HGTV Dream Home 2006: Outdoor Living Space Pictures

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Mountain and Lake Views

The heart of this mountain retreat is actually not indoors, but outside, in the magnificent outdoor living room/dining room more familiarly known as a "dogtrot." Back in the day, a "dogtrot" was a covered outdoor area in which the dogs could be let loose for a walk on rainy days. "It's what makes this house a Southern Appalachian dream," says architect Parker Platt.

Indeed, the climate in the mountains here is mild enough to permit year-round use of the outdoor spaces, and the enormous outdoor fireplace and soaring peaked roof offer the opportunity to stay warm outdoors on cool days or cool on warm days. A stone ledge that runs along the perimeter of the terrace provides built-in seating. "You don't have to worry about moving furniture in and out. It's always there and always accessible, just like the view," says Linda Woodrum.