As the summer season comes to a close and we ready for visitors eager to bask in the fall foliage, our community comes together for a summertime event that has become a highlight of the year: The Cashiers Designer Showhouse.
This year the Designer Showhouse is located at Serenity Acres, which showcases the many beautiful aspects of Cashiers NC, with its mountain views, lush grounds and hillside homes. Visitors will have three weeks to experience the peaceful spirit of Serenity Acres during the 16th annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse.
From Aug. 17 to Sept. 1, the property will be open to the public for tours and special events. The Designer Showhouse is an annual fundraiser for the Cashiers Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of Cashiers.
Visitors will have access to three homes, grounds and stables, which have been decorated and designed by more than 18 designers and a dozen landscape specialists. According to Laurel magazine, the original house and grounds were purchased in 1990 by George and Dorothy Bishop. Over the years, the Bishops have added more property, built the stables and riding ring. Serenity Acres became a mountain retreat for the entire Bishop family.
One of this year’s event highlights is a satellite shop of The Bascom Visual Art Gallery with fine arts and crafts for sale at the stable. Purchase art by woodturners Philip and Matt Moulthrop, ceramic artists Barry Gregg, Ben Owen and Alex Matisse and sculptor Wesley Wofford along with a number of emerging artists. The Bascom is open year-round for shopping, workshops and special events.
Even more shopping is available at the Showhouse Shops, featuring Cashiers area antique shops, pet boutiques, children’s items, garden products, gifts and jewelry. A percentage of the proceeds from each of the participants will be donated to the Cashiers Historical Society.
Special events include a patron’s party on Aug. 16 for a preview of the showhouse and grounds before the event opens to the public the following day. Also join author and designer Carolyne Roehm for a luncheon and book signing on Aug. 17. On Aug. 24, head to the Chattooga Pavilion for the sounds of HELP!, a Beatles tribute band from Charleston, SC. Tickets are $125 each.
For more information on the Cashiers Designer Showhouse and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org. Daily showhouse tickets are $25 each.