Historic garage/servants quarters, 750 square feet of newly renovated and fully-furnished comfortable living. Enjoy freestanding guesthouse with beautiful fenced garden and patio in the Hillsboro Village - West End area of Nashville.
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One of the nation's first historic LEED Platinum residences (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 2011
Recipient of 'Best of the Best, Green Star Award,' U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Middle Tennessee Chapter, 2012
Recipient of Commendation for 'outstanding efforts toward the preservation of Davidson County's architectural heritage,' The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County, 2012
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One large L-shaped room with multi-functions: Sleeps 4 (Queen Murphy bed with pillow-top mattress, and two twins convert to queen), TV viewing area, dining/game area, and bath
• Kitchen includes full-size stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator
• Washer, dryer - full-size
• Universal Design means comfort and accessibility for guests using wheelchairs or walkers
• Recognized for historic renovation, and sustainable design and construction (LEED for homes)
• Geothermal/central air conditioning and heat, with ceiling fans
• Includes partially-stocked refrigerator and pantry, full-package cable, 42” LCD HDTV, wireless Internet, and indoor/outdoor ping-pong table
• Across the street from Elmington Park and two blocks from bus shelter/route on West End Avenue. Walkable/ bikable neighborhood
• Polite dogs may be permitted (deposit)
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OVER THIRTY GUEST REVIEWS, AND 100% RECEIVED FIVE POINT RATING OUT OF FIVE POSSIBLE POINTS!
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Why Sustainability and LEED in 2010/11 renovation?
When we bought the property in 1992 our uninhabitable 750 sq. ft. servants’ quarters/garage was falling down. We chose to save it, not only because it’s a charming, historic structure, but also because adapting an existing building to a new use is more sustainable than tearing it down, sending it to a landfill and starting over with new materials. We plan to own this property for a long time, so energy efficiency makes financial sense for us, plus we’ll be healthier and more comfortable. In addition, we hope that by attaining LEED Platinum status (awarded by US Green Building Council), the project will serve as an example and a teaching tool for 'best practices' in sustainable design and construction, thereby increasing the quality of sustainable practices in Middle Tennessee. The LEED process ensures that all systems are designed, installed and tested for effectiveness, and that they actually deliver a higher standard.
DESIGN
• Quality Over Quantity – The house is small, but it works – and well. We took 750 sq. ft. of history and gave it a modern spin on functionality while retaining the best of its character.
• Cradle to Cradle – Reclaim, Restore, & Reuse. Most construction materials were saved from the landfill and are now enjoying a second life.
• The 50 Year Plan – We tried to envision every possible use of this structure for many decades to come and design accordingly. Universal Design ensures access for all occupants.
EFFICIENCY
• Geothermal HVAC W/Radiant Heat – We use the earth to cool in the summer and heat the concrete floor in winter.
• Soy Based Spray Foam Insulation – Perfect for this situation, spray foam fills in all the cracks old homes inevitably have.
• Low flow water fixtures, tank less water heating, efficient windows, and more decrease energy consumption.
SUSTAINABILITY
• Reclaim – We deconstructed a garage, scoured salvage yards, and reclaimed our own demolition materials in order to create a highly aesthetic space with minimal environmental impact.
• Restore – We didn’t tear it down! It would have been easier, but it definitely wasn’t as sustainable. Restoring existing buildings preserves history and conserves materials.
• Reuse – Siding became our ceiling. A floor is our countertop. Old screen doors open to a pantry. Thinking creatively allows for unconventional uses of conventional materials.
Keywords: cottage, guest house, Bungalow, studio, efficiency, garden house, carriage house, LEED Platinum, USGBC, West End, Vanderbilt, Vandy, Belmont, Hillsboro Village, Elmington Park, Middle Tennessee, historic, charming, vintage, convenient, luxury, garden, sustainable, environmentally friendly, green, non-toxic, eco-living, fenced yard, dogs, patio, fruit trees, edible landscaping, permaculture, premiere location, no VOC, smart, walking, walkable, cycling, eclectic, preservation, heritage
