Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

Hey everyone! We are so thrilled that Southern Living has decided to build their 59th Idea House at the Fontanel, only 15 minutes from downtown Nashville—the best city in the South, if you ask us! We’ll be reporting to you on the ground from Nashville with all the latest news and happenings as this house is built before our eyes. 


But first things first: the groundbreaking ceremony!
 We were there to watch (how many groundbreaking ceremonies does one get invited to….ever?), scope out the scene (both people as well as the fantastic site) and report it all for you! So here’s a snapshot (well, several actually) from the big day:

Bacon-Grits Fritters, Ham-Stuffed Biscuits, Caramel Apple Muffins

There was amazing food! We were delighted (extreme understatement) to see and eat several delectable Southern Living made treats, while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

The mayor came! Karl Dean, Nashville’s mayor, gave a few words about how the Southern Living Idea House would add to the attractions of Nashville and would help make Nashville a much more compelling place to visit. (Over 80,000 visitors regularly tour Idea Houses.)

Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

The Editor-in-Chief spoke! Lindsay Bierman, editor-in-chief of Southern Living Magazine (We love his brown tweed suit!) had some very exciting things to share about the Idea House at the Fontanel:

• Breaking tradition with Idea Houses in the past which are normally sold after being open to the public, this Idea House will be converted to a bed and breakfast and event space for the Fontanel!

• The Idea House team (builder: Castle Homes, architect: Historical Concepts, designer: Phoebe Howard, and landscape architect: Page Duke) is working hard to create a refined and relaxed farmhouse that builds on Tennessee’s rich architectural legacy giving the home an authentic sense of place.

Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

It’s all being done for charity! Rick Shadyac, Jr. (President of St. Jude’s Hospital, pictured above) spoke next. We were so excited as we learned that St. Jude would be the charity partner for the Southern Living Idea House. When St. Jude opened its doors 50 years ago, the survival rate of a child with cancer was a dismal 4%. Now, the rate has climbed to an unbelievable 94%! The amazing work this hospital does for children is incredible and we can think of nothing better than for this Idea House to help bring more attention and revenue to St. Jude’s efforts! To know more about St. Jude, their mission and incredible work, click on this link for more information: www.stjude.org.

And then from there the fun began…lots of digging and hard hats to be seen:

Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

And what’s a groundbreaking ceremony without some cake?

Photo Courtesy: Interior Canvas

Yes, that amazing cake is actually a replica of what the Idea House will look like. Isn’t it fantastic? We can’t wait!!

Stay tuned for more updates from the Fontanel. We look forward to reporting the progress in the months to come!

Anna-Kristin and Cameron
www.interiorcanvas.com