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2006 Progressive Farmer/Southern Living Idea House:
Planter's Retreat
Tallahassee, Florida

In late 2005, SPAN was approached by the good folks at Southern Living and Progressive Farmer magazines (both owned by Southern Progress Corp.) to be part of their 2006 Idea House Program. The house they had in mind for SPAN sounded like a dream: nestled on the side of a pristine pond, the home would represent the best of both worlds - the nearby city of Tallahassee and the wide open spaces of rural farmland.

Planter's Retreat was a celebration of sorts, as it was the first show home to be sponsored by both magazine titles. The end result was designed, decorated and debuted in a manner that would speak to readers of both magazines and offer plenty of design ideas to homes of all shapes and sizes.

Given the natural, outdoor setting of the house, the choice of Southern Pine lumber as key ingredient outside — and inside — the home was a no-brainer. We'll set the scene for you: Large trees draped in Spanish moss surround the backyard pond, creating much-needed shade in the heat of the summer. Orchards and gardens provide color and sustenance while the 3,300-square-foot floor plan provides room for the entire family to be together and enjoy time apart. The warm, rustic feel of the large white farmhouse is a perfect juxtaposition to the contemporary decorative touches found throughout the house.

And Southern Pine was all over that house!

Framing: Pressure-treated Southern Pine lumber was used to frame the entire home, a building method that's new — and it's catching on. For humid areas such as Florida, choosing treated framing adds another layer of protection between the elements and the homeowners. Treated wood resists mold, moisture and insects, which equals one less thing to worry about in a new home.

Kitchen: Southern Pine wall panels add a touch of farmhouse elegance to the kitchen ceiling. Painted white, they create depth and character for an otherwise boring area of any room.

Guest bath: This room exemplifies the feel of the house, with the modern fixtures blending seamlessly with the gorgeous, deep, rich golden color of the Southern Pine table. Specifically designed just for this purpose, this piece of furniture would go well in any home!

Back deck: When the homeowners step out their back door to call the children in to supper or the dog to a special treat, they can rest assured that their deck is strong, beautiful and durable enough to handle their lifestyle. Pressure-treated Southern Pine doesn't conduct heat in the summer, so little bare feet will be safe running about. The preservative used to treat the wood ensures a strong resistance to mold, mildew and insects, effectively providing an added layer of protection between the ground and the family.

Garden beds: Meander around the side of the house and you'll find raised garden beds worthy of any Southern Living gardener. Again, safe, durable pressure-treated Southern Pine was used to build the beds up above the moist ground, ensuring even watering and better garden management.

Pondhouse: The piece de resistance of the property just might be the pondhouse tucked under a tree at the edge of the water. This charming addition has something for everyone: � the structure is screened and under roof, while the other � is open to the air and includes built-in seating perfect for lounging and enjoying the breeze. The steps are wide and generous, providing an ideal spot for Fido's afternoon nap at the feet of his family. And of course, the entire structure is built of pressure-treated Southern Pine.

To see more of the 2006 Southern Living/Progressive Farmer Idea House in Tallahassee, please click here.