Keswick Hall owner Molly Hardie is leading the development project of the home located in Keswick, VA, which will be open to the public for tours later in 2025. For over 35 years, Southern Living has partnered with talented builders, architects, and designers to produce a custom home in an iconic location, celebrating the Southern lifestyle and the latest innovations in home design. We are so proud that Southern Living has returned to the Charlottesville area in the heart of Virgina's countryside.

Set on five acres, this year’s Idea House is designed to celebrate the natural beauty of Virginia. Spanning over 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.

Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living said, “We’re thrilled to return to Charlottesville after a decade and showcase a home that celebrates the natural beauty of this region. 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.”

This year’s Idea House will be brought to life by a talented team of local Charlottesville professionals:  builder Alexander Nicholson; architects Rosney Co. Architects; designer Charlotte Moss & Co.; and landscape architect Waterstreet Studio.