Summer Home Tour at Top This Top That
As they say in the South….Howdy!
Living in a fairly rural area in the country along with my family, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 fish, pony, donkey and horses on the property, we don’t get many visitors stopping by, so it’s always a real treat when I can have friends over and show them around my home and property. So….welcome to the Summer Home Tour at The Duke Manor.
My family just loves the long days of summer. We are set for hours out here with a pitcher of sweet tea, some bug spray, great conversation with friends and family and the sounds of Sweet Home Alabama playing in the background.
A fair amount of our time is spent outdoors, and our house was designed with that in mind. All of our porches and patios serve as an extension of our home. From family time to entertaining friends, it is not uncommon to have meals, parties or even an occasional date night on one of our outdoor spaces a few times a week.
Once you come into the house it’s fairly certain that you will see at least one unfinished project….okay maybe two. In fact I have two going on right now…well, really three.
The other space that recently got transformed and not completely finished is our Family room. This room was actually designed and built as a screen porch and we turned it into a family room instead. It still remains the hub of the house.
So, when the family isn’t sleeping or watching tv you will find us in the kitchen , where sadly I don’t cook very much….my husband has that coveted duty. In which I do not complain.
One of two areas that I get the most enjoyment inside the house are My Keeping Room which I call the “Mom Zone”. It’s a place I claim my own to read, think about the day and just to sit and chill.
The other is my home office, where the bills and blogging get done. The truth of the matter is that blogging is more fun than paying the bills!
An area that the kids probably get the most enjoyment from, is our Game Room and Media Room. Two areas that I know will be enjoyed by them and friends for many years to come.
You know, 10 years ago I never would have imagined breaking ground to build a home in the middle of “Nowhere”, Georgia with a population of 500. Today, there’s no where in the world I would rather be than here. (think of the Greenacres theme song)
I sure do hope that you enjoyed the visit today and as we say in the South….
Ya’ll come back now , you hear!
Hi Laura, coming over from Gina's this morning. I'm swooning over the outside of your home. So pretty and of course the inside too. So upscale and chic.
Laura- I just love your home. It is just wonderful and embraces you the moment you "enter" -even via a blog. I grew up in a rural area and I can tell you that your children will be richly blessed by their childhood there-especially when they look back when they are adults. There is nothing like the country and chores and enjoying the simple life. I miss it. Blessings to you- xo Diana
You have such a beautiful home! Can't wait to see the completed master bedroom.
~Sonya
http://athomewiththebarkers.com/
Beautiful. I love outdoor spaces. You have great ones.
Oh to have such a gorgeous porch, I wouldn't get a thing done! 🙂 And every room you've decorated is just as beautiful!
When does my new job of nanny start?
Bliss
Your home is so inviting and I would be sitting out on that porch all day! Thanks for sharing your beautiful spaces!
-Shelley
oh your home is just meant for summer! that porch just invited me over for margaritas tonight…. see ya later! 🙂
Laura, your home is one of my faves! It's so creative and beautiful – but just feels like home! Living in the middle of nowhere, I feel your "green acres pain"!
Thanks for joining the tour!
Just gorgeous! Happy Summer!
xo Heidi
Your home is stunning. I love your porch and the patio looks wonderful too. The family room would be where I would live. Stunning. Hugs, Marty
Love your home!!
Beautiful, beautiful Laura….!!!
Laura, your home is stunning. That media room…come on!!!! This is my first visit to your blog and I'll definitely be adding you on Facebook. Thank you for sharing your home with us today!
Marie@Interior Frugalista
I love your home, Laura. In the summer I would definitely be spending all of my time in your outdoor areas. Now about those pesky bugs…..
xo
Laura
What a wonderful home tour! It makes me wish I lived closer to your neck of the woods so I could really stop in for a cup of that sweet tea!:)
Not sure why you are coming to my house because I will be at yours!
What a beautiful home, and a pony and donkey too? Totally jealous:)
Your home is so beautiful, Laura. You have impeccable taste!
Oh wow, your home is gorgeous – inside and out! Magazine worthy. I'm totally jealous. Wanna come over and re-do my entire house? 😉
I adore your porches. I don't think I could live in a house without a porch. It is beautiful. Dianntha
Your home is just lovely! I really adore the outside of your home with the old fashioned porch and beautiful landscaping. Love the stone on your back yard area too. Looks like your master bedroom is coming along nicely. Love that gorgeous bed.
You home has that wonderful southern flavor that we all admire. Simply beautiful.
Your blog has fast become one of my very favorites.
Your home is so beautiful…
I pinned a couple of your shots…the home office and the firepit area. 🙂
Your home is beautiful…and I totally agree with the small town living…it reminds you of what is important.
Your home is just gorgeous, Laura, but I mean that in a very cozy, comfy, welcoming kind of gorgeous-way! Your outdoor spaces are beautiful!
It's beautiful, Laura! I've loved seeing a little bit of your life away from blogging!
Your home is beautiful! Thanks for the tour!
Amazing home, Laura! Love that front porch!
I am drooling over those porches. Amazing! That firepit is calling my name.
So pretty and I am loving your office and media room! I have not seen those rooms yet , sooooooooo cool! I SOOOO wish I had an office space 😉
What a beautiful home tour. I couldn't wait to see what was around every corner. Your outdoor spaces are amazing! I too would rather blog than pay bills! Thank you for sharing your lovely space at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. Blessings to you, Patti
I love it! I'm on my way over some of that sweet tea! Really, your home is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing 🙂
XO,
Christy
you have a lovely home! I'M a southern belle too!