This blog documents the progress of our super-cool, pre-fab home "somewhere" in the wilds of Northwest Arkansas. Rocio Romero designed the home, model LVL, and incorporated our custom modifications. GC Don Lourie is doing the build and architect Brad Satterwhite is providing additional ingenuity.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of SFH

Don sent this amazing note last week. His message was so passionate, I just had to post it. I'm thinking his suggestion at the end will become a favorite Secret Fortress tradition and a great way to remember our guests--like an audio guest book! But I'm telling you now, NO Celine Dion. I would hate for you to have to spend the night in the storm cellar.

"On Thursday, we made it back to the SFH. I turned on the radio to get some nice background music while working on the deck. The first piece of music played that morning was Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach. Wow! There was no way I would work while that was playing, so I sat down on the couch to soak up the music. Your speakers are sensational! My goodness, I have never heard that music that well. It was so brilliant! I'm getting excited just thinking about it. It sounded like the organ was in the room. Great choice on speakers. Your guests are going to love it.
I would recommend you begin a small library of great music and each guest can make a contribution. That way you'll have an eclectic music choice. I will contribute the first CD. Racmimaninoff's Vespers performed by the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. It's my favorite and can't wait to hear it on your stereo."

In other news, Don and Jeremy completed most of the deck railing. The posts were custom fab from L & L Metal Fabrication of Springdale, AR, and the steel cable rail was manufactured by American Metal Specialties of Tacoma, WA.







Radio Free SFH

The Rocio revolution will not be televised...or will it? At the very least, it's getting good air play on news and talk radio stations. Here's an interview from last Sunday that aired on Kansas City NPR station KCUR's popular show KC Currents. The show's very gracious host, Sylvia Gross, interviewed Rocio at my office after a knowledge-exchange breakfast with our creative team. Sylvia also discussed Secret Fortress Hideout with me. Listen to the broadcast here.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Rais You to SFH

We had a free weekend so we made a quick trip to SFH. While there, we helped Don and Jeremy install the Rais Pina wood stove. We placed it on an aluminum-clad pad in the corner of the living room. I have to say the build quality of this product is impressive. To reduce weight while positioning it, we were able to easily disassemble the side panels and door. Can't wait to try it in colder weather. Actually, after this brutal winter, maybe I can.

SFH also received a small mention in Vox Magazine's print edition and a special online feature today. Vox is a weekly paper published by the Missourian in Columbia. I guess the secret is getting out about Secret Fortress Hideout.