I might have mentioned a time or two or a hundred times that we now have a mountain retreat.
When we first came to the house in the spring, we set up the house so we could stay here and also to get it ready for vacation rentals.
This was our first visit since the spring. Here’s what the deck looked like when we came last time.
Since then the trees have leafed out, but the deck was still a bit bare and I had guests coming. My mom, uncle and aunt came for a visit from Oklahoma.
This post is sponsored by hayneedle.
They are all in their eighties, but in pretty good shape. I still can’t believe they drove the entire way. I wanted to make sure the deck was really nice for them. I wanted a place for everyone to hang out and enjoy coffee in the morning and hang out in the afternoon. I picked out this amazing conversation set from hayneedle. Yes it’s called a conversation set and that is exactly what we did, converse and laugh and laugh. My aunt told me a story I hadn’t heard before.
Basically, when my dad was very young, he worked in the oil fields. My Uncle Jack (not his real name) was my dad’s boss. He and my dad got into an argument one day that ended with my dad getting fired. Well my dad wasn’t one to back down when challenged. Apparently he decided he was NOT fired, and so he just kept going to work, and pretended it hadn’t happened. Apparently by then my uncle had cooled down and ignored the fact that he had fired him. It was hilarious the way my aunt told the story. Then we all couldn’t stop laughing.
I am loving this umbrella that keeps the sun at bay on hot days. It’s super large at 8 ft x 11 ft.
Mom and I sat out here and chatted with our tea in the morning. She was amazed at the mountain views and how far down it is down to the ground. If I had to guess I would say the deck is 30 ft off the ground here.
And as you can see we have a proper table for meals also. The clouds were sitting on top of the mountain the day I took this photo.
Every morning we enjoyed our breakfast here.
The peaches were amazing. We got them from the local farmer’s market and I wish I could describe how absolutely delicious they were. We enjoyed Elberta and Monroe peaches.
This seating set is a sectional, so you can arrange the pieces however you want them. I decided to arrange them as one long sofa and a side chair.
It comes with an ottoman and a storage box that we are using as a coffee table.
This was my mom’s first visit to the mountains; she loved the views. A lot of people come for a visit, then decide to move here later. My mom said her favorite part about the visit was the deck.
For dinner, we had hamburgers on the grill and I made a rustic peach cobbler in an iron skillet. We had sliced tomatoes and cantaloupe. It was so relaxing listening to the birds and feeling the soft breezes.
Every morning this is where we had our coffee and tea. Then we moved to the table for breakfast. We had the most delicious homemade banana bread, more cantaloupe, pumpkin pancakes, eggs and bacon.
I asked my aunt what she wanted to do while she was here, and she said she would be very happy just hanging out on the deck for the entire visit. It was unanimous, the deck was the best part of the trip for everyone.
The house is in Black Mountain, NC, which is such a charming little town.
I wanted our visit to last forever. I wanted to hold them tightly and not let go.
In the end, I hugged them, told them I loved them and watched them drive away.
Product list
all weather wicker outdoor conversation set
Anita, your deck looks beautiful, and you have such a gorgeous view! I hope that you have a wonderful day!!!
Thank you Shannon!
Love the conversation set! It looks so comfortable and inviting! Enjoy!
It really is wonderful Yvetta.
Black Mountain is beautiful. Can I get rental info? blong
Bobbie, here you go. http://bit.ly/cedarridgeNC
Anita, your mountain home looks beautiful! I am so glad that Mom and Dad could come for a visit with your mother. I’m proud of them too! That’s a long drive from Oklahoma! But they are all determined people and were looking forward to the time with your family in such a beautiful setting. Pretty impressive, cousin!
Love you GIRL!!! They were great and I hope they come again. We had such a fun time.
Gorgeous views! That would be my favorite spot to hang out as well!
It was so dreamy Deanna.
The furniture looks very nice but that view steals the show. Lovely.
True Jolena, the mountains are amazing!
Just saw this pop up in my FB feed and popped over to see what you’ve been doing in your home on vacation. WHAT A VIEW…so peaceful! Looking good Anita…
Janet, you have that lovely ocean view, and we have the mountain view. We’ll be back in the Fall for the Fall Foliage.
Love the new furniture on the deck! Special visit with your family – heart warming.
Thanks Linda. I was so special, and I miss them already.
You have made the deck my dream deck. The view is fabulous. My family was in NC last week end. Very humid but I loved it anyway.
Oh yes it was warmer and more humid than normal Linda, but still gorgeous.
Good Morning Anita…. I loved hearing about your visit with your Mom,aunt and uncle…so very special for all of you. The deck is so private and tranquil…I can imagine all the laughter echoing down the mountains ! We recently moved and I have a new patio, thanks for the furniture info…going to check it out ! Wishing you and all your followers a day filled with grace…….Smiles……..Anne
Thanks Anne! I hope we didn’t disturb our neighbors, ha!
The gorgeous view AND those trees being so close to parts of the deck!!
Like seeing it all from a treehouse, that makes it extra special!
Breakfast sounded awfully good too:).
It was Kim. It was a special time.
Wow what a spectacular view and I love the conversation set. My husband and I are looking for something like that for our patio, we have an outdoor fireplace and need something comfortable. Thank you for sharing!
You will love this set Tammy! We enjoyed it so much!!
I grew up in Alaska but now live in Pennsylvania…..I appreciated seeing your mountains!
Oh I bet you miss them Jill.
Beautiful and relaxing! Lovely mountain view!
Thanks Linda, it was!
Absolutely gorgeous view. It will be spectacular in the fall!
What wonderful furniture! I so miss the mountains…can’t wait to get this house sold here in SC and move back.
Penny I hope you move back soon. I guess your sold your property in the mountains.
Once again love seeing the pics of your beautiful retreat!!!!!! The deck and views are gorgeous!!!!! Love the new addition to the deck! Beautiful conversation piece!!!!!! The look and color of the finish is beautiful! Not to mention the fun story about your dad! Love the fact that he continued to go to work!!!!! Lol…..How fortunate to be able to host your mom and your Aunt and Uncle in such a beautiful setting…. I’m sure you were enjoying every minute with them and I’m sure it was the same for them! What a blessing you are to all!!!!! Roxann Johnson Schwarze
Roxann, it was truly such a blessing to me.
Love your deck …….I have a smaller one and love spending time outside on it and tending to my plants as I love flowers…..I inherited my love for them from my grandmother who lived to be 95 and a half….she was an amazing woman……love your site and look forward to it each day…….
Thank you Ramona. Your grandmother sounds amazing.
When I have company I would much rather sit and visit rather than go site seeing. I totally understand.
I always enjoy your blog posts. Thank you again for sharing.
I love the color of the deck set. will give them look. cheryl
Your deck view, literally, took my breath. I felt as tho I could breathe that fresh, mountain air.
I wanted to come over…….sit on that gorgeous outdoor sofa and have a fresh peach fuzzy navel. .
Heaven………..sigh…………
It is so beautiful Ter’e. You would love it.
Beautiful view. I wouldn’t leave either. You’ve got everything you need right there on the deck!
Very true Liz.
What a beautiful setting for a casual family gathering. I can easily picture myself having breakfast, reading the paper etc.
Nancy
Very relaxing and casual Nancy.
Your view from the deck is spectacular !! !!! Sounds like everyone. Had a great visit.
We did Pamela.
Beautiful deck with breathtaking views. I loved the story about your dad and his brother. Families are funny, aren’t they?
I know Grammy, I thought it was pretty funny too! Boys will be boys…
I would stay on the deck, too!
I love the color of your deck furniture!
Thanks Mary! I do too.
I love how your colors blend into the mountains and sky. It looks so peaceful there, I probably wouldn’t want to go inside! karen
I wish I could stay on the deck all day Karen!
My comment went thru but I accidentally sent it before my info. was complete! Still loving your deck! karen…
Thanks Karen, no worries.
I love your deck and love the mountains. I’ve only seen them on I 40 going to our sons in Statesville, NC
Oh you need to stop one of these days Mary!
Love the view from your deck!!
Beautiful! Would love to be there!
The deck looks amazing!
How blessed your family is to have shared time and the lovely mountain space you have created there in your home! A divine vision, indeed!
Very blessed indeed Charlene.
Wow! How lucky are you, surrounded by all that nature and a magnificent view!! I’m going to put Black Mountain on my bucket list! Nice job with your deck- I love love the color of the umbrella!
Thanks Kaye, it really is a gorgeous small town.
Your deck is amazing – the view and the lovely comfortable conversation area. How great to sit at that table and have a stunning and breakfast.
I know your family enjoyed your summer retreat. Bet it will be beautiful during the fall months.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Mary
I hope so Mary. We are going to return during the Fall color this year.
What a beautiful setting for a get together. Your deck is fantastic , love the furniture you chose!
Thank you Terry!!!
I love your ideas and have used sooo many of them! So glad I subscribed to your blog. Would you please send me info on renting your home for a long weekend getaway? Thank you so much!
Rosanne, here you go! http://bit.ly/cedarridgeNC
Anita, What a wonderful opportunity! The view, the lovely and comfortable deck furniture, delicious food and the special visitors made for a perfect visit. Well done!
It was really special Cheryl. Thank you.
Breathtaking view. Beautiful tablescape. I absolutely love your deck.
Beautiful! The furniture looks so inviting! I think I’ll sit down and have a peach…
Your deck and the view is beautiful. I have a good friend who I visited a few years ago who lived in Black Mountain at that time.
I love your Black Mountain retreat, Anita. Sounds like you fell in love with this part of the country. My husband and I felt the same way, and purchased a log home in Lake Lure, seven years ago. Our main home us in Charleston, SC, but the mountains keep calling me back. Black Mountain is one if our favorite places to visit, as well as Hendersonville. I know you will enjoy this place for years to come!
P.S. I’ve owned a large consignment shop in Summerville, SC (near Charleston) for 22 years – one of the reasons why I love your site. Would love for you to visit my Facebook page: My House To Yours Consignments
Oh we LOVE Lake Lure also Renee!!
Lovely. I too am from Houston and it is so refreshing to be in NC.
I love the mountain view. What a retreat!
‘So lovely! It’s almost as lovely as your view of bluebonnets in Round top!
What a marvelous vieuw! I like your conversation set and inviting table!
Have a good sunday.
Chantal
We have decks and an un covered patio at our ridge -side house. I like the umbrella wicker furniture idea a lot -thanks!
Before and after like night and day! Your conversation set and umbrella look fabulous. They truly make the deck!
love your deck it looks beautiful and has a great view
How wonderful to be able to get away to such a peaceful looking place. It sounds like the start of many happy memories. 🙂
We lived for 6 years in West Virginia and had a deck over looking our “yard” which was so steep that I never ventured down to see! Seeing your lovely deck made me very nostalgic and a bit teary. Living in flat TX, I do occasionally miss the mountains and the forests. But I don’t miss the snow shoveling!
I lived in California for many years (low humidity), then moved to SW Colorado (could get humid during Monsoon season), then yet another move this time to North Texas (very humid at least my opinion). Everything is so green and looks very inviting in your pictures, I was wondering how humid it is there, Is it pleasant it is to be outside during the heat of the day or unbearable like it is here in Texas?
Jill normally it is not that humid, but it was during our visit this year. Still the house is on the top of a mountain so it was much, much cooler than Houston.
Thank you Anita. Your deck looks so inviting and what a view. If I had a view like that I would also be spending my time enjoying the view. I think Christmas at your Mountain house would be just perfect. Again thank you for sharing.
Hi. I don’t normally comment on anything but…. I just had to tell you I love your deck. The views are amazing and the way you set up a sitting area is so cozy. What I really like is the addition of the table and chairs for dining or playing games. Your deck seems to be just the perfect size too. Big and roomy! It looks like you may even have a BBQ grill on it along with a serving stand. The perfect place for a party or get together.
We do have a BBQ grill, but we use it in the driveway rather than on a wood deck for safety reasons. Thanks for commenting Betty-Ellen! We enjoyed the deck so much!
Lovely views from your deck! The views are what I enjoy the most when in NC.
Your deck looks amazing! Such a beautiful view to enjoy morning coffee.
Beautiful as always! Would love if you did house redos, it’s so easy to get stuck in a home rut after living somewhere for so long and thought of redoing it all is overwhelming.
What a beautiful place to make lasting memories with your family, thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Candy
Love the deck. Can’t wait to see the other ideas in your book to give me more inspiration.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time – the views are spectacular! Love your new deck furniture.
LUV your deck and view. Much rather be outside than in.Family time is the best !
My entire life I’ve vacationed at the beach. As I get older though, I long for different views of life; different ways to enjoy all that nature has for us. Thank you for sharing
Beautiful deck! I love the old barn wood look and you left them unstained. We should not have done that to ours, because you can never go back! How nice you had such a lovely time with your family. Stories from our elders are the best, aren’t they? Love to read your blog.
looks like a wonderful relaxing space….
I love all your stories! They truly inspire me and I hope my “one day” dreams will turn into reality! What a lovely mountain home you have and so nice you can share it with your family. Loved the story of your Dad and your Uncle. The deck is awesome. I think that I too would just love to sit and sit and look at the view and feel at peace and be blessed.
Beautiful! Reminds me of my former home in eastern TN. I wonder, do you leave the chair cushions out all summer? How did they fair getting wet? I’m always concerned about mildew, even with furniture that claims to be resistant.
They should be brought inside when it’s wet Denise, at least I do.
I love Black Mtn. We have friends who live there. Though we live on the ocean side of NC, the mountains call our name a couple times a year. Your place is beautiful! I know you feel like it is heaven on earth. Your new deck decor is gorgeous too. Thank you for sharing your lovely story of family. The best kind.
It looks so very peaceful!
It’s a beautiful deck and perfectly used to make memories with family.
Congratulations, Anita. on all your accomplishments! I am not into design, but i do love to read your blog and see what project you have done next. I love to see what you have done with the Mountain Home. All the best to you, Kev, and your two beautiful daughters.
Love to you Nancy!!
Love your beautiful outdoor space 😉
Your deck is beautiful & I love the mountain view, I live in OK so happy to hear you had guests from OK.
What a stunning view! It’s amazing how having the right set up/furniture outside makes you want to spend more time there.
P.S. I popped over from the Worthing Court blog via the scoop link party. Glad to have found your blog.
Hi Anita, Great views from your deck! Nice to have all your family for a visit, too! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet
your deck is beautiful anita. can’t beat the views and the furniture, food & family just completes the picture. there’s nothing better than family visits. glad i saw this. xo- maryjo
What a beautiful, beautiful relaxing spot, Anita!! The view is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at our party…. featuring you Sunday!
Kendra thank you so much!!!
How absolutely gorgeous. I don’t blame everyone wanting to hang out on the deck. Thanks for sharing this on Merry Monday.
What a lovely memory u made
Beautiful view, and deck. All your hard work is evident in your mountain retreat. Thanks for sharing with us.
Great post on deck living. We have the same experience with our much smaller deck, but it is ocean-front on the Oregon coast, and we and our guests like to spend much of our time there, visiting, eating, snoozing, viewing. Your mountain home is beautiful.
Fantastic post and amazing views! I’m so happy you made some beautiful memories with your family!
We visited the Biltmore in May and once we crossed over into North Carolina- it was just gorgeous!!! I couldn’t believe all the flowers in the medians and on the sides of the road! What a difference! Thanks for the great read and inspiring photos! Now I’m craving pumpkin pancakes and peaches! 🙂
Oh isn’t Biltmore amazing? I love it.
How blessed you are to still have your parents, and to have such a beautiful place for them to visit! The view is gorgeous, and I love the Hayneedle furniture!!
Anita, what a lovely visit with family. Thank you for sharing your story and I understand why everyone wanted to just stay on the deck. Family, gorgeous mountain views, home cookin’ and relaxin’ comfort…it doesn’t get better!
Dear Anita, I so enjoyed this blog post filled with beautiful family memories and laced with love for each one! While your Black Mountain views are breathtaking, I’m feeling a bit obsessed with your peaches and the home made cobbler in cast iron. ?. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!! This sounds like a beyond special weekend! Blessings, Karen from Florida
Karen, I love those amazing peaches. They really are the highlight of our trip!
Anita, I love the choice of a sectional sofa as it is so versatile. Great idea for different looks. It appears your family really enjoyed the visit. jean