Home Architecture Talk
Does a dream spot like this exist?
I am NOT looking to purchase a house or land; once I have a general idea of location with your help, I would simply want to rent a room in a cottage or cabin surrounded by lush greenery (A) beside a lake backdropped by mountains (B) approximately 30 minutes driving distance to a town/city (C) 1-1.5 hour drive to a ski area (D) not particular about weather, so long as the place gets a healthy amount of sunshine (this is why I no longer am considering Portland or Seattle). This place can be absolutely anywhere in the US. To narrow down which city I'd like to be close to... I always find myself in awe of architecture found in European cities, NOT a fan of modern buildings/skyscrapers (have lived in San Francisco, Honolulu, visited NYC). The only big city I could think of having the look & feel of a European city is Boston, however, apparently a lake or mountain isn't anywhere within a 30 min driving distance. So, I was wondering if maybe someone knows of any European-like towns or cities within 30 minutes of my above lake/mountain/lush greenery description? As long as it is a decent size with some cafes, bookstores, museums... I'd be good to go. I'd really like to emphasize I am NOT seeking to live in a residential area on a lakeshore with tons of neighbors and a handful of trees with a shopping center around the corner. I really want to feel that I'm living in nature, yet have the ability to drive in to the city/town for employment and socializing. Thanks in advance for reading and all your suggestions are very much appreciated.
Public Comments
- Check out Lake San Antonia in Northern California
- If you drop the requirement of a lake and substitute a stream or creek then there are tons of places in central Virginia near both Charlottesville and Staunton. A place such as you describe more than likely exists somewhere, just not in my fund of knowledge. Once a lake is in place, then the masses flock to it and soon it is over developed. In NC I'd say near Asheville.
- I am not sure that they will match all of your desires but check out Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is very isolated, there are the Big Lakes (Huron, Superior and Michigan) but many smaller ones as well. The Porcupine Mountains are in Ontonogan, they aren't huge by any means but they are there. The land is covered in forest and it gets snow in the winter and you can ski in Houghton. Houghton and Marquette are both college towns, St. Ignace and Sault Ste Marie are touristy towns in the UP. check them out online. Also are the Smokies which fit everything except perhaps a large lake and I am not sure about the snow that far south. But I would pick the Tennessee side - Sevierville, Townsend, that area. Both the UP and the Smokies have many amazing bed and breakfasts. check out www.bbonline.com and look up the US/State/Region of the state/City and you will find some cabin rentals. Have fun Megan
- there is a website findyourspot.com...it is a simple survey about your preferences and then takes the infor nad suggests locations to check out...my suggestion for you is to consider increasing the time you are willing to drive to a city by an hour and then considering New Hampshire or Vermont...an easy drive to Boston for "city life" yet more local experiences for coffee shops and necessities.
- In my opinion, yes - if you don't mind the drive between the lush lake backdrop and European luxury being an hour instead of 30 minutes.... I would recommend finding a rental near Watauga Lake, TN, and then driving over to Asheville, NC to enjoy the stunning architecture (etc). You have the best of both beautiful worlds.......you will also be within a short driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is famous. Especially during the fall.... Here's some websites for you. This is what we call home - Best wishes to you! http://www.wataugalakemagazine.com/ http://www.biltmore.com/ http://www.highcountryparkway.com/
- Yes! Durango, Colorado Telluride, Colorado Boulder, Colorado Boone, NC Asheville, NC
