"The WTXL Road Trip" series continues, lafirst in Jefferson County and now packing up and heading to Wakulla County.
SOPCHOPPY, FL (WTXL) -- You can’t tell from the outside, but this cozy Sopchoppy home is a musical mecca. Nestled on the corner of Rose street, From the Heart of Sopchoppy recording studio embodies its name.
The old house has had many different tenants in its long history. “It was a rooming house for many years, through the forties fifties and sixties. I think in the 60's it was more of a restaurant. So, see it’s been an integral part of the community for many years,” explained current owner Rick Ott.
While many people saw an old abandoned boarding house, Rick and his wife, Nelle, saw a music haven. “We just wanted to have a place where musicians and people involved with the arts could be comfortable, “he said.
The Otts said they purposefully restored the building to feel like home. The studio is equipped with a full kitchen, living room, dry bar, and garden. It is an environment they say helps the artists to open up. “It’s nice to come some place where it’s laid back and comfortable. We're a small town, not a lot going on. But I think it’s nice to unwind. Get away from the traffic and the craziness for a while and do some music,” Rick said.
Some big names have graced the Sopchoppy studio, including some Grammy award winners: Chuck Cannon, Laurie White, Bob Malone, and Billie Dean.
While the big timers have given their stamp of approval on the old boarding house turned recording studio, Rick and Nelle they can't forget about the small town saints that helped make this all happen. Rick said,” A lot of people in the community would see us over here working and they would come over and give us a hand with repairs. People we didn't even know would show up and put in a days work. People here are like people everywhere but when push comes to shove you can count on these folks.
It’s not just the music that keeps the doors revolving. Nelle, an artist herself, operates the art studio next door and does everything from gardening, restoring antiques, painting, and sewing.
