Happy New Year! The air is buzzing with excitement as I finally pull back the curtain on a monumental project that has been years in the making. The Clinton property, a significant acquisition from November 2018, has always held a grander purpose in my vision, but I deliberately held off sharing the specifics until construction and renovation truly commenced. Life, as it often does, introduced its own set of unexpected delays and hurdles throughout 2019, as I previously shared. However, with renewed vigor and a clear path forward, this property is now poised to transform into its intended magnificent self. It’s time to unveil the dream, the detailed plans, and the profound impact I believe this endeavor will have.
The Genesis of a Dream: Empowering Through Creation
For countless years, I’ve harbored a deep-seated dream rooted in my passion for teaching, mentoring, and guiding individuals through the incredibly rewarding journey of making, building, and creating. There’s an undeniable sense of empowerment that comes from transforming raw materials into something tangible, and witnessing that spark in others has always been a driving force for me. Before personal projects consumed my schedule, my mentorship program was a source of immense joy and fulfillment. Time and again, I encountered the same yearning question: “Where can I go to learn how to do this stuff?” This persistent inquiry fueled my desire to create a dedicated space where hands-on skills could be learned, honed, and celebrated. This once “big hunk-o-ugly” of a building is destined to become that very sanctuary—a hub for creative education and practical skill development.
Above, you can see a very rough initial concept for the front facade. This preliminary rendering offers a glimpse into the architectural direction, though details are subject to evolution. You’ll notice the consideration for a deck that will either be fully or partially screened in – a practical nod to the beautiful yet often warm climate here in Tennessee, ensuring comfort for all our future guests and workshop participants.
Build and Breakfast®: An Immersive DIY Retreat
This isn’t merely a workshop; it’s a unique vision for a “B&B with a twist,” which we affectionately refer to as “The Lodge.” My quest for the ideal structure led me to this exceptionally large, two-story building, perfect for housing a super cool “apartment” on the upper level while dedicating the entire lower level to expansive workshop spaces. The ultimate goal is to host multi-day, hands-on, immersive workshops, offering a small group of participants the unparalleled opportunity to learn, create, and stay right on the premises. This integrated approach minimizes travel stress, fosters a stronger sense of community among learners, and allows for extended learning sessions without the interruptions of daily commutes. The name for this unique venture, I believe, perfectly encapsulates its essence: Build and Breakfast® – a creative retreat designed for those eager to master DIY skills.
The Build and Breakfast concept is a direct response to the growing demand for practical skills and immersive learning experiences. Imagine waking up, enjoying a delicious breakfast, and then heading downstairs to a fully equipped workshop, ready to dive deep into a project for the entire day. This setup allows for uninterrupted learning, focused instruction, and the invaluable opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with fellow enthusiasts. Whether it’s woodworking, cabinet painting, or tackling a complex home renovation task, participants will gain confidence and competence in a supportive, inspiring environment. It’s more than just learning; it’s about experiencing the joy of creation firsthand and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals.
Luxurious Guest Suites: Your Creative Sanctuary
The upstairs of The Lodge currently stands as a vast, 3200 sq/ft blank canvas. This expansive area will be meticulously transformed into comfortable and inviting guest suites, designed to provide a restful sanctuary after a day of intensive hands-on learning. The vision is to create spaces that feel both luxurious and functional, ensuring every participant enjoys a high level of comfort during their stay.
During my recovery period, I dedicated countless hours to drawing up a gazillion options for the layout. While the kitchen space’s general location is determined, the precise arrangement of the suites remains a pivotal decision. Each bedroom will feature a private, en-suite bathroom, a crucial element for ensuring guest comfort and privacy, mirroring the amenities of a high-end bed and breakfast. I am still deliberating whether to opt for four generously sized suites or six slightly smaller, yet still spacious, accommodations. The goal is to maximize functionality and comfort without creating wasted space, striking the perfect balance for a truly exceptional guest experience. This careful consideration ensures that whether guests are here for a woodworking retreat or a crafting weekend, their stay will be as comfortable as it is enriching.
The Heart of The Lodge: Gathering Room and Kitchen
The other side of the upper level will be dedicated to a magnificent large gathering room and a fully equipped kitchen, designed to be the social heart of The Lodge. This area will also conveniently include a small laundry room and a powder room, enhancing the comfort and functionality for our guests. This space is envisioned as more than just a room; it’s where connections will be forged, stories will be shared, and laughter will echo after a productive day in the workshops. Imagine lively movie nights, spirited board game competitions, or simply quiet evenings spent reflecting on the day’s accomplishments. Once furnished, this expansive area will transform into a welcoming, cozy hub, proving that even massive spaces can feel intimate and inviting. Currently, as an empty shell, the possibilities for its design and purpose truly seem endless.
While the initial renderings focus primarily on space planning and functionality, the ultimate finished aesthetic will likely evolve. My current priority is ensuring the layout is optimal for both intimate gatherings and larger group activities, allowing for seamless flow between the kitchen and dining areas, and the more relaxed lounge spaces. This strategic approach ensures that every square foot serves a purpose, contributing to an overall experience that is both inspiring and comfortable. It’s about laying the right foundation before diving into the intricate details of style and decor.
Complementing these interior spaces will be a substantial deck, complete with stairs gracefully leading up from the designated parking area. This outdoor extension will serve as the primary entrance for those solely wishing to access the living quarters of The Lodge, offering a welcoming transition from arrival to relaxation. It’s designed not just as an access point, but as an integral part of the guest experience, providing opportunities for outdoor lounging, enjoying the Tennessee scenery, and fostering casual social interactions among participants.
The Workshops: Your Hands-On Learning Destination
The lower level of The Lodge is where the real magic of creation will unfold – our dedicated Workshop space. While the front section will house my personal workshop, providing ample room for my own creative endeavors and project development, the true heart of our educational mission lies in the three large rooms situated at the back of the building. These purpose-built classrooms are where myself, my talented colleague Julie, and a rotating roster of expert guest instructors will teach aspiring makers and DIY enthusiasts how to master an array of practical skills. From fundamental woodworking techniques to intricate home improvement projects, these spaces are designed to foster hands-on learning and skill development in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Beyond the immersive Build and Breakfast retreats, we are thrilled to offer a series of 1-day and 2-day workshops, which will be accessible to a broader audience from the local community and beyond. These shorter, focused classes provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to dip their toes into a specific skill or refresh existing knowledge without committing to an overnight stay. Access to these standalone workshops will be primarily through a dedicated side door, which we are excitedly transforming into a much grander and more welcoming entrance in the coming weeks. This upgrade is part of a larger exterior improvement project that includes building a robust retaining wall, enhancing waterproofing measures, and installing French Draining to ensure a durable, accessible, and professional entry for all our participants.
Julie and I are incredibly excited to announce our inaugural 1-day workshop this April! We’re currently narrowing down the topic, with “Everything Drywall” or “Cabinet Painting” being strong contenders. Both subjects are highly practical and sought-after skills in home improvement. To ensure personalized guidance and a truly effective learning experience, we plan to limit enrollment to a small group of 10-12 participants. This intimate setting allows for direct interaction, individualized feedback, and ample opportunity for hands-on practice, empowering everyone to leave with newfound confidence and tangible skills.
The Road Ahead: Building Dreams, One Step at a Time
The immediate focus for the coming months will be dedicated to preparing the lower level of The Lodge, ensuring it’s fully ready to host our inaugural workshop. With the majority of the demolition work now complete, the next critical phases involve painting, installing comprehensive plumbing systems, and finalizing the HVAC infrastructure. The inherent advantage of the workshop spaces is their largely empty, open-room configuration, which significantly streamlines the preparation process. However, the bathroom renovation presents a more substantial undertaking. Currently equipped with just one toilet, the plan is to reconfigure the space to incorporate two private stalls, greatly enhancing comfort and accommodation for days when we welcome larger groups of workshop participants. This thoughtful upgrade underscores our commitment to providing a top-tier experience for every visitor.
As for the living space on the second level, estimating a completion timeline feels like an impossible task at this stage. Large-scale renovations are fluid processes, and while the vision is clear, the journey to realize it will undoubtedly involve its own pace. Rest assured, my commitment to creating and sharing valuable content here remains unwavering. The ongoing transformation of The Lodge promises an abundance of fascinating projects, design dilemmas, and renovation triumphs to document and share with all of you, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of this ambitious dream. This property isn’t just a physical space; it’s a wellspring of inspiration for future tutorials, tips, and tales of DIY empowerment.
Just articulating these plans fills me with an almost unbearable urge to jump into the physical work. While I’m currently in week four of recovery and still under strict instructions not to lift anything heavier than 5-10 pounds, I’m strategically channeling my energy. This stage of the project primarily demands my focus on design conceptualization and critical communication with the contractor. Witnessing the daily progress, even from a design standpoint, will be sufficient gratification for the next two to four weeks. Moreover, there’s still a significant amount of detailed designing and planning to be accomplished on my computer. Perhaps this period is the perfect opportunity to finally dedicate some time to mastering the intricacies of my design software – a welcome challenge amidst the excitement of construction!
So there it is! My big, audacious dream – a living, breathing project that promises to bring together passion, purpose, and community. The journey to build The Lodge and launch Build and Breakfast® is an adventure I am so incredibly excited to embark upon. This isn’t just about constructing a building; it’s about building a legacy of empowerment, fostering creativity, and creating a unique destination where skills are learned, friendships are forged, and dreams take shape. I sincerely hope you are just as thrilled to follow along and become a part of this incredible endeavor!
