Opening Doors | Fall 2023 | Vol. 2 Issue 4

Opening Doors Doors

®

Fall 2023

A Clayton Home Building Group® Lifestyle Brand

Thrill of the Hunt

Keith Baker on finding happiness at Clayton and further afield

BEST OF THE SEASON! Road Trips, Recipes, Cocktails & More

Gold Rush

CREDIT TEEK AY

Layla, a British Labrador retriever, tracks for geese— and that magical autumn light—while on a hunt in Hobart, Oklahoma, with her owner, Keith Baker, customer success manager at Clayton Waco I in Texas.

For more on Baker’s deep ties to Clayton, as well as his sporting life, see page 32.

Fall 2023

Opening Doors

®

CREDIT TEEK HEATHER KIESE AY

A Clayton Home Building Group ® Lifestyle Brand

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

S

ince our January issue of Opening Doors®, we have been busy building thousands of homes while challenging ourselves to pursue innovation. As part of our commitment to our value of Driving Change, we are thrilled to launch our most energy-efficient home to date: eBuilt™ homes.

Constructed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home™ specifications, our eBuilt homes help ease the financial burden caused by rising home energy costs. Last year, more than 20 million American families struggled to pay their utility bills, with average residential electricity prices increasing nearly 15%. That’s double the rate of inflation. An eBuilt home can help homeowners save up to 40% to 50% on their annual energy bill. Isn’t that incredible? By 2024, every off-site Clayton Built® home will be constructed to these standards. I know I speak for everyone at Clayton when saying how proud I am of this monumental achievement.

As for this issue: Get ready to find yourself transported to beautiful spots across the country. From picturesque fall foliage havens in upstate New York (page 7) to entertaining tips fresh out of the Lowcountry with tastemaker Michiel Perry (page 16), we’re serving up the best destinations and ideas of the season. You’ll likely dog-ear more than a few recipes, as team members share their favorite dishes for Thanksgiving and fall (page 46). Last but not least, we are excited to introduce you to a few exceptional Clayton team members, including the determined and resilient Brittany Boykin, a single mother and sales coordinator at Clayton Bonham (page 12), as well as Keith Baker, a renowned sportsman and a second-generation Clayton team member whose father left a lasting impact (page 32).

It is a joy to bring these stories into the comfort of your home.

Keith O. Holdbrooks CEO AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF CL AY TON HOME BUILDING GROUP

4 Opening Doors

C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

Opening Doors A Clayton Home Building Group® Lifestyle Brand

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Caroline Collins McKenzie CREATIVE CONSULTING & DESIGN

Erynn Hassinger COPY EDITOR

Michèle Filon CL AY TON HOME BUILDING GROUP CEO AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Keith O. Holdbrooks

CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER

Donie Wood

ED ITORIA L D IR ECTOR

Lexi Blackburn

PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM

Deb Brienen Meghan Francis Heather Kiese Aaron Ingram Morgan Trinker Heather White

PRODUCTION & PUBLISHING

High Resolutions CONTRIBUTOR

Laura Kostelny Charlyne Mattox

Contents PAG E 15

PAG E 61

PAG E 4 4

OPE N SE A S ON

H AV E I T M A DE ®

PAG E 7

PAG E 5 5

Your one-stop guide for what to see, do and enjoy this season—from fall-fresh cocktail recipes to autumn getaways.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking for your forever home, this curated collection of Clayton Home Building Group® models will help you find just the right house for any phase of your life.

H A PPY NE S S AT HOME PAG E 19

PAG E 24

Designer-approved tips to maximize space.

Easy, Cozy Style

PAG E 26

Quick refreshes for every room in the house.

PAG E 3 2

Life is but a dream for Keith Baker, thanks to a fulfi lling career and hobby turned side gig.

Paradise Lost... and Found PAG E 4 0

Ever since a devastating wildfi re engulfed the tiny town of Paradise, California, Clayton has been helping residents rebuild their lives, one home at a time.

Thankful as Can Be PAG E 4 6

PAG E 21

®

Fall 2023

A Clayton Home Building Group® Lifestyle Brand

Thrill of the Hunt

Keith Baker on finding happiness at Clayton and further afield

BEST OF THE SEASON! Fall 2023

Live Large, No Matter the Square Footage

Like Father, Like Son

Opening Doors Doors

A Clayton Home Building Group Lifestyle Brand

Learn how interior hues can affect your mood.

F E AT U RE S

Opening Doors

The Psychology of Color

Road Trips, Recipes, Cocktails & More

ON THE COVER Clayton team member Keith Baker and his dog Layla. Front cover photography by Heather Kiese.

Back cover photography

by Morgan Trinker.

Clayton team members share beloved family recipes, perfect for serving up at Thanksgiving and beyond.

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Open season What to see, do and enjoy right now.

HIT THE ROAD

New York State of Mind

GET T Y IMAGES/BARRY WINIKER

As the seasons change and temperatures cool, nothing could be fi ner than turning over a new leaf—and peeping for a day or two—in a quaint upstate New York setting.

Charming Rhinebeck, New York, is at peak prettiness in the fall, when the Catskill Mountains provide a colorful backdrop to the picturesque Hudson River.

by L A U R A KO S T E L N Y A N D C A R O L I N E M C K E N Z I E

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Open season

S

o long, summer! After months of hiding out indoors, it’s time to take advantage of cooler, crisper weather. And in order to make the most of shorter days, take in a big hit of nature while getting some exercise. Just as walking increases cardiovascular fitness, numerous studies have proven that the simple act of looking at leaves in glittering golds, pumpkin oranges and ruby reds can actually boost your mood. While you could (and should!) forage for foliage in your neck of the woods, you can also make bigger plans for a plant-based getaway to upstate New York. Check out our recommendations for prime-time leaf viewing in four charming towns.

POST-PEEP SLEEP: The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn has been welcoming

GOOD EATS : After a long day of walking and talking, head back to the inn, where lunch and dinner are served daily at The Tavern. Sip a post-hike cocktail (or two!) while you peruse the menu featuring an array of delicious appetizers, salads and mains like pork chops, lamb chops, steaks and more.

Rhinebeck Located in the northwest corner of Dutchess County, this small town (population: 7,569) is home to Ferncliff Forest, which offers a 2-mile hike with unparalleled views of fall foliage, the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.

BEST TIME FOR COLOR: October to

Mid-November

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WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Go on the hunt for

antiques at the Rhinebeck Antique Emporium, the Hudson Valley’s largest venue of antiques, antiques appraisals and auctions under one roof. (rhinebeckantiqueemporium.com) Later, end the day on a sweet note at Samuel’s Sweet Shop. Owned by actors Paul Rudd, Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the candy store is chock-full of the chocolates, gummies and confections you remember from your childhood. (samuelssweetshop.com)

GLOBAL PHOTO ARCHIVE/ADAM JONES, PH.D.; PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMUEL'S SWEET SHOP

guests since the 1700s. But not to worry: While the hotel’s original wide plank floors and strong oak beams remain, all the expected modern amenities and updates (plus a decanter of sherry in each room!) have been added over the past 300 years. (beekmandelamaterinn.com)

Saratoga Springs There are plenty of reasons to visit this upstate oasis, including restorative natural springs and a famed horse racing scene. But when checking out leaves is at the top of the to-do list, head for some easy-breezy walks through Congress Park, the 2-mile-long Bog Meadows Nature Trial and Saratoga Springs Spa State Park.

BEST TIME FOR COLOR: Late September

through Mid-October

POST-PEEP SLEEP: Savor all the loveliness

ERIN REID COKER

of the past (circa-1800s Victorian architecture, four-poster beds and antiques)

while enjoying modern must-haves like Wi-Fi, pillowtop-bedding and flat-screen televisions at The Inn at Saratoga. (www.theinnatsaratoga.com) GOOD EATS: Pop by for lunch or make a

reservation for dinner at Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar, which serves

reasonably priced fresh-made pasta, farm-to-table produce, hand-cut steaks and a selection of wines that has been recognized by Wine Spectator.

Gluten-free options are also available. (wheatfields.com) WHILE YOU’RE THERE: If fall festivals are

your jam, you’re in luck. Saratoga Springs plays host to lots of seasonal events including the Saratoga Fall Fest (Oct. 21) and Saratoga Food Tour (Oct. 28), which spotlights the town’s history and food culture along with bites at local eateries.

Open season

Elmira While the town was once home to luminaries like Mark Twain and Tommy Hilfiger, it has become a go-to destination for spying autumn leaves.

Experience a day of wonder with a hike at Tanglewood Nature Center, which has more than 10 miles of hiking trails leading through old farmlands, hills formed by glaciers, wetlands and deciduous forests.

BEST TIME FOR COLOR: Late September

through October

POST-PEEP SLEEP: After a day spent

in the great outdoors, it’s nice to have all the modern comforts of home.

The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson®

GOOD EATS: Set atop Jerusalem Hill, the

landmark Hill Top Inn has both incredible views of the Chemung Valley and a delicious dinner menu that includes soups, salads, burgers, steaks and fish, along with a raw bar featuring fresh seafood from Maine Harvest Seafood. ( hill-top-inn.com)

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: What’s a fall

getaway without a little apple picking?

Littletree Orchards, located 30 minutes away in Newfield, is just the ticket. Pick from more than 10,000 apple trees loaded with 20-plus varieties, such as McIntosh, Cortland, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious, as well as specialty varieties like Jonagold, Melrose, Fuji and Mutsu. ( littletree-orchards.com)

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIT TLETREE ORCHARDS; GET T Y IMAGES/CAVAN IMAGES

provides guests with free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, a business center, gym and indoor pool. It’s also located near the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and Mark Twain State Park. (choicehotels.com)

BEST TIME FOR COLOR: Late September to

Mid-October

POST-PEEP SLEEP: Book a stay at the

Town House Lodge, a chic motel that

boasts 22 rooms on 1.5 acres of beautifully landscaped property, a heated swimming pool and a communal kitchen stocked with all the essentials—pots, pans, utensils, plates, spices and olive oil—along with two tables and a sitting area with a flat-screen TV. (townhouselodge.com)

GOOD EATS: After a vigorous walk

PAT BLY; GET T Y IMAGES/ WALTER BIBIKOW

Lake Placid Cinephiles know that Lake Placid is the fictional setting of a few comedy-horror movies by David E. Kelley. In reality, it’s an idyllic fall escape. Located in the Adirondacks, the city offers comfortable temperatures and ready access to colorful scenery. Plan a hike at Mount Van Hoevenberg and Wild Walk at The Wild Center, or take a load off with a boat tour, where you’ll learn about the mysterious Lady of the Lake and enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains and trees.

surveying the land, take five at Big Slide Brewery. The award-winning gastropub is the place to be, thanks to outdoor seating, a choice of 10 beers on tap and great food including sandwiches, pizza, and shareable snacks such as poutine and “the three needs” (beer, bread and cheese). ( bigslidebrewery.com) WHILE YOU’RE THERE: If you truly love to

“leaf it,” take things to new heights by booking a ride on the Cloudsplitter Gondola. As you reach the summit of Whiteface Mountain, you’ll be amazed by views of neighboring peaks, Lake Champlain and the vivid vegetation. (whiteface.com) Opening Doors

Fall 2023

11

Open season Boykin enjoys a happy moment with her greatest accomplishment and ultimate motivation: her children, Emma, Tessa and Collyn.

Boykin headed back to the safety of her family in her hometown of Bonham, Texas, and began trying to figure out how she was going to support twin girls, Emma and Tessa, and son, Collyn.

Much to her surprise, she found a ONE TO WATCH long-term solution while working a temp job. “Someone asked me if I’d ever heard of Clayton because they were having a job fair. I had no clue what it was, but they were A mom of three is forging a fierce second act in Bonham, Texas. offering a hiring bonus,” Boykin explains. “But you know what? I almost didn’t go. I told myself hree years ago, Brittany Boykin couldn’t I didn’t want to be on the facility floor in the heat.” have imagined that a job would save her The high temps weren’t Boykin’s only concern. life. Back then, she was trapped in a bad “During my marriage, I had gotten in trouble with marriage with no money, low self-esteem the law, and I didn’t think I could actually get a job and little hope for her future. But as the sayanywhere because of my record,” she says. “But ing goes, necessity is the mother of invention—and I went to the fair, and I met human resources this mother of three bravely realized she needed to manager Misty Malone. She was telling me about escape her dangerous situation. “My ex-husband was the pay and benefits, and it all seemed too good to always pretty abusive to me when he drank, but as be true—I just started bawling. But there was no judgment. She took me aside and said people soon as he hit my son, I knew I had to leave,” Boykin says. “I had nothing to my name but a vehicle that my with records come and go. The ones who stay get uncle gave me, and the day after it happened, I packed benefits and actually make something of themselves. up that car and drove away as soon as my husband I just had to stick it out.” left for work. I was terrified because I had never been So Boykin went to work. She spent her weekdays on my own before, and now here I was, alone with building homes and her weekends building her selfthree children in diapers.” worth via Getting Ahead, a local program designed

Team Member Spotlight: Brittany Boykin

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

RACHEL OVERSTREET

T

LEFT: Clayton Bonham team

members Larry Geer, Tara Caldwell, Boykin and Brad Stone. Boykin finds the family-like atmosphere at work particularly fulfilling.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIT TANY BOYKIN

BELOW: Boykin gets to work on-site —along with Sandy Ferguson, Caldwell and Damion Corkeron.

to help people escape poverty. Before long, she even set her sights on another new job within Clayton: sales coordinator. “They saw that I had a spark and that I could make a difference. Misty helped me get enrolled in school, and about six months later, they told me that I got the job. I was so excited!” she says.

Today, Boykin is 15 credits shy of her bachelor’s degree, and plans to pursue a master’s in business. “I have full custody of my kids, and three months ago I purchased a Clayton home that I actually helped build! It’s better than anything I’ve ever lived in,” she marvels.

“This is definitely not where I thought I’d be three years ago. The girl that I was then would be really proud of me.”

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Open season

Cheers to Fall DRINK UP

T H E S E S M A L L B AT C H C O C K TA I L S C E L E B R AT E I N - S E A S O N F L AVO R S .

Serves 2 4 8 4 1 2 2

ounces gin ounces tonic water blackberries orange slice, cut into quarters star anise pieces fresh rosemary sprigs

1. Fill 2 stemmed glasses with ice.

Divide the gin and tonic between glasses; stir gently.

2. Place 2 blackberries and 1 orange

quarter on each of 2 cocktail skewers; add 1 skewer to each glass.

3. Divide the remaining oranges,

star anise and rosemary sprigs between the glasses to serve.

Pumpkin Vodka Splash Serves 2 1/4 1 1 4 1 1 1/2 4

cup pumpkin puree ounce maple syrup tablespoon lemon juice ounces vodka egg white teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground nutmeg sage leaves

1. In a large shaker without ice, add the

pumpkin puree, maple syrup, lemon juice, vodka and egg white. Cover and shake vigorously for 60 seconds.

2. Add ice to the shaker; cover and shake

again for 30 seconds. Double-strain into 2 margarita-style glasses.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg

Fig Jammer Serves 2 4 1 1 2 2 2

ounces gin ounce lemon juice ounce simple syrup teaspoons fig jam fresh figs, quartered fresh mint sprigs

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Spoon in the jam. Cover and shake for 30 seconds.

2. Double-strain into 2 ice-filled glasses.

Divide the figs between the glasses and garnish with fresh mint sprigs to serve.

on top of each cocktail and garnish with the sage leaves to serve.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Serves 2 4 4 1 2 2 1/2

ounces bourbon ounces apple cider ounce honey dashes bitters cinnamon sticks apple, thinly sliced into wedges

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add

the bourbon, apple cider, honey and bitters.

2. Cover and shake for 15 seconds.

3. Double-strain into 2 lowball glasses filled

with fresh ice.

4. Garnish with the cinnamon stick and apple

slices to serve.

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

STOCKFOOD/ALI SID; STOCKFOOD/PHOTOCUISINE; STOCKFOOD/IRINA MELIUKH; STOCKFOOD/ELENA VESELOVA

Savory Gin & Tonic

SAVORY GIN & TONIC

FIG JAMMER

PUMPKIN VODK A SPL ASH

APPLE CIDER OLD FASHIONED

Open season

PART Y ON

The founder of BlackSouthernBelle.com shares her winning game plan for a tailgate that’s equal parts stylish and attainable.

No. 1

SET THE SCENE. Printed menus and event displays are an easy, affordable way to add a custom touch to a tailgate. Here, color-coordinated paper goods share historically Black college and university traditions.

(They can also provide a fun photo opp!)

No. 2

PILE ON THE PL AID. Layering in a touch of tartan adds an instant vintage vibe. Better still, the multicolored design helps to conceal mid-tailgate spills. Stick with cotton tablecloths and throws you can easily toss in the wash after the game.

No. 3

STICK TO ONE SHOWSTOPPING A R R A N G E M E N T. The one-and-done approach is easier to transport than multiple small ones, and it packs even more visual punch. Fresh flower arrangements are lovely, but faux florals are a pretty, practical option to use more than once.

No. 4

LET CANDLES DO D O U B L E D U T Y. Choose a citronella candle in a pretty vessel to add ambience and deter insects in one fell swoop.

No. 5

SCORE WITH PA P E R N A P K I N S .

Sure, cloth napkins are lovely. But you can save time and money by buying paper napkins in

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bulk at the start of the season. Look for an impactful design or opt for team colors.

No. 6

USE PROPS W I T H PAT I N A .

Weathered footballs and worn-in ball caps scattered amid a tailgate spread provide handsome decor that can take a beating. In other words, they look good but aren’t too precious to display in a lively setting.

No. 7

HAND OUT UNEXPECTED F AV O R S .

Let guests leave with an extra point, as it were, with thoughtful, sure-to-be-used favors such as the locally made lip balms like the ones shown here.

C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

CHANTILLY L ACE, ST YLING BY BL ACK SOUTHERN BELLE; (OPPOSITE) PHOTO COURTESY OF BROHN HOMES

Tailgating With Michiel Perry

Open season MEET THE TASTEMAKER Perry shares her hosting know-how.

» NO-FAIL ENTERTAINING TRICK: Adding homemade touches to premade restaurant dishes. You can order wings and add a homemade sauce or start with store-bought macaroni and cheese and mix in crab meat. I am all about creating a custom meal with a little less work. » NO EVENT IS COMPLETE WITHOUT…

Taking a few pictures.

You don't have to post them on social media and they don't have to be perfect, but it's always great to snap a few pictures with your friends and share them with the group to thank them for coming. Plus, you’ll treasure the memory down the road. » BEST LAST-MINUTE PARTY PREP TIP: It’s OK to ask for help! Everyone has that one friend who likes to be early and offers to lend a hand. You should absolutely take them up on it! » YOU KNOW YOUR EVENT IS A SUCCESS WHEN…

I have to gently nudge guests to pack up their party favors. There’s no bigger compliment than company who was having such a good time that they’ve lost track of time.

DOING GOOD

Tiny Homes, Big Heart Brohn Homes is fighting homelessness in Austin, Texas, one labor of love at a time.

T

he 200-square-foot, studio-style homes recently constructed

by Brohn Homes®, part of Clayton Properties Group®, may have limited footprints—but for the individuals who call them home, they’re a big first step toward a better life. Built over the span of two months through more than 700 team member volunteer hours, the tiny homes are the newest residences at Austin’s Community First! Village, the United States’ largest master-planned development geared toward helping people experiencing chronic homelessness. Founded by the social outreach organization Mobile Loaves & Fishes®, the 51-acre community has more than 1,500 homes for men and women transitioning out of homelessness.

The two Brohn Homes are just the start of the partnership between the Texas-based builder and Mobile Loaves & Fishes. “Brohn has committed to continuing that partnership by building more homes for Community First! Village each year to come,” explains Lea Davis, human resources director at Brohn Homes. “It is such an amazing commitment and community to be a part of. It’s been so empowering for the company to be a part of this build process from start to finish.”

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Visit support.ecobee.com or call 1-877-932-6233 to learn more.

Happyness at hOme Make the most out of your special space.

Neutrals CLEAN | FRESH | OPEN | PR ACTICAL

Shades of white, including creams and beiges, lend feelings of cleanliness and practicality. “The emotions and concepts that whites and other neutrals call to mind are deeply rooted,” says Megan Foster, interior design manager for Clayton. “This is why you see the color embraced by a wide range of interior design styles— minimalist, farmhouse, cottage chic.” While Foster is quick to recommend the use of these neutrals in any space, she is fond of them on large elements like upholstery, cabinetry and countertops.

“The color also suggests openness and familiarity, making it something you’re less likely to tire of.”

Textured wood tones add depth to neutrals.

The Psychology of Color Learn how interior hues can affect your mood, productivity and more.

by C A R O L I N E M C K E N Z I E photographs by A A R O N I N G R A M

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Happyness at hOme

Blues

CALM | RESTFUL | HEALING | SERENE

Just as blue skies and ocean waters call to mind soothing thoughts and relaxing experiences, so, too, can shades of blue infuse interiors with calm. In particular, researchers have found soft, dewy blues, like the ones shown here, subconsciously create a tranquil, reassuring environment.

“Blue, specifi cally versions on the lighter side of the spectrum, recall ease and assurance,” Foster says. “As such, it’s the perfect hue for ‘escape’ areas of the home, like bedrooms and primary bathrooms.”

Blue cabinetry adds a soothing swath of color to a calm area like a primary bathroom.

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Oranges & Golds

HAPPY | LIVELY | UPLIFTING | PRODUCTIVE

Vibrant shades like these can enhance productivity—and put a smile on your face!

“Orange is commonly used in areas like gyms and classrooms for a dose of happiness and inspiration,” explains Foster, who notes researchers have deemed oranges, yellows and golds the happiest hues, able to stimulate joy and excitement in viewers.

These colors have also been shown to boost productivity.

When designing interiors, Foster looks to these hues for areas like children’s bedrooms and fl ex spaces such as home offi ces and gyms. “During the past few years, oranges and golds have exploded in popularity, with families looking to add a dash of exuberance during quarantines and remote work,” adds Foster.

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Happyness at hOme

Greens

POSITIVE | SAFE | MINDFUL | HARMONIOUS

Green hues will infuse a room with comfort and familiarity. “Green, particularly understated tones such as mint and sage, have proven to be trend-proof as interior design fads come and go,” says Foster.

“Within the design world, many actually consider muted greens neutrals that work anywhere, anytime.” Why? Researchers believe its connection with nature makes the shade universally appealing and evocative of safety and harmony. Another subconscious link to green that psychologists in the United States are beginning to explore: It’s the color of money, meaning it may also bring to mind security.

Blacks & Browns

SOPHISTICATED | POWERFUL | MYSTERIOUS | LUXURIOUS

“Whether used on a single accessory or with abandon, richly dark colors like black and brown exude sophistication and maybe even a little mystery,” says Foster, who points out that high-end restaurants and hotels often utilize the colors, along with dim lighting, to evoke glamour or exclusivity. Foster likes to layer in selective pops— lamps, tiles and cabinetry are a few of her go-tos—to up the style factor of a space. Looking to make a power move and go all in with the dark scheme?

She recommends a deep charcoal when painting an entire room: “It will have the same mental affects, but be slightly less jarring visually.”

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Reds & Pinks PASSION | CREATIVIT Y | ACTION | AFFECTION

Red proves to be one of the most evocative colors on the visible spectrum. As a primary color, it’s entirely its own—that is to say, no other colors can come together to form a perfect red.

Similarly, studies have shown it brings forth singular, strong emotions, with love, charisma and confi dence topping the list. Given its powerful impact, Foster fi nds it well suited for statement-making spaces such as dining rooms and entryways.

“It can also work well in the home offi ce of someone in a creative-oriented fi eld,” she adds. Like what red connotes, but want to take things down a notch both visually and emotionally? Try pink, known to generate feelings of playfulness and affection.

Happyness at hOme

Harris Doyle Homes ®’ Palmer Cove, Birmingham, Alabama

Live Large, No Matter the Square Footage Four designer-approved tricks for getting the most “space” out of any space.

No. 1

SNEAK IN STORAGE AT EVERY TURN.

Turn pass-throughs into workhorses with the strategic placement of enclosed furniture. Entryways and hallways, frequent design afterthoughts, look smart when outfitted with a handsome bookcase or sideboard. In addition to making these spaces feel more like fullfledged rooms, the furniture provides stealth storage for everything from board games to batteries.

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No. 2

TAKE CURTAINS TO THE CEILING .

Resist the urge to hang curtain rods right at the top of the window frame. Instead, mount them closer to the ceiling. (Or directly below the crown molding, if you have it.)

Doing so will draw the eye up, which will help the room to read as taller.

While you’re at it, if wall space allows, make sure the rod extends 4 to 6 inches beyond each side edge of the window. This positioning will give the optical illusion that the room is wider than it is.

No. 3

EMBRACE OPEN FURNITURE.

You can take the strain off a cramped area by swapping bulky furniture with airy pieces. Glass coffee tables, acrylic or metalmesh barstools, and open-backed bookcases will give the illusion of space—even when there’s still plenty of furniture in the room.

What’s more, these peekaboo items are often lighter than their bulky counterparts, making it easier to mix up the layout and functionality of a room as needed.

No. 4

MAKE WAY FOR MIRRORS.

Trick the eye into seeing a bigger room with the introduction of mirrors. The light-reflecting surfaces amp up the natural light and surrounding views without taking up excessive space. You can opt for a single oversize one, as shown in this living room (opposite page), or a gallery design, with an assortment of small mirrors lining a wall.

About this Home Located in Harris Doyle Homes’ Palmer Cove community in Birmingham, the Merion is a three-bedroom charmer that packs style and practicality into every square inch. It’s designed and built with affordability in mind. Starting at $314,900, houses in Palmer Cove are examples of efforts being made across the country to offer new homes at attainable price points.

by C A R O L I N E M C K E N Z I E photographs by M E L A N I E PA R K E R

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Easy, Cozy Style

Quick refreshes for every room, just in time for the cooler days ahead.

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

HEATHER WHITE

In a Reading Nook Sure, reading nooks are cozy by nature, but you can next-level the sit-and-stay-awhile appeal with a few key elements. Here, an ornate fl oor lamp and collection of antique prints defi ne the corner as its own little reading oasis.

Meanwhile, a vintage suitcase turned side table adds just the right element of patina and worldly quirk.

In a Living Room Time to pile on the pillows!

Whether you have a patterned sofa or a solid color, like the leather one shown here, you can instantly overhaul your living room’s seating with a batch of new throw pillows.

They’ll simultaneously enliven a room’s palette and make for a cozier spot to sit.

by C A R O L I N E M C K E N Z I E

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Happyness at hOme

In a Bedroom Nothing transforms a room faster than a textile swap. Look to muted, earth tones for an autumnal switch-up.

The rusty reds and oranges do the trick here. Master the art of pattern mixing with this simple formula: one large-scale fl oral, one or two textured solids and one simple stripe. Voilà—a cozy bedroom retreat.

Don’t let your bathroom’s design go down the drain. Instead, embellish the room with living room-worthy niceties. In this shared hall bath, you’ll fi nd both a modern painting and a classic landscape print lining the walls. Enhancing the artful air are a goldleafed bust, sculptural candlestick holders and a brass box. These easy additions complement the space’s clean lines and bronze hardware.

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

THIS PAGE: HEATHER WHITE, DEB HEUER; OPPOSITE: HEATHER WHITE

In a Bathroom

In a Dining Room Take your dining table to new heights with the introduction of a floral centerpiece. Whether fresh or faux like the one shown here, a tall arrangement will draw the eye up, creating a textured focal point within the room. Add to the cozy style with jewel-toned accessories such as amber-hued glasses and brass cutlery.

DEB HEUER

Happyness at hOme

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

In a Kitchen When it comes to sprucing up a kitchen, it’s hard to go wrong with organic materials, such as pottery and plants.

Whether you opt for a mix of items and shapes, like the cut branches, earthenware dishes and clay sculptures shown here, or a shelf full of perfectly matched vessels, you can be sure the natural elements will bring handsome texture and warmth to a cook space.

In a Flex Space Your best bet in a flex space: an area rug. From plush to flat weave, an area rug will help to visually define a space that may be lacking in it otherwise. The one shown here provides a clear border—and a pretty pattern— in a corner that functions as a home office, guest room and workout area, depending on the day and homeowners’ needs.

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TH R I LL O F TH E H U NT Keith Baker and Layla, one of his British Labrador retrievers, celebrate after a successful day of hunting in Hobart, Oklahoma. Baker is a secondgeneration Clayton team member. His father, Robert, pictured opposite, worked for the company for more than six years.

     

Like Father, Like Son

LIFE IS BUT A DREAM FOR KEITH BAKER, THANKS TO A FULFILLING CAREER AND A HOBBY TURNED SIDE GIG—AND HE OWES IT ALL TO HIS DAD.

By Laura Kostelny

◆ Photography by Heather Kiese Opening Doors

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     

A BIRD IN HAND As a child, Baker was his father’s designated “bird boy” on hunting trips.

Today, in addition to his role at Clayton, Baker is an in-demand hunting guide outfitter across Oklahoma and Texas. For more on Baker’s outfitter services, see page 39.

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I

t’s natural to dream big when you grow up in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania (population 5,562). After all, it’s home to a pretty far-out attraction: the “Moon Tree,” one of fewer than 100 sycamores planted in the United States with seeds carried by astronaut Stuart Roosa during the 1971 Apollo 14 mission to the moon.

But just beyond the city limits, Keith Baker was focused on more earthly pursuits as a child.

“I grew up in a rural part of town, and I spent as much time outdoors as I could,” he says. “I’m a country boy through and through.” He inherited his love for the land from his father, Robert, an avid hunter who bestowed his passion to his sons shortly after they learned to walk. “I got my first gun—a Red Ryder® BB Gun—when I was 5, and I was shooting sporting clays by the time I was in second grade,” Baker explains. “It wasn’t long before my brother, Karl, and I were learning how to hunt ducks, geese, pheasant and deer.”

RISE AND SHINE Baker credits his strong work ethic— and early-bird tendencies—to his father’s no-nonsense parenting and pre-dawn wake-up calls.

Above right: Keith, his brother Karl, and their dad, Robert, on a hunting trip in their younger years.

While the Baker boys were immediately drawn to the allure of pheasant and duck calls, the early wake-up calls? Not so much. Luckily, Dad was ready with a tough-love solution. “When he got up, we had to get up, too,” Baker says. “He had a real ‘If I’m up, you’re up’ kind of attitude. Even on weekdays, we had a list of chores to do every day around the house when he left for work,” he says.

Turns out, repetition really is the mother of retention, because Dad’s practice stuck. “I’m a morning person now,” says Baker. “I get up at 4:30 a.m. every day, and I go after it.”

Just like the early rising, the love for hunting stuck. And after Baker went on his first-ever guided hunt, he found himself a changed man.

An outfitter does all the hard work, going out into the fields, finding the birds and getting hunters to the right spot to pull the trigger. But Baker realized his passion and personality were better suited to field work than waiting around in the lodge watching football and drinking beer, so he transitioned from client to employee.

By 2018, he was hosting and posting hunts on Instagram (@bakerbakerbakerrr), and found that he was even more in demand as both an outfitter and an influencer. Today, he has assorted sponsorships, has made an appearance in a Purina® commercial, and continues to lead hunts with Goose Reapers (@goosereapersofficial) in Oklahoma and MF Water Fowl (@mfwaterfowl) in north Texas and southeast Oklahoma.

While the hunts Baker hosts last just a weekend, he has dreamed up a way to send guests off with lifelong souvenirs. Photographer Heather Kiese joins the treks, snapping action-packed Opening Doors

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R E A DY A N D WA ITI N G Layla hangs in a Rig’Em Right ® Field Bully Dog Blind.

Baker’s dogs are trained to wait in the blind while the birds circle and only move to retrieve once he gives them the word.

Good dogs, indeed.

images and videos along the way. “She comes along, and after it’s over, my clients get all kinds of action shots, post-hunt photos, candids and videos,” he says. “It’s the greatest thing.

They can take the memories home and share them with their friends.”

Baker’s thriving hunting guide business isn’t the only career path his father helped put into motion. As a longtime Clayton team member, Robert’s pride in his workplace always stood out to his son. “My dad was the general manager at three different Clayton home building facilities,” he explains. “I knew back in the third grade that I wanted to be in this industry. One day that year, my mom dropped me off at the facility, and I remember thinking, ‘This is the coolest job in the world.’ I’ve been hooked on the business ever since, and I knew I’d eventually work at this gem of a company.”

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

TH ROUG H TH IC K A N D TH I N Baker relaxes in the fi eld with friend and mentor: John Campbell, general manager of Clayton Lewistown.

After serving in the U.S. Army and earning a Bachelor of Arts at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, Baker did just that. He started at Clayton Lewistown in Pennsylvania, and then relocated to Waco, Texas, to become a customer success manager for Clayton Waco I. Most weekdays, he and his three dogs—British Labs Layla and Stevie and English Lab Big Boone—run the roads, selling homes to retailers, company stores and communities throughout West Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

“I love the relationships that have come from this career. Not only internally in the facility, but externally with retailers,” Baker says. “If you ever have the opportunity to visit a home building facility and see what the team members do every day, it will give you the utmost appreciation for this company. It’s mind-blowing how efficient and

     

37

38

     

PO I NT & S H OOT Whether you are ready to join Baker in the field or simply want to swoon over his incredible outdoor adventures, follow along via Instagram: @bakerbaker bakerrr.

productive everyone is, and how hardworking and how much pride they put in the houses.

These people have become my lifelong friends.”

They’ve also become hunting companions.

“My dad used to do the very same thing. Back then, I was always the designated bird boy,” Baker recalls. “I learned from him that getting to spend time with customers and colleagues outsideof a work environment can help develop the best relationships.”

Baker says carrying on his father’s legacy is more important than ever now. “My dad passed away, so being second generation at Clayton is huge,” he says. Much like his father, Baker reminds himself daily that he is helping to provide attainable home ownership solutions during an incredible time of housing demand. “It’s not just a name on a piece of paper as an order. These are people who want to buy a home where they’ll gather for Thanksgiving, celebrate holidays and raise a family,” he explains. “It’s really cool and humbling to see people at a home center getting the keys to their first home, and I’m doing my part. It turns out, selling homes and chasing birds are the two things I’m best at!”

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PARADISE

More than 18,000 structures—from businesses to homes— were destroyed in Northern California’s Butte County in November 2018.

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LOST...A

C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ever since a devastating wildfire engulfed the tiny town of Paradise, California, Clayton Homes of Oroville and Executive Homes has been helping residents rebuild their lives, one home at a time.

BY FA R I M A F E RG U S O N A N D CA RO LI N E M c K E N Z I E

ND FOUND Opening Doors

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RETURN TO PARADISE

It’s no stretch to say that Paradise native Dustin Youngdahl has been a part of the off-site housing industry his entire life. In 1971, the year Youngdahl was born, his father, Carl, opened the first off-site home center in Paradise.

Growing up, Youngdahl had numerous “jobs” at the home center. First, he would pick up nails around the lot, with his dad paying him a penny for each one he collected. In middle

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

LEFT: The now

stark road leading into Paradise, California, was once lined with pine trees.

But the new welcome sign points to greener times ahead.

BARBARA MUNKER/PICTURE-ALLIANCE/DPA /AP IMAGES

I

n 2018, Paradise, California (population 5,268), was the epicenter of the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. At the time, it was also the most expensive natural disaster in the world in terms of insured losses. Named after Camp Creek Road, its place of origin, the Camp Fire began on Thursday, Nov. 8, in Northern California’s Butte County. Ignited by a faulty electric transmission line, the urban firestorm started in water-starved Paradise. (The town typically receives 5 inches of autumn rain but had only gotten one-seventh of an inch in 2018.) The fire raged for 17 days, destroying 18,000 structures in the area, including numerous homes. In the nearly five years that have passed, Clayton Homes of Oroville and Executive Homes of Chico, CA, have worked tirelessly to help displaced families rebuild.

school, Youngdahl worked weekends mowing the home center lawn and cleaning the homes. In high school, he even helped sell them. “I wasn’t licensed to sell homes, but I would take customer information and if they bought a home, my dad would pay me $500,” he explains.

Eventually, the Youngdahl family left Paradise for Sacramento, where both father and son would go on to work for Clayton and eventually open Clayton Homes of Sacramento, a Clayton retail home center.

But after the devastation of the Camp Fire, Youngdahl made it his mission to return to Paradise. “When my hometown burned down, I knew that I needed to be the one that Clayton sent to rebuild Paradise and Butte County,” he says. In July 2019, he opened Clayton Homes of Oroville, located just 15 minutes down the hill from Paradise. Under his guidance, Clayton Homes of Oroville partnered with Samaritan’s Purse and North Valley Catholic Services to provide residents who lost homes in the fire with new homes for low, or in some cases, no cost. “Sometimes we feel as though we’re therapists as much as we are home consultants,” says Youngdahl.

“Our customers, as well as our

DEB HEUER

team members, have survival stories as they escaped the fires.

It’s rewarding to hear these stories and the whole journey of how and why they’re back. They want to be part of something that’s rebuilding and growing.”

It turns out it’s something Youngdahl wants to be a part of as well. Though he never anticipated an indefinite return to his hometown, that’s exactly what’s happened. He and his wife, Jessica, are now proud Clayton homeowners in the reviving area. “We love it here,” he says. “We have incredible views out the front and back of the house, and our dog Nacho loves it, too.”

A NEW HOME (AND JOB)

After her Paradise house burned to the ground, Danica Vinson wasn’t sure she would ever find another place to truly call home.

After losing the house, Vinson and her partner, Jesse, bounced between family members’ homes and then took up residence in a camper for more than three years. “We spent the first eight months in it living at a campground,” recalls Vinson.

“Finally, we were cleared to return to our property and continued to live in it there.”

While it was nice to be back to the land and views they loved, they wouldn’t have gone so far

ABOVE: Dustin

Youngdahl proudly reclaimed his Paradise roots when he and wife Jessica moved into this new Clayton home.

ABOVE RIGHT:

Youngdahl is ready to welcome customers at Clayton Homes of Oroville.

as to call it home sweet home.

“Cooking was hard, so we ate out a lot and spent on our credit cards. Getting our credit card down to where we wanted it to be for a home loan was a struggle,” she recalls of the financial hardships they faced as they attempted to get back on their feet.

About a year after the fire, the couple came across Clayton Homes of Oroville. When they visited, Vinson found out she would need a job to get a home loan, but the hospital she worked at had closed due to the fire. They left crestfallen, only to have home center manager Dustin Youngdahl call later in the day. “He asked if I would like to interview for an open home consultant job,” explains Vinson, who got the job and has been a Clayton team member since November 2019.

Now, she had the chance to build from the ground up on a new tract of land the couple found a bit farther out of town.

It took about nine months from preapproval to move-in day, Opening Doors

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my boots, place my animals’ extra stuff and an extra freezer,” Vinson says. “The model [our home] was based on had a huge utility room—I’ve never seen a utility room like this. It even has its own island.”

When they moved into the home in September 2021, their daughter, Soryah, was only 8 months old. “Getting to watch her grow up here, it’s been great,” Vinson said. “We have given her so much more than we had.”

MAPPING IT OUT

team member Danica Vinson, along with partner Jesse and their daughter Soryah, in front of their Clayton home.

LEFT: Vinson’s

property is also home to 11 goats and two horses, Firecat and Smoke.

and the Clayton home they chose was part of the fittingly named Dream series. And for Vinson that’s exactly what it was—a chance to build a home just right for her family. “We modified the regular pantry into a hidden pantry, and we rearranged the kitchen layout and added a bigger island,” she says. She also modified the model’s bathroom setup and

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added an additional room to make the multi-section home larger. The property also comes with a lot of land, which provides plenty of room for their two horses, Firecat and Smoke, and their 11 goats. “One of the big things about our lifestyle needs and having a large property with animals is we had to have a huge utility room,” Vinson says.

“I need somewhere to take off

C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

WORTH THE WAIT

For Shirley Birdsong, escaping the Camp Fire was a miracle unto itself. Returning to the

DEB HEUER

ABOVE: Clayton

Today, if you walk into the Clayton Homes of Oroville home center, you’ll see a map of Paradise hanging on the back wall with pins representing the locations where customers rebuilt with Clayton homes.

In fact, about 70% of the center’s customers are people who lost homes in the fire. These efforts have been recognized by the Manufactured Housing Institute®, which awarded the Clayton Homes of Oroville the title of Retailer of the Year in 2021. It also won the 2022 MHI award for Retail Center of the Year from the national organization. Still, Youngdahl and his team know they have a long way to go. “We plan on helping rebuild Paradise for the next 20 years and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.

“Seeing the weight being lifted off customers’ shoulders and the joy coming back is the best feeling you can imagine.”

town she loves so dearly has been doubly miraculous. The day of the fire, Birdsong and her son Salvador Schlemmer spent more than 10 hours attempting to evacuate Paradise. “There was gridlock traffic when we tried to escape,” she says.

“When we got down the hill and saw sunlight coming through, it felt like a miracle to see that instead of pitch-black darkness from the fire and ash.” After they arrived safely at a family members’ home, they saw much more on the television. “Channel 12 kept showing footage of our home,” she recalls. “I saw my grandson’s swing set burning. I saw my son’s bedroom windows engulfed in flames. We knew everything was gone.”

In the years that followed, Birdsong lived in various locations as she waited for her land to once again be inhabitable.

While those towns were not far in distance from her lost home, none of them were, simply put, Paradise. “I had fallen in love with Paradise the minute I found it, from how it was laid out, to the people, to the beautiful smell of the pines. There are deer, bear, turkey, quail. There’s no place like it,” she says.

When she finally got the go-ahead to rebuild in Paradise, Birdsong started the search for a home for her and her son.

She toured “hundreds,” but none of them felt right. In particular, she found herself frustrated with high-pressure sales teams focused on numbers. Then one day she walked into Executive Homes, a family-owned retailer who sells Clayton homes and has been serving the community for more than 40 years.

RIGHT: A copy

of the map that hangs at Clayton Homes of Oroville gives a bird’s-eye view of the numerous homeowners the home center has assisted since the 2018 Camp Fire.

BELOW: Mother and son Shirley Birdsong and Salvador Schlemmer.

Birdsong’s new home has a perfect perch atop the property.

Custom steps and decking provide a showplace for her numerous garden creations.

There, she met sales manager Tommy Slattery. “I went to Tommy and told him I was tired of looking at homes,” Shirley said. “He let me tour the homes without pressuring me.” In November 2022, Birdsong moved into the Coronado, a threebedroom, two-bathroom Clayton home with a split bedroom floor plan that’s perfect for her and her son. Her favorite part of the home: the customized porch, which provides picturesque views of the beautiful topography and also peeks at Birdsong’s original artwork— painted pots in her garden and a mural along a portion of her porch. Since her return, she’s also welcomed a very special neighbor, a buck she fondly refers to as Elliot. “He comes right to the porch every night and I feed him corn,” she says.

“It is so good to be home.”

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Thankful

As Can Be

C L AY T ON T E A M

MEMBERS SH A RE TREASURED FA M I LY R E C I P E S , PER F ECT FOR S E R V I N G U P AT T H A N K SGI V I NG A N D B E YO N D .

RECIPES TESTED AND EDITED B Y C H A R LY N E M AT T O X

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

ON THE MENU Herb-Roasted Turkey Granny’s Biscuit and Cornbread Stuffing Cranberry Chutney Ooey Gooey Mac ’n’ Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole

GET T Y IMAGES/ANJELIK A GRETSK AIA

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

GOOD GRAVY! For a deep-hued gravy, cook the drippings until they are a rich, dark brown. + Turkey drippings + Turkey neck

1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken stock + Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

CREDIT TEEK AY

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook reserved turkey drippings and turkey neck, stirring often, until dark brown and thickened, 12 to 14 minutes. Add wine and simmer, stirring often, until syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Gradually stir in chicken stock and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, 14 to 16 minutes. Pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer.

Season with salt and pepper.

Herb-Roasted Turkey

Jim Stariha, Chief Financial Officer WORKING TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 3 hours 30 minutes MAKES 8 to 10 servings

1 (12-to-14-pound) turkey, patted dry, giblets discarded and neck reserved

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley + Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 3 large celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 large onions, quartered 4 cups chicken stock, divided 1. Remove the turkey from the

refrigerator 1 hour before roasting.

This is an important step, as the turkey starts cooking at a very high temperature. In a bowl, mix butter, sage, rosemary, thyme and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper.

STOCKFOOD/GREAT STOCK!

2. Preheat oven to 450 F. Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper, then fill with half the carrots, celery and onions. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey. Rub butter mixture over and under the skin.

Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place remaining half of the

vegetables in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Add 2 cups chicken stock to the pan. Top with roasting rack and then turkey. In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat remaining stock until warm.

“I first made this dish as a little girl with my grandmother. As she chopped onions and celery and crumbled the biscuits and cornbread, she’d tell me stories about her childhood on the farm.

It was pure love. Now, I enlist my grandsons to help in hopes they have the same fond memories one day.”

K AT H E R I N E B A N N E R

4. Roast turkey until lightly golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 F. Continue roasting, basting with warm stock every 15 minutes, adding more stock to pan as needed to prevent scorching, until the internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads 165 F, 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and loosely tent with foil. Let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

8 cups stale torn biscuits (from 12 to 15 biscuits) 4 cups stale cubed cornbread

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1 large egg, beaten 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 2 cups chicken stock, divided 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter a

Granny’s Biscuit and Cornbread Stuffing

9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.

Add onion and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and starting to turn golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.

WORKING TIME 15 minutes

2. Transfer onion mixture to a large

TOTAL TIME 1 hour 35 minutes

bowl. Add biscuits, cornbread, parsley, sage, egg and poultry seasoning. Add 1 cup stock and gently stir to combine. Add more stock as needed until bread is just moistened. Transfer to baking dish and cover with foil. Bake until warmed through, 28 to 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.

Katherine Banner, Senior Director of TMX Programs

MAKES 12 servings

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing baking dish 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped + Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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“Making and sharing food is a way to connect and show appreciation.

It’s its own love language.”

MIST Y DUNL AP

Elizabeth McDonald, Director of Events

WORKING TIME 15 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes MAKES 8 to 10 servings

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts 1 cup golden raisins 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest plus ¹∕ ³ cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1. In a medium saucepan over

medium-high heat, stir together cranberries, sugar and 1/4 cup water.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and cranberries have completely broken down, 12 to 14 minutes (reduce heat to medium if the mixture is boiling too vigorously). Remove from heat and stir in apple, celery, walnuts, raisins, orange zest, orange juice, ginger and cloves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Ooey Gooey Mac ’n’ Cheese

Misty Dunlap, Content Marketing Specialist WORKING TIME 10 minutes TOTAL TIME 20 minutes MAKES 4 to 6 servings

1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest + Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 pound elbow macaroni or medium shells 1 cup whole milk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon onion-and-herb seasoning 12 ounces cheddar, grated (about 3 cups) 1. In a bowl, combine parsley, thyme and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shells 2 minutes fewer than al dente per the package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in milk, butter, mustard and onion-and-herb seasoning. Set heat to medium and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low. Add cheese in four batches, stirring until melted before adding more. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with parsley mixture alongside.

C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

CREDIT TEEK AY

Cranberry Chutney

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CREDIT STOCKFOOD/NEWS TEEK AY LIFE MEDIA

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

Gail Batchelor, Founder of southerngirlscancook.com and wife of Clayton General Counsel Dan Batchelor WORKING TIME 30 minutes TOTAL TIME 2 hours MAKES 14 to 16 servings

For the filling + Unsalted butter, for baking dish 5 pounds McIntosh, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored and cut into wedges 1 tablespoon orange zest, plus 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 2 1 1

Cheryl Stowe, Regional Team Member Experience Manager WORKING TIME 15 minutes TOTAL TIME 2 hours 5 minutes MAKES 10 to 12 servings

6-7 medium sweet potatoes (about 4 pounds)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 graham crackers, coarsely crushed (about ²/³ cup) ¹∕ ³ cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided ¹∕ ³ cup whole milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

teaspoon ground nutmeg teaspoon kosher salt

For the topping 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Place

sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until tender when pierced with a paring knife, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Let cool 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 F. 2. To make the topping, in a

small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.

Add the pecans, flour, crushed graham crackers, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to combine (topping will be crumbly). Remove from heat.

3. Halve potatoes and scoop

flesh into a large bowl; discard skins. Add the milk, egg, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, remaining 4 tablespoons butter and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle topping over potatoes and bake until warmed through, 14 to 16 minutes.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces + Vanilla ice cream, for serving 1. Make filling: Preheat oven to 350 F.

Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

In a bowl, stir together apples, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Transfer to baking dish.

2. Make topping: In a bowl, combine flour, oats, both sugars and salt. Add butter and mix with 2 forks until crumbly, with a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining. Scatter over apple mixture. Bake until bubbly and top is golden brown, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes.

Serve with ice cream alongside.

STOCKFOOD/ THOM DESANTO; (RIGHT ) STOCKFOOD/KELLER & KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Sweet Potato Casserole

cup granulated sugar teaspoons ground cinnamon

CREDIT TEEK AY

have it made

®

Homes that fit your lifestyle.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CL AY TON HOME BUILDING GROUP

Find this House

MEET THE TEMPO SHOUT

Imagine coming home every day to this light-filled home, which you enter through the handsome living room.

From there you’ll find a contemporary kitchen and customizable flex spaces.

On-trend interior and exterior material options make this home a winner both inside and out.

Make Your Move

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking for your forever home, this curated collection of Clayton Home Building Group® models will help you find just the right house for any phase of your life.

by LEXI BL ACKBURN

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have it made

The Sage

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,858

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2.5

BUILDER: clover & hive®

Find this House

FEATURES: The two-story Sage features four bedrooms all with generous closets, plus a twoor three-car garage. Builder clover & hive has modernized home building with a customizable, advanced build process that allows homeowners to create their dream residence in as few as 120 days.

Cascade

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,100

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Clayton Savannah

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

FEATURES: Multiple flex spaces and large bedrooms make the Cascade an instant crowd pleaser. A mixture of white and gray finishes, including marble-style countertops, makes for a fresh, clean look.

A wall of built-in storage in the primary suite bathroom will have you feeling like a VIP.

The Oceanside SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,160

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

BUILDER: Clayton Waco II

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FEATURES: Efficiently designed to maximize every inch of square footage, the Oceanside is a workhorse with a thoughtful floor plan that includes a pretty kitchen flanked by two very practical spaces: a walk-in pantry and utility room.

The home also boasts four generously sized bedrooms.

Saluda

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,833-3,370 BEDROOMS: 4-6

BATHROOMS: 3-4

BUILDER: Mungo Homes®

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FEATURES: The Saluda features endless options to make it one of a kind: The kitchen can be outfitted with a pet pad, the entrance off the three-car garage can include built-in benches and cubbies, and the primary bedroom can be transformed with a window seat or sitting room.

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Santa Fe

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,790

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Clayton Rutledge

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FEATURES: The Santa Fe’s well-proportioned floor plan features a family-friendly eat-in kitchen with devoted prep space.

With both a living room and a den, it’s an ideal home for busy broods. Meanwhile, designer finishes such as beams and paneled accent walls take its style to the next level.

The Serendipity SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,005 BEDROOMS: 3-4 BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Highland Homes®

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

FEATURES: The Serendipity contains a three-in-one space that includes a homey gathering room, sunny dining nook, and an ample kitchen with a solid-surface-topped island and walk-in pantry. Plus, the primary suite has a tray ceiling, dual walk-in wardrobes and a well-sized en suite bath.

The Sheffield

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,770

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Summit Homes®

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FEATURES: The Sheffield’s great room boasts vaulted ceilings and beams. Keep organized with the family-friendly drop zone—a built-in storage bench and coat rack located just off the garage.

The main level bedroom suite has a walk-in closet and the lower level has the option for a fourth bedroom.

The Leahy

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,280 BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Buccaneer Homes®

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FEATURES: The Leahy is made for those who enjoy entertaining.

Barn doors open off the kitchen to reveal a roomy pantry, and the open floor plan is well suited for get-togethers. When you need a moment to yourself, escape to the primary suite, where the bath is equipped with a makeup vanity, shower and soaking tub.

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The Augusta

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,949-2,510

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Arbor Homes®

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FEATURES: With flex spaces that can be used for everything from playrooms to offices to home gyms, the Augusta will suit every season of life. Adding to the versatility, there are six exterior options, including Craftsman, cottage and farmhouse, to give each home individualized curb appeal.

The Cooper

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,056-2,961 BEDROOMS: 3-4

BATHROOMS: 2.5-4

BUILDER: Goodall Homes®

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C L AY T O N H O M E B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

FEATURES: The Cooper is a beautifully designed two-story home. Homeowners have the option to expand the floor plan as needed with additional bedrooms and bathrooms.

A porch and an optional covered patio allow for lovely outdoor living spaces for the whole family to enjoy.

Island Breeze

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,568

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Clayton Appalachia

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FEATURES: A picturesque farmhouse designed for modern life, the Island Breeze’s kitchen, dining room and living room are primed for both day-to-day events and special family gatherings. The primary bedroom is secluded on one side of the house for coveted privacy away from the activity.

Plan 2595 at Morningstar SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,595 BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 2.5

BUILDER: Brohn Homes®

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FEATURES: The two-story, two-car garage Plan 2595 features four bedrooms upstairs and the primary suite on the main level.

Extra living space can be found in the recreation room on the second floor, as well as on the covered patio off the dining room at the rear of the home.

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Brookmont

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,530-3,759 BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 4

BUILDER: Chafin Communities®

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FEATURES: The Brookmont will never leave you wanting for more. It features a grand kitchen conveniently located next to a mudroom. Additionally, there’s an expansive two-story great room that makes this home ideal for entertaining. Among the many add-on options is a work-from-home “Zoom room.”

DO YOU KNOW YOUR SIDING’S CARBON FOOTPRINT?

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Southern Charm SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,838

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Clayton Bean Station

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FEATURES: From the moment you step onto the dreamy front porch, this model will, well, charm you right off your feet.

Case in point: Barn doors in the primary bath open to a freestanding soaking tub set against windows offering serene views.

Rustic millwork throughout adds to the home’s farmhouse style.

BEAUTIFULLY EFFICIENT & SUSTAINABLE

The Rheem® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is the most efficient water heater available. It’s full of smart features you will love—from built-in Wi-Fi to multiple operating modes that save energy and protect the planet. Learn More at Rheem.com/Hybrid

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Farmhouse Flex SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,800

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2.5

BUILDER: Clayton Sulphur

Springs

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FEATURES: The Farmhouse Flex’s open floor plan features a breakfast bar with a view—talk about good mornings! Each of the two full baths has double sinks and ample storage. Better still: This model has the option to expand the primary bedroom and bathroom to fit your needs.

Albright American Dream Collection SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,311

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

BUILDER: Oakwood Homes®

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FEATURES: The Albright was designed with comfort top of mind. The first floor has a garage and flex space. The second lives well with the kitchen and two bedrooms. The primary bedroom suite is located on the third floor for added privacy— and the best views in the house.

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*Source: TraQline US quarterly brand unit share report, Q4 2006 through Q3 2022 1310173 12-22

COME BACK SOON

ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS, NEW YORK This bird’s-eye view of Upper Cascade Lake flaunts autumn in all its glory. With several retailers located in upstate New York, this scenic region of the country is dotted with numerous Clayton homes.

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