builder in Upstate South Carolina National Custom Home Builder of the Year — NAHB 2023 From the vibrant downtown streets of Greenville to the scenic foothills near Travelers Rest and the shimmering shores of Lake Keowee, Upstate South Carolina has quickly become one of the Southeast's most sought-after regions for custom home building. It's a place where southern hospitality meets modern living and where Living Stone Design + Build brings over 30 years of design-build expertise to craft homes that truly belong. If you're considering building a custom home in Upstate South Carolina, we're here to help. Where We Build in Upstate South Carolina Upstate South Carolina attracts homeowners who want community, natural beauty, year-round comfort, and homes designed to feel connected to both landscape and lifestyle. We help clients build in some of the region's most desirable custom home lots and communities. Why Choose Living Stone as Your Upstate South Carolina Home Builder Building a custom home isn't just about square footage or finishes. It's about designing a space that truly supports the way you live. For nearly 30 years, we've worked with homeowners to deliver tailored design-build solutions that prioritize health, efficiency, and craftsmanship. Our wellness-forward builds may include smart air flow and filtration systems, eco-friendly paints, glues, and sealants, and low-toxicity interior finishes and furnishings. Credentials Accredited Master Builder Certified Green Professional Certified Aging In Place Specialist Building Green Real Estate Certified 2021 ARDA — Bronder Residence & Hawks Nest Asheville Chamber Small Business Leader 2021 Our Design-Build Process Our design-build model means one team guides you from the first conversation to move-in day. No hand-offs between architect and contractor. No finger-pointing. Just a clear, transparent process that our clients appreciate. Discovery and Vision: We start by learning how you want to live, what matters most in your home, and what success looks like for your project. This includes budget, timeline, architectural preferences, and site considerations. Homesite Evaluation: If you already own land, we evaluate the lot for slope, views, access, utilities, drainage, orientation, and buildability. If you are still searching, we help you assess potential homesites before you buy. Design and Pre-Construction: Our team develops a custom design aligned with your goals, your property, and your investment level. During pre-construction, we refine scope, materials, systems, allowances, and logistics so the build phase starts with fewer surprises. Construction: Once construction begins, we manage scheduling, trades, quality control, and communication. Because we are a design-build company, decisions stay coordinated across the team instead of being fragmented between separate firms. Completion and Move-In: Before handoff, we review every detail to ensure your home meets our standards and yours. The result is a custom home designed around your life and built to perform beautifully for years to come. What It Costs to Build a Custom Home in Upstate South Carolina We believe in transparency on cost from the very first conversation. Building in the Upstate comes with variables, and a realistic budget depends on the lot, the design, the finish level, and the infrastructure needed to support the home. Here's what you can expect when building a custom home in Upstate South Carolina: Thoughtfully Crafted Beautifully appointed custom homes with quality finishes, solid building science, and efficient design. Carefully selected materials and purposeful detailing built to perform and feel right for years to come. Signature Collection Expansive, highly personalized homes with premium finishes throughout, custom millwork, and advanced energy systems. Every material selection is intentional, every detail considered. Legacy Residences Exceptional homes with no compromises. Architectural complexity, artisan craftsmanship, and the finest available materials inside and out. Note: Every project is different. The right investment level depends on your lot, your design goals, and the finish level you're after. We'll give you a clear picture from the very first conversation. Build on Your Lot or Find the Right Homesite Whether you already own property in the Upstate or are still searching for the right site, Living Stone Design + Build can help you evaluate what's possible before you commit. If you already own land, we evaluate the lot through the lens of design, construction feasibility, access, orientation, views, and cost implications. This helps you make smarter early decisions and avoid expensive surprises later. If you are still looking, we can help you think critically before you buy. Not every lot is a good custom home lot. A lakefront property may look beautiful at first glance but present challenges with setbacks, flood zones, or utility access. A hillside parcel in the foothills may have grading or driveway costs that aren't obvious until you dig deeper. We help you see all of it before you commit. Featured Homes Built in the Upstate Region The Bronder Residence 2021 American Residential Design Awards. A mountain contemporary that
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by Sarah Thorn | Jul 9, 2025 | Meet the Team
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.19.1" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="0px||0px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="chronospro-heading" _builder_version="4.27.4" module_alignment="left" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | SARAH THORN[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" module_class="custom-columns" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Sarah Thorn" module_class="chronospro-heading" _builder_version="4.27.4" module_alignment="left" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Sarah Thorn Brand Marketing Manager, Living Stone Design + Build[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20250709195845/WebSarahThorn.png" alt="mike bates" title_text="WebSarahThorn" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|on" admin_label="Mobile Image" module_class="mobile-team-image" _builder_version="4.27.4" vertical_offset_tablet="0" horizontal_offset_tablet="0" z_index_tablet="0" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.27.4" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"] What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work? Traveling What values would you defend to the death? Truth What is your secret talent? I'll never tell What is your favorite Asheville area restaurant? Plant If you could have one superpower what would it be? To be able to fly [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20250709200115/DeskSarahThorn.png" alt="mike bates" title_text="DeskSarahThorn" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Desktop Image" module_class="desktop-team-image" _builder_version="4.27.4" vertical_offset_tablet="0" horizontal_offset_tablet="0" hover_enabled="0" z_index_tablet="0" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Contact Info" _builder_version="4.27.4" background_color="#ede8e5" module_alignment="left" custom_padding="27px|27px|27px|27px" hover_enabled="0" z_index_tablet="500" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Contact Information Office: 855.720.2435 121 Sweeten Creek Rd. Ste. 70 Asheville Design District Asheville, NC 28803[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_button button_url="/meet-the-team" button_text="MEET OUR TEAM" button_alignment="center" admin_label="MEET OUR TEAM" _builder_version="4.27.4" custom_button="on" button_text_size="17px" button_text_color="#ffffff" button_bg_color="#62a844" button_border_width="1px" button_border_color="#589a43" button_border_radius="0px" button_icon="9||divi||400" button_icon_color="#ffffff" button_on_hover="off" background_layout="dark" z_index_tablet="500" button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" button_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_module="20044" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_text_color__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_border_radius__hover_enabled="on" button_border_radius__hover="0" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="on" button_letter_spacing__hover="0" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_bg_color__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
