Over the years I have made a point of going on Manhattan House Tours and attending the Decorator Show House in our fair city – both are sponsored by the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, an organization that has been around for 104 years. Because of this, I was immediately drawn to an article titled “The Southern Dream” that I saw in Southern Living of August 2019.

WHAT IS THE “2019 IDEA HOUSE”?

This is an annual event held by the magazine that is, according to the Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans, “one of the most intense and rewarding projects we undertake every year. It’s an effort to build and decorate an idyllic Southern dream home in a very tight time frame – usually around EIGHT MONTHS – and then produce a story about it.” In my mind that’s a killer deadline!

WHAT IS THE BASIC CONCEPT BEHIND THIS PROJECT?

The idea is to build a brand new structure with a classic “old” look that embraces all the best features of Southern architecture and lifestyle. A team of architects, builders, interior designers, painters, woodworkers, writers, stylists and photographers is assembled. Or, as Evans says, “In many ways, it’s like a modern-day barn raising, with a community coming together to make something beautiful, lasting and inspiring.”

 WHERE IS THIS YEAR’S “IDEA HOUSE” LOCATED?

This year’s house is located on Crane Island, Florida, a gorgeous enclave of live oaks and palmettos near Fernandina Beach. Evans notes, “When we opened the house for tours on June 8th, several hundred people came to our celebratory party. There was a sense of pride that ran through the whole gathering. Or, as one said, ‘This house looks as if it’s been here forever.’ That’s exactly what we wanted to hear.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ELEMENTS OF SOUTHERN STYLE?

In her write-up about this project, titled “The Southern Dream” Senior Editor, Zoë Gowan writes, “This year’s ‘Idea House’ on Amelia Island has all the classic touches of a Southern home with island influences: high ceilings, broad porches and plenty of wide hallways to let gentle breezes pass through. This design also calls for large windows that can frame the views of the waterways and the large oak trees.”

WHEN CAN YOU TAKE A TOUR OF THIS LOVELY STRUCTURE?

The Southern Living Idea House is open for tours until December 8th. The hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm until 4 pm. The admission is $22, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Amelia Island Museum of History. For more details please visit

https://craneisland.com/

This site offers a fascinating look at the island itself. It says, “We are surrounded by unspoiled, idyllic beauty, and are just a bike ride away from breathtaking beaches, spectacular sunsets, world class culinary talent and a true Main Street downtown – all this and more with easy access to a private airport as well as the Jacksonville International Airport.“

So there you have it. I’d like to leave any time in the next five minutes.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick