255 Valhalla Dr., DeLand, FL 32724

“...the very best of Jim Mitchell’s creative impulse...creative genius; an artistic adventure that will make all of us better people for having shared it.” -- the commissioning words that employed the design & build of this one-of-a-kind custom home. Nestled on 3+ acres of wooded green cascading over rolling hills hidden in the heart of Deland, this impressive 3-story structure emerges from vibrant green treetops. Designed to coexist, this home is for the contemplative soul who finds both solace & energy in and amidst the wonder of nature. The main living hall, reaching the full 3-stories, features cedar planks/exposed beams on the ceiling stretching up & out like towering branches seemingly arising out of full tree trunks that anchor the home upright while walls of plate glass intentionally present uncertainty as to where sheltered living begins or ends w/two glass sliders in place only for times when the distinction becomes necessary. With a nod to an Asian influence, the balance of ying/yang are clearly visible in the cut of the trim, the alignment of the teak floors, the shoji in the 2nd floor office, the koi pond, & in vivid touches of red on the moongate, fireplace, built-ins and tile. The third floor provides two masters, both with soaring cedar-planked ceilings, numerous windows, & glass sliding doors ushering in soft sunlit beams and the balmy breeze from almost every direction. An additional space serves well as an art or music studio but with some creativity could be used as a third bedroom.