Homesteads Hold Special Appeal for Southern Residents
Revised Article:
Swing by Rose Bay!
Growing up, I came from a family that just loved giving things names - be it a house, boat, or even a bedroom (like the twins' room, which remind me of the Seven Dwarfs). This naming tradition even extended to beach and pool towels, which my mom embroidered with labels like Sandy Feet, Zinnias, or Golden Hour. It made it easier to tell everyone's belongings apart, you know?
The first time I heard a house referred to by a name? That goes back to my grandparents. They were always moving around when I was young, and this was their way to label each new place - which meant there were plenty of names. It could be something inspired by the house itself, a detail of the property, the road it sat on, or even a made-up word. My grandmother was always coming up with fun, mysterious names, and I loved hearing her creative ideas.
Some of my favorites were Toad Hall, inspired by the nearby pond with all its frogs, River House, which overlooked the Tennessee River and was where I spent most of my middle school years, and Rose Bay, a spot on Mobile Bay where my grandmother planted a pretty little English-inspired rose garden. She later learned that Rosebay is also the name of a type of rhododendron. Through the years, there were so many other names like Hedge Rose, Little Bay House, River Cottage, and Point Blank - and it's something I've grown to cherish.
I asked my grandmother where she first came up with this idea, and she said it all started on her grandmother's farmland, which was named "Riverside and State's View" to help differentiate the sides of the river when they were talking. It stuck with her. "I've never been good with numbers or directions," she laughs, "so it's always easier just to nickname things." I call my current place just 'Baker' for the street it's on, but I can't wait to keep up with my grandmother's quirky naming tradition with my next home.
So Why Settle on a Name?
Whether it's your everyday home or a fun shared beach or lake house, a name can really help create a strong sense of identity and ownership. "It's just fun to think, 'What kind of personality does this place have?'" explains my grandmother, who named her current home Alamara, which means "makes the world beautiful." It's not just about a nickname, but capturing the essence of your Southern home and giving it a little more personality.
For some, it's also about showing a sense of pride in their home, welcoming family, and friends, and loving the space they've created for themselves. "My parents named our beach house on St. George Island 'Satisfied by the Sea,'" says Senior Editor Ivy Odom, noticing that almost every vacation home on the island has a name. It's rare to find a house on the Gulf without a cheeky title!
The concept also extends beyond the house itself. The property Ivy grew up on is named Lakewood Farm. "The house itself isn't named, but the land where the house is named, and I think that's also very Southern," she explains.
Ways to Use a House Name
A house name doesn't need to be used for anything more than a friend's fond verbal reference, but it can be integrated with a plethora of creative applications. It's kind of like a form of personalization, like monogramming. Once you have a name, it can be turned into a house logo and used in a bunch of interesting ways - custom matchboxes, frosted plastic cups, doormats, Tervis tumblers, and linens are just a few examples.
Coming Up With a Moniker
There's no right or wrong way to name your home - it's all about what feels right for you. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Consider the Location
Is it a waterfront property? Does the street have a unique name? One reader called their home Rafter Overlook because "a rafter is a group of turkeys that hang around us, and we overlook the river where rafters paddle by," they explained. Another labeled their cottage by the sea, Baybee.
Croaker Cottage was another creative name inspired by "the pond frogs that serenade me at night," said one reader. Other names inspired by the location or surroundings include Boxwood Cottage and Four Oaks.
Make a Statement About Your Spot as a Retreat
For vacation spots, make it fun! One reader dubbed their place The Sandbox because "we were at the beach with kids and friends." Another example is this 1939 bungalow in St. Teresa, Florida, which has always been known as Why Not. The name has stuck, even as new families have moved in.
The beach house I grew up going to in Fairhope, Alabama, was affectionately named Sweetwater - being in the water was like finding precious moments. Even though it's been over 10 years since we sold the place, the Sweetwater sign still hangs at the end of the road every time I drive past.
Take Inspiration From the Home's Style
What kind of house is it - farmhouse, bungalow, cottage, or cabin? The first house I lived in was simply referred to as The Farmhouse because it was a century-old, cozy, little white farmhouse. You don't need to overthink it - sometimes simplicity can be quite lovely! One Southern Living reader noted their home was called the Corner Cottage because it was a cute cottage on the corner of the street.
In college, my roommates and I painted our front door pink, so our home became known as 'Pink Door.' My friend's house was called Peach House - obviously because the whole exterior was, and still is, painted a cheery peach color.
Celebrate a Family Bond
Whether it's a multigenerational family home or just holds a family connection, considering the history of the home is a great way to foster a name. "Gray Acres is our cabin built on family (Gray) land," said one reader who even painted it the matching shade.
Another homeowner refers to their dwelling as MiddleField. "We live on part of my husband's grandfather's farm, and we live in what used to be his middle field," said the reader. Or, simply name it after yourself, like Southern Living reader Robin did with Robin's Nest.
Dig into the Home's History
Is there a particular tale or myth associated with it? Homeowners Katie and Jared Hyatt fondly named their 1866 cottage in Madison, Georgia, 'The Few House.' "The first woman who owned it was named Minnie Few, so it's kind of like 'Many Few,'" explains Katie, who even added a plaque with the name to the front porch.
Designer and homeowner Hannon Doody, thoughtfully chose Hopscotch Cottage for her family's Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, home as part of a fundraiser for her community.
- perhaps inspired by the English-inspired rose garden and the beautiful Mobile Bay, a home could be named Rose Bay as a nod to both history and traditions.
- Just like my grandmother, who lovingly named her homes Alamara and Riverside and State's View, one might want to capture the essence of their Southern culture and lifestyle by naming their home.
- For a home shared with roommates, a name like Pink Door or Peach House could serve as a fun reminder of times spent together.
- As a way to celebrate a family bond, a home could be named Gray Acres, MiddleField, or even Robin's Nest, signifying its significance in the family's history.
