Intellectual Exchange Houses

Intellectual Exchange Houses, as they are called, are each set on a platform twenty feet above the ground overlooking wildlife feed lots planted with a mix of grasses designed to optimize the health of the animals. Each house is architecturally striking. The interiors are warm and cozy with tasteful furnishings, comfortable furniture, and powerful binoculars for wildlife close-ups. Electricity is provided via batteries charged by photoelectric panels on the roofs. They are heated by propane in the winter. During the November and December season, they become luxurious, world class hunting stands. The idyllic setting, design and comfort of the houses encourage creativity and innovation. Set high above the natural beauty and tranquility of the Preserve you look out upon passing deer, turkey, fox, and elk. Your mind becomes more receptive to new ideas. You start to challenge conventional boundaries and explore uncharted possibilities. Discussion leads to meaningful intellectual exchanges on how to make the world a better place.

Origin and Construction of the Houses

Although the Conference Barn and Pines Lodge work well for large Destiny USAmeetings, their size does not provide the intimacy and isolation necessary to encourage openness and personal communication among small groups. Therefore, Bob Congel decided to build numerous small houses throughout the 5,000 acres of the Preserve where people could interact amidst the natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Bucky Lainhart, General Manager of Savannah Dhu, and his crew of local craftsmen undertook the task with their usual energy and talent. Over the summer of 2004, they built thirty-one houses including access roads and driveways. Twenty-six of these are intended for groups of just three or four people. Four are larger and can handle as many as eight. Each was built overlooking a wildlife feed lot planted with a mix of grasses designed to optimize the health and growth of the animals.

This area is the heart of Savannah Dhu that you drive through when you enter on the Attitude Adjustment Driveway. It contains Pines Lodge, the Conference Barn, Hadden House, West Lodge, Bear Camp, and the trap shooting range. It has three large bodies of water. The biggest is the 130-acre Lodge Pond with seven and a half miles of shoreline. The deepest is North Lodge Pond from which the water for Pines Lodge and the Barn is drawn. The 90-acre Refuge Pond is the one pond on the Preserve on which no hunting of waterfowl is permitted.

Exterior Design of the Houses

As you approach the house your team will work in, you notice its striking posture. Its design is somewhat thought provoking, unique, and even a bit whimsical. Rising 20 feet above the Preserve, it stands out from its surroundings, proudly isolated and serene. Perhaps it is a log structure with a wrap around deck. Or it could be one of the imposing stone towers, or the unique Brick House. The whimsy is most evident with The Grain Bin’s cylindrical metal shape. You smile as you get out of the car and look forward to the coming experience.

Emotional Impact of the Houses

Your house is a liberating sanctuary from the everyday world. You help yourself to a steaming cup of coffee and look out the windows at the natural showcase around you. You feel at home in your comfortable rustic retreat and are ready to get to work.

The Intellectual_Exchange_Houses are unique creative venues designed to facilitate personal interaction and idea generation in support of Destiny USA. Make yourself at home and enjoy your stay. Savannah Dhu is a natural and emotional experience to be savored and remembered.