Words by Paige Townley
The list of Keith Summerour’s commissioned projects is quite long. And chances are, there are many that you may not have even realized are on the list. Here are five places you probably didn’t know are Summerour designed.
Blackberry Farm
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm features 4,200 acres of beauty and tranquility. Keith has played an architectural part in this iconic Tennessee resort for at least a decade. In fact, Keith and his team has designed more public and private buildings at Blackberry Farm than perhaps any other architect in its history. He designed the event center, a lodge, a restaurant, cottages, homes, and even a tunnel that connects the wine cellar and culinary barn. The wine tunnel has actually become one of his most popular commissions at Blackberry Farms as afterwards he received inquiries from all over the world about replicating the idea at other properties.
Dogwood Canyon
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is known as a 10,000-acre paradise in Lampe, Missouri—one featuring natural beauty that can only be found in the Ozark Mountains. At the heart of this family destination is a unique Summerour-designed multi-story building that houses a general store and dining room. A fully-enclosed bridge—that goes over Little Indian Creek—connects those spaces with a fully-functioning grist mill. The rugged structure looks like it has all been there as is for decades thanks to thoughtful details Keith was sure to include, such as old wood and lots of stone. In typical Keith fashion, he worked in classical elements where possible. With this project, it was the large Venetian-style windows, which were imported from France.
Old Edwards Inn
A cornerstone of Highlands, North Carolina, is Old Edwards Inn. Set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, this European-style property is the ultimate mountain resort featuring luxurious suites, a world-class spa, and refined dining options. Keith became a part of the resort’s design team about 12 years ago when some renovations were being planned. Over the course of eight-plus years, Keith designed a variety of spaces, including renovations for the original inn and additions to its original structure, including the spa, Madison’s Restaurant, and the space that currently holds the Hummingbird Lounge. Keith designed multiple residences on site as well.
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island resort is situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia. The luxurious beach destination has long been a sought-after spot for travelers and vacationers of all types. Many are even lucky enough to call the property home, and many of those homes have been designed by Keith. With each individual property, Keith strives to make sure the structure highlights the luscious landscape, and he typically leans into his Italian architecture influences with each unique design.
Solea Pool at Trilith
One of today’s most unique and sought-after communities in Georgia is Trilith. Located just south of Atlanta in Fayetteville, this creative community is centered around Trilith Studios, and it’s home to 1,000-plus residents—and still growing. Keith’s design graces the master-planned community with Solea, the property’s resort style pool. In designing the pool’s Greco-Roman architecture, his inspiration was rooted in the public baths in Bath, England.