According to Mail Online, the allure of Hollywood's golden era echoes in the sale of a mountainside home that once belonged to icon Burt Reynolds, fetching a stunning $2.9 million.
A piece of cinematic and architectural history changed hands in Highlands, North Carolina, with the sale of the late Burt Reynolds' mountain home.
Burt Reynolds, synonymous with rugged charm and box office hits, once chose a scenic locale in North Carolina for his retreat. The property, nestled in Highlands, a quaint town with just 1,000 residents, offers a secluded escape into nature's embrace. Designed by Jim Fox, a protegé of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, the house was completed the same year Reynolds' breakthrough film "Deliverance" premiered, embedding a piece of cinematic history within its walls.
The home's connection to the film "Deliverance" is particularly significant. Located just an hour's drive from Sylva, the house is near where the film's memorable opening sequence was shot. This film marked a pivotal point in Reynolds' career. It introduced a new kind of rugged cinema to the public, etched into the American cultural lexicon with scenes like the infamous' dueling banjos.' During filming, Reynolds' attachment to the area led him to purchase the home, seeking solitude amidst the lush landscapes that had captured his imagination.
More than just a dwelling, the home embodies a blend of modernist aesthetics with a rustic log cabin feel, characterized by four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and an expansive living space. Signature elements include a majestic stone fireplace, an open-plan kitchen, and a sunken living and dining area that opens onto a wrap-around porch offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Large windows and wooden interiors complement the house's integration with its surrounding environment, providing a haven for contemplation and relaxation.
The house boasts an impressive architectural lineage and a history of hosting notable figures like Sally Field and James Garner, adding layers of star-studded allure to its character. Over the years, enhancements have enriched its comfort and luxury, including an in-ground heated plunge pool, a serving bar, and a wine cellar. These additions have turned it into a well-suited property for grand entertaining and private respite.
Privacy is a paramount feature of this home, deeply tucked away in the mountains, creating an intimate setting away from the public eye. With its extensive use of wood and natural materials, the property maintains a dialogue with its environment, embodying principles of organic architecture championed by Wright and carried forth by Fox.
Jody Lovell handled the recent transaction from Sotheby's International Realty. According to industry insiders, the listing attracted considerable attention, underscoring the enduring fascination with celebrity homes that offer a glimpse into stars' personal lives. The sale, finalized in late July, highlights the unique appeal of properties that combine historical significance with architectural merit.
As the new owners take possession of this storied home, they inherit not just a structure but a piece of Hollywood history preserved within the tranquility of the Highlands. It's a living museum, where each room tells a story of artistry, celebrity, and the pursuit of privacy amidst the sprawling vistas of North Carolina.
Reynolds' love for the region and his choice to lay roots in North Carolina have made this home a landmark. While his passing in 2018 may have marked the end of an era, his legacy continues through this beautiful property, which serves not only as a remembrance of his impact on film and culture but also as a testament to his taste in exquisite, nature-blending architecture.
To own a home previously owned by Burt Reynolds is to hold a piece of cinematic lore. The preservation and appreciation of such a property are vital to keeping the spirit of the golden age of cinema alive, nurturing an appreciation for the art and the icons like Reynolds who have shaped it.
In conclusion, selling Burt Reynolds' former home is not just a transaction. It's the handing over of a cultural artifact, a beacon of the golden age of film, and a masterpiece of residential architecture. For the community of Highlands, it remains a cherished landmark that attracts interest far beyond its geographical confines.
