Image courtesy of Southern Living
Dotdash-2025-Idea-House-Rendering-Jon-Messer
2025 Southern Living Idea House rendering
The 2025 Southern Living Idea House is coming to Charlottesville's Keswick neighborhood, just a little over a two-hour drive from Alexandria, Southern Living has announced. The house will be open to the public for tours from August through December, and a portion of the proceeds of home tour tickets will go to local charities.
"We're thrilled to return to Charlottesville after a decade and showcase a home that celebrates the natural beauty of this region," said Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living.
"Nestled within the hills of Keswick, Virginia, this home offers the perfect backdrop to the rich history, renowned wineries and vibrant culture that make this area so special," he said.
For more than 35 years, Southern Living has partnered with builders, architects and designers to produce a custom home to celebrate the Southern lifestyle and the latest innovations in home design.
Set on 5 acres, this year's Idea House is designed to celebrate the natural beauty of Virginia. Spanning more than 4,500 square feet, the home features four bedrooms and four and a half baths, with serene views of a tranquil lake. The home is designed for gracious entertaining, with a refined dining room and welcoming screened-in porch–an essential element of Southern hospitality.
Surrounded by a Virginia Piedmont forest and a pine woodland, it offers a peaceful retreat from everyday life. Inspired by the concept of a "modern homestead," the landscape plan promotes ecological stewardship and a self-sustaining lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces include a small orchard within a native meadow, a fenced vegetable garden and charming potting shed, and a parterre herb garden.
This year's Idea House will be brought to life by a talented team of local Charlottesville professionals: developer Molly Hardie; builder Alexander Nicholson; architects Rosney Co. Architects; designer Charlotte Moss & Co.; and landscape architect Waterstreet Studio.
Hardie oversaw the renovation of nearby luxury resort Keswick Hall, which she owns with her husband Robert. They also own The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.
Moss is one of the nation's most renowned interior and garden designers and a native Virginian. Moss was recognized in 2023 by the American Horticultural Society with its National Achievement Award at its 50th anniversary gala.The author of 11 books, including "Garden Inspirations" and "Flowers," is currently working on a new book titled "Women in Horticulture" — including a chapter on Enid Haupt — to be published by Rizzoli in 2025.
Moss has received numerous honors, including the New York School of Interior Design's Centennial Medal and the Royal Oak Foundation's Timeless Design Award. In addition to her business pursuits, Moss is active philanthropically: She is the Emerita Trustee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, on the Boards at the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation, The Order of Saint John, The Madoo Conservancy, the International Council of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, and the Board of the Board of American Corporate Partners where she mentors veterans.
HGTV's Erin and Ben Napier will contribute to the home with custom countertops and products from Scotsman Co. Additionally, Andrew Reid of Reid Classics will showcase his company's craftsmanship throughout the home, along with talented local artisans.
"This year's Idea House will provide visitors and readers alike with fresh, innovative ideas tailored to modern living in the South," said Tiffany Ehasz, VP, head of sales. "We're excited to bring this project to the Virginia countryside and grateful to our sponsors and partners for helping bring our vision to life in new and creative ways."
There are currently 10 sponsors of the 2025 Idea House, whose products will be included throughout the home: 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, and TimberTech Decking and Railing.
The home will be featured on SouthernLiving.com and in the September 2025 issue of Southern Living, available on newsstands August 15. Following the completion of the house, a Southern Living House Plan for the 2025 Idea House will be available for purchase online.
