Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills within The Cliffs at Glassy community, this 3,600-square-foot home on 15 wooded acres became a showcase of how design, technology and nature can work in harmony to create a cozy mountain retreat.
Homeowners Steve and Heather envisioned a sanctuary that would highlight the surrounding landscape while providing a serene, functional living environment.
To bring this vision to life, Peter Sepesi, VP of Sales at Coastal Source, oversaw the design and installation of a comprehensive landscape lighting and audio system that enhances both beauty and usability, transforming the property into a luminous, immersive experience.
A Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat Illuminated
The property’s dramatic mountain terrain presented both opportunity and challenge. Every lighting fixture placement had to enhance visibility while complementing the natural drama of the surroundings.
“It’s about creating confidence underfoot while highlighting the landscape’s natural beauty,” said Sepesi.
The system features a complex assortment of path lights, uplights and hanging lights with finishes carefully selected to complement the stonework and surrounding gardens.
Additionally, special consideration was given to the ruggedness of the terrain, with Sepesi accounting for the humidity, rain and wild temperature fluctuations common to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lighting That Makes the Mountains Feel Less Lonely
For Heather, an avid gardener, the lighting transforms her gardens into a nighttime gallery, with wide-throw path lights celebrating roses and flowering ground cover while illuminating irregular stone walkways for safe passage.
Beyond aesthetics and safety, the integrated lighting adds a subtle layer of security to the property as well. The remote location means nights can be pitch-black, and the path and uplighting provide visibility for both homeowners and surveillance systems.
“Complete darkness can feel isolating in the mountains,” said Sepesi. “The lighting changes everything. The property feels alive and welcoming, giving homeowners peace of mind whether they’re home or away.”
Outdoor Audio That Connects Spaces
Along the garden paths, compact speakers provide gentle, immersive sound for leisurely activities, while a high-performance outdoor audio setup on the back deck and putting green delivers deeper, more enveloping music to match the mountain backdrop.
“The beauty of outdoor audio is how it connects people to their spaces,” Sepesi said. “We didn’t want sound to dominate; we wanted it to belong. Along the garden, it’s delicate and conversational. On the deck, it has the presence to match the surroundings.”
Transforming the Mountain Lifestyle
For the homeowners, the system has transformed how they experience their property. From subtle path lighting to full-bodied deck audio, every aspect of the installation reinforces a lifestyle built around beauty, comfort, and connection.
The combination of lighting and audio provides an experience that celebrates the environment while enhancing usability, safety and enjoyment long after sunset.
“Every morning, Steve wakes up before dawn, makes his coffee, and steps outside just to admire the lights,” said Sepesi.
Systems & Equipment
- Lighting
- Coastal Source FLEX Series
- Path Lights – Double Tiered Hat Path Lights
- Bullet Uplights
- Niche Director Lights
- Hanging Lights
- Coastal Source Composite 150W G2 Transformers
- Coastal Source Plug+Play Cabling
- Coastal Source FLEX Series
- Audio
- Coastal Source Pathfinder Outdoor Speakers
