June 28, 2013

Southern Living Idea House at Fontanel


It's been the most exciting week! I was invited to have a sneak peek of the newest 
Southern Living Idea House. Built on the grounds of Fontanel, Barbara Mandrell's famous estate, the SL Idea House is a sight (and a site) to behold! 

Located in lovely Whites Creek just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Fontanel has long been a gorgeous location. But now, with the addition of the newest Southern Living Idea House, it's even more beautiful! 

The Southern Living Idea House at Fontanel opens to the public tomorrow (Saturday, June 29th) and will remain open through December for guest tours. After that, the property will become a boutique hotel/bed & breakfast destination. 


Photos inside the house were strictly prohibited since it will be featured in the July edition of Southern Living...so you'll just have to take my word for it until the magazine comes out! 

The central house is flanked with guest cottages and two adorable small cottages called 'bunkies.' Porches connect the properties around a grassy quad area. In fact, the property contains 2800 square feet of porches! 


I was allowed to bring a +1 so I invited my lovely southern momma and we had a blast! Our Nashville trip included other adventures so stay tuned for more of that as well! 


The highlight of the event was getting to meet Southern Living editor-in-chief Lindsay Bierman who provided the behind-the-scenes tour. Also in attendance was designer Phoebe Howard who designed the property's interior spaces. 


After our daytime tour, a crew descended on the property to transform it for the night's party. Nearly 500 guests attended the opening party, including Nashville news personality Jonathan Martin, musician Keb' Mo' and Big Kenny of country music's Big & Rich. 


Southern Living EIC Lindsay Bierman & my mom...too cute! 

Make plans now to visit the Idea House at Fontanel. It's absolutely stunning and there are plenty of things to do in the area....including paying a visit to the Goo Goo Clusters Outpost on the grounds of Fontanel. 


Summer only officially started a week ago and already mine is getting off on the right foot! I hope your summer is going swimmingly my dear!