Property sat 7 years unsold. She created dream underground villa

[@mamapillow8365]

I was completely gobsmacked when I saw the 'before' pictures. What an amazing transformation without destroying the original design. Truly beautiful and practical choices, fabulous result.

[@cinziam457]

I would love to know how much it cost. Wish they covered this.

[@maurawhelan3530]

I think the original builder would be thrilled yon know this wonderful lady appreciated his design and has really cared for it. She has immense respect for him. One of the best segments hands down!

[@maryc3808]

I came to the comments to say the exact same thing! An amazing design that was made even more beautiful by Jennava's thoughtfulness and care. Bravo!

[@sythe77]

I did as well!!!

[@breezyvibe]

The man who built and owned this building is happy in heaven because his creative dream was treated with such respect . . what a treat seeing this house is!!!

[@bearnaff9387]

I feel like he would be offended at the major aesthetic changes for, like, three minutes - and then something about the assumptions embedded in Ms. Laska's design decisions would _click_ and he would realize he was looking at the choices made by someone with different tastes but a profound understanding of why he did what he did. There would be _one_ thing that he would feel dismay about losing - some aspect he was sentimental over - but then he would see something she innovated upon that surprised him.

[@breezyvibe]

@@bearnaff9387 This homeowner can design MY house anytime!! She nailed it.

[@FemiNelson-sb1em]

​@@bearnaff9387 Nah, you're just part of all the Nay Sayers here. 😢 "Isa"

[@apeekintime]

Was it? She fixed it up to promote her company and to rent it out for crazy prices. Eventually, when the water starts to become a problem she'll patch it up and quickly sell it to an unsuspecting buyer.

[@lilcourtny08]

@@breezyvibe or hell

[@hillfarm7044]

i'm impressed with her vision. I can see why it was on the market for so long, easier than I can see her vision. I was blown away by the "before" photos. She obviously was meant to have this property.

[@tibbs4000]

I can imagine the property being so happy that she decided to breathe fresh air into it. Is that weird?

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

The builder wasn't the only visionary. She did a magnificent job on this home. The thoughtfulness of the redesign is so smart! I would totally live there!

[@timothyhorner3152]

It’s easy to be a visionary when you have an unlimited budget

[@FemiNelson-sb1em]

​@@timothyhorner3152 Gosh, you're sad! "Isa"

[@rcrents4u]

@@timothyhorner3152 it is so awesome that someone went to such great lengths to restore what once was and add to

[@tainadelcaribe]

@@FemiNelson-sb1emThey probably meant that to have a good/big budget gives you more freedom because you have more choices so things tend to inevitably (usually) look better or can have better features.

[@KPVFarmer]

The right person found the right house.

[@williamgray5858]

@@KPVFarmer for sure

[@sadjaxx]

She is too modest, she re-envisioned this house. From that "before" to the "after" is amazing!!!

[@apeekintime]

Or she takes a lot of credit from her team who did the work.

[@roseharvey2664]

What a nice woman and a fabulous house. She gives so much credit to the orginal builder but she has done an amazing job herself. It's so nice, she appreciates the design and materials that were used. Sometimes the homeowners are a bit annoying but this woman is a joy to listen to. I hope she has many happy years there.

[@lawrencejoy9346]

Would be awesome if she would teach these style courses to the general public through a media based curriculum, her research and follow through are nothing short of spectacular and I am wowed by her knowledge and persistence

[@raymascetta]

Her humble appreciation for people and their skills is really heartwarming…such a nice change from the typical ego-driven architect/designer archetype ❤

[@fredsimmons2793]

Jennava Laska is a visionary in her own right and her hard work and honoring the original owners dream is in my book going the extra many miles.Salute to this special couple and kindred spirit of Kirsten.

[@annahau8588]

Love the design, love the creativity, but if you take a shot every time Jennava says 'actually' you would be dead from alcohol poisoning. Grrr.

[@reginagibson3847]

@annahau8588 so you couldn't just give praise you had to find something negative that is so petty

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Beautiful way to tornado-proof a living space. More homes like this should be built all over Tornado Alley.

[@CharlieTheFacehugger]

Username checks out 😉

[@talllala]

What about earthquakes?

[@richardporter6201]

Tornado would be bigger risk than earthquakes I would think?

[@evelyndorman5301]

This should be the future of homes in tornado Alley!

[@abcdefghi9356]

Also wildfire.

[@professormph]

I was like "who IS this woman!?!" who is so talented. Looked her up. She is a film director. This all makes sense now. Absolutely love this home and the redesign, how she explained everything and the love and care she has for this unique space.

[@sylviajones4907]

Loved her Habitat for Humanity ceiling "tile" find. So beautiful! Ingenious home. Thank you for the tour.

[@Tarteviant]

She's quite humble and endearing but she totally blew me away with all the details and her knowledge. The home is well thought out, extremely fabulous yet cozy and homely. Perfect

[@Lea-bw9wj]

She did a good job of saving the building and honouring it's past

[@YudronWangmo]

I love all her taste and the wonderful way she gives credit to everyone involved. It's a marvelous house!

[@delorisharrison6731]

You’re the perfect owner…you appreciate his vision and you’re so respectful….He would be elated with your input…well done!!! ❤🎉

[@lydiarowe491]

What a visionary this woman was to transform a brilliant concept to a more than an comfortably designed interior....from the original concept to how it has become is brilliant..

[@juicymelodic]

I love underground houses. They are so practical because of the thermal mass and insulation from elements.

[@ungrateful-66]

Also, I bet it is quiet as can be too. After living five years in "the country" can tell you it's louder than even NYC and never will again.

[@bpmcmanson8701]

@@ungrateful-66 come on louder than new york? Nah ive live in the mountain country for nearly a decade and while yes its not without its noises but even on its loudest day in the woods is still 100x's quieter than the quietest day in any major city let alone one of the loudest cities like New York

[@chucheduncan1211]

This is one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen.

[@nancychestnut8928]

Love the Roman villa concept with the center gathering design. What an incredible design to begin with and remodel design to bring new life to this home. Fantastico!

[@EmilyBoltz]

Blown away à this designers vision. This house is beyond stunning!!! ❤

[@sandys62]

This is such a WOW home❤! This beautiful young lady must have had some professional design schooling and has a lot of vision herself to have been able to envision what this tragically forgotten dream could become. She was very fortunate to have aquired money to back this project, giving her the freedom to implement her design ideas and gain more experience at the same time. I see others have commented on the audio/voice, but I guess I was so glued to the actual video and listening to her explain the process that I didn't notice any issues with this. I actually ended up playing it again to hear what they were talking about, but still didn't. Like the diversity of flowers and birds, with all their different colours and designs we've been blessed with, humans have been designed the same way. We just need to appreciate the beauty of each of these different qualities instead of ripping them apart. I doubt if anyone in their right mind would go into someone's beautiful flower garden and start maliciously ripping the pedals off of all the different flowers, would they? Anyway, I fully enjoyed this video😊.

[@eltamarindo]

She's an Art Center graduate.

[@donaldjiruska1808]

Gorgeous! Earth-sheltered homes are intriguing (as well as more sustainable). Her vision transformed an abandoned wreck into its potential as an architectural masterpiece - improving flows, textures, and aesthetics. Bravo!

[@elainecrawford6891]

Vision and a lot, a lot of money... Absolutely stunning home! ❤

[@dastrnad]

@@elainecrawford6891 I would love to know how much money she spent.

[@sarabska1]

@@dastrnad I only know the home is for sale now. round mio.

[@Dooneygrl]

It just sold.

[@fullysuited]

@@dastrnad I bet a Million Dollars went into it?

[@nat9909]

I'm generally an optimist when it comes to renovation, but seeing those pictures of what it looked like would definitely make me think twice. It looked like the underground sheep pens that I had seen in Spain and Greece. It's definitely not a place for human habitation. The woman who took this on is the definition of a visionary. Someone who can see what others can't. It's a really amazing property. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@snoogcity]

This is in my top 5…… Turn Key for me … amazing vision from the original builder, and great skills from the new owners.

[@FrisellFan01]

Well, right off the bat, this young woman has a vision in order to get what she bought... to what it is now....and she saw the potential I'm sure right away... because this is amazing.....I have been into and a big fan of underground and earth sheltered homes homes since 1979.....I can't get enough of homes like this....

[@ifitistobeitisuptome]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!! Whoever did the rebuild did an INCREDIBLE JOB!!! STUNNING!! Well done!!

[@andreaandrea6716]

Wow! I am so impressed with this woman's knowledge of the original builder/designer and her appreciation of his creative talent. I feel that she has 'done him proud'! Also, she is a phenomenal Creative herself, a great builder/renovator/restorer/designer and Artist in her own right. What a stroke of serendipity that she found this place, had the vision to SEE it, and SEE its potential... and just how special it is. Then invested her heart, her time, resources and Soul into this beautiful building. NO ONE could have honoured it as well as she did. Brava!! This makes me happy.

[@jeffreyfassino2666]

Best presentation of this genre, episode after episode, on the platform!…even better than the television version has ever been.

[@kululv]

beautiful woman! Love her enthusiasm for the house and that she was and is so much involved in to the rebuilding of the house. She is the right owner, she created a gorgeous place and conserved the history!

[@DannyCreech]

Kirsten, wow, this is by far the absolute BEST underground home you have shown so far. This is the first underground home that I thought I would LOVE to live in. In fact I like it so much that I will be saving this video to my favorites so when I begin to build my home on top of my mountain, I will take this design and make a design for me. Thanks for showing us this home!

[@alyssashifra678]

“I found these ceiling tiles at Habitat for four bucks apiece!!!” My kind of gal!

[@bdmenne]

This should be made into a dramatic Hollywood production. It’s a happy tear jerker from beginning to end. Thank you, Kirsten Dirksen, the original architect and now the passionate romantic visionary redesigner!

[@VickiMcCormick-jf5pe]

I don't have enough words that can describe how amazing this home, and this lady is. She is beyond an amazing person. In every way. She credits everyone, which is a breath of fresh air. You don't see that very often. She also deserves a lot of respect and credit.

[@FemiNelson-sb1em]

How beautiful to listen to birds & wildlife. Being able to see the stars n sky. Bless her for all the added safeties implemented for all concerned. Bless her. "ISA"

[@dionoliveira4058]

Incredible labour of love, Jennava has brought so many elements together in a way that the synergy builds a cohesive beautiful dwelling into nature. Thanks again Kirsten for taking us on the road less travelled.

[@30dayride67]

I think this one might be my new favorite! Beautiful. She was definitely the right buyer to bring that house to life!

[@dianajones8598]

This is an absolutely beautiful home. I love the way the homeowner created it and designed it to fit her lifestyle and her dream; and still honored the original designer architect and builder. ❤🎉❤🎉😊 Congratulations on your lovely home.

[@lilirehak5569]

This is the MOST fabulous house! The interior design is also epic and complements the original design. Bravo!

[@DoneyDTV]

No one deserves this house more than her, her appreciation for international architecture, restoration and honouring the original homeowner is admirable and rarely seen.

[@calanber472]

A truly badass home. I love how the owner breaks down everything. It's like we were there from the beginning.

[@Lo51848]

The houses shown on your channel are always so interesting. They always bring new visions and techniques

[@carolwilder2289]

I absolutely love this! My father began a design so similar on our property in NC. The layout very precise. Sadly my dad was diagnosed with NHL Lymphoma 6 months into building. Our was never finished and remains unfinished today 08/2024. My daddy passed in 2000. It's been so many years😢.

[@franklyterrence4860]

She made it into a Masterpiece!

[@coratoraYT]

Breathtaking design and care across two generations of designers. I'm not materialistic but I am JEALOUS of this gorgeous home.

[@TheStabbedGaiusJuliusCaesar]

This is probably one of my favorite houses shown in a good while.

[@michelleschmalz2770]

I absolutely love this home. Within the last month, I told my husband about this idea and now I see there is a house that has been built! I would love to talk to this homeowner

[@philiq18]

That might be one of the best designed houses I've seen. Well done to the architect and to the owners for having so much vision for this structure. Results are almost perfect.👌🏾

[@dameanvil]

- 00:10 🏙 Downtown Nashville features the iconic Batman Building, known for its unique design resembling Batman's head with two antennas. - 00:31 🏡 One of the Batman Building's designers built his underground home in the area, integrating the structure into a mountain. - 01:38 🏗 The house, built in 1983 by Jean Tilman, one of the designers of the Batman Building, incorporates leftover steel from that project. - 02:22 🏞 Jean trenched and excavated the top of a mountain to build the house, which has two large skylights to bring in natural light. - 02:55 🏚 The house was neglected and listed for sale for 7.5 years, looking run-down and unappealing initially. - 04:17 🏰 The house was designed similarly to an Italian Villa, with a spoke and pen wheel design, creating a spacious and inviting environment. - 05:00 🌿 The design incorporates natural elements, like Tennessee Red River Rock, and emphasizes communal spaces with natural light. - 06:05 🌟 The house features a large kitchen island, with major appliances hidden to keep a clear eyeline, and is well-lit despite being underground. - 07:15 🏡 The layout includes a dining room under skylights, echoing Italian Villa designs, and allows for a feeling of being outside while inside. - 08:01 📺 The living room, designed to be multifunctional, avoids making the TV the focal point and uses artificial plants for greenery. - 09:40 🪟 Original design elements include glass panels and railroad ties, with updated features like window film for privacy. - 11:41 🌳 The roof of the house is a lawn that can be mowed, offering a unique outdoor space on top of the underground structure. - 12:04 🌀 A radon mitigation system was installed to address potential gas issues, crucial for underground houses in the South. - 13:27 🧱 The house's facade was redone with Tennessee Red River Rock, replacing decaying railroad ties. - 14:13 💧 French drains were installed around skylights to manage water, crucial for maintaining an underground house. - 14:41 🔦 The ceiling features hand-stained boards and numerous light fixtures to ensure brightness inside. - 15:40 🚪 Original doors were kept, and lime-washed stone was used to lighten the interior, enhancing the sense of space and light. - 17:23 🛏 Bedrooms were designed to feel cozy and clean, with window films to maintain privacy while allowing light. - 18:23 🎲 A game table was added to a sunroom area, and one bedroom was intentionally kept darker to create a cozy, burrowing feel.

[@liznesbitt4191]

This is so visionary, I would never see what this homeowner saw. Truly inspiring. Really cool.

[@EastCherokeeStorage]

this has to be the very best underground house I have ever seen. Beautiful Renovation !!

[@kmsongbird]

Super fun stumbling upon this video. Love her vision and her hard work and her appreciation for the original owner who built the home.

[@whoami6702]

❤ I love that she salvaged this residence, is appreciative of the original designer, & quite knowledgable. ❤ The interior design is a hodge-podge. Feels like a gypsy theme/vibe. Bec it is this busy/cluttered it does not feel restful to be in it.

[@LJ-jq8og]

She is truly GIFTED 💪❤

[@katewest130]

I love EVERYTHING- the design, the decorating, the ambiance. I would live there in a heartbeat. Truly lovely & unique.

[@zoegranville7607]

Jennava is so precious and lovely, and you can really get a feel of her passion and connection to place. I hope she's happy here forever

[@Its6string]

Absolutely breathtaking what she did with it!! Thanx for sharing this with us✌🏼

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

Great interview. I love earth sheltered homes !

[@MaryCawthorne-ov5qw]

Looks like this house was an AirBnB and as of March 2024 went up for sale?? Wish I lived in TN and had that $, it’s a beautifully done and amazing house!! Thank you Kirsten for showing it!!

[@AFAskygoddess]

So I guess living underground wasn't all she had hoped for, huh ?

[@paulschwinghammer4996]

@@AFAskygoddess She used it as an event center and Air BNB but the local municipality put the kibosh on both!

[@teresaprice5070]

@@paulschwinghammer4996 How short-sighted of the local government 😥 It would be a GORGEOUS retreat center!!

[@gordybishop2375]

Great save

[@TheDog_Chef]

I really like the question you ask. It draws more information from the home owner without being intrusive. Great work!

[@DimaRakesah]

I love this layout. I've always liked the villa style layout, so I think this captures what I enjoy about those. Having the open, airy space in the middle with natural sunlight and the more private, cozy rooms on the side is really lovely.

[@glennda1939]

WOW! Love your home! Beautiful tour! Wow! Told my husband your home is gorgeous! Imagine you & your family are very happy in your home! Thank you for sharing!

[@thefirstpumpkin2571]

This is the most amazing home, it seems it has the perfect mix between cozy, classic, rustic, darkness, freshness, uniqueness and artistic. I luv it, the design is a thing but your own design was the cherry on top

[@amandasurratt4439]

This is absolutely gorgeous. I think she did an amazing job with it.

[@3011maciek]

Beautiful house - thank you for allowing me to admire it. Greetings from Europe - from Poland.

[@ValidityJ]

She did amazing. Beautiful.

[@alka9613]

The builder Tillman (sp?) deserves all the props for building down. Not building a monster mansion while chopping down all the surrounding trees for a view is a pretty rare thing today.

[@AbbyRose90]

This home is absolutely gorgeous, moody and such a creative feat.

[@oakld]

Another great underground house! Love this type of buildings, when done right. This one is particularly stylish, great job! 👍 👏

[@JPJPJPJP]

I lived in Ashland city for nine years and drove to and through Goodlettsville so many times, specially on back roads and can’t believe I never knew about this!

[@sineadsmyth846]

I love this home so so much. I just wish you would have done a walkthrough room by room so we could really see the whole place, as that homeowner did such an incredible job. I will say though, that the linen cloth is not that private for the bedrooms. We could still actually see the beds through the doors 😬 Still adore this home ❤️💕

[@traceyhill7784]

What a gorgeous home, beautiful. And so much credit to the renovation too in bringing it back to life.

[@Him40451]

Amazing video and well done on her part to keep his legacy going while adding her dreams as well 💜

[@fredhoy6697]

Jennava, I absolutely love your house. It's definitely not ordinary but not completely over the top. Beautiful.

[@tainadelcaribe]

This is such a beautiful home! The whole thing top to bottom and side to side! It’s also has such a whimsical feeling while being so elegant! 😍🤩

[@censport]

Nashville native here (I work at the car museum you also visited while in town recently). I've been wanting to build an underground home for years because of all the tornadoes. It's difficult in this area though, due to all the bedrock and limestone. So I appreciate this nice surprise. I'll even forgive you for misspelling Goodlettsville. 😜

[@rhondasutton6014]

This is the most beautiful underground house ever..the owners have done a wonderful job completing the house.. the original owner builder would be proud

[@theebalz]

What a magnificent house! Her vision to bring it to the warm & inviting house that it has become is wonderful. The architect would love what she's done with it. This is one of my favorite homes you've shared. Please thank her for giving us such an in-depth look into her amazing home. ❤

[@LadyAtheOnly]

She did an amazing job bringing this property back to life. It’s looks so inviting and cozy. I love it.💜

[@gutsandgrittv5076]

I’ve always wanted an underground house. Mike Oehler got me addicted to the concept. God keep his soul!

[@tlockerk]

Glad to see the radon system. Anyone on mountains should at least have a radar alert in their home. we just lost a dear friend that grew up near this property...healthy, exercised, ate well, and died of lung cancer. Nice to see the whole place, she's really done a lot of work there.

[@sevraonic8656]

This horizontal eyeline that connects each room is such a wonderful idea. You dont have to do multiple turns just to go one room. It's all in just one line. Amazing!

[@blagmate5516]

The subdued passion this lady has for her craft...BRAVO!

[@blagmate5516]

Ah...we didn't get to see the galley kitchen or did I miss it?

[@caseyjude5472]

So she could grow food on almost her entire lot. This is really cool, thanks for finding it & sharing it with us.

[@BoredCertified]

I've always been fascinated by underground houses. This is truly exceptional. Absolutely gorgeous. I'd move in there in a heartbeat!

[@espnmk]

Such a Beautiful home, i live in California's San Joaquin Valley and at this time of the year, what i would give to live underground to mitigate the summer heat. Thanks for Sharing...

[@noregrets7469]

A wonderful beautiful house and it’s great that you found it, brought it back, added your updates and gave it a second life to be enjoyed by all others that are lucky enough to enter its doors🌹

[@bellax0o609]

This is absolutely beautiful. Incredible that it’s under ground. I love it.❤😍

[@amettamail]

She’s smart, classy, has good taste, and *understands* construction as a designer. What a woman. Motivates me to work harder and learn more.

[@Bob.Jenkins]

I would have loved to have seen that restoration in more detail. Such an excellent and beautiful end-result.

[@lindas5964]

What a beautiful home nestled into it’s natural surroundings. I love it.

[@colortura]

Fantastic home. Very unique and beautiful. Thank you Kirsten and Jennava.

[@nylanelson8660]

Love love love the house & her Amazing designing of the house inside 💜

[@kathycagg6531]

What a wonderfully unique home! Thank you for sharing.

[@kazoosc]

Jennava did a glorious job making that house hers. the architect's structure, her style .. the before and after is just startling - the amount of work she put in to rehabilitate structure, surfaces

[@Roxanne_71]

This is THE ultimate dream house - love the way she designed the house of her dreams while still honoring the integrity of the original builder!💖💖

[@truthbetold2611]

Great concept! Beautiful renovations that breathed life into the space. I think it's lit enough to grow real houseplants.