Property sat 7 years unsold. She created dream underground villa

When Jennava Laska first visited the underground home for sale in Nashville, Tennessee it had been on the market for seven years looked like a “horror movie house” or a long-abandoned cellar. She saw potential in the home’s spoke-and-wheel design to create an underground Mediterranean villa and bought the long-neglected property.

When Gene Tidwell, one of the designers of Nashville’s iconic Batman Building, built the home in 1983, he buried it at the top a hillside to avoid the Tennessee bedrock at the bottom of the driveway and to dig into the much softer slate up top.

The home forms a tunnel through the hill with windows at each end to let in light and with the 2 skylights, the space feel light and airy despite being buried. Laska opened up the home by removing the walls that divided the tunnel section so now you can see straight through the home from one end to another. She wanted this main area to feel like the atrium at the center of a Roman Villa with bedrooms and living room branching off from this main space.

Laska says the space remains naturally cool in summer and warm in winter though she installed a heat pump for the especially hot or cold days and a dehumidifier for the summer. Since radon gas can build up in the shale rock, she installed a radon filter with a fan that continuously filters air from below the home.

[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!!!

[mamapillow]

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.

[sadjaxx]

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

[hillfarm]

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.

[paranoidhumanoid]

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

[maurawhelan]

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!

[farmyourbackyard]

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!

[roseharvey]

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.

[raymascetta]

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

[fredsimmons]

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.

[sylviajones]

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

[KPVFarmer]

The right person found the right house.

[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

[delorisharrison]

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

[lydiarowe]

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..

[Lea-bwwj]

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

[nancychestnut]

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!

[YudronWangmo]

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

[juicymelodic]

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

[chucheduncan]

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