Uncover a Hidden Gem: The Concept Dwelling – The Idea House
For over three decades, Southern Living has collaborated with builders, architects, and designers to create unique homes that embrace the Southern way of life while incorporating cutting-edge trends in home design. This year, we are delighted to reveal that our Idea House is currently being built in Keswick, a charming community just on the outskirts of Charlottesville that embodies the essence of Virginia’s countryside.
This marks the second occasion that we have constructed a residence in this region, with the last one being in 2015 in the Bundoran Farm neighborhood. We are enthusiastic about establishing this year’s Idea House in a location that pays homage to the finest aspects of Southern living, from its strong ties to the land to its welcoming spirit.
Nestled on a five-acre plot enveloped by trees, the 2025 Idea House seamlessly blends into its picturesque surroundings, thanks in part to its landscaping design inspired by the concept of a “modern homestead.” Featuring a fenced vegetable garden, a potting shed, and a parterre herb garden, the outdoor elements complement the interior space perfectly.
Internally, the focus is on effortless entertaining, with a dining room perfect for hosting gatherings and a screened porch ideal for casual get-togethers with neighbors and friends. Together, these indoor and outdoor spaces create a laid-back environment that is bound to stand the test of time for generations to come.
Explore Our Idea House
The Idea House will be open for public tours from August 8 to December 21, Thursday through Sunday. Operating hours on Thursday through Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, it will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that tours will not be conducted on Thanksgiving Day.
Meet Our Team
To bring our vision of the pastoral Virginia Idea House to life, we have assembled a team of experts based in Charlottesville: developer Molly Hardie, builder Allan Pettit of Alexander Nicholson, architects Julie Dixon and Keith Scott of Rosney Co. Architects, designer Charlotte Moss of Charlotte Moss & Co., and landscape architect Eugene Ryang of Waterstreet Studio.
2025 National Partners
Clopay®
Command™ Brand
James Hardie
Marvin®
Monogram Luxury Appliances
Propane Education & Research Council
Sherwin-Williams®
Southern Living® Home Collection Exclusively at Dillard’s
Southern Living® Plant Collection
TimberTech
For more details, read the full article on Southern Living.
