Southern Living’s 2010 Idea House Sets All-Time Opening Weekend Record

TerraBella’s Bayou Bend Attendance is Largest in History

Since the very first Idea House was developed in 1989, Southern Living has never had such a successful opening weekend as June 12, 2010. Bayou Bend, the 2010 Louisiana Idea House, located in TerraBella Village in Covington, officially set the all-time attendance record for opening weekend activities. “The Southern Living Idea House in Covington has hit an all-time record for opening weekend attendance. We are so excited to be so well received in such a wonderful community as Covington,” said Kristen Payne, Executive Director of Southern Living Homes Group.

Unbelievably Successful

Visitors to the 2010 Idea House have traveled as far as New York, Chicago, Memphis, Miami, Houston and Los Angeles to see the treasure we have here in Covington, Louisiana.  These idea seekers, who make the annual summer trek to see Idea Houses showcased by Southern Living, were taken aback at the beauty and charm of Bayou Bend’s unique mixture of Creole and Craftsman architectural style inspired by turn of the century homes found in the small towns in St. Tammany Parish and Southeast Louisiana. The house is designed by Piazza Architecture Planning and built by Miller Building Company and is open for tours until September 12th.  Regionally, visitors have come from the metropolitan areas of Houston, Jackson, Birmingham, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the panhandle of Florida.  Even Louisiana Northshore, St. Tammany’s Tourist & Convention Bureau, said many people who visited Bayou Bend made a weekend of it. Many stayed in local hotels and Bed & Breakfasts to visit our beautiful parish and cities.  Once you walk in the door at Bayou Bend, the enthusiasm surrounding you is contagious and the energy level is electric.  One guest from the New Orleans area said, “It’s so nice to drive across the lake to Covington to see the Idea House.  We are so used to driving hours upon hours to other states.” Another guest from Baton Rouge said, “You have got to come see this beautiful home. It is so easy to walk through. I just love the design and the master bath is a must see.  It’s like an upscale hotel spa. It’s incredible!” And another visitor from Bay St. Louis said, “The house is amazingly livable, but deceivingly detailed. Just look at how they created spaces for family.  The kitchen is extremely dynamic and it seamlessly connects to the living area on the first floor. I know this is a new home, but it has the old New Orleans charm.”  Rebecca Dougherty, past president of the Junior League said, “Visitors who’ve crossed the threshold since opening weekend have been amazed at the striking beauty of Bayou Bend. Folks are coming away with great new ideas and they hope to bring these ideas to their homes.”  Guests who attended the opening weekend festivities were pleasantly surprised to see native son Chef John Besh signing his most recent book, My New Orleans: The Cookbook, in the kitchen at Bayou Bend. Besh, a nationally acclaimed Chef of New Orleans, made a guest appearance during the grand opening weekend.  He commented that this book-signing event was one of his most successful! 

TerraBella Village 

The people coming to TerraBella Village for the first time had no idea that this type and caliber of development existed on the Northshore. TerraBella is not just another subdivision, so be sure to pass through the Information Center (and Model Home) near the main entrance to view the entire master plan and pick up information on current and future construction. Learn more about living in TerraBella Village, as it just may be the last home buying decision you’ll ever make. You can also visit their website at www.terrabellavillage.com.

Children’s Museum

A portion of the admission to the 2010 Idea House benefits the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, the signature project of the Junior League of Greater Covington in partnership with St. Tammany Parish Government. Sheri Lemmond, President of the Junior League of Greater Covington said, “It is an honor that the Junior League of Greater Covington is a part of the Southern Living Idea House which is located in TerraBella. Our signature project, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, was selected as the choice charity. As our members put in countless hours to make the Children’s Museum a reality, it is partners such as Southern Living and TerraBella that are helping us to further our goal by giving us regional and national recognition. We are grateful for this partnership, as together, we are building a brighter future for all those in St. Tammany Parish.”

Amanda Shaw is Coming

On July 24th, get ready to be entertained by one of Louisiana’s most exciting music artists, Amanda Shaw. The FREE event, sponsored by NOLA Lending Covington, will take place at one of TerraBella’s many parks so bring a blanket and enjoy the afternoon. In 2009, Ms. Shaw was recognized as the Emerging Cultural Leader by the State of Louisiana.  She is currently touring to promote her new album released in the Spring of 2010, Good Southern Girl.

TerraBella is also hosting the Global Wildlife Center and Gray Hawk Perkins, Native American Storyteller on July 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the entire family for this unique community event.

Click Here to Read the Original Article in the Northshore Conifer, Mandeville, Louisiana, July, 2010 Edition.