DIY Network Ultimate Retreat Giveaway: Behind the Design

Discover DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018: Location + Design 2 Videos

Discover DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018: Location + Design

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Find out where DIY Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located!

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Before the Renovation

This 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom mountain escape is a blank canvas for an exciting renovation.

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the front elevation of exterior before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the side elevation before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the detatched garage before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the front angled view of front door and kitchen door before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the stone steps and porch before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the front door before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the entryway and living room before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the living room before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the dining room and kitchen space before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the kitchen sink area looking toward kitchen space, living room, entry and side wall of the master suite before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the kitchen before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the master bedroom before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the master bathroom before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the guest room before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the guest bathroom before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the second guest room before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the rear elevation and upper deck before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

The DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018 is located in Sapphire, North Carolina. This home will be completely gutted and remodeled during renovations. Pictured is the lower deck before construction. (Before)

Photo By: Gil Stose

From Construction to Completion

Explore the Exterior Time-Lapse 37 Photos

Discover the Build Diary 60 Photos

What's the Design Plan? 11 Photos

From modern mountain furnishings to paint swatches courtesy of HGTV HOME™ by Sherwin-Williams, see what designer Elizabeth Demos has in store for this charming escape.

Our Style Guide

Get a sneak peek of the designer's go-to looks for this year's home.

Design With Woodsy Wildlife 15 Photos

Kid-Friendly Cabin Style 14 Photos

Rustic Chic Color Palettes 14 Photos

Decorating With Antiques in Your Mountain Retreat 14 Photos

Embrace treasures of yore and add value (both in style and $$$) to your decor with antiques that completely complement rustic design.

About the Hosts

Matt Blashaw

This licensed contractor honed his handyman skills while working at his father's lumberyard through college.

All About Matt

J. Pickens

Host of DIY Network Ultimate Retreat 2018, J. Pickens is a designer, fabricator, and maker who creates work filled with a spirit of adventure, discovery, and history. His career has been enviably diverse and features everything from movie prop building to high end interior design. In spite of his Brooklyn, NY location, J. Pickens can’t deny his roots in the Deep South and loves all things fishing and outdoors.