About us

Serene Woodland in North Carolina is a wildscaped  sanctuary for birds, pollinators, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and other wildlife in the Sandhills region of southeastern North Carolina. Every corner of our homestead has been thoughtfully designed and built by us on three acres of land, creating a simple and sustainable lifestyle that also allows us the freedom to travel and enjoy nature.Our homestead is home to a Chinese goose and wild ducks who come seasonably to have their ducklings here.  We also care for around twenty hens of various breeds and one rooster, many of which were hatched here on the property. They provide more than enough fresh eggs for us and our dogs and gatherings — as well as compost for our gardens and vegetable beds.

Sustainability, permaculture and wildscaping guide the way we live and care for the land. Our gardens are designed to feed not only us, but also wildlife and pollinators. We grow  and allow the growth of fruit trees, perennial herbs, and perennial flowers that attract a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects. 

Our woods have become a thriving habitat for more than 54 species of birds and 21 species of amphibians and reptiles. So far, we have identified 85 species of native trees and shrubs and nearly 40 species of native wildflowers on the property.

The main house was one of the first built in Cumberland County, North Carolina using green-building concepts. Designed with passive solar principles in mind, the house features a large south-facing window that captures winter sunlight to naturally warm the concrete floors and reduce electricity consumption, while also helping regulate temperatures during the hot summer months. The home includes solar electric panels, a foam-insulated roof, cellulose insulation, and a high-efficiency HVAC system.

There are many spaces throughout the property to relax and reconnect with nature. Our guest room, nestled in the woods, offers a glamping-style experience with the comforts of home and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.

When we first purchased the land, we had no clear vision for what it would become. At first, we considered simply holding it as a long-term investment. But over time, our mindset shifted toward creating the home and lifestyle we had always dreamed of — one that reflected our cultural diversity, our traveling experiences, personal tastes, and deep connection with nature.

We immersed ourselves in home design, renovation shows, magazines, and sustainable building ideas. The design process evolved from

a two-story house into a spacious one-level home after we considered aging and long-term accessibility. We noticed that many older people eventually rearranged their living spaces to have their bedrooms on the first floor, says Liliana. “Since we had plenty of space to expand outward, we redesigned the home as a single-story structure with a large south-facing window to maximize the benefits of passive solar energy.”

Once the plans were completed, we submitted them to five contractors. Each one declined to build the house, instead offering more traditional local designs. “We wanted to build our vision, not someone else’s,” says Scott.

While studying acupuncture in Hawaii, Scott worked with a contractor to support himself, gaining hands-on construction experience that later helped him obtain his contractor’s license. Liliana, drawing from her background as a business consultant, established the contracting business. "In the end, we became our own licensed contractors and our company built our home."

Although the house was completed in just thirteen months, the landscaping and restoration of the land continue to evolve naturally over time. Our long-term vision is to preserve and promote native plants across our eleven acres of land. One of the very first things we did was plant 600 longleaf pines, a species native to the Sandhills region.

Today, the property serves as a sanctuary and natural corridor for wildlife. The woods provide shade, reduce noise and pollution, act as a windbreak, and support a wide variety of beneficial creatures. Our gardens are filled with native plants, pollinator-friendly flowers, low-maintenance species, and fruit-bearing trees that nourish both us and the many birds, insects, and wild visitors that share this land with us.