With Community in Mind
+ Story by Alisan Peters
+ Photography courtesy of Huntsman Archive
It’s a pretty special experience when you can live in a spectacular place and do good for the world at the same time. At Huntsman Springs in Driggs, Idaho, the Jon Huntsman Family has established a groundbreaking format for community design that benefits cancer research.
“We’re really proud of what we do here,” says Tony Snoey, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the property. “Our efforts and success in Driggs help us promote the Huntsman Cancer Institute, which is dedicated to the eradication of cancer in our lifetime. Our staff, our property owners and our visitors take that to heart.”
And the public has noticed, as evidenced by the many awards garnered by Huntsman Springs: Development of the Year in 2010 from Golf Inc.; one of 2013’s Best Residential Courses and one of 2012’s Best Modern Courses by Golfweek; 2013’s Top 100 Courses by LINKS Magazine; and most importantly, Best of the Best in 2011 from the Robb Report. Only four such properties each year have received that last distinction.
Wandering the property reveals just how thoughtful this community is. Beyond the David McLay Kidd golf course and the magnificent lodge homes are acres of open land, now protected through a land trust. A two- mile boardwalk meanders along seven trout-stocked ponds. There’s a groomed Nordic track in winter and an ice-skating rink opened this year. And there’s ample opportunity to glimpse deer, elk, moose, fox and other four-legged creatures that call this natural environment home.
These mountain-view lodge homes were custom-designed by Berlin Architects of Jackson. They feature stunning views and top-of- the-line finishes.
Two-legged creatures, however, have the option of selecting one of the custom-designed lodge homes or spacious home sites that dot the property. Designed by Berlin Architects in Jackson, Wyoming, the seven home models range from 2,700 to 5,300 square feet. Fine finishes like travertine, fieldstone and white oak woodwork create a rustic yet refined ambiance that speaks beautifully of mountain living. The home sites range in size from around a half to three-quarters of an acre.
Huntsman Springs also saves room on their calendar to host a number of community events, both public and private. A large portion of the proceeds generated from these events is dedicated to cancer research. Best known is Celebrate America, a public event held each year on the Saturday before the Fourth of July. Attendance is totally free, though a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute is encouraged, and the 2013 event raised a quarter-million dollars for that effort. Family friendly entertainment takes place outdoors, with a celebratory concert—last year’s headliner was the Surf City All Stars, featuring Al Jardine and David Marks of the Beach Boys—and a dramatic fireworks display. Thirty-seven of the 50 states were represented in the 30,000 attendees who showed up in 2013.
The Huntsman Cancer Institute is dedicated to eradicating cancer and offers patients outstanding facilities.
The fireworks at Celebrate America light the night sky while the band plays for a large crowd. Proceeds from the event benefit the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
A second summer event is the Huntsman Springs Wine Fair. Last year, seven vendors supplied 120 labels for attendees to sample. Guests were able to purchase favorite selections in whatever quantities they liked, and 3,000 bottles of wine were sold, helping generate significant funds for the institute.
Upcoming plans for the property include a new 6,000-square-foot fitness center and spa. A swimming pool and two hot tubs are adjacent, along with a new poolside bar and grill. Add to this the fact that the Huntsman family ensures outstanding concierge service, complimentary golf lessons, cart fees waived for members, no food and beverage minimums—and you begin to understand the breadth of generosity inherent in the Huntsman concept.
