26 Apr House with a view
When I pulled into Rhonda Weaver’s driveway, she met me out front in her gardening clothes with a big smile and welcoming attitude. We had never met. A mutual friend suggested I write about her fabulous retreat on Old Hickory Lake just thirty minutes from Nashville. And let me tell you, this waterfront home is all about the love of a laid back atmosphere with an entertaining space on the water that is spectacular.
The view looking down from the house is breathtaking, especially with the cross etched into the bottom of the infinity pool. It was done by Crystal Clear Pools based in Franklin, Tn. The Weavers added the pool along with a dramatic waterfall that gives the setting such a wow factor. They moved into the home about seven years ago. The family has moved a dozen times over the years to various parts of the country so settling into another house really wasn’t a big deal but this project was a huge undertaking, being on a very steep bluff with so much rock below. Backyard Magicians did the rock walls and ran the water up from the lake.
And here’s what’s absolutely amazing to me. Rhonda did 95 percent of the work on the waterfall herself. It’s taken almost five years to get it finished but she never stopped. Needless to say, she is a force of nature with energy and enthusiasm that’s contagious.
The waterfall is beloved by the family and many boaters who go by and sometimes just hang out to admire it. It also inspired a piece of art that local artist Wayne Brezinka created for the couple for a recent anniversary.
Rhonda says most of the items used in this piece were gathered from the waterfall itself, then Brezinka added rope and several photos of Rhonda and her husband to make it even more personal. Brezinka is known for using mixed mediums in his artwork. It hangs over their fireplace in the main living room of the home.
The couple has made it a yearly tradition to purchase art or something unique for their home on every anniversary. Another year it was a lamp.
They didn’t build the house, but have made numerous changes, like updating the kitchen. They removed a window that didn’t give them much of a view. By making that change, they gained more cabinet space.
When she’s not outside planting flowers or moving rocks in the waterfall, she really enjoys cooking. And did I mention she used to be corporate counsel for a Brentwood company? Needless to say, I was impressed.
I thought the color of her walls throughout the main floor was very soothing and pretty. It’s silver sage, one of Benjamin Moore’s classic colors. Rhonda also loves to use plants. I noticed several unusual ones.
This one is called a pencil cactus, native to Texas where the family lived before moving to Nashville. Isn’t it different? It loves alot of light, so she keeps it on her screened in porch. This is the first house they’ve lived in with a screened in space and it’s her favorite place to hang out.
This was my favorite room too, but what’s not to love? The views of the lake and pool below are phenomenal. They added special windows to make it a year ’round space. The curtains are also a great touch that add texture and warmth.
But here’s what really sold Rhonda on the home, besides the view of the lake.
This unique closet they’ve made into a hideway playroom for their grandson. Any child would adore the niche to call their own!
This is a family that likes to enjoy their down time. They have frequent parties with bands down by the pool.
Rhonda doesn’t even call it entertaining. She says she just loves connecting with people and celebrating life. They love to open their home to friends and even strangers.
And when someone doesn’t bring their own swimsuit and they want to take a dip, she’s happy to help with a closet full of brand new suits in various sizes!
Now there’s a host with the most. They are prepared to make you feel at home if you’re lucky enough to go to one of their many parties.
Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail on the porch, the views are tough to beat.
I appreciate Rhonda’s time showing me their special home. And thanks also to Molly King for suggesting it as a visit for stylish retreats!
If you enjoyed this article, I hope you’ll share it with your friends. Thanks for reading.
No Comments