The Carter House x Studio Yuda
Carter Avenue | East Nashville | Studio Yuda
This unconventional, minimalist, modern marvel of a home on Carter Ave feels like a well-kept secret — serene and understated, tucked back and away on an unassuming side street in an East Nashville neighborhood, a few blocks from my own home. It’s unlike its neighbors, it’s recessed into privacy, and strikes a balance of aesthetics both bold and understated. It’s discreet without being shy, with strong geometric shapes, clean lines, and natural materials that lend an organic warmth to its upscale presence. It feels well-integrated into the landscape, with earth-toned accents complementing the surrounding greenery, where simplicity and elegance coexist effortlessly.
A vibrant cherry red mailbox marks the address, with a long gravel driveway that snakes down the property line. A curious, small wooden studio sits to the side, its cube-like form adorned with a singular porthole window that teases glimpses of the artful interior—a vibrant pop of golden yellow hinting at the creativity within. High above and beyond the studio, large, airy, sundrenched windows peek over the 15 foot tall facade of soft ivory brick and flood the interior with natural light. Every element of the design feels intentional and harmonious.
As my Jeep rolls up and crunches the gravel beneath the tires, I enter an architectural oasis of serenity and minimalist design. I’m here at high noon, just as the south facing sun gives its strongest kisses. An afternoon thunderstorm is rolling in while it is 98° outside in the middle of August and I’m trying to avoid a sunburn. The swimming pool, tucked on the back north side of the house, eagerly awaits the overhead sun for its most vibrant warmth. Minimal, thoughtful, and playful landscaping is sprinkled across the property. I tread lightly down the stone path in the grass to unveil the front door, as a gorgeous, unobstructed entryway unfolds before me into the courtyard, brimming with late-summer blooms, before the soaring wooden threshold. A single wrought iron chair and a weeping cherry tree invite moments of solitude, contemplation, and sun salutations.
Around back, a secluded and spacious yard is shaded by the outstretched branches of a single, massive generations-old oak tree. A rectangular swimming pool extends from the house, creating a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors. Lounge chairs, white umbrellas, and wildflowers evoke sensations of relaxation poolside, once again finding balance in new corners.
This homestead brings me so much peace in my small time in its presence. It feels as if it should exist in a sprawling landscape, perhaps nestled into the foothills of a desert with mountains rising beyond the backyard. Yet here it stands, tucked into a bustling urban neighborhood, surrounded by ranch homes from the 1950s, bungalows from the early 20th century, and budding new builds abound. I hope this home inspires fellow neighbors to pause, take in its powerful aesthetic, and get curious about the possibilities of your own home. It’s a reminder that architecture is for us, to live and exist within and around.
