Greater Goods

Mother's Day

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1. Barefoot Dreams Throw, Magnolia House, 2903 May Blvd. Suite 103, Southaven, MS 2. Bird Houses, Mimi’s on Main, 432 W Main St, Senatobia, MS 3. Brighton pearl necklace, Center Stage Fashions, 324 W Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 4. Bundt Cake, Nothing Bundt Cakes, 5338 Goodman Rd Suite 127, Olive Branch, MS 5. Cutting board and towel, The Speckled Egg, 5100 Interstate 55, Marion, AR 6. Jewelry, Bon Von, 230 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 7. Colorful jewelry, Front Porch Vendor Boutique, 9094 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 8. Musee gift box , Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 9. Necklace, Ultimate Gifts, 2902 May Blvd. Suite 102, Southaven, MS 10. Phillip Gavriel initial necklaces, Custom Jewelery, 2903 May Blvd Suite 105, Southaven, MS 11. Nest Fragrances, Keep it Casual, 106 S Industrial Rd, Tupelo, MS 12. Angel Painting, Magnolia House, 2903 May Blvd. Suite 103, Southaven, MS 13. Swan Creek Candles, Commerce Street Market, 74 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 14. Mug Gift Sets, Paisley Pineapple, 6542 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS

Graduation

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1. Collegiate Corksicle, Ultimate Gifts, 2902 May Blvd. Suite 102, Southaven, MS 2. Gadgets for guys, Bon Von, 230 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 3. Gifts for grads, Commerce Street Market, 74 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 4. Kanga Coolers, Mimi’s on Main, 432 W Main St, Senatobia, MS 5. Muddy Mae Pottery, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 6. Picture Frames, Paisley Pineapple, 6542 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 7. Stackable Rings, Custom Jewelery, 2903 May Blvd Suite #105, Southaven, MS 8. Stadium prints, Merry Magnolia, 194 E Military Road, Marion, AR 9. Sweatpants & Sweatshirt, Magnolia House, 2903 May Blvd, Southaven, MS 10. Touch screen purses, Bon Von, 230 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 11. ZepPro Wallets, Ultimate Gifts, 2902 May Blvd. Suite 102, Southaven, MS

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Dunleith Redux

48 50 DeSoto

By Tracy Morin Photography courtesy of Dunleith Historic Inn. Castle Restaurant photography courtesy of Mark Coffey

The Dunleith Historic Inn in Natchez may transport visitors to bygone times, but recent upgrades and renovations ensure that its features and amenities meet modern-day demands.

Anyone who has visited Natchez, Miss., knows that enchanted feeling of stepping back in time. Even in a town rife with historical buildings, few properties bring those bygone eras back to life in such a luxurious expression like the Dunleith Historic Inn. “Dunleith is a classic example of probably the most recognized historical architecture, Greek Revival — very stately and well-presented, from the exterior appearance to the detailing of the property,” explains Johnny Waycaster, sole proprietor of Waycaster & Associates Architect, also based in Natchez. “Dunleith is very intact, in terms of the buildings that supported the main house, and unique in the sense that it’s a downtown property set on 40 acres. It’s a destination and a wonderful example of what makes Natchez unique: classical architecture.” Over the years, Dunleith has thrived through several re-imaginings, spurred by a few ownership changes. It transformed from a family’s private property (previously called Routhland) to a B&B in 1978. Later, in 1999, a full renovation created more of a resort feel, thanks to the addition of more guest rooms and an onsite restaurant. The property’s main house, which was rebuilt in 1854 after a lightning strike and encompasses the bulk of the guest rooms, abuts three outbuildings dating back to 1795. The original dairy barn now houses three additional guest rooms; the poultry house operates as a gift shop and front office; and the original stables and carriage house have been converted into The Castle Restaurant & Pub, a full-service fine-dining establishment that debuted in 2000. However, another change of ownership in November 2019, is now ushering in a new era for the Dunleith Historic Inn. The J Collection, a New Orleans-based hotel group that oversees properties in the Big Easy and beyond, initiated another round of renovations and updates designed to maintain Dunleith’s historic charm while satisfying modern-day demands. “As a historic inn, we offer eight guest rooms in the main house, so guests can stay in the mansion itself, which is unique,” notes Lyn Jenkins, assistant general manager at Dunleith. “And, while they’re here, they can explore the grounds, utilize every part of the main house’s first floor, eat at the

restaurant, swim in the pool, and play bocce ball and croquet. There’s plenty of green space, and you don’t have to leave the property.” With 22 rooms total and off-premise catering available, the Dunleith is understandably a very popular destination for weddings, conventions, and corporate retreats. For guests who do want to explore beyond the property’s wrought-iron fence, historic downtown Natchez is less than one mile away. John Holyoak, general manager for the Dunleith, adds that The J Collection holds a grand vision for later expansions and upgrades — such as a one-mile walking trail and a spa on the grounds. But, since assuming ownership, the company has had its hands full with a bevy of enhancements designed to preserve the Dunleith’s historic elegance while ensuring greater guest satisfaction for years to come. The first step involved stabilizing infrastructure, such as installing a brand-new HVAC system, roof and gutter system, revamping floors, and fixing damage to the columns that buttress the building’s facade and lend the property its iconic stately look. “Pulling up the plaster on columns and repairing the original brick work beneath — those are lost skills, and we’re fortunate in Natchez to still have the artisans and workers who can do that work,” Holyoak says. “We call this the ‘unsexy stuff’ that has to be done. Even though no one might notice, they just know that it looks good.” But, Holyoak asserts, there’s also plenty of renovationsrelated “fun stuff” to prep Dunleith for its planned reopening in May. The pool deck and pool area have been completely redone and resurfaced. The deck at The Castle Restaurant & Pub has been extended for expanded outdoor dining, while a fire pit and Adirondack chairs will set the scene for Southernstyle downtime. Even indoors, there has been an intense focus on upgrading the food and beverage experience. All three kitchens on the property have been completely redone, with new equipment, wall surfaces, and flooring — ideal for hosting the new award-winning chef on staff, Doug Hosford. And the pub area now features a more open floor plan, a refinished bar, and new furniture. In the restaurant’s upstairs area, tables and chairs have been recovered, and new temperature-control features have been installed for comfort. An upstairs wine room will allow guests to peruse and select their bottles, all alongside an 1800s-era bar serving up libations — fitting for a property that has nabbed Wine Spectator awards for 18 years running. “There’s been a very extensive commitment from The J Collection to make it a top-notch destination in terms of food,” Jenkins reports. “With the new outdoor seating, we’ll have almost 200 seats, including 44 additional on the balcony upstairs. And downstairs, leading from the pub, we’ll have seating and couches for 24. It was already one of the top destinations in town prior to closing, but with our supertalented chef coming on board, it’ll be a diner’s dream.” Meanwhile, Dunleith’s sprawling and meticulously landscaped grounds, populated with azalea bushes, magnolia

trees, and live oaks, ensure a total-privacy feel, free from pesky reminders of the modern world — even the property next door dates from the 1800s. “It really does give you the feeling of being back in time,” Holyoak marvels. “Everything is historically correct.” “But with modern amenities,” Jenkins chimes in. “We keep everything updated, and in our gourmet restaurant or the more casual pub, we can accommodate dressed-up to laid-back.” Indeed, striking a balance has remained a focus throughout this latest round of renovations — the need to both preserve and restore, maintaining historic integrity even while making functional and cosmetic changes to one of Natchez’s flagship properties. These considerations can feel like mere details, but painstaking attention is paramount. “For everything we do, we go in front of a preservation board and meet one-on-one with the head of preservation, archives, and history for the state of Mississippi,” Holyoak notes. “We’re on the National Register of Historic Places, so we make sure to do everything correctly.” “Our challenge is always to renovate or revise in a manner that’s sensitive to preserving the character and detail of this historic property,” Waycaster agrees. “In these latest renovations, when we needed to adapt the large outdoor dining area on an old carriage house that never had a porch like this, we want it to look like it belongs, like it’s always been there. And I think we’ve been successful!”

dunleithhistoricinn.com

Based in Oxford, Miss., Tracy Morin is an award-winning freelance writer and editor with a passion for covering food, beverage, beauty, and boxing.

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES IN COASTAL MISSISSIPPI

By Pamela A. Keene Photography courtesy of Charnley-Norwood House interiors: Visit Coastal Mississippi, The Beatnik: credit The Beatnik, USM Marine Education Center: Lake|Flato, USM Suspension bridge: Visit Coastal Mississippi

Charnley-Norwood House.

Charnley-Norwood House.

From historic and throw-back to ultra-modern, Ocean Springs showcases American architecture like few cities its size can. Not only are the styles diverse, the backstories alone are enough to entice visitors from across the United States and around the globe to spend time exploring this Coastal Mississippi town. A Giant Jigsaw Puzzle

Winter retreats for the wealthy became the rage in the late 1800s into the early 1900s. In Ocean Springs, none attracts more attention today than what is known as the Charnley-Norwood House. Frank Lloyd Wright worked as lead draftsman for Chicago architectural firm of Adler & Sullivan when the company was hired to create a vacation cottage for James and Helen Charnley. Louis Sullivan is credited with designing the beach home, but Wright most likely was involved in the initial design. In fact, after Sullivan’s death, Wright took full credit. “The design represented a major departure from the then-popular Victorian style, particularly for residential building,” says Jeff Rosenberg, with the Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area. “Its horizontal cottage form was a radical change from all the soaring Victorians with their bric-a-brac and gingerbread embellishments.” Built in 1890, the cottage today is much the same as it was in those days, which could be expected for a structure of fine design.

“However, the building today is rather a miracle,” Rosenberg explains. “Not only was it destroyed by fire only seven years after it was built and immediately rebuilt with further refinements to reflect Sullivan’s ‘form follows function’ ethos, it also has had a complete restoration from immeasurable damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Katrina knocked the house off the foundation, fragments of the porch were washed away, and parts of the home collapsed. “Community members and architectural preservationists came together to retrieve pieces, as small as exterior shingles to the largest piece — part of a rear wall of the east bedroom, eight feet tall by somewhere between 16 and 20 feet,” Rosenberg says. “The restoration was much like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle.” The home was stabilized but no further

Marine Education Center The Beatnik

work done until the state of Mississippi purchased it in 2011 and began the extensive restoration. Over several years, the home was once again brought back to its original form with its interior of rich long leaf and curly pine paneling. The exterior’s shingles and windows were restored as well. “This home represents so many intricacies of the early design of various 20th century residential styles, from the large porches to the use of triptych elements — windows in threes to let in maximum light, wood paneling in threes and the design itself,” Rosenberg says. “It’s a true architectural treasure.” Motor Courts with a Modern Twist

In the 1950s and 1960s, Porter Avenue through the heart of Ocean Springs was lined with motor courts, most with pull-up parking and low buildings. Sometimes there was a pool in the parking lot. The Beatnik, one of the town’s newest lodging choices, was built as a refined revival of the motor court, but with plenty of modern twists. “As we looked at the history of Porter Avenue, we wondered what kind of stories it could tell,” says Roxy Condrey, owner and developer of The Beatnik and several other revitalization projects in the area with her husband Ted. “Bringing back the motor court concept was a natural evolution, but we wanted to modernize it with a plunge pool, clean lines with plenty of amenities, and close parking for our guests.” clean lines, interior design with wood walls and open ceilings, full walls of glass shared with screened porches overlooking the plunge pool, plus private outdoor showers. “The outdoor showers are like slipping into another world, and yes, they are very private,” she says. “They are especially nice at night when you can look straight up and see the stars. It’s just another way of giving our guests an opportunity to do something that they may not try at home.” Bathrooms have large dark-tiled walk-in showers and minimalist vanities and sinks with burnished stainless fixtures. Sitting rooms feature either a wall of books, displayed with diamond-shaped cubbies or curtained bunk beds. “Our designs were very purposeful to give our guests the ultimate in uncluttered relaxation,” she says. “No unnecessary details were included.” A native garden at the back of the property provides a quiet sitting area, and the firepit at the front is a popular evening gathering place. “We were definitely inspired by modern architecture while honoring the character and history of Porter,” Condrey says. “The Beatnik is perfect for just kicking back and relaxing.” Modern Design Embraces Nature, Sustainability

Nestled on the University of Southern Mississippi’s Cedar Point campus near the Gulf Island National Seashore, the Ocean Springs Marine Education Center has maximized environmental preservation while creating a state-of-the-art

research, teaching, and community site. Including trails, it encompasses 100 acres. “The six-building complex honors the topography of the land while creating sustainable protection again storm surges and allowing as little disturbance of the natural elements and its inhabitants as possible,” says Jessie Kastler, interim director of the USM Marine Education Center. “For instance, the whole concept and design of the suspension bridge between two of our buildings is really fascinating. This is one of two pedestrian suspension bridges in Mississippi.” The bridge, which spans 236 feet, connects the public building to two classrooms. All buildings are located above an 18-foot elevation and have floor elevations of 20.5 feet. “In between, the bayhead wetland is home to many birds and various types of plants and trees,” she says. “And when you consider that each year approximately 10,000 people traverse the suspension bridge, our aim was to disturb the wildlife as little as possible.” Views from two classroom buildings and the conference center bring the outdoors inside with large windows and screened porches. The buildings were designed to sit above 18 feet, which is the 100-year floodplain, and within the windscreen of the natural tree canopy. The design also employed construction techniques that limit damage to the trees, such as the use of helical piers that reduced root disturbance. In 2020, the Marine Education Center received a Top 10 COTE award from the American Institute of Architecture for its social, economic, and ecological value. “The design and implementation of the center is quite an accomplishment,” Kastler says. “The buildings themselves are part of the outdoor experience.”

coastalmississippi.com

Pamela A. Keene is an Atlanta-based journalist and photographer who enjoys discovering new places, including Coastal Mississippi and its wealth of treasures.

If you were to ask someone to name something that’s made in Nashville, that person undoubtedly would, without hesitation, say “music.” Perhaps they would be more specific and say “country music.” Ask that same person to name something made from Nashville and they’re likely to return a puzzled look. The oddly-worded question does, however, have an answer. By salvaging wood from homes around Nashville that are destined to be torn down, and then using that wood to create artwork, the folks at Nashville’s 1767 Designs are literally making something from Nashville. The brainchild of Patrick Hayes, 1767 Designs came into being after Hayes noticed what was going on around him upon his arrival to Music City. “When I first moved to Nashville, I saw the massive amount of redevelopment that was happening in the city,” Hayes explains. “I felt as though the homes that were being torn down deserved a better fate than ending up in the dump.” Once he got the idea to repurpose these items, Hayes quickly jumped into action. “I’m never hesitant in life,” he says. Most of the wood used at 1767 Designs is lathwork that’s found under the plaster in old homes. “Our demo team typically can salvage wood from a house within a week, depending on the size of the house,” he says. “They carefully remove each piece of wood and then it comes back to the studio where we painstakingly pull tens of thousands of nails. Then we label and inventory it.” The labeling of the wood is important because each piece of 1767 Designs artwork or furniture gives a shoutout to the wood’s origins. A recently-made small triangular artwork suitable for putting on a shelf or hanging on a wall, for example, is hand-marked denoting its vintage and its former address: 5201 Illinois Avenue, built in 1940.

The first piece that 1767 Designs created was a coffee table built from wood scrounged from a home that was being razed near Hayes’ first Nashville apartment. Now the woodworkers in the company’s 6,000-square-foot studio in East Nashville make furniture and wall art out of wood taken from more than 75 similarly condemned houses. Hayes says the company will continue to honor Nashville’s historic architecture, and that there’s no problem in keeping a good supply of reclaimed wood on hand.

“It’s not difficult,” Hayes says. “We’ve not run out in the eight years we’ve been in business and hope not to in the future. The wood mainly comes from East Nashville and the 12 South neighborhoods, but we’ve saved (wood from) homes from all over Nashville.” More than a dozen unique 1767 Designs wall art pieces (and a serving tray too) are always available on the company’s website, each created with a nod to the Art Deco era or with a Southwestern motif. But custom pieces are a specialty, and Hayes, the company’s lead designer, will work with customers to design the perfect piece for home or office. Hayes did just that for country music star Billy Ray Cyrus and his designoriented wife Tish and their home, itself a 1940s-era house that the couple fixed up and which now includes a beautiful kitchen table made by 1767 Designs. Some of the wood that 1767 Designs repurposes may have come from a home once inhabited by a member of the Nashville music community. “It’s really tough to say as most times we don’t get the backstory on the home itself,” Hayes notes. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if it has happened.” Sometimes an owner of a vintage home will come to 1767 Designs when they’re doing a remodel. “We do this fairly often when someone is renovating a home and wants something made out of the wood.” Hayes himself has a music business background and was a touring performer for many years. Four years after he stopped living the itinerant life of a touring musician, he returned to college for a degree in entrepreneurship. With 1767 Designs, he’s now reaping the benefit of that extra education. The uniqueness of the company’s products and Hayes’ flair for marketing has led to an art collection exclusive to Pottery Barn that can be purchased on the store’s website, as well as wall art in the rooms of Nashville’s Urban Cowboy Bed & Breakfast. 1767 Designs artwork is also on display in The Continental, the newest restaurant from famed Chef Sean Brock that’s located inside the Grand Hyatt Nashville at Nashville Yards. Keeping pieces of historic Nashville homes alive is the main focus for 1767 Designs and they are proud of both that history and the impact their reclamation work has on the environment. Not only do they keep tons of wood out of the landfill, they also often salvage steel, hammered copper, and leather that would otherwise end up in the trash. Do Hayes and his demo team ever find anything unexpected during a reclamation operation? “Nothing too crazy,” says Hayes. “Typically, people just leave behind unwanted junk. But every so often there’s a

cool light fixture or old relic left behind. “One time I found a loaded snub-nose Smith & Wesson 57 Special in a woman’s purse,” Hayes adds. One can only imagine who the woman was, why she abandoned her firearm, and why she was carrying it in the first place. It’s a lost piece of Nashville’s past, probably from the seamier side of the city’s history. The old song “if walls could talk” comes to mind. Thanks to 1767 Designs, walls all over Nashville and beyond get to keep on talking.

1767designs.com

Kevin Wierzbicki is a Phoenix-based freelance journalist specializing in music and travel.