Inside the Burton Showhouse & Boathouse: A Playful Lakeside Retreat in North Georgia

Set against the North Georgia mountains, the Burton Showhouse and Boathouse blends artistic expression, joyful design, and relaxed lake living into an inspiring retreat

Written by Colleen McNally Arnett Principal Photography by Rustic White Photography Produced by Lauren Iverson

January 2026

Living room with large stone fireplace, two gray sofas, and white coffee table.

Two taupe armchairs with decorative pillows and an ottoman in a room with a large window and

Living room with two gray sofas, two armchairs, abstract art, and a white coffee table.

Bedroom with white walls, sloped ceiling, skylights, and botanical art.

Dark brown vanity with marble countertop, white sink, and woven mirror. Geometric floor tiles.

All Fired Up

Boathouse Michele Gratch Interiors, Pace Lynch Corporation, Lew Oliver, Inc., McKinney Builders, P. Allen Smith Fine Garden and Landscape Design

As the specifications designer for the Burton Boathouse, Michele Gratch worked closely with developer Pace Lynch, in collaboration with town planner and designer Lew Oliver and McKinney Builders, to conceive the “resimercial” destination—combining the comfort and aesthetic of a residence with the functionality of a commercially used space. In this case, the boathouse also serves as a pool house, hangout spot, spa, and guest suite for the residents of the Burton community. “It’s multifunctional, but was meant to feel like an extension of the homeowners’ own homes,” says Gratch. In the fireside lounge, the magnificent stone hearth, complete with massive voussoirs and lintels—what she calls “Lew Oliver’s brain child”—lives up to its role as the center of attention. “Nothing complements the chthonic quality of the ancient mountainscape better than celebrating community gathered around fire,” says Oliver, who derived the design from classic Arts and Crafts forms of the late 19th and early 20th century. To complement the focal point and take advantage of the soaring ceilings in the main lounge, Gratch chose a black-iron chandelier sculpted in the shape of twigs. “It works beautifully with the fireplace and gives a nod to the outdoors without being too overt,” she says. Overall, the selections throughout focused on earthy tones, richer textures, and well-crafted natural materials and craftsmanship, that, while in line with current demand and ADA guidelines, can also stand the test of time. Just beyond the Boathouse is the waterfront access with a paddleboard and kayak launch, slips with shared community boats, access to LaPrade’s Marina, and 5 miles of trails that connect the community to three ponds, a 150-foot waterfall, a trout stream flowing, and the Appalachian Trail.

Lounge SOFA AND SWIVEL CHAIRS Bernhardt through Stanton Home Furnishings CHANDELIER Currey & Company COFFEE TABLE Summer Classics GAME AND DINING TABLES Englishman’s Fine Furnishings DINING CHAIRS Villa & House COMMODE Acquisitions METAL AND CANE CHAIRS, ARTWORK, ACCESSORIES Huff Harrington Home ACCESSORIES Interiors Market, Foxglove Antiques Collective, Noah J. & Co., Scott Antique Markets ADDITIONAL FURNITURE Stanton Home Furnishings Relaxation Room SKIRTED CHAIRS AND OTTOMAN Lee Industries through Stanton Home Furnishings TURKISH RUG Keivan Woven Arts SHEERS 4Spaces, fabricated by Urban Decors COMMODE, ARTWORK, ACCESSORIES Huff Harrington Home Guest Bedroom FLOORING The European Company BEDDING Peacock Alley ANTIQUE TABLES AND NIGHTSTANDS Acquisitions RUG Keivan Woven Arts LAMPS AND STOOL Huff Harrington Home ARTWORK Scott Antique Markets, VSides Art TEXTILES Lacefield Designs and Elizabeth Eakins, fabricated by Urban Decors Guest Bathroom COUNTERTOP Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI Pool Deck PAVERS Hartstone OUTDOOR FURNITURE Kingsley Bate through Stanton Home Furnishings

Brown house with cedar shake roof and stone chimney, surrounded by trees.

Brown house with wood shingle roof, bay window, and outdoor seating area.

Stone boathouse with pool, lounge chairs, and pontoon boat on water

Delicate Matter

DESIGN-BUILD Pace Lynch Corporation, Lew Oliver, Inc., McKinney Builders, P. Allen Smith Fine Garden and Landscape Design

Building upon the exciting debut of the 2024 Burton Showhouse, the 2025 house celebrates the same natural setting—enveloped by Lake Burton, the North Georgia mountains, and the Chattahoochee National Forest—but with a decidedly different design approach, freshly reinterpreting the region’s architectural vernacular. Nicknamed “Maidenhair” as a nod to the delicate, intricate fern species found in Southern Appalachia, the modern cottage sits on 82 acres and celebrates the theme of local roots, bringing awareness about what makes this locale so special. After studying nearby historic homes dating back to the late 1800s, the Lew Oliver team’s detailing of the house was deliberately restrained, except for multipaned sash windows for extra character. According to Oliver, “the composition of the door and window placement is free-form, unlocking the composition from stodgy bondage of the past,” while “the espresso color emboldens the cottage, forming a foil to the English Garden.” The dark exterior and landscaping with native plants intentionally contextualize the home in its environment, while geothermal HVAC and limits on outdoor lighting help eliminate noise and allow the night sky to shine. Inside, the main home’s 2,785-square-foot floor plan boasts four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and several outdoor terraces, while a 400-square-foot carriage house conveniently adds a full bed and bath atop the garage space.

PAVERS Hartstone METAL-CLAD WINDOWS Pella Windows & Doors SIDING James Hardie CUSTOM WOOD DOORS Magbee Contractors Supply

Dark wood siding house with a light wood door, rattan bench, and potted trees.

Hallway with patterned wallpaper, antique console table, and open wooden door

White sink with pine needle pattern skirt and wood paneled walls. Gold mirror reflects bird art.

Natural Fit

Foyer, Powder Room, & Mudroom Kathy Patton, Kathy Patton Designs

Upon seeing the pine tree forest and the home’s wood floors during her first site visit to the 2025 Burton Showhouse, Kathy Patton instantly thought of Waterhouse Wallhangings’ Pine Needles fabric and wallpaper. The pattern’s ivory colorway was a natural fit to balance the powder room’s dark wood accent wall. The woodland motif is echoed as a custom sink skirt, concealing plumbing and storage with a hint of retro-leaning charm. In the adjacent mudroom, Patton took the playful route with a cabana-like green stripe awning above the window. The fun continues into the foyer, where colorful art canvases are layered over a smaller-print wallpaper, an antique English dresser, and goldenrod-hued lamps, for a cottage feel. Says Patton, “The whimsical paintings give life to what summer at the lake is all about—dogs, boathouses, Adirondack chairs, boats, and children running free on bicycles.”

FLOORING The European Company FAUCETRY PDI WALLPAPER AND FABRICS Waterhouse Wallhangings RUGS Art Rugs, Inc. LIGHTING Lantern & Scroll OUTDOOR FABRICS Perennials, Ferran Textiles ARTWORK Carylon Cooper, Claudia Hartley

Kitchen island with stone backsplash, pendant lights, and bar stools with fur throws.

Dark wood dining table with upholstered chairs, patterned curtains, and decorative antlers.

Living room with gray sofa, patterned rug, wood fireplace, and two chairs.

Written in Stone

Kitchen & Living Room Beverly Baribault, Beverly Baribault Design Group

Beverly Baribault is no stranger to designing homes with elevation. “Over the years, we’ve refined a signature mountain-modern aesthetic that blends old and new with ease.” For the combined kitchen and living room, she planned a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and gathering around the fireplace—maximizing square footage in the hub for connection and comfort. Using furniture as the foundation, she wanted the living room to feel completely custom and crafted to suit its unique layout and multipurpose design. With the kitchen’s stone wall and dark grey tones serving as a guide, she focused on an earthy palette and organic textures. A mix of antiques provides depth and character, while the handcrafted bark-and-antler artwork anchors the room in its rustic-meets-chic setting. Fabric draperies surrounding the glass exterior doors, the abstract woven rug, and fur blankets hung on the barstools add warmth in a way that encourages guests to linger together long after dinner ends.

Kitchen CABINETRY Dickerson Custom Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources APPLIANCES Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove FAUCETRY PDI FLOORING The European Company HARDWARE Baldwin PENDANTS Uttermost DINING TABLE Hooker Furniture DINING CHAIRS Kravet UPHOLESTRY Custom Creations PILLOW FABRIC Thibaut Living Room LIGHTING, ACCENT CHAIRS, ACCENT TABLES Uttermost RUGS Moattar COWHIDES Cowhides Direct COFFEE AND SIDE TABLE Revelation DRAPERY AND PILLOW FABRIC Thibaut UPHOLESTRY Custom Creations DRAPERY HARDWARE Helser Brothers ARTWORK Jay Scott Studios

Living room with floral curtains, ornate desk, velvet chair, and tiered wood chandelier.

Wooden desk with art supplies, paintings, books, and a blue vase.

Powder room with floral wallpaper, ornate mirror, and gray vanity

Thrill of the Chase

Sitting Room & Bathroom Kate Duffy and Christy Scott Spearman, Duffy Scott Interiors

For the en suite sitting room, Kate Duffy and Christy Scott Spearman pictured the space belonging to a well-traveled creative—someone who could enjoy a quiet moment of pause on the luxurious double chaise lounges. “We always try to design spaces that make you feel something,” says Duffy. “This one was meant to be a little breather—a spot to slow down and just enjoy being in it.” Using texture, shape, and lighting, the designers made the petite room feel layered and inviting rather than cramped. An antique French desk with “some miles on it” prioritizes personality over perfection. “The story behind the pieces is what makes a space interesting,” says Scott. “That’s exactly why we love it. It’s got that lived-in look that makes everything else around it feel more real.” Likewise, a trio of art pieces hangs slightly askew above the bookshelf, with paintbrushes at the ready for whenever creativity strikes again. The bathroom’s maximalist approach to layering mirrors and electric patterns (the shades on the sconces contrast against the textured wallcovering) is tempered by the neutral color scheme.

Sitting Room CHAISE UpCountry Home DRAPERY FABRIC Thibaut STOOL, SIDE TABLE, BOOKSHELF Jerry Pair PEDESTAL AND ANTIQUE DESK Duffy Scott Home FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts ARTWORK Through dk Gallery and Muse & Co. Fine Art Bathroom COUNTERTOP Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI WALLPAPER Arte

Covered porch with bar cart, high-top table, stools, and ferns.

Breeze In

Covered Porch Lisa Sanchez, Nota Bene Design Studio

To convert the main-level covered porch into a refined retreat, Lisa Sanchez turned to her family history. “The design started as a reflection of my Caribbean heritage, paying homage to the warmth, rhythm, and connection that shape how we gather and live,” she says. Linen curtains, sunbaked terracotta, and tactile, shell-like materials carry a laid-back, coastal spirit, inviting guests to slow down and stay awhile. Because the porch’s dimensions are long and narrow, Sanchez formed distinct zones, including a lounge, dining, and bar area, while showcasing the modern advancements of all-weather materials that have become available in recent years. “Outdoor living continues to evolve into truly livable spaces, and this design embraces that shift,” she adds, citing the outdoor bouclé on the bench as a prime example of balancing beauty and durability without compromise. “It’s a fabric you’d expect to see indoors, which made using it outside feel exciting and unexpected.”

CONCRETE BENCH AND BAR CART Oso Creations BAR TABLE Kettal BARSTOOLS Meridian Furniture LOUNGE CHAIRS Moe’s Home Collection RUGS Surya DRAPERY James Dunlop OUTDOOR BOUCLÉ AND PILLOW FABRIC Mokum Textiles

Living room with landscape wallpaper, a cream sofa with a colorful throw, a wooden dresser, and a console table with a bust and artwork.

Gray console table with bust, books, and artwork against scenic wallpaper.

Hallway with green patterned wallpaper, wooden banister, and hats displayed on wall.

Powder room with white vanity, black faucet, and deer head decor.

Hats Off

Bedroom, Bathroom, Stair Hall, & Hallway Michele Johnson, Michele Johnson Interior Design

Lakeside interiors do not need to be limited to rustic aesthetics or confined by predictable patterns; just ask Michele Johnson. For a guest room, a fantastical, mural-like wallpaper in mushroom browns sets the stage for a bohemian-chic approach to mountain style. A sunburst mirror, Lucite stool, and vibrant contemporary art, including a collection of unframed works hanging by gold clips, cement the notion that this is a house designed for youthful living. Her favorite detail is the twin chaise lounges layered with cozy pillows and blankets—ideal for curling up to read a good book or take an afternoon nap. In the stairwell, Johnson took another surprising direction: a sage ikat wallpaper layered with an assortment of various straw hats hanging like an art installation with a sense of international flair. Her quirky take on nature-inspired design is carried into the bathroom, where a lush fern holds pride of place atop a vintage rattan pedestal.

Bedroom FLOORING The European Company WALLPAPER GP & J Baker DRAPERY Kravet LEE INDUSTRIES CHAISES, SHERRILL FURNITURE COMMODE, DESK, LUCITE STOOL, VISUAL COMFORT & CO. LAMP, JOHN-RICHARD MIRROR Through Carolina Furniture & Interiors BUST Global Views ARTWORK Liz Rundorff Smith and Teresa Roche through Art & Light Gallery Stairwell WALLPAPER Lee Jofa SCONCES Currey & Company STRAW HATS Collected by Julie Bathroom COUNTERTOP Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI

Covered porch with stone fireplace, large wood coffee table, sofas, and swing.

Bedroom with dark floral wallpaper, white bedding, and a landscape painting.

The Swing of Things

Primary Bedroom & Covered Porch Chaz Easterly, Linen & Flax Co.

The scenery surrounding Lake Burton offered endless inspiration to designer Chaz Easterly. The calming, blue leaf wallpaper in the primary bedroom, for instance, is directly influenced by the vistas. And yet, establishing the right flow without interfering with the lush views can be a challenge, particularly on the covered porch. “With so many windows, doors, and openings framing the setting, furniture placement was tricky. We also had a large stone wall on the porch that we felt needed purpose,” she says. The solution? Creating a focal point with a console table, lighting, and natural stems and florals to soften the hard material. The layout now allows for both a hanging bed swing and a sofa for conversation, while keeping sight lines focused on the main attraction, according to Easterly: “What life at the lake is truly about—rest, relaxation, and creating a peaceful retreat after a long day on the water.”

Bedroom FLOORING The European Company BEDDING, LIGHTING, ACCESSORIES Linen & Flax Co. WALLPAPER Phillip Jeffries DRAPERIES AND HARDWARE The Shade Store FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts ARTWORK Brynn Casey Porch LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES Linen & Flax Co. INDOOR-OUTDOOR FURNITURE Palecek FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts

Laundry room with LG washer, gray cabinets, grasscloth wallpaper, and patterned Roman shade.

Hallway with mosaic tile floor, wood vanity, and doorway to office with gold curtains

Office with patterned wallpaper, gold curtains, and a dark desk.

Heart & Soul

Laundry room, office, & Primary Bathroom Elizabeth Joice, Elizabeth Joice Interior Design

“There’s a strong movement toward interiors that feel collected and sensory—grounded in materiality rather than excess,” says Elizabeth Joice. “We’re seeing a shift away from high-gloss minimalism toward spaces that invite touch.” That notion is celebrated across the laundry, office, and primary bath. Through a series of contrasts—woven fibers beside smooth metal, or soft textiles against clean-lined furniture—she aimed to bring each room to life in a way that reflects the subtle rhythms and shifting light throughout each day. Laundry becomes less of a chore, energized by the roman shade and cabinet skirt’s fabric: an imperfect zigzag that harkens to mountain ranges. Meanwhile, the office indulges in a drama all its own, thanks to a luxe, tapestry-like wallcovering. “The color story became the heartbeat of each space—earthy ochres, smoky plums, and natural neutrals that layer together effortlessly,” she adds. “But it’s texture that gives those hues soul.”

Office WALLCOVERING, DRAPERY, UPHOLESTERY Paul+ CHANDELIER Visual Comfort & Co. DESK AND BOOKSHELF CB2 ACCENT CHAIR Lulu and Georgia MIRROR RH ARTWORK Through dk Gallery FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts Primary Bathroom COUNTERTOP Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI WALLCOVERING Paul+ ARTWORK Through dk Gallery, Jessie Elson Art FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts Laundry Room APPLIANCES LG through AJ Madison COUNTERTOP Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI WALLCOVERING, ROMAN SHADE, SKIRT Paul+ RUG Moattar BENCH Room & Board ARTWORK AND SCULPTURE Through dk Gallery TRAY Blu Dot BASKET Farmhouse Pottery FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts

Dark wood dresser with a Vogue magazine and lamp, next to a wooden chair with a light cushion.

Stairway to Heaven

Lower Stair hall & Landing Ashley Taylor and Staci Steen, Taylor + Steen Design

Albeit tucked away in a space some may easily overlook, Ashley Taylor and Staci Steen saw potential in the lower hall and landing as an opportunity to make a bold statement. “There’s something intriguing about a space of transition, and we loved the challenge of turning it into a moment that felt both unexpected and unforgettable,” says Taylor. To turn an intimate stairwell into the home’s hidden gem, they curated original artwork that evokes curiosity and contemplation. Grounding the space is a chest of drawers in dark wood and an elegant sculptural chair that echoes the artistry on the wall, without competing for attention. The walls, trim, and ceiling are all drenched in a deep emerald green paint, bringing dimension. The result is a multilayered vision—sophisticated, yet approachable—that captures the team’s combined point of view. Says Steen, “We challenge and inspire each other, pushing boundaries to create spaces that feel both imaginative and deeply personal.”

RUG Designer Carpets FURNITURE Foxglove Antiques Collective and Townhouse by Robert Brown PAINT Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest FLORALS Lena E’liz ARTWORK Through dk Gallery

Office with mustard walls, gold chandelier, and floral upholstered chairs.

Bathroom with glass shower, gray vanity, blue floral wallpaper, and gold mirror.

Working Wonders

Office & Bathroom Janie Hirsch, J. Hirsch Interior Design

Two fauteuil chairs brought back from a trip to France and upholstered in a traditional floral linen sparked Janie Hirsch’s imagination for the home office and adjoining bathroom. The gold wall and ceiling color was pulled directly from the chairs as a nod to timeless French glamour, but also to draw the eye upward and enhance natural light, enveloping the space like a jewel box. “This room was designed for someone who appreciates beauty, artistry, and a sense of history—perhaps a creative professional or collector with a love of French style,” she says. Art is arranged salon-style, reminiscent of a Parisian gallery without being too precious. The cobalt blue tree motif on the custom window treatment is echoed in the bathroom’s wallpaper—inspired by the great French painter Henri Matisse—tying the two rooms together. Altogether, the scheme proves that even a workplace can also be soulful. “Perfect for both focus and daydreaming.”

Office RUG Moattar SIDE TABLE, DESK, CHIPPENDALE CHAIR Huff Harrington Home ARTWORK Anne Darby Parker, Pascal Bouterin, Lesley Powell, Geri Eubanks, Amy Dixon, Dawne Raulet, Justin Kellner, Sally Threlkeld, Millie Gosch through Huff Harrington Fine Art Bathroom COUNTERTOPS Stone Showcase, fabricated by Construction Resources FAUCETRY PDI WALLPAPER Scalamandré RUG Moattar MIRROR AND GARDEN STOOL Huff Harrington Home ARTWORK Ann Rudd through Huff Harrington Fine Art, Holly Irwin through dk Gallery

Covered porch with stone wall, rocking chairs, and wooded background.

Console table with taxidermy bobcat, books, and decorative objects against a mural wallpaper.

Game room with wood pool table, orange armchair, and mural wallpaper

Room to Play

Lounge & Terrace-level Covered Patio Chris Socci, C. Socci, Inc.

“What do you do after you’ve been on the lake all day?” was the question Chris Socci sought to answer when designing the terrace-level lounge and covered patio. Drawing from his personal experiences visiting his family’s own lake home, he focused on creating a leisurely escape where it’s fun to gather. Setting a whimsical mood, his first choices were the two wallpapers: a tranquil scenic with earthy colors and small pops of orange for the lounge, plus a cheeky pattern of vintage bottles to create a totally different vibe in the built-in bar. To further distinguish the bar area, Socci flanked the shelves with wool drapery panels that match those on the windows. A cohesive thread of orange energizes the eclectic scheme, centered around the tangerine felt on the custom bumper table—serving as much as an art sculpture as recreation. Beyond the lounge, the patio beckons for moments of respite.

Game Room BUMPER POOL TABLE Milieu WALLPAPERS Kravet, Lee Jofa, Cole & Son WOOL RUG Moattar HORSE SCULPTURE Jerry Pair CHANDELIER Made Goods VELVET CHAIRS Bed Down Furniture Gallery WINDOW PANELS The Shade Store ARTWORK Through Pryor Fine Patio FURNITURE Kolo Collection PILLOW FABRICS Kravet, Lee Jofa

Living room with blue walls, beige sofa, blue chairs, and a patterned rug.

Rattan chairs flank a burl wood table with blue ottomans. Geometric wallpaper and floral curtains.

Outdoor seating area with gray sofa and chair, tropical plants, and abstract art.

On a Whim

Carriage house Heather Parker and Wren Caples, Heather Wren Interiors

For Heather Parker and Wren Caples, the discovery of a new fabric line via Nashville’s The Lot was love at first sight. The block-printed linen in fresh colorways set their team in motion to create a happy, flexible space in the carriage house. Paint aptly named Water’s Edge—a reliable color they’d used before—complements the fabric and communicates a calming tone. A sofa bed offers a soft place for overnight guests to land, while a French antique topped with a stocked bar and a game table in the bay window underscore a vacation mindset. With a pattern reminiscent of a checkerboard or garden lattice, the geometric rug sealed the deal in terms of what direction they were headed. “We just wanted it to be happy, relaxed, and not too serious to go with the casual architecture of the house and where it’s located,” says Caples. Above, a swag rope connects to a large woven pendant, joined by two repainted twin pendants that illuminate the space.

FLOORING The European Company SOFA Coley Home PILLOW FABRIC Vanessa Arbuthnott through The Lot RUG Parviz Oriental Rugs PAINT Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge WALLCOVERING Thibaut DRAPERY FABRIC Anna French FLORALS Ephemera Design Concepts ARTWORK Through Anne Irwin Fine Art, dk Gallery, and Interiors Market EXTERIOR FURNITURE Gloster through Ernest Gaspard EXTERIOR ARTWORK Melissa Payne Baker