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 vibes just minutes away, the property blends cozy mountain charm with intentional, elevated design. At the heart of the retreat is Kate McNamara, interior designer and owner of Hickory Hill, who has meticulously crafted every detail to feel both rustic and refined.

“I wanted this cabin to feel warmly inviting, like a retreat you never want to leave, but completely unlike any other cabin you’ve stayed in.” – Kate McNamara

The Origin Story: From Dream to Retreat

Kate and her husband had envisioned a cabin getaway for more than fifteen years. Inspired by New England bed-and-breakfasts while living in Boston, they wanted a space that would serve their family and appeal to like-minded guests. Their search led them to Helen, Georgia, whose planned Alpine/German village identity offered the perfect combination of charm and market potential.

“This has been a dream we’ve carried with us for more than a decade—long before we even tied the knot.” – Kate McNamara

Design Philosophy: A Cabin, But Not a Cliché

Kate approached Hickory Hill with the eye of a professional designer, determined to avoid the typical “bear quilt and log bed” look that dominates so many mountain rentals. Her intent was to create a cabin that feels elevated yet approachable, rustic yet thoughtfully curated.

“So many cabins rely on predictable clichés—bear quilts, log beds—and that kind of decor just doesn’t resonate. I wanted to create something intentional, unique, and full of character.” – Kate McNamara

Beds are layered with oversized pillows that she personally made, sofas invite long afternoons of lounging, and textures are balanced to maintain warmth without tipping into cliché.

“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

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The Details That Make the Stay

Kate’s professional background in fashion and interiors informs the tactile choices that make Hickory Hill unique. She designed the overall color palette, created all the headboards, many of the pillows—including oversized bed pillows—and crafted the café and door curtains. Some textiles were repurposed from fabric or sheets, including material from the Parachute x West Elm collection, cut and sewn into custom pillows. Her attention to detail extends to practical and thoughtful touches: charging stations at every nightstand, a fully stocked kitchen, cozy layers of bedding, and amenities for four-legged guests.

“I made all the headboards, and designed many of the pillows myself—it was a joy to see each piece come to life in the space.” – 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 was a fashion apparel designer in my previous career… I transitioned into interiors, and I’m way happier.” – 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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