Residential Millwork

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Residential Millwork ☼

Our work speaks for itself.

The Morehead Project

Custom Millwork Home Remodel in Bat Cave, North Carolina

Set along a trout river with a waterfall just beyond the windows, this A-frame in Bat Cave, North Carolina had all the makings of something special. Built by hand, beam by beam, by the original homeowner, it carried a story worth preserving.

But inside, it felt dark, closed off, and stuck in another era.

This renovation focused on opening the space, bringing in natural light, and integrating custom millwork that supports the way the homeowners actually live—while honoring the character that made the home meaningful in the first place.

Project Details

Location:

Bat Cave, North Carolina (near Chimney Rock and Lake Lure)

Project Type:

Full Home Remodel (Phase One)

Interior renovation including kitchen, living spaces, bathrooms, and custom built-ins throughout

Scope:

Architectural millwork, custom cabinetry, feature elements, and custom furniture pieces

Services:

Builder / GC:

Lynnwood Builders

Architect / Designer:

Lynnwood Builders

Completed:

11/01/2023 Phase One

Work With Us

Our Approach

Vision

Honor what’s there.
Open it to the light.
Maximize functionality.

We reworked the space to open it up, bring in natural light, and make it feel livable without losing the character that made it worth preserving. Original beams were restored and paired with drywall infill to brighten the space, then complemented with refined black walnut millwork that adds warmth without overwhelming it.

Throughout the home, a balance was created between the existing rustic structure and more modern, intentional millwork. The result is a space that feels lighter, more functional, and connected to its surroundings.

Project Technicals

This cabin built by the original owner, beam by beam in 1997, once was dark and closed off, sees new life with a renovation.

This project is defined by how the millwork supports the way the homeowners live.

Black walnut cabinetry anchors the main living space, tying together a custom entertainment center, wet bar, record cabinet, and a fully integrated fly-tying station. While the material is darker, its neutral tone balances the home’s original wood structure without pushing the space too warm or too heavy.

The entertainment center features a marble top with a soft gray speckle, while the connected wet bar includes a mirrored backsplash that reflects light and the surrounding landscape, helping open up what would otherwise be a darker corner. Under-cabinet lighting highlights the workspace, designed to support both daily use and hosting, complete with an espresso station, beverage fridge, and liquor storage.

Custom cabinetry continues into highly personal areas of the home. A record console was built to house the client’s turntable and speakers, seamlessly integrated into the larger millwork composition. Adjacent to it, a dedicated fly-tying station was designed specifically for the homeowner, a passionate trout fisherman. Every drawer and storage solution was carefully considered to maximize organization and efficiency, allowing him to fully engage in his craft without compromise.

In the bathrooms, cabinetry is built directly into the framing to create storage where it didn’t previously exist. Lacquered green cabinetry, a preference of the homeowner, carries throughout multiple spaces, including guest bath built-ins and a vanity and linen storage in the primary suite. The primary bathroom centers around a poured concrete soaking tub positioned at the window, overlooking the trout stream below.

In the kitchen, thoughtful adjustments to the layout made room for a new main-level bathroom while still maintaining an open and highly functional cooking space. Custom cabinetry integrates a double-drawer dishwasher, concealed behind lacquered green fronts, allowing for smaller, more efficient loads without interrupting flow. A gas range with a pot filler, open shelving for cookbooks, and a bay window for plant life all contribute to a kitchen designed for daily use and enjoyment.

Every decision in this project was made to support how the homeowners live, cook, create, and spend their time. The millwork doesn’t just fill the space, it makes the space work.

A Note on the Storm

In September 2024, during Hurricane Helene, the homeowners were forced to evacuate to Asheville as the storm moved through the mountains. With the river rising and water moving fast through the valley, there was real uncertainty about what would be left behind.

This home, one they had just poured so much into, was at risk.

By the time they returned, the basement had taken on water, and the surrounding landscape had changed. But the structure itself held. The home had been anchored securely to bedrock, and it stayed.

What followed shifted the path of the project. Phase Two became focused on managing water flow and protecting the home long-term. Phase Three will rebuild what was lost outside, including decks that were torn away during the storm.

Through it all, the heart of the home remains intact.

We’re grateful to have been part of this project and to continue watching it come together as a place that reflects both the resilience of the structure and the people who call it home.

This project was directly affected by Hurricane Helene, but many families and communities across the region are facing far greater loss. If you’re in a position to help, we’ve linked a few trusted organizations supporting recovery efforts.