Photos courtesy of Kiawah River
Kiawah River, in collaboration with Dillard-Jones Builders, is pleased to announce that $150,000 of net proceeds from ticket sales for the 2024 Southern Living Idea House will benefit four local nonprofit organizations: Communities in Schools of SC, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, Distinguished Young Women and the Emanuel Nine Memorial Foundation. These organizations were selected for their dedication to education, affordable housing and community enrichment—each playing a vital role in strengthening the region and improving the lives of its residents.
To commemorate this milestone, representatives from Kiawah River, Dillard-Jones Builders and Southern Living presented checks to the four beneficiary organizations at a special check presentation event on March 13, celebrating the community impact of the Idea House.
The home, which recently sold for $5.399 million, captured national attention during its tour season, attracting more than 17,000 visitors seeking to experience its thoughtful blend of innovative design and Lowcountry charm first-hand.
“Giving back to the communities where we build has always been a core value for Dillard-Jones Builders and we are honored that the 2024 Southern Living Idea House could make such an impact,” said Tom Dillard, president of Dillard-Jones Builders. “The talents of the Charleston architectural, design, development, tourism and construction contributors resulted in a record number of visitors for a Southern Living Idea House. Through their dedication and the generosity of our volunteers, we are thrilled to make a meaningful donation—through the Dillard Family Foundation—to these four incredible nonprofit organizations.”
“The 2024 Southern Living Idea House in Charleston welcomed a record number of tour attendees and raised the highest proceeds for local charities to date,” said Nicole Hendrick Santee, Homes Brand Director at Dotdash Meredith, parent company of Southern Living. “Thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship of Dillard-Jones Builders, MHK Architecture, Design Works and Allison Elebash Interiors, we had an incredible team dedicated to elevating the Idea House genre, imbuing the home with Lowcountry charm through outdoor living and local artistry.
Designer Allison Elebash was especially passionate about showcasing the talent in the Charleston area and was determined to highlight it wherever possible. The collective vision of so many homegrown collaborators truly resonated with visitors and helped make a significant impact on the community.”
Situated in the heart of Kiawah River, this 4,400-square-foot farmhouse was designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the Charleston countryside. With expansive outdoor living spaces, it offers breathtaking river views to the west and scenic pastures and flower fields of Kiawah River Farm to the east. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the community’s signature sea island lifestyle, the home blends timeless design with exceptional craftsmanship.
“Kiawah River is more than just a place to live—it’s a community that values connection, sustainability and giving back,” said John Darby, managing director of Kiawah River. “We were proud to partner with Dillard-Jones and the Southern Living Idea House not only to welcome so many new faces to the Kiawah River community, but also to collaborate the community to support the important work they do to help our neighbors on Johns Island and Charleston.”
