Overwhelmed. That was the word that came to mind the very first time David Bowen laid eyes on his familys vacation-home-to-be in central Georgia. He and his wife, Melissa, had been on the hunt for a rural property where they could gather with friends, family, and one very lucky grandchild to enjoy a slice of the simple life. I grew up hunting, fishing, and hiking on my familys farm, and Melissa and I wanted a place where we could pass those loves on to new generations, says David. They bought some land about two hours away from their hometown of Suwanee, Georgia, and were delighted when, a few years later, the house next door went up for sale. Surprisingly, I had never seen it, and there wasnt a lot of information about the property online, so I did my fair share of snooping on Google Earth before driving over, David says. When he finally arrived, he discovered a scenic long driveway, rolling fields, bosky tracts, a picture-perfect lake, andcue the screeching sounda 1980s-era rancher with a low-slung roof and so much red brick. It could not have been more at odds with its picturesque and pastoral surroundings. Knowing that the setting called for a classic Southern farmhouse, David called in for reinforcements, including Perry, Georgia-based designer James Farmer. This was a renovation that was going to take vision and a lot of work. I asked him to come down, and I laid it all outI told him, Were going to turn this thing into an old, Low Country-inspired house, and were going to do it right with a big front porch, dormer windows, a metal roof, white siding, wood floors, blue ceilingsall of it, says David. And to his credit, James said, I see where youre going with this, and I think its going to be fantastic. The goal was to create a traditional farmhouse and hunting lodgenot some stuffy antebellum mansion.With a plan in place, they took on their respective roles on the project. David concentrated on construction I know just enough about architecture to be dangerous, he saysand James took on the challenges that come with Reagan-era interior design choices (carpet in the bathrooms, a bad-linoleum galley kitchen), making way for layers of old-fashioned charm. The goal was to create a traditional farmhouse and hunting lodgenot some old, stuffy antebellum mansion, says James. Helen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerDesigner James Farmer decked the front door out for fall with a garland using magnolia branches and other trimmings found on the property.Fortunately, James was delighted to find original heart-pine floors beneath the shag carpet and linoleum floors. He then chose paint-grade lumber to create classic Southern millwork like beadboard and shiplap throughout the house. The woodwork instantly gave it a cozier and older feel, he says. As did wallpaper, which played a large part in the overall transformation. One of James first selections was a classic toile (Royal Oak by Lewis and Wood), which he paired with painted shiplap wainscoting in the homes entry. The papers putty hue also inspired the homes overall color palette. I love what I call the un-colors, says James. Theyre not green, theyre not gray, theyre not browntheyre these hues that are beautiful because theyre a little ambiguous. Helen NormanWhen it came to furnishings, the Bowens were keen to create spaces that felt collected. Trouble was, they didnt actually have enough family heirlooms to spare for their weekend getaway. Thats where Jamess enthusiasm for antiques came in handy, with the designer layering in items like oil paintings, demijohns, and French baskets, not to mention a few of his personal possessions, including a heavy as lead console table in the living room and a family bench that David says is still on loan from the designer. And while James is passionate about patina, he is also a champion of what he calls tomorrows antiques, referring to artfully made modern- day items modeled after pieces with provenance. One example: The primitive-looking sideboard in the entry, which James says takes after an old Southern hunt board.In the end, it only took about two years of work to make the house feel a full century olderand the process was significantly less daunting than David had anticipated. Normally, remodeling is not fun. This was fun, he says. Thats the good thing about working with James. He trusted me, and I trusted him, and we got that classic Southern farmhouse we wanted all along.Keep reading below to see more of the beautiful results.Tour More Beautifully Restored Farmhouses:A Kitchen for CongregatingHelen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyPreviously a dark galley layout with laminate cabinetry, the now open and airy kitchen was conceived with relaxation in mind. After fighting Atlanta traffic, you want a place you can put the groceries down and take a breath, says James. While he chose Carrara marble for the island, good ol Georgia heart-pine countertops line the perimeter. Melissas uncle built the cabinets (Noahs Custom Cabinets; 770-945-9824). Brass lighting adds warmth.Get the Look: Paint Color: Linen White by Benjamin MooreIsland Light Fixture: Sloane by Circa LightingRELATED: 60+ More Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas To Give Your Kitchen Charming, Timeless StyleA Relaxed Dining RoomHelen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerA mix of black Windsor chairs and upholstered French side chairs provides a more relaxed look around English oak dining table. The open dining room is flanked by equally cozy seating areas at each end, one for TV watching, the other for conversation.Tawny Hues and Textures Helen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyThe home, utilized for both guys hunting weekends and girls getaways, is rich with tailored neutrals. Throughout the living room, James embraced a beige grasscloth above shiplap wainscoting and rusty brown windowpane plaid fabric on the chairs and pillows. Its the perfect color of terrible tobacco, he says. Get the Look: Wallpaper:Ramie Bay by ThibautRELATED: 30+ Cozy Living Rooms Full of Decorating Ideas to Make You to Snuggle Up ForeverLayers of TextureHelen Norman, styling by Natalie Warady In the primary bedroom, another grasscloth wallcovering complements assorted checked fabrics atop the ebony black four-poster bed. Curtains of a more feminine tan and white toile fabric adds pattern and softness, while the painted V-groove wood ceiling adds age and warmth. Wallpaper: Windward Sisal in Beige by ThibautRELATED: More Wood Ceiling Ideas to Bring Your Room Country CharmCozy Guest RoomsHelen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyA netural grasscloth wallcovering, taupe checked curtains, and pretty patterned pillows add color to the guest room. Above the woven rush headboard, a collection of baskets and farm landscape paintings combine for an unexpected gallery wall. Get the Look: Wallpaper:Costa Stripe in Gray by ThibautRELATED: 30+ Guest Bedroom Ideas to Create a Cozy and Welcoming SpaceDouble the Porch SpaceHelen NormanWhen a house has views on all sides, one porch simply wont do. Equipped with a long dining table and lots of sit-a-spell seating, the large porch along the backside of the house beckons long and lingering family gatherings.Seasonal TouchesHelen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerCome fall, seasonal arrangements (featuring peachy Campanella and Free Spirit roses) offer an autumnal-hued alternative to mums. My mom called a peachy- apricot color Carl, like the mans name, instead of coral, says James. So Carl is my favorite fall color. Cozy layered blankets welcome those who wander up from the boathouse.RELATED: The Best Fall Porch Decor Ideas to Celebrate AutumnComplementary Outbuildings Helen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyHelen NormanTour More Dreamy Homes: