Real Estate Showcase - July 2023

Real Estate

Absolutely stunning custom built home, offers the ultimate level of comfort and privacy!

See Page 8

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

COUNTRY CHIC

Prissy Country Girl Relocates

Boutique To Former Service Station

By HARLEIGH CUPP Daily News-Record

DAYTON — One could say that Karen Luster was born a businesswoman.

She moved to the area to obtain a business management degree from James Madison University and ended up raising her family just down the road in Augusta County.

For a while, Luster was the manager of the spa at Wintergreen resort. Having that career gave her the opportunity to visit trade shows in big cities across the country like Las Vegas, Dallas and Atlanta where she caught “the bug,” and decided she wanted to open a business of her own.

“I thought that if I’m going to work every weekend and holiday, then I’m going to do it for myself,” Luster said, remembering.

Luster started her own business in Staunton, where she stayed for 10 years before relocating it to Churchville. Luster moved again after a decade in that area to Bridgewater where

she was open on Main Street for four years. Just last week, Luster reopened the doors to her “girls” in the small town of Dayton.

“It was time for a change,” Luster said with a smile. “So I came here.”

Luster’s new space was originally constructed in the early 1900s as a motor vehicle service station. With white walls and glass chandeliers that Luster picked out herself, one would never suspect its former life was a greasy garage.

Karen’s the Prissy Country Girl has been voted best boutique in the Shenandoah Valley for three years running and Luster is excited about setting up shop in the heart of downtown Dayton amongst several of her closest business-owning friends. Perhaps what makes Luster’s shopping experience unique is the investment she makes in each and every one of her customers — which also helps explain why many of them come back week after week.

Harleigh Cupp / DN-R

Karen’s the Prissy Country Girl opens the doors in its new location at 221 Main Street in Dayton.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Don’t rush in and act combative this week, Aries. Take a more delicate approach to convince others to see things your way. As the saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Are you feeling like you may want to be a wellness warrior of late, Taurus? Start by taking inventory of the foods in your home and making some healthier changes.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, if you are looking to make a few new friends, ask others to connect you with likeminded individuals. You never know who you might meet until you give it a try.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, if a delicate issue has been troubling you, reach out to someone you can trust and begin to talk things through. You will likely feel better just getting things out.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, are you ready to take your project to the next level? Brainstorm with a coworker about the best way to get ahead and make a mark with this endeavor.

HOROSCOPES

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

It could be time for a move and you just aren’t ready to admit it, Virgo. You may have gotten comfortable in one place, but a move could prove the right decision.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, there are a lot of ideas swimming around in your head. You may need to put some things down on paper to see what really might be worth doing in the days to come.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Connect with a friend or even your partner for an intimate dinner this week. You’ve been moving in different circles and it’s time to get on the same page.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Invite people to stop by and cheer you up, Sagittarius. You’ve been going through a rough patch and there’s nothing like happy faces and new perspectives to bring about a smile.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, be sure to check your bank account pretty regularly; otherwise, you may lose track of spending and get yourself into a financial mess that could be tough to get out of.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may be your own worst enemy this week, especially as it pertains to thinking that someone may be trying to cause trouble with you at work. Get the facts before acting.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, there is a process to everything. Remain patient and stay the course no matter how excited you are. Rest assured that things will work out if you can hang in there.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JULY 23 Daniel Radcliffe, Actor (34)

JULY 24 Bindi Irwin, Activist (25)

JULY 25 Meg Donnelly, Actress (23)

JULY 26 Sandra Bullock, Actress (59)

JULY 27 Maya Rudolph, Actress (51)

JULY 28 Cher Lloyd, Singer (30)

JULY 29 Dak Prescott, Athlete (30)

Karen Luster leans against the counter inside the new location of her women’s and girl’s boutique.

Harleigh Cupp / DN-R

The boutique offers a hand-selected array of trendy clothing and accessories for women and girls. Luster keeps her selection moving, but her top picks that can be found in store are sparkly tumblers in several different colors, bedazzled jean jackets — perfect for wearing to the county fair — and kimonos. “Every item has a story,” Luster said,

“and people want a story.”

An official ribbon cutting ceremony with members of town council will be held August 12.

Karen’s the Prissy Country Girl is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 221 Main Street and can be found online at www.karenstheprissycountrygirl.com.

Contact Harleigh Cupp at 540-5746279 or hcupp@dnronline.com

FAIR-HOUSING NOTICE

We are pledged to the le�er and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support adver�sing and marke�ng programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, na�onal origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate adver�sed herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to adver�se any preference, limita�on or discrimina�on because of race, color, religion, na�onal origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap, or inten�on to make any such reference, limita�on or discrimina�on.’ This newspaper will not knowingly accept adver�sing for real estate that violated the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings adver�sed in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.For the hearing-impaired, call (804) 367-9753.

E-mail fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Photos by Harleigh Cupp / DN-R

TOP: A vibrant boutique owner is making a space of her own in what was originally constructed as a gas and motor vehicle service station in the early 1900s on Main Street in Dayton.

MIDDLE: Karen Luster holds a sparkly tumbler — one of her top picks of items currently in store.

BOTTOM: Enamel rings sit on display inside Karen’s the Prissy Country Girl.

Jillian Lynch / DN-R File

Karen Luster stands in her Bridgewater boutique in January, 2023. Luster picked Dayton as the new location for her shop.

Boutique FROM PAGE 2

CLUES ACROSS

1. Bonus materials

7. Formal names

13. Free from restraints

14. One who scrapes away

16. Type of device

17. Skin cancers

19. The Show Me State

20. Plate glasses

22. Red-brown sea bream

23. Small (Fr.)

25. Flightless Australian birds

26. High IQ group

28. Stiff structures

29. Revolutions per minute

30. Where a bachelor lives

31. Licensed for Wall Street

33. A place to park

34. Energy, style and enthusiasm

36. An important creed in Catholic Church

38. 18-year astronomical period

40. Furies

41. Removes from the record

43. Noted child psychiatrist

44. Feline

45. High schoolers’ test

47. Not happy

48. They __

51. On top

53. Precious stones unit of weight

55. Moved quickly

56. Seagulls

58. A seed with hooks or teeth

59. Partner to “oohed”

60. Exclamation of surprise

61. Most unpleasant

64. Organization help service members

65. Type of cockatoo

67. Humorous criticisms

69. Went through and organized

70. Wakes up

CLUES DOWN

1. Settle in tents

2. Big

3. Books

4. Masses of eggs in fish

5. Language

6. Not standing

7. Chinese philosophy

8. Computer giant

9. A device to catch

10. Emits coherent radiation

11. Actor O’Neill

12. Smallest interval in western music

13. Not lower

15. Revolves

18. Leavened bread

21. Number above the line in a fraction

24. Cable

26. Adult male

27. Airborne (abbr.

30. Bullfighting maneuvers

32. Broadcast

35. __ Angeles

37. Vehicle

38. Not religious

39. North American peoples

42. A baglike structure

43. Body art (slang)

46. Picked for a role

47. Actress Tomei

49. Former hoopster “Big Country”

50. Icelandic poems

52. More pleasant

54. It can add flavor to meat

55. Self-immolation by fire rituals

57. Expression of annoyance

59. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

62. Consumed

63. Body part

66. Thus

68. In reply (abbr.)

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Our Community Place Builds More Apartments To House Homeless Tenants

By ASHLYN CAMPBELL Daily News-Record

The fixtures of a furnished apartment near Woodbine Cemetery looks like any other apartment in the city, except it is much smaller.

But for the people who will eventually live there, the one room efficiency is enough to call home, according to the staff of local daytime homeless shelter and homelessness nonprofit Our Community Place.

Two new efficiency apartments, built out at 50 Reservoir Street, right across from Woodbine Cemetery, are set to start housing tenants who have dealt with homelessness. A ribbon-cutting ceremony last week marked the next stage of Our Community Place’s efforts to address homelessness in the area.

The tiny, cube-shaped building already has two apartments on its first floor. Those have been housing tenants who used to be experiencing homelessness after OCP bought the entire building, located at 50 Reservoir Street, in August, 2021.

These two new apartments are in the building’s lower level. They each have a window and porch, enclosed bathroom, kitchen area and bedroom alcove. The rent for these apartments is $760 a month, according to Sam Nickels, former executive director of OCP who was there for the beginning of the project.

Nickels said there’s not enough housing to address the needs of extreme low-income folks in the area.

According to the 2021 Harrisonburg housing study, there’s a severe lack of housing available for people with an extremely low income. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in downtown Harrisonburg starts around $800 to $1,000 per month.

OCP’s options for providing housing to its clients are limited, Nickels said.

The first course of action OCP takes would be try and find housing in the private market.

“Folks who are chronically homeless, that’s pretty much near impossible,” Nickels explained. “They just

don’t earn enough money to afford market-rate apartments.”

Another option for extremely low-income folks is getting a federal housing vouchers. The problem is, Nickels said, there aren’t enough landlords who are willing to rent to someone with a voucher.

“We were like, ‘Okay, we’ve found all the landlords we can. We’ve placed everybody we can,” Nickels said. “We’re gonna have to build our own.’”

The efficiency apartments have no walls or dividers between rooms. The rent is $760 per month and includes all utilities. Donors may help cover

monthly rent, Nickels said. Nickels said the rent is lower because of donations, grants and low-interest loans from community members.

Donations helped make the apartments all-electric, contributing to an efficient electrical system that does both heating and cooling. The furniture is donated, and Our Community Place provides anything the residents need for the apartment.

“That’s really important is to make sure when the unhoused people come in here that they have their stuff that honors their dignity,” said Matt Tibbles, who took over as executive director last Monday. “But it also gives them a sense of ‘this is mine.’”

A case worker helps decide who gets to move in to the apartments, since there are so many people who fit the bill. Two individual men were selected to fill the rooms and attended the ribbon cut ceremony.

“[One of them] has had some challenges where he’s not available for vouchers … so it’s been really difficult to place him,” Nickels said. “[He] was crying. He was just really anticipating and looking forward to having his own place.”

No residents have moved in yet, because of some snags. The sprinkler system set up for fire safety had a leak. Part of the last inspection is testing the sprinkler water line. There’s likely still a small leak, Nickels said, because the line hasn’t passed the inspection yet, but the apartments are still on track for move-in in the next week or two.

Nickels said the nonprofit was “tickled pink” to see the project from renovating the space to placing people who will eventually live there. Nickels and Tibbles said projects like these wouldn’t be possible without support and collaboration from the community.

“Hopefully, this will be a model that says it can be done,” Tibbles said. “And we as a community can do it together and can be stronger as a community.”

Contact Ashlyn Campbell at 540-5746274 or acampbell@dnronline.com | Follow Ashlyn on Twitter: @A__Campbell

Sam Nickels, former executive director of Our Community Place, gives a tour of one of their new efficiency apartments on Reservoir Street.

Photos by Daniel Lin / DN-R

Our Community Place has renovated a house on Reservoir Street to help serve the local unhoused population.

SOLD

3375 Wellsleigh Place, Rockingham

An intrinsic commitment to detail has created this exquisite home! On over 2 tranquil acres sited away from the street for privacy, this offering will please the most discerning buyer. 7 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths. MLS #618993 $1,075,000

SOLD

3350 Argyle Court, Rockingham

Ask about the $20,000 Update Allowance! From the top of the brand new roof to the last corner of the basement, you will be pleased with the custom built quality of this fine home in Lake Pointe subdivision. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. $839,900. MLS #631544

130 Brompton Court, Rockingham

This two-story Crossroads Farm elegant home has just been completed and is ready for its first owner! Superior craftsmanship and careful attention to details throughout. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS #638801 $649,900

UNDER CONTRACT

201 Bartley Street, Dayton

Elegant home with lovely views located in desirable South Breeze Estates! Upon entering the front door you will be immediately impressed with the overall attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS #635969, $535,000

1786 Fadley Road, Weyers Cave

Welcome to this one owner, absolutely stunning custom built home, situated on 1.73 acres that offers the ultimate level of comfort and privacy! 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS# 643462 $695,000

UNDER CONTRACT

3050 Winona Lane, Rockingham

AN INTRINSIC BEAUTY shines through this quality brick home. There is no substitute for a great floorplan, lasting finishes and a sense of “Welcome Home” every time you walk in. 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#: 643393 $689,000

3768 Boundary Run Road, Gum Spring

This beautiful home sits on a 2.08 acre partially wooded lot on a cul-desac in Boundary Run subdivision. As you enter the home, light fills the open floor plan making it the perfect space to entertain guests. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS#: 635667 $465,000

UNDER CONTRACT

3365 Battery Park Place, Rockingham

Beautiful recently built end unit at Preston Lake. Just what you’ve been looking for. Nestled on the edge of the subdivision. Provides a front porch and patio, large greenspace area in the back. 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half bath. MLS#630887 $345,000

10 Carrollton Court, Weyers Cave

Wonderful split-level home in conveniently located Harshbarger Subdivision! This home is situated on an oversized and level corner lot, has a fenced yard and a storage shed. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS# 642261 $335,000.

Lot 6 Traveler Rd, Rockingham

Stunning hilltop views may be all that is necessary to make you want this lot! In popular Highland Park, surrounded by other custom quality homes, your new home will be a showcase. 0.79 acres. MLS #639231 $147,000

Lot 6 Quicks Mill Rd, Verona

Stunning building lot, easy access to Staunton, and Interstate 81. Gently rolling topography, call your agent for more details. 2.29 acres MLS# 641355 $95,000.

0 Tanners Court, Rockingham

Come build at Meadowbrook--on this beautiful lot with mountain views!!! Build your dream house only minutes from the city, & get that country feel but have easy access to interstate 81 and Harrisonburg. 0.68 acres. MLS #639285 $79,000