A Historic Mountain Farmhouse Reimagined
Originally built in the 1920s, Ruby’s Coop is a thoughtfully restored mountain farmhouse nestled along Kirkland’s Creek in Bryson City, North Carolina. Named after Ruby Brown, the project’s intent was not to reinvent the home, but to honor its history, craftsmanship, and connection to the natural environment while creating a welcoming retreat for a new generation of guests to be immersed within the farmhouse experience and keep Ruby present in the home.
The restoration and design approach celebrated the authenticity of the original structure — preserving its modest scale, traditional character, and Appalachian simplicity. Warm wood accents, natural materials, soft neutral tones, and carefully layered French Country influences were introduced to complement the home's existing personality rather than compete with it.
A defining feature of the design is the renewed relationship between the home and its surrounding landscape. The screened front porch serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, encouraging guests to slow down and experience the sights, sounds, and seasons and reconnect with the rhythm of mountain life in the Smoky Mountains. Outdoor gathering areas, including the fire pit, garden, and creekside spaces, extend the living experience beyond the walls of the farmhouse. Guests are encouraged to pick vegetables and herbs, rinse them in the authentic farmhouse sink, prepare them in a culinary, age appropriate kitchen and served at a communal trestle farmhouse table that looks out onto the garden, coop and surrounding creeks.
Inside, the home balances historic charm with modern comfort. Thoughtfully updated guest suites, a spa-inspired primary bath, and a refined farmhouse kitchen create a retreat that feels both timeless and functional. Original-inspired details, including brick flooring, a farmhouse sink, and warm natural finishes, reinforce the home's connection to its rural roots. New energy efficient windows and new HVAC system were added to bring environmental comfort into 2026.
Ruby’s Coop represents a thoughtful preservation of place — transforming a century-old mountain farmhouse into a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, celebrate simple moments, and experience the enduring spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains.
