Southern Living’s teamed up with Brunswick County construction company Whitney Blair Custom Homes, developer Bald Head Island Limited, Moser Design Group Inc. and Coral Harper Interior Design, to create the Ultimate Southern Dream Home. The goal of the idea home was to create a home that was stylish, in addition to being environmentally conscious.
The Idea House, located at 204 Whale Head Way, is designed to “provide creative ideas and inspiration for visitors,” with signage and information throughout the home on specific fabric designers, artwork, furniture, and appliances.
“The strategy of how this house was designed and laid out, and how it breathes and flows with the materials I used, were designed around living freely,” designer Eric Moser said. “I hope that this house makes sense, that it flows well, that it’s comfortable, that it’s not contrived, it’s authentic.
Plenty of sitting areas, lots of porches, bold colors mixed with prints of flora and fauna make this home unique and fit perfectly on Bald Head. Lots of rattan, leaves, rich textures, and bamboo remind you that you are never very far from nature, which describes the aesthetic of the island perfectly. Another aim of the house is to draw you to the outdoors, this house has over 1,300 square feet of outdoor living space featuring porches, fire pits, and beautiful gardens.
The home features wonderful features which capture elements of the south, like a butler’s pantry, a sleeping porch, and a crofter, but includes a modern and elegant feel. The builders were also careful to incorporate authentic items into the design including a dining room floor made from 101-year-old joists salvaged from the Wilson Tobacco Company in Wilson, North Carolina.
Bald Head Island was the perfect choice for Southern Living’s Dream home, nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Bald Head fits the definition of an “island retreat.” The island is only accessible by water. Except for police and maintenance vehicles, there are no cars on the island. Residents and visitors get around by golf cart, bike, or their own two feet.
“The Southern Living Idea House is an important marker in the island’s development,” said Charles Paul, III, CEO for Bald Head Island Limited. “It will bring great exposure to the island, but most importantly is consistent with the Mitchell Family’s legacy of sensitive land planning and architectural design in harmony with nature.”
According to the Bald Head Island website, of the island’s 12,000 acres, only 2,000 allow for development, leaving 10,000 acres of beaches, salt marsh and maritime forest protected for visitors to enjoy. The island is also rich in history, with the states oldest lighthouse, “Old Baldy,” dating back to 1817.
A portion of ticket sales from the Idea House will go toward the Old Baldy Foundation, which works to protect and maintain the 200-year-old lighthouse.
Tickets are $15 for adults, and free for children under 12. The home is open Wednesday through Saturday until Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
The home will be open weekends throughout September and October.
Story sourced from Port City Daily and Southern Living. Photos and Video from Southern Living.
