Preheat the oven to 375°.

Grease a large baking sheet and set aside.

Melt ¼ cup of the butter and, in a small bowl, mix it together with ¼ cup of the buttermilk; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature.

Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for about 45 seconds.

Form the dough into a round and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Cut an X on the top of the loaf and then brush with the melted butter mixture.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

(Start checking for doneness at about 35 minutes.

) During baking, you can continue to brush the top of the loaf with the melted butter mixture, and then brush the top of the loaf one more time as soon as it comes from the oven.