Andrew and Elizabeth Shukis, owner and operators of A.S. Construction have been serving the High Country for nine years. The pair moved here from the Raleigh/Durham area where Andrew was a project manager for several national companies such as M/I Homes, David Weekly Homes, and D.R. Horton. Upon arriving in April of 2000 the pair partnered with a local businessman with plans to develop a community in Wilkesboro. However, those plans fell through. Together the pair decided that instead of working for someone else they would start their own business. It was an easy conclusion based on th…

In the shadow of Grandfather Mountain, a few miles down 105 from the hip college town of Boone, an exceptional second-home community called Echota is proving the quality, craftsmanship, and value never go out of style. Echota is a Cherokee word meaning a peaceful haven. For the last eight years, developer and High Country native Mark Harrill has taken great care to create a place that lives up to its name. Here in the midst of vintage hardwoods and clear mountain streams, looking out on the timeless beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Watauga River valley, Echota has emerged as the High…

If you ask Jim Rogers, President of Appalachian Custom Builders, why you should let his company be involved in your next project, and he will tell you this: “I bring an open mind and incorporate design into everything that I do”.  He believes that “quality starts with design” and there are always little opportunities to incorporate details and order into everything that he creates.  He also says, “Know where you are going to finish before you start”. We always have a plan and a vision of the finished product before we ever start the first nail.  These basic philosophies have allowed us to exec…

Just four short years ago Matthew Long (Boone) worked on a spec house with one of his colleagues Phil Washburn (Cove Creek). The two enjoyed working together so much that they decided to become business partners and together formed Capehart (Matt’s middle name) and Washburn, LLC.  When asked why they teamed up Matt and Phil responded, “We both share a passion for building and a drive for success as ethical, responsible business owners. We wanted to introduce a younger, more competitive company with education and experience in the latest construction technology to the area.”Matt and Phil have a…

Nestled on seven acres in the incredible mountains of Valle Crucis, NC you will find this beautiful home designed by Donald Gardner and built by Tim Inman of General Contract Management in 2007.  Tim has been building in the area for over 33 years and has said that this is one of his favorite homes to date! The detailed thought and care that has gone into this plan is obvious as you observe its unique space. The exterior consists of wood, cedar shakes and stone.  An open floor plan with generously proportioned rooms contributes to the home’s spacious and relaxed atmosphere.  Upon walking in th…