Progressive Farmer House Will Benefit 4-H

Auburn, Sept. 22, 2003 --- Progressive Farmer, the nation’s largest farm magazine, has named Oneonta, Ala., as the host city for its first Idea House and Farmstead. The home is located in Limestone Springs, a private country community built around a world-famous Jerry Pate golf course.

Living in the country is gaining popularity with more people than just farmers. The magazine had the Idea House built to provide newcomers and long-time rural residents with innovative ideas to get the most out of country living.

Not only will the Idea House showcase features to make country life easier and more enjoyable, it will also benefit Alabama 4-H. A percentage of each $5 tour ticket will be donated to Alabama 4-H.

“The Idea House and Alabama 4-H are a great combination,” said Jack Odle, Progressive Farmer editor and chairman of the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors.

“Alabama 4-H is one of the best youth development programs in the state, and Progressive Farmer will use the Idea House as a way to highlight Alabama 4-H.”

The house and farmstead are open for tours every weekend through November 16. Visitors can tour the home Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The house rests in a valley between two ridges in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is positioned to take full advantage of views of the pasture, lake and mountain ridgeline. The house combines tradition and regional character with modern amenities and today’s smart building products. It is a simple, understated home designed for today’s more relaxed lifestyles.

According to architect John Tee of Atlanta, the 2,500-square foot house has a rural look with a simple roof line. It is compact but has an open feel. “The floor plan is simple, with a large kitchen and a lot of nicely sized rooms,” he said.

Tee’s floorplan is casual. There are private spaces, such as the bedrooms, but the Idea House also has plenty of open spaces. The design “allows people to interact with other people in a main social setting,” Tee said. The plan also includes an optional bedroom upstairs to allow for future expansion.

Opposite the house are two structures supplied by Morton Buildings. The larger of the two is a workshop large enough to hold a small tractor, ATV or other vehicle. The second building is a two-stall horse stable built at the edge of the pasture.

In keeping with the simple style of the home, the landscaping is more utilitarian and less ornamental, according to Tommy Holcombe, landscape architect. The landscaping provides fresh fruits and vegetables for the home’s occupants. The land is steep around the house, so Holcombe built terraced growing areas in the back using large rocks collected around the site.

To reach the Progressive Farmer Idea House and Farmstead, take Interstate 59 to Exit 166 (Oneonta/Ashville) and turn onto U.S. 231 North. Travel approximately 14 miles into the center of the Oneonta, and turn left onto Highway 75 South. Travel 3.4 miles until you reach county Highway 1 on your right. Turn right and travel 1 mile to the northern entrance of Limestone Springs on your left. Turn left; the Idea House is approximately 1.5 miles at 2500 Saint Andrews Parkway.

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