Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Custom Home Builder in North Georgia Mountains
Modern Rustic Homes is a design-build firm dedicated to creating custom homes that harmonize modern amenities with rustic craftsmanship. Founded in 1996 by Michael Grant and Joe Dixon, our team combines over 70 years of combined experience in residential design and construction. We specialize in energy-efficient homes featuring open-concept layouts, gourmet kitchens, and natural materials like timber and stone. Our process prioritizes client collaboration, ensuring every home reflects the owner's lifestyle and preferences. Recognized nationally by Houzz and published in Log & Timber Home Magazine, we serve clients across North Georgia and beyond.Our commitment to quality includes using high-performance windows, spray foam insulation, and integrated technology for comfort and sustainability. We also offer real estate guidance to help clients find ideal properties. With a focus on transparency and client satisfaction, we deliver turn-key solutions from site preparation to landscaping. Our team's expertise extends to estate homes, hybrid construction, and mountain modern designs. For over 25 years, we've built more than 300 custom homes, earning a reputation for innovation and excellence in the industry.
Services
Custom Home Design
Timber Frame Homes
Sustainable Building
Estate Home Design
Real Estate Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined experience in custom home design and construction.
- Our team uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient building practices.
- We provide full transparency through collaborative client involvement in every construction phase.
- Our homes feature nationally recognized design innovations and craftsmanship.
- We offer integrated real estate services to help clients find ideal mountain properties.
Associations and certifications
- Houzz
Services
Custom Home Design
Our custom home design service creates personalized living spaces that reflect your lifestyle and preferences. We collaborate closely with clients to develop floor plans, select materials, and integrate technology. With expertise in modern rustic aesthetics, we deliver energy-efficient homes that combine functionality with timeless beauty.
Timber Frame Homes
Specializing in timber frame construction, we craft durable, energy-efficient homes using traditional joinery techniques. Our designs incorporate heavy timber beams and natural materials while meeting modern comfort standards. Each home features custom details like wood-burning fireplaces and stone accents for authentic mountain living.
Sustainable Building
Our sustainable building practices focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. We use spray foam insulation, high-performance windows, and tankless water heaters to reduce energy consumption. Natural materials and low-maintenance finishes ensure long-term durability while minimizing ecological impact through responsible construction methods.
Estate Home Design
Estate home design caters to discerning clients seeking expansive, high-end residences. We incorporate gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and open-concept layouts with panoramic mountain views. Our team advises on property selection and integrates luxury features like elevator-ready designs and custom built-ins.
Real Estate Assistance
We provide real estate guidance to help clients find suitable properties for their dream homes. Our services include location analysis, land evaluation, and connections with local real estate professionals. This one-stop approach ensures seamless transitions from property selection to construction planning.
People
Michael Grant
Residential Designer
Founder of Modern Rustic Homes with a Georgia Tech architecture degree. Published in national magazines, he combines Old World craftsmanship with modern technology. Serves on the Georgia High Country Builders Association Board.
Joe Dixon
General Contractor
Construction expert with 35+ years experience building over 300 custom homes. Specializes in hybrid, log, and timber frame construction. Focuses on quality craftsmanship and project management excellence.
Jeri Presta
Client Services Manager
Manages client communications with a financial services background. Organizes project information to ensure smooth construction processes. Known for her friendly, client-focused approach to home building coordination.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily build in North Georgia mountains, including Big Canoe and Waterstone communities. Design services extend to clients nationwide seeking custom mountain homes.
How involved do I need to be during construction?
Clients participate in key decisions about fixtures, finishes, and layouts. We guide you through approvals for cabinets, lighting, and built-ins to ensure your vision is realized.
What does 'turn-key construction' mean?
Our turn-key service handles everything from site preparation to landscaping. When completed, your home is move-ready with all systems operational and final finishes applied.
How should I approach budget planning?
Establish a target budget and a maximum acceptable amount. Consider variables like site conditions, foundation needs, and unexpected costs such as rock excavation during construction.
What makes your design process unique?
Our collaborative design/build approach captures your ideas into functional spaces. We focus on natural light integration, authentic architectural details, and technology that supports modern living.
What sustainability features do you offer?
We incorporate spray foam insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and sustainable materials. Our designs maximize natural light and use durable, low-maintenance finishes for eco-friendly living.
Reviews (3)
Rich Haydel
Dec 07, 2019
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Over the past 30 years, we have built three houses. This experience with Caldwell Banker High Country Realty and Modern Rustic Homes, by far, has been the most pleasant and rewarding. From day one, our contact with Michael Grant has been a journey that any homeowner would relish. If we could script a perfect real estate experience, this would be it. Our intuition, after speaking with Michael for the first time, washere is a trustworthy, meticulous and professional Realtor and builder. While Michael provided real estate, design and architectural expertise, his team also included a builder, Joe
Dennis Easter
Nov 30, 2019
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Image Doors provided custom Carriage House garage doors for a couple of Modern Rustic Homes projects. We enjoying working with their staff for the selection and installation of our products. The style and beauty on the log home designs highly complimented the outstanding quality of the garage doors.
David Cox
Oct 01, 2019
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Fantastic team. By far, best build house I have ever owned. From design to finished product, the Modern Rustic team was professional, honest and communicative. Follow-up after the closing was exceptional. A delight to work with!
David & Mary Jo Cox. Big Canoe, GA
David & Mary Jo Cox. Big Canoe, GA
