LURE of the COUNTRY October 2017

FROM THE EDITOR
Best of Both Worlds
I have always been a small-town girl. From growing up in Williamsburg to raising my own
family in Vinton, I appreciate the closeness and slower pace a rural community provides.
I also appreciate the proximity to larger metros like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City – a
dichotomy that makes living and working in the Corridor ideal.
This issue of the CBJ’s Lure series takes a look at life outside the hustle and bustle of
the city – life with few traffic jams (save the occasional slow-moving tractor) and wideopen
spaces to relax and enjoy Iowa’s natural beauty.
Writer Ruth Paarmann and photographer Brian Draeger, who
offered insights into urban living in the last two Lure of the City
magazines, headed to the country this time around.
They returned with a detailed look at several homes nestled in
the outskirts of the Corridor’s biggest cities, including Matt and
Anne Boileau’s modern farmhouse just northeast of Iowa City
(page 12) and Julie and Len Tow’s dream home on 80 acres in
Linn County (page 18). The duo also takes us inside the growing
‘shome’ trend – short for shed/homes – which have become a
popular option for those looking to live in the country, but not
interested in the maintenance that comes with owning a large
farmhouse. Get a glimpse of these trendy structures suitable for
everything from man caves to family homes on page 30.
Whether a spacious farmhouse or a cozy man cave, these outof-the-way
spaces have a style all their own. Salvaging rustic items (page 24) is a popular way
to decorate country homes. We spoke with several salvaging specialists who offered tips for
finding great pieces for your home. We also checked in with a few of the Corridor’s leading
interior designers to learn about modern design trends suited for a rural escape (page 34).
It should be said that you don’t have to live out in the country to enjoy the benefits of a
rural lifestyle. Solon, which is conveniently located between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City,
has experienced a population boom since 2000 due to its small-town charm, affordable
housing and family-friendly amenities. We take a closer look at this community (page 4)
as well as several other small towns on the rise.
Outdoor spaces have also become a hot spot for special events such as weddings (page
8). In fact, couples looking for a unique rural space for their big day need to act quickly
as many of these venues fill up and have long waiting lists. In this issue, we visit several
venues in Eastern Iowa.
We are changing up the Lure series a bit next year to explore even more reasons why the
Corridor is such a great place to live and work. I’d love to hear what makes the area so special
for you – drop me a line at (319) 665-6397 ext. 309 or angela@corridorbusiness.com.
OCTOBER 2017
Chief Executive Officer
& Publisher
John F. Lohman
Vice President
Aspen N. Lohman
Chief Operating Officer
& Associate Publisher
Andrea Rhoades
Magazine & Special Projects Editor
Angela Holmes
Writers
Angela Holmes
Ruth Paarmann
Emery Styron
Photographer
Brian Draeger
Graphic Design Manager
Becky Lyons
Graphic Designer
Julia Druckmiller
Magazine Media Consultant
Judith Cobb
CBJ Editor
Adam Moore
CBJ Media Consultants
Kris Lacina
Kelly Meyer
Event Marketing Coordinator
Ashley Levitt
Angela Holmes
Editor
Event Media Consultant
Rhonda Roskos
Marketing & Distribution Manager
Jean Suckow
LURE
COUNTRY
TAKE A TOUR OF A
MODERN FARMHOUSE
OF
THE
WHAT’S OLD
IS NEW AGAIN
Fresh ideas for salvaging items
Capture That
Rustic Feel
ON THE COVER
Len and Julie Tow built their dream home
in 2011 on the 80 acres of land they own
in northern Linn County. Read about their
modern farmhouse and how they have
embraced farm life, starting on page 18. Inset:
Take a tour of Matt and Anne Boileau’s country
home in Johnson County, starting on page 12.
Contents are registered to Corridor Media
Group. Reproductions or other use, in whole
or in part, of the contents of the publication
without permission is strictly prohibited.
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100
North Liberty, IA 52317
319.665.NEWS
www.corridorbusiness.com
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