Our Experience at the Southern Living Home Summit

A few weeks ago, Daron and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Southern Living Home Summit in Fairhope, Alabama. It was an honor to be invited and a dream come true for us as Southern Living home builders. We are passionate about creating warm, welcoming homes full of Southern charm. This event was the perfect place to learn, connect, and be inspired.

A Warm Welcome in Fairhope, Alabama

From the moment we arrived at The Grand Hotel, we felt like we had stepped into a storybook. This historic, charming destination was the perfect setting for the event. If you haven’t been, put it on your must-visit list! The attention to detail was next level.  We were welcomed with personalized notes, curated agendas, and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.

The town of Fairhope itself was just as stunning.  It has beautiful views, charming streets, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that made the whole experience even more special.

Learning, Connecting, and Finding Inspiration

The Southern Living Home Summit was packed with insights, connections, and inspiration. We met some incredible people.  From industry leaders to fellow Southern Living home builders, designers, and creatives who all share a deep love for Southern architecture and design.

One of the biggest takeaways? The latest trends in homebuilding. As Southern Living home builders in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, our goal is to design homes that blend timeless beauty with modern functionality.

With Daron being from Texas and me from Kentucky, building our own modern farmhouse was a deeply personal journey. We’ve experienced firsthand the rest and peace that comes from thoughtful design, and this summit gave us fresh ideas to bring that same charm to the homes we build.

Meeting the Best in the Industry

Another major highlight was the vendor showcase, where we connected with some of the top brands in homebuilding.  Many of which we already love and use, like:

• Sherwin-Williams 🎨 (timeless color palettes)
• GE Monogram 🍽 (luxury appliances)
• Pella Windows 🏡 (beautiful, energy-efficient designs)
• James Hardie Siding 🏠 (durability meets Southern charm)
• Propane Gas & TimberTech 🌿 (for sustainable, high-quality homes)
• Southern Living Plant Collection (for beautiful landscapes and design)

Meeting face-to-face with these brands reinforced our commitment to using only the best materials and craftsmanship in every home we build.

And speaking of highlights—Daron won the GE Monogram Forge Heated Ice Press! When they called his name from the stage, he laughed and said, “I never win anything, so this is awesome!”

Blending Content and Home Design

With my background in media, I loved the discussions on content creation in homebuilding. If there’s anyone who does this seamlessly, it’s Southern Living.

There’s something powerful about storytelling through home design—sharing the process, highlighting the small details, and showcasing the heart behind a home. This was a huge takeaway for me, and I can’t wait to bring more of that into Our Farmer House as we continue to build, create, and share.

A Special Moment with Ben & Erin Napier

One of the most unforgettable moments? Meeting Ben & Erin Napier from HGTV’s Hometown.

They shared their journey, behind-the-scenes stories from the show, and their love for restoring historic homes. Getting to do a meet-and-greet with them was such a fun moment! They are just as kind, down-to-earth, and passionate as they seem on TV.

A Beautiful Ending to an Inspiring Event

The final evening was pure magic. The closing party, set right on Mobile Bay, had breathtaking views, a hat bar, amazing food, and the best conversations with new friends.

It was the perfect way to wrap up an event that left us feeling inspired, grateful, and ready to take on exciting new projects.

Thinking About Building a Southern Living Home?

If you’ve ever dreamed of a home filled with Southern charm, warmth, and timeless design, we’d love to help bring that vision to life.

• As Southern Living home builders, we focus on quality craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and designs that truly feel like home.
• Southern Living offers stunning home plans designed by top architects—whether you’re dreaming of a modern farmhouse, a cozy cottage, or a grand estate, these plans are a perfect starting point.

Final Thoughts

We left the Southern Living Home Summit feeling deeply thankful—for the knowledge, connections, and inspiration we gained. More than anything, this experience reaffirmed our passion for homebuilding and the impact a well-designed home can have on a family’s life.

If you’re thinking about building your dream home and want to incorporate the best of Southern charm and timeless design, we’d love to bring that vision to life for you. Let’s build something beautiful together!

And if you ever find yourself in Fairhope, Alabama, make sure to visit The Grand Hotel—it’s a trip you won’t forget!

Thank you, Southern Living, for such an incredible experience. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!

XO,