It used to be that attics were dumping grounds for the family Christmas tree, off-season clothing and outdated gadgets. They were dark, dusty and sometimes downright scary.

These days, homeowners like Daphne Harding-Smith are embracing the angled walls and converting their attics into master suites, guest rooms, offices or custom hideaways. Harding-Smith did all those things and more. The attic, in essence, is a spacious, modern apartment with all the amenities.

Daphne and her husband, British-born Alistair Harding-Smith, moved into their custom-built six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom Heritage Park Lane home in The Preserve community almost five years ago. The Harding-Smiths and their three children, ages 10, 8 and 6, were among the first to settle on the street.

To read more about Daphne Harding-Smith’s attic retreat, check out the May 2014 issue of Hoover’s Magazine. Find your copy here.