CYNTH CREEK - Hiawassee, GA Part One
In 2022, I met onsite with Josh and Jentry Taylor to discuss ideas for their dream home on 6 acres of land in Hiawassee, GA. Both Josh and Jentry unfolded a story rich with family history. They shared their hopes for growth and new possibilities in the coming years.
Little did they know about all that lay ahead in taking on a design/build project for their custom home. But in spite of all the setbacks, twists, and turns (as well as some BIG surprises), Josh and Jentry are seeing their dream come to life.
I visited Jentry at her construction site (March 2024) to walk through her home in Hiawassee, GA, hear her thoughts behind the design, and capture the beginning of the story of CYNTH CREEK.
-Jack Baldwin, Managing Partner, Reynard Custom Homes
Jack Baldwin: So, Jentry, when we first met, you were a young family with two kids, and you and your husband Josh talked to us about wanting to build your dream home in Hiawassee, GA. Many people have that conversation with us, but what made you and Josh want to take on a project like this? And how has your experience been working with Reynard Custom Homes?
Jentry Taylor: This home has been years in the making. It's not something we just started recently; it's probably been about 16 years. We always knew we were going to build here. This is Josh's family land, a place that holds a deep significance for us. It has been passed down through six generations from his great-grandfather to his grandfather and then to Josh. His grandfather left this property to him before his first deployment to Iraq with the Marine Corps, with the condition that it would stay in the family forever.
Jack Baldwin: So, Josh inherited this property with the promise of building a home, raising his family, and keeping it in the family for future generations? What are your future plans for the home?
Jentry Taylor: Exactly. All the land around here is still family land on Josh's side. It's been passed down and kept within the family, and it's always been farmland and pasture land. We want to keep it that way and keep the family and neighbors happy as we build.
Jack Baldwin: That’s amazing. So, when did you start feeling inspired to take on this project?
Jentry Taylor: Being connected to family and history was a huge inspiration. When Josh's grandfather left him this land, he knew Josh would never sell it. It was meant to stay in the family for generations, and that promise has always been at the heart of our plans. The emotional journey of preserving our family's legacy and building a home for our children has been a driving force in this project.
Jack Baldwin: That connection to history and family is exceptional. I understand that you faced an unexpected challenge while designing your dream home. Can you tell me about that?
Jentry Taylor: Just when we thought our plans were set, life surprised us in the most beautiful way. We found out we were pregnant after ten years. It was a moment of pure joy and excitement, and we knew we had to adapt our plans to accommodate our growing family. You were the first person I called to share the news because we needed to add a bedroom to our plans.
Jack Baldwin: I remember that call. It was an honor to be included in such a special moment. How did you manage that change in plans?
Jentry Taylor: It was all about timing. We had to quickly get our lead architect, James, involved in adding the extra bedroom. We decided to do a special reveal with you guys. We gave the revised plans to Josh at a coffee house, and when he saw the extra bedroom, we revealed the ultrasound. It was a priceless moment.
Jack Baldwin: That's such a beautiful story. Everything has unfolded perfectly for you every step of the way.
Jentry Taylor: Yes, it really has. This land is so unique to us. Josh even proposed to me here after his first deployment. We've always had a vision for this place, and seeing it come to life is surreal.
Jack Baldwin: It's about community and bringing people together. What has been one of the most challenging aspects of building this home?
Jentry Taylor: It initially felt financially daunting for us as a younger couple. With all our expenses and Josh's demanding schedule, it took time to see how we could make it happen. But with the unwavering support from our community, who shared our vision and believed in our dream, and your team at Reynard Custom Homes, we stayed the course and made it work. This project is a testament to the power of community and the sense of belonging that comes with it.
Jack Baldwin: Support really makes a difference. Now, let's talk about the house itself. Can you show me some of your favorite features?
Jentry Taylor:Sure! One of the unique features of our home is the high ceilings. They make the home feel spacious, open, and bright. I also wanted lots of windows to let in natural light, even though it means I'll have to clean them. These features not only reflect our personal taste but also showcase the expertise of Reynard Custom Homes in creating homes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Jack Baldwin: High ceilings and many windows create a beautiful, open space. What about the fireplace?
Jentry Taylor: The fireplace is another critical feature. I have yet to decide on the materials, but they will be significant and tall, making a statement in the great room.
Jack Baldwin: It sounds fantastic. Let's take a walk inside and look at more of your favorite aspects of the home.
Jack Baldwin: We're standing on what we consider the front porch, looking out at this gorgeous view of the mountains and Josh's family's old farmhouse. What room are we in now?
Jentry Taylor: This is the great room. It's a big, open area with high ceilings and many windows. The front door has big double doors, and we're planning a considerable fireplace here. It's going to be a central feature of the home.
Jack Baldwin: It's easy to see your vision coming to life. Thank you so much for sharing your story and showing us around your dream home, Jentry.
Jentry Taylor: Thank you, Jack. It's been a pleasure.
Stay tuned for part two of Jentry Taylor's journey, where we'll delve into the intricate design and construction process of her dream home with Reynard Custom Homes. We'll discuss the initial planning stages, the selection of materials, and the challenges faced during construction, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the project.
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