Dotdash Meredith’s Southern Living has announced that its 2023 Idea House is located in Leiper’s Fork. The  Idea House is a 5,600-square-foot home that blends a contemporary feel with the warmth and character of a classic Tennessee farmhouse. This year’s Idea House was built and designed with an eye to the future. Sustainability was considered throughout the process, such as selecting energy-efficient windows and appliances, sourcing antique and local furnishings, and prioritizing natural and biodegradable materials. Inspired by the location, the house features an in-home music room complete with a grand piano, a party barn primed for entertaining and decor inspired by local artists. 

 

“We’re calling this our Country House as a nod to Music City, and to the fact that it was designed to embrace its beautiful rural setting,” said Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living. “This home is all about a connection to the land, and that comes through in design choices that prioritize sustainability, endless porches for entertaining and living outside, and plants everywhere.” 

 

This year’s Idea House is made possible by a talented team from across the South: husband-and-wife duo Patrick and Mary Hatcliff of Hatcliff Construction, Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake and Land Studio, Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio, and Butch Hamby of Southern Creations Landscaping. 

 

Deirdre Finnegan, VP, Publisher of Southern Living, said, “For thirty-five years, our Idea House Program has continued to inspire our readers and celebrate the southern lifestyle, and we’re excited to bring the program back to the Nashville area after ten years. The location is perfect for this year’s Idea House, and the design of this home is inspired by both the beautiful scenery in Leiper’s Fork and as by its proximity to the heart of country music. We’re excited to bring our new and returning sponsors to Tennessee and to share the creative ways in which their innovative products are showcased in this year’s house.” 

 

The home will be open for public tours from August to December 2023. Tickets for in-person tours of the home will go on sale in July. A portion of the proceeds of home tour tickets will go to local charities. In November, the Idea House will be decorated for the holidays, with activations to be scheduled in celebration of the season.