2024 Southern Living Idea House watercolor rendering by Muir Stewart
We invite you to volunteer at the 2024 Southern Living Idea House at Kiawah River! Volunteers will provide a warm welcome to visitors while answering their questions about the self-guided house tours, and directing them to the sourcing items Southern Living provides.
As a volunteer, you will get to know the gorgeous details that went into this 4,400 square-foot home that blends a contemporary feel with the warmth and character of a classic farmhouse. This year’s Idea House, which will be featured in Southern Living’s September issue, is designed with thoughtful consideration for the natural landscape and an appreciation for the Lowcountry lifestyle. It is designed to reference the simple beauty of the farmhouses that have historically informed the architectural vernacular of the region. Carefully positioned between two sprawling live oaks, our main house and adjacent carriage house make the most of their site on the banks of Abbapoola Creek, with views from nearly every space in the house (including the powder room!) and a floor plan that emphasizes an easygoing flow between indoors and out. Even the smallest details have been selected with the Charleston community in mind. In addition to including handcrafted products from area farm vendors, the team is also curating a collection of local art, like the sweetgrass baskets of 6th-generation artist Andrea Cayetano-Jefferson. Together, these elements celebrate Lowcountry traditions, honor the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, and welcome the future in a mindful way. Volunteers can be some of the first to tour the house (for free!).
Volunteering is also an amazing and fun way to provide educational supports to K-12 underserved students in the Lowcountry, honor the lives of the Emmanuel Nine by teaching new attitudes and behaviors to eradicate racism, and support affordable housing on the Sea Islands, since a portion of ticket sales from each tour will benefit the amazing work of Communities In Schools of South Carolina, Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation, and Sea Island Habitat for Humanity.
VOLUNTEERING SPECIFICS
-
Age Requirements: The minimum age to volunteer is 16. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers who are 16 – 17 years of age.
-
Dress suggestions: Volunteers should dress comfortably. You might choose a classy southern vibe or wear a tee shirt from a benefiting organization. Pick shoes you can easily move around in and represent our partners positively by avoiding overly casual items like ripped jeans and flip flops. Volunteers will not be asked to clean or lift heavy items.
-
Tours offered: August 9 - December 22, 2024 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (excluding Thursday, Nov 28; & Friday, Dec 6)
-
Orientations: No need to arrive early - the House Manager will be there to greet you and cover the basics of the tours at the beginning of your shift time.
-
Two Shift Times are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 9:45 AM - 12:45 PM or 1 PM to 4 PM.
-
One Shift Time is offered on Sundays: 11:45 AM - 3:45 PM
-
REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER: Scroll down to the six-month calendar below to select the day(s) and shift(s) that you or your group can volunteer.
3008 Eventide Drive Johns Island, SC 29455
Click on your desired volunteer date on the calendar below to register!
