Inside Hickory Hill Retreat: A Design-Forward Cabin in Helen, Georgia

A Curated Cabin Experience

Tucked into the North Georgia mountains near Helen, Hickory Hill Retreat is not your standard cabin rental. With Alpine-inspired village charm just minutes away, the property blends cozy mountain character with intentional, elevated design. At the heart of the retreat is Kate McNamara, interior designer and owner of Hickory Hill, who has shaped the home with a thoughtful, highly personal design language.

"Most cabins are rustic by default. I wanted this one to feel considered — like someone had actually thought about how the sheets would feel." – Kate McNamara

The Origin Story: From Dream to Retreat

Kate and her husband envisioned a cabin getaway for more than fifteen years. Inspired by New England bed-and-breakfasts during their time in Boston, they set out to create a space that would serve their family while welcoming like-minded guests. Their search eventually led them to Helen, Georgia, whose Alpine-inspired character offered both charm and a strong sense of place.

"We carried this idea with us for more than a decade. Some dreams just take time to find their right form." – Kate McNamara

Design Philosophy: A Cabin, But Not a Cliché

Kate approached Hickory Hill with a designer’s restraint, intentionally moving away from the familiar “bear quilt and log bed” aesthetic often associated with mountain rentals. Instead, she focused on creating a cabin that feels elevated yet grounded—warm, layered, and quietly refined.

“So many cabins default to the same visual shorthand. I wanted every decision at Hickory Hill to be considered — nothing inherited, nothing accidental.” – Kate McNamara

Beds are layered for comfort, living spaces are designed for lingering afternoons, and textures are balanced to create warmth without excess. The result is a home that feels both intentional and effortless.

“Every detail matters. I think about the experience from the guest’s perspective and craft the environment so that it feels effortless, comfortable, and memorable.” – Kate McNamara

The Details That Make the Stay

Kate’s background in fashion and interiors informs the tactile sensibility throughout Hickory Hill. She designed the overall color palette and introduced a series of custom textile moments across the home, including handcrafted pillows and café and door curtains.

Select textiles were thoughtfully repurposed, including fabric from the Pierce & Ward x West Elm collection, reimagined into custom pillows. Throughout the home, handcrafted pieces sit alongside carefully sourced designs from brands such as Loloi and Lulu & Georgia, creating a layered, collected feel.

The home is also shaped by practical comforts: charging stations at every nightstand, a fully stocked kitchen, soft bedding layers, and thoughtful amenities for four-legged guests.

"I made all the headboards and most of the pillows myself. When you design something by hand, it changes how a room feels — guests can't always say why, but they know." – Kate McNamara

A Nod to Helen: German Alpine Character

The property subtly reflects Helen’s German-inspired Alpine character without feeling like a theme park. Scalloped trim, distinctive staircase railings, and carefully chosen exterior paint colors evoke the Alpine feel while remaining authentic. Kate’s design sensibility ensures that the home’s character is unique, sophisticated, and coherent with the region, creating a space that both honors local identity and expresses her own design voice.

“The goal was to weave in local character while keeping the design elegant and distinctive—rooted in the area, yet unmistakably our own.” – Kate McNamara

Meet the Designer

Kate’s journey from fashion apparel design to interiors is central to the cabin’s story. She transitioned into interior design, bringing her skills in concept development, sourcing, and project management to every corner of Hickory Hill. Her professional experience manifests in every curated choice throughout the home, from furniture and textiles to spatial planning and overall ambiance. Outside of Hickory Hill, Kate is available for hire through Modify, a boutique Atlanta-area firm specializing in luxury remodels.

"I spent years designing clothes for people. Now I design spaces that make people feel something — and I've never looked back." – Kate McNamara

Book the Stay

Hickory Hill is a design-forward, detail-oriented, dog-friendly cabin, set in the serene North Georgia mountains near Helen. Guests can book directly through The MDS Collective or follow @hickoryhillhelen on Instagram for more photos and updates.

“Airbnb is a marketing tool for now, but our ultimate goal is to create a direct connection with guests—cutting out fees and making every experience more personal.” – Kate McNamara

All interior design at Hickory Hill Retreat was created and curated by Kate McNamara, interior designer and owner. Kate is available for hire for luxury remodels and design projects through her firm, Modify (modifyatl.com).

Photography for Hickory Hill Retreat was provided by Liz McShane. See more of her work at lizmcshanephotos.com.

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