Play, Dine, Relax: Zoned Backyard Design Ideas from Chip Wade

A new development tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains celebrates the scenery with its spin on modern craftsmanship. The inside has plenty to get cozy about—from enviable nooks to charming staircases, moody kitchens and more. But it’s the outdoor living spaces that have us ready for serious playtime.

Chip Wade’s The Perch at Pinhoti Peak, his newest project atop the trees in Murray County, is packed with ways to live easy, in tune with luxurious sweeping views and fresh mountain air.

“The Perch is a collection of three luxury treehouses intended to provide all the amenities and luxuries to make a stay unforgettable,” said Wade, who completed this project last year. “From chefs’ kitchens to spa suites, saunas, hot tubs, putting greens, workout spaces, a pickleball court, private hiking trail and more, [the idea is] you won’t run out of things to do with your friends and family.”

To capitalize on the experience, Wade wanted every visitor to be surrounded by the mountain landscape on all sides. Elevated about 25 feet in the air, guests enjoy unobstructed views for 360 degrees in the outdoor living area. Bridges, raised platforms and whimsical architecture bring home the idea of being up in the trees—a playground for kids and adults, alike.

“I am excited about so many elements of this project, but I really like the floating bed swing with the catamaran net from Multihull nets, and the enclosed tube slide from Playcore that really gives the space a fun vibe,” Wade said.

For homeowners dreaming of something like this as a getaway for their own family, Wade says these treehouses are actually full single-family homes on two acres, each. They were designed and permitted just like any other home and satisfied all local building codes—meaning, a life-sized chessboard in your backyard isn’t so far away. The perk for this perch? No homeowners association. You’ll have to check with HOA guidelines before you build and make design decisions, but without one, Wade shows off what can happen without limitations.

Wade’s pro tip for outdoor living design begins with knowing the amount of usable flat area you have, drainage capabilities and what level of privacy you want. As for the big picture, he said, “Creating smaller, but higher quality spaces always works better. I like to design in vignettes so it is very obvious what the function of each space is. It makes it much more inviting.”

We’re already planning our backyard redo—or maybe a weekend at The Perch—either way, let the outdoor season begin!

pinhotipeak.com/theperch, chipwade.com