I can almost smell the lake …

My cute Dad finally bought a bit of lakefront property near Carthage, TN (just over an hour from here) this past December and he’s spent the last 6 months trying to decide what to build. I think we’re finally getting close to a decision, though, and it’s pretty unique and fabulous.

May I introduce you to the Clayton iHouse?

Pretty crazy, huh? Who knew Dad was such a cool cat? I know it’s not exactly what you think of when you picture a lake cottage but I think it’s going to be downright fabulous. And when you consider all the reasons it makes sense, well who wouldn’t want one for their vacation home?

Support Local.
Yes Clayton is definitely a TN-based mobile home manufacturer but I’ve got to give them props for entering the green market. Of course, Clayton was purchased by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway several years ago but as Warren is known to do, all of the company leadership is still right here in Tennessee. So’s the manufacturing plant. We like to support local.

Eco-friendly.
This baby has Energy Star appliances, bamboo floors, no VOC paint, compact fluorescent lighting, water saving fixtures, solar panels (an option and I think Pops is going to spring for the wiring and wait for the panels to come down in price – go Dad!), energy efficient windows, sustainable siding and roofing, rain water collection system, and composite decking made from recycled materials. We think if you are adding another whole house to your carbon footprint so you can get out and enjoy Mother Nature then it’s only fair that you treat her with respect when you do it. Hello, iHouse!

Low Maintenance.
It’s virtually maintenance free. Nothing will need painting or replacing for a very long time.

Great Value.
It’s relatively inexpensive! Somewhere between $85-$100/square foot. WOOT!

Hassle-Free.
You pick out your finishes and the the house is built in a plant and delivered to your lot. What does this mean? No surprise costs or going the standard 20% over budget. No running out to Carthage to make sure the electrician showed up. No finishing the place yourself. No more than 4 months from signature on paperwork to walking through the sleek sliding glass doors! Hey, hey! Who wants hassle just to vacation anyway?

I mean this sucker is cool. We love the layout and are especially excited about the idea of adding an observation deck on top of the flex unit like you see in the above picture. Can you imagine looking up at the stars out in the country from that chic perch?

Check out their website to learn more. Right now Dad’s in the process of finding out whether or not this baby will fit on our narrow, hillside lot. Fingers are crossed. We could be lakeside by fall!

A few shots of the spot:

Pretty, huh?

Mom and I are thinking of a mix of modern and vintage for the interior. This is a style that neither of us have attempted before but enough blog surfing and idea thievery and we should be able to pull it off, right?

posted by Julia on Jun 28th, 2010 in Lake
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