Two Painted Quilt Blocks Unveiled at The Coves Mountain River Club
We’re always intrigued when we see painted quilt blocks on wooden barns as we drive across Western North Carolina wondering if the owner is a famous artist or avid quilter. We soon discovered that for many, there is significant meaning behind the painted quilt blocks as some are a tribute to a lost loved one.
We found this to be true at one of the most interesting gated communities in the foothills NC, The Coves Mountain River Club. Located at the base of Blowing Rock, the mountain community’s full service equestrian center, Round Mountain Ranch, is beautifully built along the Johns River and is the home of two new painted quilt blocks framing out each end of the barn.
On Tuesday May 17th, friends and family gathered at the ranch for the formal unveiling of the two commissioned painted quilt blocks named ‘Windows to Heaven’, one specifically honoring Emily Kavalieros with the letter “E” as the focal point of the mosaic artwork. Emily is the 11-year-old daughter of developer Nick Kavalieros, who went home to heaven on December 25, 2011. The painted quilt blocks on each end of the barn provide viewing corridors for Emily to watch over the horses she loved so much at the ranch and are near many of the NC mountain homes at The Coves. The moment was heartfelt and followed by a warm gathering at the mountaintop lodge.
The two painted quilt blocks were painted by local artist Charlie Frye, a fun-loving artist from Lenoir who’s commonly found wearing jean suspenders covered in paint. People know his artwork by the bold colors and his contemporary twist on cows, chickens and farmers. Frye painted stars as the focal point of the two painted quilt block designs as beacons bringing family and friends home to The Coves Mountain River Club. The blocks are painted the most beautiful shades of aqua blue, kelly green and barn red.
Round Mountain Ranch is one of the many amenities residents enjoy within the NC mountain community. Thirty nine miles of trails connect to the ranch leading to four cascading waterfalls, community parks and scenic outlooks. Elevations within The Coves range from 1,100 to 1,700 feet. At the community’s summit, Pisgah Mountain Lodge is a stunning mountaintop lodge with 360 panorama views of Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain and the South Mountains. The infinity-view swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor living room make the choice between being outside or inside the cozy lodge a tough choice. Inside the lodge, the great room is huge and has an entertainment kitchen, bar and fireplace. The lodge also features wrap around verandas, a fitness center, billiard room and library. Residents have all types of NC mountain homes to choose from near the lodge.
The Coves Mountain River Club also has five miles of frontage on the Johns River. The mountain-fed water is crystal clear and is a great place for kayaking, fishing or splashing with a dog. Along the river, Coves River Pavilion is a covered barbecue area with a social fire pit and game courts. Waterfall Park is adjacent to the park along with two community gardens and the equestrian center in the foothills NC.
The NC mountain community is always hustling and bustling with fun things to do. Five times a year, the residents come together for cook-off competitions at the lodge. Guest lecture speakers, artists and chefs are hosted monthly by The Coves for lifelong learning experiences and neighborly fun.
Spreading across 3,600 acres, there are all types of homes at The Coves, from private wooded homes to prime riverfront property or pastoral view homes with long range mountain views. Approximately 100 NC mountain homes have been built to date or are under construction. People choose The Coves for not only the fantastic amenities and views but for the mild four season weather and low HOA fees at less than $1,000 a year.
The Coves is conveniently located between the mountain towns of Lenoir, Blowing Rock, Morganton and Hickory. They have an excellent 84 page Visitor’s Guide that is free upon request and provides tons of information about living in the foothills NC.
