The HIGH COVE COTTAGE
Location: High Cove Community, Mitchell County, NC
Size: 1,320 sf heated + basement apartment
Program: 1 bed / 1 bath / basement apartment
Construction: Gable roof, high-performance envelope
Certifications: NC Green Built Gold / Net Zero Energy Ready / Energy Star Certified New Construction
The High Cove Cottage is proof that a small house can feel anything but. Drawing inspiration from Ross Chapin's cottage plans, known for their nooks, built-ins, and the sense that every inch is intentional, this 1,320-square-foot home in High Cove's intentional community is layered with the kind of details that make a space genuinely delightful to live in.
The kitchen anchors the main floor with teal cabinetry, a butcher block island, and beadboard ceilings that carry warmth throughout. A built-in breakfast nook tucks into its own windowed alcove, cushioned and shelved, made for slow mornings. The bedroom is framed as an alcove too: a bed nestled into a built-in surround with shelving above and drawers below, cozy in the way only a purpose-built space can be. Lofted ceilings keep the whole interior feeling open, while the screened porch - timber framed with a vaulted wood ceiling - becomes a room in its own right, looking out into the surrounding forest. A full basement apartment accommodates visitors today and offers flexibility for the future.