Central Virginia Home Spring 2018

HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA

TH E

real estate issue

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With 10 years of real estate experience & a business marketing degree, Lauren has all of the tools needed to ensure a smooth & profitable Real Estate transaction.

She has made it her responsibility to ensure the highest level of customer service to her clients with thorough communication and high attention to detail.

For the past six years, Lauren has ranked in the top 2% of over 600 agents, selling over $25 million in 2016 and over $37 million in 2017. This has consistently ranked her as the #2 Realtor in the Lynchburg Market for three years.

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BEFORE

1934 GRAVES MILL ROAD • LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24502 • TEL: 434.832.0040 • FAX: 434.832.0020

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CONTENTS

THE

real estate issue

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

20

82 20

REAL ESTATE 2018 Lowdown on the local market

BY NOELLE MILAM

38

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Facts on financing

BY CHRISTY RIPPEL

58

SELLING YOUR HOME What to expect from appraisal to closing

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

82

NEW HOME KNOW-HOW Building your dream home

BY SLOANE LUCAS

98

HOUSE HUNTING GUIDE A handy checklist for home buyers

BY MARISSA HERMANSON

64 showcase home

64

LIFE ON LANGHORNE Fun updates and family treasures

BY NOELLE MILAM

Cover photo by Michael Patch at the home of Renee and Dave Wood.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine c vhomemaga zine .com 11

S PR I NG 2018

DESIGN

44

33 ANTIQUE CHINA

Styles with timeless appeal

BY JANE RENNYSON

87 2018 COLOR TRENDS

Jewel hues are here

BY ASHLEY BLAIR SMITH

104 2018 DESIGN SERIES

Design, Defined: Midcentury modern

BY SARA WARRENDER

IMPROVE

74 PREVENTING PESTS

104

Keep critters from making themselves at home

BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

101 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Grocery-saving strategies

BY SARA WARRENDER

GARDEN 27 DOGWOODS

Virginia’s flowering favorite

BY MITZI BIBLE

74

50 COTTAGE GARDENS

Charming and practical

BY BECKY CALVERT

90 PASSALONG PLANTS

Share garden gems this spring

BY MEGAN JANSEN

107 HISTORIC GARDEN DAY

85th anniversary tour

LIVE

44 CULINARY CORNER

Spiralizer recipes

BY MARSHA GALE

62 PERSONAL STATIONERY

What to have on hand for every occasion

BY MEGAN BRUFFY

77 MOTHER’S DAY MENU

Favorites for Mom

94 READY FOR BUSINESS

New home for Lynchburg Alliance

BY JESSIE THOMPSON 14

50 Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

c vhomemaga zine .com 15

EDITOR’S note Sixteen years ago this month, my husband and I drove south to Virginia to buy our first house. We were relocating for work and had one weekend to make our decision, with a two-week-old baby in tow. During two whirlwind days, we scoured different neighborhoods with our patient real estate agent, who gamely took her turn jiggling a disgruntled newborn while we debated.

With mere hours to decide, our wish list quickly morphed from desirable school district, walkable community, and two-car garage; to working kitchen, watertight roof, and a mortgage that wouldn’t keep us up at night (the baby was already handling that).

Ultimately, we chose a home that was move-in ready, and figured it would be a good fit for a few years. Well, fast forward to 2018, and we’re still in our upgraded “starter home”—so when it comes to real estate matters, I sometimes feel a little behind the learning curve. Luckily, the talented writers at HOME have brought their experience to bear on some of the most pertinent issues on the subject. We’ve talked to top-selling local real estate agents to get their take on the current housing market, and broken down everything you need to know about financing home improvements. Some of the best in the business have given us tips on topics such as how to save money building a new home, and the steps to expect when selling your current one. We’ve also compiled a handy buyer’s checklist—whether you have a house or are looking for one, there’s something here for you!

Spring is prime time in the garden, so don’t miss our articles on cottage gardens, passalong plants, dogwoods (our state flower), and this year’s Historic Garden Day tour. We also have information on how to keep critters from making your home their home, design news and trends, and recipes for veggie spiralizers and Mother’s Day. Our annual real estate issue is packed with informative articles which we hope will both educate and entertain you! Until next time…

— Rory Rhodes, Editor rory@westwillowpublishing.com

HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Rory Rhodes ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mitzi Bible Megan Bruffy Becky Calvert Marsha Gale Marissa Hermanson Megan Jansen Katherine Fulghum Knopf Sloane Lucas Alyssa Mercadante Noelle Milam Jane Rennyson Christy Rippel Ashley Blair Smith Jessie Thompson Sara Warrender PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Patch GRAPHIC DESIGNER Donna Collins OPERATIONS MANAGER Colleen Miller

ADVERTISING SALES Kirsten Morey Becker Julia Belvin Julie Pierce Anne Marie Poore SUBSCRIPTIONS

Central Virginia HOME is published five times annually

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Central Virginia HOME 2003 Graves Mill Road, Suite B, Forest, VA 24551 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@cvhomemagazine.com.

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Central Virginia HOME at info@cvhomemagazine.com.

WEST WILLOW PUBLISHING GROUP, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2018 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

16

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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THE

real estate issue

2018

REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK

BY NOELLE MIL AM

L

In Central Virginia, springtime brings warmer weather, greening lawns and trees, and blooming bushes and flowers in yards across the area. In addition to azaleas and daffodils, many lawns will sport “For Sale” signs as well. Springtime is the most popular time to put a home on the market, and usually the time when the most real estate inventory is available and the largest volume of buyers are looking. Whether you are considering buying or selling a home in 2018, or just curious about how the real estate forecast will affect your own property values, understanding the trends and factors in the coming year will help you to make informed decisions. These days, the savvy homeowner and homebuyer is a well-educated one.

ast year, even with the first of the Federal Reserve interest rate increases on the books, real estate professionals across the area were, it turns out, correctly predicting solid growth.

Local agents such as Billy Flint, managing broker at Flint Property Group, feel that the positive trend seen in 2017 will continue into 2018. “We should see a strong market for residential and commercial properties in Central Virginia,” predicts Flint, drawing on his 30 years of real estate expertise. “I also see an improving market for raw land.” Despite the interest rate increases, mortgage rates are still historically low, the stock market and the economy are booming, unemployment is down, and many buyers are looking to take advantage of low rates before they go up any further. All of this points to a 2018 where houses and land will be selling at a brisk pace.

In 2017 and early 2018, the challenge for buyers—particularly in the mid-priced range—was, and is, inventory. According to the National Association of Realtors, in late 2017 there was a shortage of houses for sale compared to the number of buyers looking to 2 0

purchase. There simply were not enough houses on the market to meet demand, and as we look forward into 2018, the big question many real estate professionals are asking is: Will there be enough houses for buyers? Laws of supply and demand being what they are, the market may be poised to tip into the realm of a “seller’s market,” which is something that we have not seen in this country since before 2008.

There are several factors that influence the influx of buyers to our area. Virginia is close to Washington D.C. and the business hubs of the Northeast, but free of the associated congestion and expense. Our state enjoys the beauty of four seasons without many of the weather extremes of the Midwest or Deep South, and is more affordable in general than homes on the West Coast.

Virginia’s temperate climate and central location make it an attractive place for the two largest segments of home buyers in the market today: baby boomers and millennials. Nadine Blakely, a real estate agent with RE/MAX 1st Olympic, reflects that a growing number of homebuyers fall into these two categories. “I have a lot of clients who are retired or retiring and are looking to downsize to a more manageable home and yard,” Blakely says, Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

c vhomemaga zine .com 21

the features many buyers ask for include: main level living, open floor plans, garages off the kitchen, and basements (finished or unfinished). Oh, and new construction.

“Buyers love new construction, provided it is not priced too high,” she says.

“Everyone likes to be first.”

Advice to potential sellers

If you’re a homeowner considering selling in 2018, you have picked a great year.

With area inventory low, you should have plenty of interest provided your home is priced appropriately for its age and location, is well-maintained, and “staged” so that its best features can be appreciated. “Sellers who are benefitting from this market are those whose property is in terrific shape and priced correctly,” says Flint. The agents note that most buyers are not interested in buying a house that requires a lot of work, so take care of any maintenance issues before putting your home on the market. Clean up and declutter the house and yard. Within reason, aim for a neutral palette so that prospective buyers can see the “bones” of your home without getting hung up on worn carpeting, or unusual or outdated paint choices. Real estate professionals with experience in your neighborhood will be able to give you expert advice and individualized suggestions for how to price and show your home to its best advantage. “and I also have millennials, drawn here by good jobs in business and healthcare.” Baby boomers, now their retirement years, are looking for smaller, affordable, efficient houses that make sense for their stage of life. Ironically, the largest group of millennials turn 30 this year, and as they are settling down and starting families, they’re looking for much the same things when buying a house. “Inventory is low for certain types of homes,” Blakely admits, “and competition for those homes can be fierce.” The growth of Central Virginia’s industry, healthcare, and university sectors are also fueling an influx of new professionals who are looking for homes in the area. But it is not what might be called a seller’s market across the board—homes priced over $400,000 are still slower to sell, and buyers in that price range and above will find that they have more room for bargaining than buyers in the hotter sectors of the Central Virginia real estate market.

So what makes a home or location “hot” in the current market? According to Flint, the short answer is location and price. “The price ‘sweet spot’ for single family residential homes (including townhouses and condominiums) is right around $300,000,” he says.

“But really, any home appropriately priced between $200,000 to $350,000 will enjoy more of what we think of as a seller’s market.” He predicts continued strong interest in the historic downtown Lynchburg area. “There is so much going on downtown,” Flint notes. “I think we are becoming a much better known destination town. With the downtown revitalization, growth of industry and universities, and the opening of the Academy of Arts and the renovated Virginian Hotel, it’s an exciting time to be in Central Virginia.”

Colleague Blakely agrees. “Lynchburg and the surrounding areas such as Fort Hill, Boonsboro, and Forest are hot,” she explains. “I had my best year ever in 2017, and I think it is going to be another great year for real estate here in Central Virginia, particularly for homes that are affordable and have certain features.” Blakely says that 2 2

Advice to potential buyers

If you are planning to buy a home in 2018, prepare yourself for competition!

Know that with lower inventory and larger number of buyers—especially in the more popular markets—you will need to act quickly when you find the right house because, chances are, there will be other buyers who feel the same way. Go through the mortgage prequalification process. This gives you and the potential seller confidence that this is a commitment you can afford, and can make a difference in how credible you appear to a seller. When you find the right home, do not hesitate. The days of waiting for weeks to see if a seller will drop the price or provide other concessions are probably over for now, especially in the geographical areas and price points that are currently seeing the most turnover.

It is vital in these circumstances to have a real estate professional with detailed knowledge of the market, and who is a Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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strong negotiator looking out for your best interests. If you know you are competing with several other buyers, prepare yourself to make your best and highest offer right away.

Sometimes that will mean going over the asking price. “Oh yes,” Blakely confirms, “this is happening. I saw it even back in January.”

With the number of competing buyers in popular markets on the rise, this year’s housing inventory will move quickly.

The good news is that Central Virginia will likely see a continuing trend of higher closing prices and fewer days on the market across the board. This could encourage more potential sellers to put their homes on the market, which would, in time, alleviate the current inventory shortage.

Central Virginia homeowners have a lot to be positive about in the coming year. Homes are appreciating at a good rate in most areas, and those looking to sell will likely find that their homes spend fewer days on the market than in years past, and sell for much closer to their asking price. In their 2017 endof-year report, the Virginia REALTORS® association predicts the gradual, steady growth of the past few years to continue, and says, “The long term trend of continued growth indicates sustained improvement in the market.” Since steady growth indicates a healthy real estate market, with a regular influx of buyers and sellers, concerns about the risk of a real estate “bubble” abate. With all indications pointing towards a great year of real estate, Central Virginians can be optimistic about healthy growth of the market, whether they are looking to buy or sell in 2018. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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GARDEN dogwood trees

dogwoods VIRGINIA’S SPRINGTIME SPECIALTY

BY MITZI BIBLE

A

A single dogwood bloom was the design for the troop crest on my Junior Girl Scout vest, and I wore it with pride. I don’t remember why we chose that particular emblem, but maybe it was because we wanted to represent Virginia by wearing our state flower and state tree. Or perhaps it was because we enjoyed walking the woodland trails around our camp, spotting the welcoming burst of white from the dogwoods growing wild under the forest’s canopy. With its branches much lower than the other trees and closer to our level, we could easily take in the sight and smell of this seasonal favorite.

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Flowering American dogwood is native to the eastern United States and was first cultivated for landscaping use in the 1730s. Its relatively small stature—rarely growing more than 20 feet tall—makes it ideal an ornamental garden tree. With large flowers, blocky-textured bark (some say it resembles crocodile skin), and horizontal-spreading branches, these trees provide plenty of character. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson planted dogwoods on the grounds of their estates, and there is no doubt that lawmakers considered the tree’s history and tradition when making it the state flower in 1918. It was officially named the state tree in 1956.

While the dogwood’s distinctive blooms—some varieties growing as long as four inches in diameter—naturally draw all the attention, many people may not know that it produces attractive fruit, too. Its bright red berries, or “drupes,” are a favorite food for birds. Another interesting fact: The petals on a dogwood aren’t actually petals; they are bracts—a modified leaf. The cluster of yellowish green in the center is the flower. The bracts help flag down pollinators.

Unfortunately, birds have contributed to the spread of dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease that has killed at least 50 percent of the native flowering dogwood population since the 1970s. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, there are more than 100 cultivars of flowering dogwoods available, varying in bloom, color, and leaf characteristics and plant scientists have been hard at work creating hybrids that are more resistant to disease.

Most of the dogwood trees you find in nature have white blooms, but scientists have developed selections that show off hues of light pink to dark red. Two of the most popular dogwood varieties are Appalachian spring and kousa.

Appalachian spring was actually a native species discovered to be growing amazingly well amidst other dogwoods that had succumbed to disease. It has the typical rounded and notched white flowers we’re used to associating with dogwoods, but they are larger than most.

They bloom in early spring. Like most dogwoods, it is a favorite four-season tree, with apple-green leaves that turn a pretty red and purple each fall. This variety has been reported to be resistant to powdery mildew as well.

Kousa dogwood, often called the Korean, Chinese or Japanese dogwood, Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

is native to East Asia. It blooms in the spring about a month after native flowering dogwoods. Its signature pointed blooms can last up to six weeks. The kousa has an upright growth habit compared to the spreading shape of other species.

If you’re selecting dogwoods based on color alone, Sweetwater red might be a good choice, or the Welchii variety, which has beautiful variegated leaves of white, green, and pink. The dogwood family also includes some unique shrubs with colorful bark that can last into the winter. The red twig and yellow twig dogwoods may be the most intriguing. After their leaves fall, the bark’s color actually intensifies. (Severe pruning can also help these shrubs shine bright every year.) Planted together, they can be a wonderful addition to your ornamental garden.

Healthy habits

Tree experts once recommended planting dogwood in a partly shaded location to mimic their natural environment, but because of the widespread threat of anthracnose it is now recommended to plant in full sun and in an open space where there is good air flow, to prevent the fungal infection. Transplanting from a natural environment is not recommended; the odds are just too low that you will be able to give it exactly what it thrived on in the wild. Plus, the root system is shallow, so by the time you dig it up, you won’t have a lot to work with when making it a new home.

Many homeowners love the dogwood because it’s fairly low maintenance. Dogwoods prefer acidic soil that is moist and well-drained. They could use regular watering during drought, especially if they are newly planted. A few inches of mulch—

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organic matter is best—will keep in the moisture.

Just make sure not to pack it tightly around the trunk. Since dogwoods lack a deep root system, you have to be careful when mowing that the blades don’t damage roots which may be peeking up through the ground. Routinely inspect the bark as well; insects called dogwood borers are pretty common. The larvae get into the tree through the bark and begin to eat on it from the inside out. Make sure you don’t hit the bark with garden tools.

Dogwoods don’t require a lot of pruning. If you do prune, research your variety first—they all grow differently and have different needs.

Most people just prune to shape up the tree and make it more attractive, or to remove crossed branches. Be aware that the bark is thin, and pruning cuts can leave it susceptible to dogwood borers.

Though you might’ve heard as a child that it was wrong to pick a dogwood bloom or cut its branches, there’s no law that says you can’t do this in your own garden (unless your homeowner’s association says differently). But in the wild, and in national or state parks, please leave them undisturbed for future generations to protect and enjoy. The longstanding dogwood will always be a favorite of Virginians. ✦

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a peek at antiques

DESIGN antique china

KNOW YOUR CLASSIC PORCELAIN STYLES & PATTERNS

BY JANE RENNYSON

t

There are few things more charming than walking into an antique store and seeing an array of porcelain serveware in various prints, patterns and colors. This porcelain, collectively referred to as “china” because of the country of origin, has been highly collectible since the 18th century, when it was created specifically for export to Europe and America. Often considered more like art than items used on the dinner table, collecting them can be a thrill.

Many of these older pieces are made of either hard- or soft-paste porcelain. Hard-paste porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than soft-paste, and can be recognized by its bright white color. Soft-paste porcelain is fired at a lower temperature and is more delicate than hard-paste. Bone china is a type of soft-paste porcelain which contains clay and bone ash, and is extremely translucent. So whether it’s bone china from England, hard-paste porcelain from China or soft-paste porcelain from various countries in Europe, there are many different options to satisfy collectors’ tastes and desires. Here are just a few classic styles and patterns you may come across… c vhomemaga zine .com 3 3

THREE HISTORIC STYLES

Spode FLORA DANICA

BLUE WILLOW

The Spode Company, credited with inventing bone china, was created

by Josiah Spode in Staffordshire, England in 1761. By 1770, Josiah Spode II had become a master potter and took over the company from his father. His early pottery was called creamware, a cream-colored earthenware whose color was a result of the lead present in the glaze used in firing. Creamware evolved into pearlware, which was a white glazed earthenware sometimes covered with a blue transfer print. The transfer process involved engraving a copper plate with an image, then transferring it to the pottery using a thin piece of paper. This “transferware” was able to be mass produced and was more affordable than the traditional hand-painted pieces. In 1816, Spode’s Blue Italian transferware arrived on the open market. Blue Italian contains beautiful images of the Italian countryside—scenes from the Great Bath at Tivoli, Umbria, and the Piedmont and Lombardy regions—and is highly sought-after.

Celadon

ROSE MEDALLION

Celadon, named for the color of its glaze, is another type of porcelain or stoneware that has stood the test of time with collectors. It was extremely popular before the rise of the Chinese blue and white period. There are different colors of celadon, ranging from a jade green to a pale bluish/green to putty. Celadon with a transparent glaze is known as greenware. Some early celadon pieces date back to 220 AD and were revered by the Chinese people because of its similarity to jade (known as “The Emperor’s Stone”), which symbolized status, spirituality, purity and health. Celadon can be either plain green or decorated with images such as florals, birds, butterflies and fish. Two

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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IMARI

CELADON

famous lines of celadon from China, Yue ware and Longquan pottery, were the earliest examples of celadon. But by the 12th century, Korea was producing very ornate and high-quality celadon of its own. Japan and Thailand also began exporting celadon around this time, using both Chinese and Korean artisans as their influence. When China ceased exporting celadon in the 13th century, there was a surge of production from other countries which resulted in various styles of the stoneware, from vases, to covered bowls, to teapots and wine jars.

Imari

Japanese Imari-style porcelain was originally made in the 17th century in Arita, Japan. The name Imari comes from the port of the same name, where these beautiful gold, orange, red and blue pieces were exported to Europe. The blue color on Imari porcelain is referred to as an underglaze, because it was painted on before the piece was glazed and fired. Early designs were inspired by Japanese fabrics of the era, and often have roosters, bamboo, floral, and geometric designs painted within borders and panels. By the 18th century, China began exporting inexpensive Imari, and Japan could not stay competitive in the western market. This allowed many other companies to start production of Imari, such as Coalport and Derby in England, and Meissen in Germany. In the 19th century, Japan was able to enter the market again; however, by this time the quality had declined, and the craftsmanship is noticeably different.

THREE CLASSIC PATTERNS

Rose Medallion

Perhaps one of the most popular porcelain patterns created in China is known as Rose Medallion. Rose Medallion was first made in the mid-19th century, and is recognized by a central medallion of a bird or peony (the unofficial flower of China), with four or more panels surrounding it depicting birds, people, flowers and butterflies. This classic pattern contains various shades of red, blue, gold, pink and green and is finished with a rose-colored glaze. There are two variations of Rose Medallion: Rose Canton and Rose Mandarin. Both are similar to Rose Medallion; however, Rose Canton does not contain any images of birds or people, and Rose Mandarin will have people, but does not have birds. Early Rose Medallion (circa 1850) is unmarked, as was the custom in China at that time. However, in 1890 the United States passed the McKinley Tariff Act, requiring imports to be marked with the country of origin. These markings were at first the country name in all capital letters. In 1921 there was an amendment which

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added “Made in….” along with the name of the country. These markings are used today in dating many pieces of antique china.

Blue Willow

Take a look in almost any antique store and you will find Blue Willow china.

Blue Willow has been in continuous production for over 200 years, longer than any other pattern. Although this pattern has been manufactured by many different companies, the design remains consistent. The true Blue Willow pattern always features a willow tree, a bridge, a pagoda, an island, a boat, a fence, birds, three people, and an orange tree. Some collectors believe these images relate to an old Chinese fable about two lovers running away together and turning into doves. Blue Willow was introduced into England in the mid-1700s, and eventually many companies started making similar pieces due to its popularity and high demand. Today you can find these beloved patterns not only in blue, but red, green, black, purple and many others.

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Flora Danica

Flora Danica (“Danish flowers”) by Royal Copenhagen is one of the most renowned and expensive patterns in the world. It was originally hand-painted by the artist Johann Christopher Bayer over 200 years ago. Each piece is graced with a different floral design and boasts 24-karat gold edges—a sign of Roman influence, as Romans traditionally gilded the ceilings of most of their temples and palaces. The very first set of Flora Danica, made by the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in 1790, was supposed to be a gift to Catherine the Great of Russia from King Christian VII of Denmark. She died before the set was completed, and the king kept it in his possession. Flora Danica is still hand-painted to this day, and can even be made to order from the pages of the Flora Danica Botanical Encyclopedia.

Although these are popular styles and patterns with wide appeal, there are many other collectibles to discover. Whether you are a seasoned shopper with a vast knowledge of antiques or a budding china enthusiast, it just takes one piece that you love to start your new collection. ✦ Special thanks to Harriet Hellewell for sharing her antique china expertise with the author.

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THE

real estate issue

financing home improvements

WHEN BIG CHANGES CALL FOR BIG MONEY

BY CHRIST Y RIPPEL

Finding renovation inspiration is easy, as home magazines, websites and blogs are chock full of great ideas, but what about the best financing option to make your renovation dream a reality?

That information is not always easy to find. We’ve spoken with local experts and have highlighted the lending options for you, so you can spend more time picking out tile, and less time picking your brain for how best to come up with money to pay for it.

While cash is always your best and most hassle-free way to pay for home improvements (no interest payments), there are many types of loans available if you plan to borrow the money.

When you sit down with a bank’s loan officer, ask a lot of questions, says Sandy Speck, a loan officer with Assurance Financial. “The best loan for you really comes down to what kind of work you are doing, and each kind of loan has different criteria,” she says. But no matter the project, both Speck and Sherri Sackett, a senior vice president at Select Bank, say vetting your contractor is key. For some bank-financed projects, the company or person you hire must be a “Class A” licensed contractor (meaning they have passed a licensing exam and are insured/bonded per area regulations). But go beyond that designation to get personal recommendations and check out the contractor’s work in person. “And talk to your bank before you sign anything with a contractor,” advises Sackett.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

There are multiple ways to pay for your next home project—here’s a breakdown of available options: n Cash: The best way to pay for any

home improvement is with cash—which may mean waiting on a big job until you have money saved, and/or acting as your own general contractor and hiring trusted sub-contractors for parts of a job, such as flooring, electrical and drywall. If you have a big project on the horizon, consider what you could do yourself—demolition of a space (like removing kitchen cabinets, backsplash and countertops) is unskilled labor that most healthy adults can handle and can save you considerable money.

Consider opening a savings account and auto-depositing a set sum each month, and you may get to your savings goal faster. Cash isn’t always possible, but if you can swing it, you won’t lose hundreds or even thousands in interest payments. n Refinance your mortgage: You can refinance your mortgage and pull cash out of your equity to pay for home improvements to your property—referred to in banking as a “cash out refinance.”

You may be able to cash out without increasing your monthly mortgage payment, but you need to look closely at the numbers as there will be fees to refinance. Speak with more than one lender and get a loan estimate from each so you can compare fees side-by-side to choose the best and most cost-effective option. A cash out refinance is only a good idea if the improvements are truly adding value (think kitchen remodel vs adding a pool). Refinancing can be better than a home equity line of credit if you plan to stay in your home for more than five years and you can refinance to a lower interest rate than your current mortgage. In other words, if your current mortgage was obtained when rates were at historic lows (say 3.31% in 2012), and the best mortgage rate you can get now to refinance is 4.50%, that may not make sense for you.

The bank will be involved only until the loan is finalized—at that time, you’ll coordinate directly with your contractor on payment. n Home equity line of credit: Also called a HELOC in banking jargon, a home equity line of credit may be a better choice if you already have a low mortgage interest rate. A HELOC is borrowing

against your house with a line of credit— most banks will lend you up to about 80 percent of your home’s total value (so you have to subtract the cost of your remaining first mortgage). A HELOC is like a credit card in that the interest rate is variable, and fluctuates over the life of the loan. Monthly payments will depend on the interest rate and how much credit you have used, says Sackett. As you pay off the loan’s principal, you can again tap that money within the timeframe that the bank has set for the HELOC (which is a period of years, variable by bank).

So, unlike a fixed loan, your credit is renewable, just like a credit card. If your line of credit is $50,000, and you remodel a bathroom for $25,000 and then pay it back in six months, you’ll have $50,000 available again. Interest paid on HELOCs is usually tax deductible. If you opt for a line of credit, then you are responsible for coordinating with the contractor. This is unlike a construction or renovation loan, where the bank releases sums of money

to the contractor only after work has been completed to satisfaction. You don’t have that protection built in with a HELOC, so select a contractor wisely. n Home equity loan: A home equity

loan is a second home loan on your house (i.e., a second mortgage), and instead of a draw period where you can use money on-demand, a home equity loan pays you in one lump sum. A second mortgage may be a sensible option if you don’t want to refinance your first mortgage because it has a very low rate, says Speck. Interest payments on second mortgages are also tax deductible. Closing costs will apply, so evaluate carefully. And as with a HELOC, you’ll coordinate directly with the contractor on payment. n Construction or renovation loan:

These loans are based on what the assessed value of the house will be after renovations are completed, says Sackett.

The licensed contractor you’ve selected

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(who is often background checked by the bank) submits a detailed contract of all work to be completed and costs, and as work is completed in phases, the lender sends an inspector to review the work. If the work is satisfactory, money is released to pay the contractor. Sackett explains that working with a local bank can be a huge benefit, as they have often worked with contractors they can recommend to the homeowner. The renovation loan is then rolled into a new mortgage at completion of the work. “The main thing is the customer needs to get approved for the final mortgage first,” says Mike Forren, also a senior vice president at Select Bank, who works with Sackett.

“There are banks like us that offer both the permanent mortgage and the construction lending,” he says, which makes the process smoother. n FHA 203(k) loan: A loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration, the 203(k) can also be used to refinance a mortgage in order to raise cash for home improvements. Because these loans are guaranteed by the FHA, buyers can be approved more easily and with generally lower credit scores than some other loans. However, there are strict guidelines that come with FHA loans, including using FHA inspectors and not adding any improvements that the agency views as a “luxury”, mentions Speck. Examples of luxury items are pools, saunas and outdoor fireplaces. An important aspect of the 203(k) loan is that the maximum amount you can borrow is just under $295,000 for this area of Virginia. So, the total mortgage plus improvements can not exceed that number. Check out hud.gov for more information. n Personal loan: This is a bank loan that doesn’t require you to put up your house as collateral. A bank is more willing to lend at favorable rates when they are lending money against property (like a house or car) that they can repossess if you default on payments. However, for someone with good or excellent credit, a personal loan can be a reasonable option. Interest rates are usually higher than with home equity loans or lines of credit, and the timeframes to repay the money are shorter, on average between five to seven years. This means a larger monthly payment, but you may pay less n Credit card: You can use plastic to pay for home

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improvements, too—particularly for materials like tile and drywall, especially if you are doing some of the work yourself.

Many credit cards offer introductory periods of zero percent interest, so if you can pay back your costs in a timely manner you can benefit—just be careful to read the entire offer, in case the interest rate jumps outrageously the day the grace period ends.

Many credit cards come with reward points and airline miles, so if you plan carefully, you could fund your vacation with your home improvement!

The money lending landscape can be confusing, but the experts say to take your time in comparing offers from various banks in order to secure your best possible loan. Read the fine print so you aren’t caught off guard by hidden fees or closing costs.

Take care to investigate contractors too, and you can go into the project with confidence. “My best advice is really to do your homework on the builder,” says Speck. “There are a lot of choices out there, and they’re not all good choices.” ✦ Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Build Your

DREAM HOME CONSTRUCTION LOANS PURCHASE

REFINANCE

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This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Restrictions may apply. Information and/or data is subject change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all Equal Housing states. Equal Housing Opportunity. Assurance Financial NMLS# 70876 nmlsconsumeraccess.org 101 Duncraig Drive, Ste 107, Lynchburg, VA 24502 Opportunity c vhomemaga zine .com 41

uniquely yours!

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any are led to believe that ‘what you see is what you get.’ However, when furniture shopping... that doesn’t always have to be the case. Sometimes customizing your furniture to your own unique style is what makes you happy. At GRAND HOME FURNISHINGS, we are able to

provide a special order service on many brands to help you do just that! With the special order program, you can choose the fabric, finish, pillows, trim and more! Although it takes a little longer to get your furniture, if having something that exactly matches the look you want is what makes you happy—it’s worth the wait.

Many of the sofas and chairs we carry come with a wide array of fabric choices. Often these special order fabrics can be ordered without any additional charge. We want you to be completely happy, so we’ll work with you to make sure that the fabric selection you are looking at is the correct one for the sofa you are ordering. Our goal is to provide “Grand” customer service during the entire special order process.

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Cienni at r H a lOVMi rEg i nHi ao lH r irn g Central Virg i dOaM y /EW iSnpt e 2 021061 8

HOME SPECIAL ORDER S T E P BY S T E P n Choose your arrangement: Select the furniture that fits best in your room. If choosing a sectional, you have the option to have the chaise on the right or left side.

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n Select fabric color: Choose from over hundreds of fabric covers to select the color, pattern and texture that works best with your space.

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LIVE culinary corner

spiralizer recipes

COOL TOOL ADDS TASTY VEGGIES TO YOUR REPERTOIRE

BY M A R S H A G A L E

As a personal chef, my clients consistently ask for healthy menus, and they specifically want fruits and vegetables to be interesting and flavorful. There is also a lot of interest in reducing carbs, so people want a substitute for pastas and grains.

A spiralizer is the perfect tool to help accomplish these goals. There are many different versions of spiralizers, from simple hand-held designs to attachments you can add to your stand mixer, but they all basically do the same job. There are usually several types of blades to produce a variety of cuts such as spirals, shoestrings, and long ribbons. These add interesting texture to stir fries, pasta dishes and salads.

You can use a spiralizer with many different firm fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, cucumbers, squash, apples and carrots. Here are three of my favorite recipes‌

4 4

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

serves 4

This is a fresh, lighter version of a Waldorf salad, made more interesting with the spiralizer; but if you don’t have one, just cut the apples into matchsticks.

salad

recipe adapted from thecreativebite.com 1 red apple 1 granny smith apple ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup golden or regular raisins ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta 1 /3 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

poppy seed dressing

recipe adapted from thekitchn.com

For the dressing: Whisk the white wine vinegar and sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Peel the shallot and grate it on a microplane directly into the bowl. Add the poppy seeds, salt, pepper, and ground mustard, and whisk to combine.

Whisking the dressing steadily, pour the olive oil into the dressing in a slow stream; continue whisking until completely combined and emulsified. Transfer to a covered container. (Dressing will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks—it will separate as it sits; shake or whisk to recombine before using.)

© 2007 Merry Maids L.P.

¼ cup white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar 1 /8 to ¼ cup sugar (or honey) 1 small shallot 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon ground mustard ½ cup olive oil, or neutral oil like grapeseed

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SPIRALIZED APPLE SALAD

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For the salad: Toast the pecans by putting them on a baking sheet and place in a 350 degree preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until they become aromatic. Cool and chop the pecans. Spiralize the apples and toss them with the dressing and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour. c vhomemaga zine .com 4 5

Elegance relaxed

SWEET POTATO NOODLES WITH SAGE BROWN BUTTER SAUCE serves 4 to 6

A unique way to serve sweet potatoes, and a perfect accompaniment to grilled chops or steaks. It’s a bit decadent, but the flavor is incredible!

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and halved crosswise 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 tablespoons onion, minced 1 stick unsalted butter 2 teaspoons fresh sage leaves, chopped, plus 6 whole, fresh sage leaves ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ cup parmesan cheese 4 strips bacon, diced ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped salt to taste Cut sweet potato into spaghetti-like ribbons, or “swoodles,” with a spiralizer.

Toast the pecans in a 350 degree preheated oven until they become aromatic, about 5 minutes. Cool and chop.

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In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add diced bacon and sauté until crispy (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside. Add olive oil and sweet potato noodles to pan and cook, stirring often and adding more oil if necessary to prevent sticking, until the swoodles start to soften, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

In the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and the minced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the butter and fresh sage leaves to the pan and melt, until the butter becomes foamy. Reduce the heat to medium and cook butter for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring the entire time until the butter turns a golden brown color. Fish out the whole sage leaves to save for garnishing, then add the chopped sage leaves, nutmeg, and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is just starting to melt. Remove sauce from the heat. Toss cooked sweet potato noodles with the sage brown butter sauce, bacon and pecans. Season the swoodles with salt and garnish with crisp sage leaves.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH ZOODLES (ZUCCHINI NOODLES) serves 4

An easy, light and low carb version of a popular pasta dish with lots of flavor!

1 to 1 ½ pounds raw shrimp, shelled and de-veined 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves minced, divided zest from one lemon 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 slices bacon ½ large, sweet onion, diced 2 tablespoons butter 1 to 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or dry white wine) ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like it) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 ½ pounds zucchini noodles (from about 4 medium spiralized zucchini) Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.

Reserving the bacon fat in the pan, set the bacon aside to cool and break into pieces. Add the butter to the bacon fat in the pan and melt.

Add the onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add in the garlic cloves, dried oregano, and the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the white wine vinegar, and then add the shrimp. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are almost cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the spiralized zucchini,

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tossing the noodles with the sauce just to coat them and warm them thoroughly. (You want them to be crisp-tender. Do not overcook or they will become mushy.) Remove pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, bacon and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately. ✦ Marsha Gale lived in Central Virginia for 19 years before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. Her lifelong love of cooking, baking, and entertaining led her to begin a culinary business. Meals by Marsha offers personal chef services in Charlotte, with occasional travels to Virginia for special clients. Her mission is to provide tasty, fresh, and nutritious food for people who appreciate good food but don’t have the time to cook.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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GARDEN cottage gardens

ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDENS wild & winsome B Y B E C K Y C A LV E R T

The English cottage garden dates back to the late 14th century, when it is believed they popped up with the very practical purpose of providing food for the working class. Small in nature, these gardens were tended by workers, in part to ensure their own food supply. Growing in these gardens were a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, with a few flowers thrown in for attracting pollinators and resisting pests. They may have even hosted beehives and small livestock, such as a pig or a flock of chickens. While they’ve evolved over the years, the general approach to a cottage garden remains virtually the same: Use up as much of the space as possible and plant a multitude of things in small groups, resulting in variety while also limiting loss to pests and disease. The end result should look informal and even a bit haphazard, even if it has been carefully planned.

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The slightly riotous appearance of a cottage garden is the result of mixing heights, textures and colors of a wide variety of plants in a slightly whimsical fashion—there are no hard and fast rules about keeping tall flowers in the rear as you would with a garden with proper borders. In fact, the borders of a cottage garden are meant to be soft and planted with blooms that spill over onto pathways. Plants that offer a burst of scent as they brush one’s ankles are a lovely touch along borders and pathways— consider a fragrant herb like lavender or creeping thyme. Meandering pathways add to the charm, making a smaller garden feel larger while also beckoning visitors to wander around the next bend.

Cottage gardens have an intimate feel, in part due to a defined boundary like a fence or small hedge. This helps delineate the garden from the surrounding landscape.

Some popular shrubs planted as a hedge for cottage gardens include boxwood, privet, yew and other evergreens such as holly, cedar and juniper. Elderberry bushes as well as shrub roses are blooming shrubs that can also be employed as a hedge. Some of these plants (like privet) are fast growing and will require more attention and maintenance than a slow growing boxwood, so consider exactly how much attention you will want to pay to your hedge when planning and planting.

Blooming shrubs and small trees aren’t limited to the outer edge of a cottage garden.

They can act as a focal point while providing some structure to the garden—think hydrangea, dogwood or lilac. In keeping with the tradition of early cottage gardens, an edible element would also be at home in a modern cottage garden—a blueberry, raspberry or fig bush, small cherry or peach tree. A small evergreen is another good choice as a focal point in the cottage garden, as it will require little attention and will offer year-round color.

Edible plants beyond shrubs and trees can also be worked into the cottage garden—herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, chive, basil and oregano as well as vegetables and fruits can easily be included and intermixed in the garden. Greens like swiss chard or kale make an unexpected and attractive addition, while arugula or a mesclun mix can make for an interesting border plant. Root vegetables like potato or carrot are also easily grown in cottage gardens, as well as more traditional vegetables like pepper, squash, okra and more. c vhomemaga zine .com 51

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Flowers are the backbone of the modern cottage garden. The earliest keepers of cottage gardens didn’t have time or room for error, so hardy natives and self-sowers were favored. Hollyhock, foxglove, nasturtium, dianthus, poppy, cosmos, cornflower, zinnia, daisy, peony, bee balm, lily, lily-of-the-valley, cowslip, primrose and phlox are among the wide varieties of charming flowers that can be found in a cottage garden. Annuals like geranium, begonia or coleus can also be planted in spots to fill in as needed, adding a pop of color that lasts all season.

Climbing flowers are another common element of the cottage garden. While perhaps the flower most associated with the cottage garden is the climbing rose, there are any number of other climbing flowers that are suited to it, including clematis and wisteria. Often planted around arbors or trellises, and along walls or fences, these flowers add dramatic interest, as do the items placed in the garden for them to climb. And while you’re adding interesting things for your plants to climb, don’t forget other fun elements, like rustic tables and chairs in which to enjoy your garden, birdbaths for your visiting feathered friends, lanterns and other small touches that make your garden an extension of your home. Potted plants can also be part of your 5 2

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Gardeners Gardeners Unique plants • Vegetative screen walls & arches Unique plants • Vegetative screen walls & arches Ornamental topiaries • Native trees and shrubbery Ornamental topiaries • Native trees and shrubbery Perennials/annuals • Mulch • Stone • Boulders Perennials/annuals • Mulch • Stone • Boulders Local gifts & crafts • Simply Southern apparel Local gifts & crafts • Simply Southern apparel

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cottage garden, so look for unusual planters or make your own out of an old wheelbarrow or teapot. Items that have outlived their usefulness can often find second life in the garden—for instance, a piece of enamelware with a rusted bottom has an excellent start on offering drainage for a potted plant!

The key to planting a cottage garden is to start with groupings of plants, so that it’s not just a jumble. It will take a year or two for the garden to fill in, with plants heading in the direction they choose and not necessarily the way you’d prefer. While cottage gardens are a bit more forgiving of weeds and boundarycrossing plants, they must be maintained on a regular basis. Left unchecked, some plants may begin to dominate the others, so one needs to be ruthless with volunteer plants. Maintaining the soil, particularly if you are growing vegetables, is also important.

Incorporate compost or other organic soil additives regularly and use mulch to help keep soil moist.

As with any garden, planting items that bloom at different times helps keep your gardening looking lively all season long.

Intersperse spring blooming plants, like peony, with a later blooming daisy or dahlia. Plant unexpected colors next to each other—perhaps a red rose next to a purple allium. When it comes to cottage gardens, there are no definite rules beyond planting a little bit of everything you like and keeping it as informal as possible, with no worry for precise spacing, strict height gradations, or straight lines. No matter the size of your yard, you can start a cottage garden quite simply, by carving out a small flower bed near a path or entrance. In time, as your garden grows, you can expand it for a meandering, truly charming outdoor space. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

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REAL ESTATE guide

INTEGRITY & SERVICE the pinnacle to our success for over 125 years...

2018

Stephanie Miller Moir REALTOR® stephanie.moir@century21.com

I’ve made a Professional Move The foundation for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.

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Let me help you with your success in buying or selling your real estate.

415 E. Main Street Bedford, VA 24523 (c) 540-875-7359 (o) 540-586-5500

434-385-6655 | 3211 Old Forest Rd, Lynchburg VA 24501 www.JohnStewartWalker.com

Stevie Savage ABR, CRS, GRI

29 Years of Experience Makes the Difference

Building long lasting relationships with commitment, dedication and the personal service you deserve.

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Stevie is eager to continue her journey with first rate service Let her professionalism, knowledge

and dedication to her industry work for

YOU...

Mobile:

907-0888 steviesell@aol.com

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Assoc. Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI

Office:

EQUAL HOUSING OPPOR TUNITY

Brandi Smith

385-6655 JohnStewartWalker.com

434-942-7003 brandismithrealestate @gmail.com

Joel Smith 434-660-8532 Jsmithrealestate @icloud.com

www.LynchburgVaRealEstate.com Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

REAL ESTATE guide

Arline Ore, GRI, SFR REALTOR® 434.660.3010 arlineore@comcast.net Call Arline to buy ORE sell!

Betsy Ferguson 434.941.8699 betsy@lynchburgsfinest.com

Crysty Knowles 434.229.2277 crysty@lynchburgsfinest.com

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THE

real estate issue

SELLING YOUR HOME

step by step B Y A LY S S A M E R C A DA N T E “Real Estate Spring” in Central Virginia is officially upon us. As the weather warms, buyers seem to suddenly appear in search of a new home, making it the perfect time to prepare to sell. Local real estate agents like Judy Frantz, of John Stewart Walker, Inc, have been encouraging sellers to prepare their homes for this prime season since before the holidays. She suggests that before getting down to the nitty-gritty selling process, homeowners should take time to make sure their abode is in tip-top shape.

“Frequently, I am asked by sellers to generate a list to help them prepare for the market,” Frantz says.

“It is not too late for many of the items on the list to be tackled.”Prepping your home for selling doesn’t necessarily mean spending tons of time and money; there are many simple, yet impactful, things you can do to make your home “show ready.”

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Here is a list of important things Frantz recommends to her clients that should be done to update your home for selling: n De-personalize. Remove most family photos. Buyers are trying to place their own family in the house and don’t want to be distracted. n Remove trinkets and gadgets that may pull a buyer’s focus onto your personal items instead of your home. Clearing them out also means less dusting! n Professionally clean your carpets and bathroom tile grout. n Look up high in corners and on lights for cobwebs and dust. n Clean up bookshelves so they are neat and tidy. n If you have rooms without overhead light, be sure to have a lamp connected to a wall switch. n Replace dark or intensely painted rooms with light, neutral colors. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. n Any water damage should be explained and repaired.

Other things to consider include replacing old or broken hardware, adding fresh plants to the entryway, removing excess furniture, cleaning out the fireplace, replacing broken appliances, hiding trashcans, clearing off counters and tables, de-cluttering closets, and putting away any toys or pet accessories.

As far as the exterior goes, consider adding fresh mulch, removing dead plants, and reseeding where grass is bare.

Remember, the outside of your home is the first part a buyer will see, so curb appeal is a must.

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Once your home is staged, it’s time to get a little more technical and begin the process of selling. Here, Frantz provides a timeline of events you should expect to run into:

MLS 309944

1. Choose a listing agent and interview real estate agents: This

should take place two to three months prior to listing.

2. Find out how much your home is worth: A market analysis is done

by the real estate agent and is the best indicator of the current value of your house to a buyer. This is done during your agent interview phase, with an update from your real estate agent every two weeks while your house is on the market.

3. Advertise/market your home:

Online advertising with professional photos is key. Your home should be

main level bedroom, bath and two offices • slate and copper roof • wood floors gourmet granite kitchen • floor to ceiling windows • 3 car garage architecturally designed additions • custom gazebo • spectacular garden

Judy Frantz ABR, GRI, SRES

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303 Howard Drive Lynchburg, VA 24503 This exquisitely updated home exemplifies quality and exclusivity through its uncompromising standards, privacy and location.

It’s sited on 29-acres in an ideal setting and is within easy access to the best that Lynchburg has to offer. A luxurious master suite addition creates a private retreat away from the main living area and offers his and her bathrooms, a double walk-in closet, coffee bar, laundry room and a spacious office. The intimate floor plan is distinguished by alluring craftsmanship and includes an exceptional kitchen, elegant dining room, cozy family room with stone fireplace, and a gracious living room. The upper level offers a tasteful guest suite, second master suite, 2 additional bedrooms and a laundry closet. One-of-a-kind terrace level has an extraordinary wine cellar, exercise room, spa-like bathroom with steam and sauna rooms, and a walk-in safe room. There is a two car, attached garage and an exceptional, three-bay detached garage with custom cabinetry. A private road, hardwoods and flowering trees ensure timeless seclusion.

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sourced out to at least 20 different websites that have real estate searches within the first two weeks of listing. This could be done yourself or by your agent.

4. Show it off: You should have at least one open house to draw attention. Ask for buyer feedback so you can adjust things accordingly if needed.

5. Receive offers/negotiate: Once a buyer is found, a contract will be signed by all parties, making the home “under contract.”

6. Inspections: Inspections and special investigations will occur within seven to 14 days of contract ratification. Inspections can include, but are not limited to: home, roof, heating/cooling, fireplaces, and even a survey. A survey is a specific point-to-point reference on all four corners of your property.

7. Homeowners Association packet: If applicable, this is ordered at contract ratification for a three-day buyer review.

8. Repairs: Any agreed-upon repairs can be issued as a credit to the buyer if their lender allows or repaired with receipts to the buyer.

9. Arrange for moving: The seller should arrange for the moving company. If closing occurs during the peak May to July period, the seller should call as soon as possible.

10. Appraisal by buyer: Roughly three to four weeks prior to closing, an appraisal is ordered by the buyer’s bank and the seller arranges for final cleaning. Buyer starts arrangements for cleaning and yard care to take place after closing. At this time, the buyer should also arrange for homeowners insurance.

11. Closing time: The real estate agent will arrange the closing time for buyers and notify the closing office if any party

will be out of the area. If applicable, a Power of Attorney will be arranged and paperwork will be sent to any out-of-area buyers or sellers. About two to three weeks before closing, the closing office will require the seller’s loan information and any other debt against the house in order to pay off the loans.

12. Almost there: One week before closing, the seller transfers utilities, obtains fuel oil credit from service provider, etc. Now would also be the time to provide your new address to post office. Buyer applies for utilities and/or accepts transfer, arranges for a certified check for closing costs, and also arranges for mail at the post office. At this time, the seller arranges for funds to be brought to closing if the contract price is less than their debt on the home. Make final check on movers.

13. Walk-through: Buyer has walk-through with their real estate agent one to three days prior to closing. Buyer secures certified check for closing costs made out to closing company.

14. Moving/cleaning: Seller has moved and arranged for final cleaning one to three days prior to closing. Seller signs paperwork and approves the HUD or closing statement.

15. Final steps: Buyer brings driver’s license and certified check to closing. Closing papers are signed. Meet the moving truck!

While there are many steps involved in selling a home, being prepared for what is to come is really half the battle. Now that you know what to expect and how much time you’ll need, get to work on prepping your home, showing it off, and get ready for a successful sale! ✦

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DESIGN personal stationery

correspondence reimagined STATIONERY FOR THE MODERN DAY

BY MEGAN BRU FF Y

True confession: I come from a long line of correspondence connoisseurs. While that statement might sound a bit hyperbolic, it’s true—my family adores a handwritten note. In an age of communication ruled by email and social media, my kin would rather send and receive missives via snail mail. To me, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming as finding a nice note waiting in my mailbox. As I read the letter tucked inside, the very nuance of the sender’s handwriting—the ligatures and imperfect marks—underscores the thought and care that went into this meaningful gesture.

From a young age, I was indoctrinated into the letter-writing lifestyle, and from the beginning I understood that a letter’s packaging—its paper and envelope—served to uplift the very words on the page. While the word “stationery” may conjure images of oil lamps and quill pens, I assure you that its place in modern society is still very much secure. Shopping for it is a whole other matter. The choices! Infinite styles and sizes. So, in today’s world, what stationery do you need?

Who needs stationery?

First things first. Stationery is for everyone—male, female, young, old, married, single. We can all enjoy composing letters, and we should all have a beautiful place to write our thoughts.

If you are married or have a family, you can either have individual sets for each person, or you can have a collective set. If you go with the latter, it’s recommended that you incorporate each family member’s first name in the header. For instance, you could 62

have your last name more prominent with each person’s name underneath in a smaller font. If you write a significant amount of correspondence that is not from the whole family, consider keeping a small stock of personalized stationery, just for you.

Correspondence cards

These are a must have. Think of correspondence cards as the workhorse of the stationery world. Generally measuring four inches by six inches, these flat cards are printed on a thicker paper stock. They are perfect for a quick missive to a friend or a thank you note—any communication that will be relatively brief.

For personalization, the sky’s the limit. Just remember that you want the focus to be on what you say, not the design of the card.

Traditionally, either your name and address or just your name is placed in the top center. For a subtler look, consider using just your initials or monogram. To add a dash of pizzazz, try a colored border around the card.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Social sheets

While not vital, social sheets are very handy. Measuring six inches by eight inches, these slightly larger pieces of stationery are printed on lightweight paper, as opposed to the thick stock used on correspondence cards. For longer messages, social sheets give you more space to expand your thoughts. The best part is that because of the lightweight paper, you have the option to keep on writing. Once you finish a sheet (writing on the front side only), simply grab another one and keep the ideas flowing. When you’re done, fold the sheets and tuck them into the envelope.

In terms of design, follow the same rules as for correspondence cards, with one slight caveat. A design should just be used on the top sheet. Any additional pages should be plain.

Monarch sheets

When you need to write a novella of a letter, this is your best bet. Measuring seven inches by ten inches, monarch sheets, also known as executive stationery, are designed for longer-form correspondence, and most closely resemble a traditional sheet of paper. While it likely won’t be the most used piece of stationery in your arsenal, it’s good to have around for occasions that call for a few extra words.

The same rules apply to monarch sheets as social sheets. Write only on the front of each page, and any design should appear only on the top sheet, with additional pages being plain.

Envelopes

It’s hard to discuss stationery without discussing its final housing.

While for the paper sheets it’s best to steer toward plain and elegant, an envelope is a place where personality can shine. Try an envelope liner with a rich pattern or color—blush pink paisley or powder blue quatrefoil. Feeling bold? Consider a colored envelope.

If there’s one thing I know to be true, a handwritten note will reach from the hand of the writer to the heart of its recipient.

While many consider these missives to be a dying art, I believe that in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, now more than ever we need them. We need the chance to slow down, to hold someone’s thoughts in our hands, and to see the time and care that went into each word and each carefully selected sheet. ✦

a word about thank you notes

We’ve all been there—you pick up a card, sit down to write a heartfelt thank you note, yet all the words have vanished.

What’s a writer to do? Here are some quick tips for writing a meaningful thank you, even when you have writer’s block. n BE TIMELY: The longer you wait, the more details you’ll forget. Traditionally, you should send a thank you note within one week of an event or receiving a gift. n MIX IT UP: Bonus points if you can begin your note with something other than “Thank you for….” You might try, “I was delighted to open the mail and find…” or “It was such a treat to visit you…” or “It meant so much to me to receive your…” or “I truly adore classic white linens. How did you know?” n USE DETAILS: Don’t thank the person for just “the gift.”

Thank them for the cinnamon-scented candle or the plush sheet set that matches the colors in your guest bedroom.

This lets them know that their gift was memorable. n INCLUDE A WHY: The most important line is why the gift was meaningful to you. This gives the person a glimpse into the impact their gesture will have on your life.

Crane stationery available at farmbasket

Personalized stationery available at Paisley

A final thought—consider blank cards. Even though preprinted cards with the words “thank you” are ubiquitous, it is entirely appropriate to send thanks on a blank note card. There are many designs available—from botanicals to modern graphics to simple monograms—sure to suit any taste. The added bonus of blank cards is that they are available for any purpose.

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NEW BEGINNINGS the house that love (re) built

BY N O E L L E M I L A M Photography by Michael Patch

The brick colonial on Langhorne Road in Lynchburg has been home to several families over the years, but when it was purchased three years ago by Renee and Dave Wood, it began a transformation from its formal and traditional roots into the comfortable gathering place of a modern-day blended family. The Woods, who have five children between them (four in their 20s, and one high-schooler still at home) were married in 2011 at a vineyard in Bedford that Dave owned, and both were surprised, in the very best way, to find that life (and love) goes on. They decided to settle in Lynchburg because it was the perfect middle ground between Dave’s business in Northern Virginia and Renee’s women’s clothing boutique in Boone, North Carolina.

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The couple initially moved into a house not far from their current place, but they realized almost immediately that it wasn’t the right fit for their newly blended family. Three of the five kids got married, and a baby granddaughter was welcomed to the clan. All of this happy news meant that when they got together, the house was bursting at the seams. “It was so tight when everyone was here,” says Renee.

“It just didn’t feel like our forever home.” They knew they wanted to stay in town—Renee had opened two branches of her store, Gladiola Girls, in Lynchburg and Lexington; and Dave, a Marine Corps veteran turned businessman, had settled into a travel routine with his work. They just needed more space and a home with a better flow—a place where friends, family, and grandchildren, could all come and visit.

So the couple decided to look again for a home that would fit their dreams.

Initially, house hunting proved challenging, and the right house, elusive. “Lynchburg can be funny,” Dave explains. “A lot of times things don’t even make it onto the market. Houses kept getting snapped up before we got a chance.” Early on, they’d looked at the Langhorne Road house, with its swimming pool and 2.5 acres, and had passed on it. The house remained on the market, and Dave began to think they should give it another look. Unbeknownst to him, Renee was thinking the same thing.

“One day, driving my daughter to school, I drove by the house,” says Renee. “I got home and said to Dave, ‘Sweetheart, I think we should make an offer on that house.’”

Today, the home looks so comfortable and inviting, it’s hard to imagine that the Woods are still relatively new. “It’ll be three years this June. We are still unpacking things!” Renee laughs.

The couple knew from the outset that the house needed some work. For one thing, they wanted to redo the paint. “The whole house was either brown or gray,” says Renee. “I had everything painted [Benjamin Moore] ‘Ballet White’ and ‘Cotton Ball White,’ which I’ve been using in different houses for at least 20 years.

They just work for me.” The Woods wanted to reconfigure the driveway from a black asphalt strip along the side of the house to a circular driveway of pea gravel. They also needed to replace

a deteriorating wooden deck, and perhaps most daunting, add a second kitchen…wait, a second kitchen?

The home, built in 1940, was designed for the way people lived in the early part of the 20th century. In those days, families often employed live-in help—the house actually has an apartment under the kitchen for this purpose—and there are still little holes drilled in the floor in various places, where once a hostess could press a button to ring for her maid (The buttons are long-removed and replaced, charmingly, with corks.) “The original kitchen was built way off to the side, off the dining room,” Dave explains, “which made sense in the 1940s, but today, it felt very isolated and out of touch with the rest of the house.” Renee nods, “I think that’s why it sat on the market for so long,” she reflects. “It just didn’t flow with the rest of the house.

Adding a second kitchen created an entirely different flow in the downstairs of this house.”

Dave and Renee, both fond of repurposing items, found a treasure trove in and around the house that they put to good use: several old doors and midcentury light fixtures down in the basement, and a stash of beautiful old bricks out back. The doors and light fixtures have found new homes upstairs in the house, and the bricks have been reused in a cozy outdoor fireplace on

The covered patio features Virginia greenstone and repurposed brick on the cozy outdoor fireplace.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

A curved staircase in the entry is accented by a William Morris botanical wallpaper.

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the patio. One of the more unusual repurposed items is an old crepe myrtle near the pool that had to be removed. Renee says, “I had it trimmed and treated, and strung lights around it and put it in my shop [at the Boonsboro Shopping Center]! People love it; it’s magical.” Later, when a storm took down a 110-yearold poplar in the front yard, Dave and Renee had the tree service save all the bark, which they plan to use for a playhouse one day.

“That way, in a sense, we’ll still have that old tree,” says Renee.

The home’s front entry features a curved staircase. Renee had several of the front door panels removed and replaced with repurposed glass, which is not only beautiful but lets in more light. She indulged her love of William Morris wallpaper and hung the entry and staircase with a stunning Art Nouveau botanical. “I sometimes think people have gotten away from using wallpaper,” she says. “and I get it. It was kind of overdone, but I think if you have it in one place it can be “wow”—especially here, where you have this curved wall.”

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The living room features blue and white dishware that Renee has collected for decades, along with treasured family keepsakes.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

To the right is the living room, comfortably furnished with the fireplace as its focal point. “Clem,” one of their rescued Vizslas, lounges on the oriental carpet. The room is filled with family photographs, and the walls feature blue and white dishware that Renee has collected for decades. Both Dave and Renee have keepsakes on display, imbuing the room with meaning and personality.

Off the living room are two guest rooms, both bright, comfortably appointed, and filled with family photos, artwork, and souvenirs. They share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which still sports the original green tiles from the 1940s. Renee chose her paint colors to complement the soft green accent tiles, and her collection of antique hand mirrors adds a touch of whimsy to the walls.

At the rear of the house is the home’s new second kitchen.

Once a TV room, it’s not a huge space but, with some ingenious design, it’s just wide enough for a galley kitchen opening to the back patio. “I’m not somebody who thinks the kitchen has to be the largest room in the house,” says Renee. “But I am proud of fitting a lot of function into a small space.” Along the back wall, the refrigerator and pantry (hidden by cabinet panels) flank a BlueStar range with French doors and copper trim. The kitchen’s long central island is made of raw cherry wood, which Renee loves. “It’s so easy!” she exclaims. “I just oil it every few weeks with mineral oil. If I get a spot on it, I pick a lemon off my lemon tree and scrub the counter with it. I can get anything out with a lemon.” Two of the windows were covered over to allow more wall space for cleverly disguised storage—such as an ice maker enclosed in an old piece of furniture—but with windows on two sides, plus French doors out to the patio, the space still feels light

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and airy. Renee’s houseplants flourish along the windowsills, housed in delicate dishes and glassware pieces that she has collected over the years.

The covered patio space beyond is what Dave describes as a bonus. “We tore up all this decrepit decking when we got here,” he explains, “and underneath we found a patio. It was painted in layers of brown, but once we ground off the old paint we found beautiful Virginia greenstone.” They built a stunning fireplace out of stone and the bricks that were found on the lot and, since the backyard features a heated swimming pool, Dave and Renee decided that a half bath on the patio would be a wise idea. The petite but functional room—with a charming copper washtub for a sink—saves lots of wet footprints across the wood floors.

The expansive 2.5-acre yard, which is part of this year’s Garden Day Tour [featured in this issue], includes garden “rooms” with benches and statues, and the newly redesigned swimming pool. The pool has a new stone deck, and deep blue paint inspired by a family mission trip to Guatemala. The property boasts old trees, roses, and boxwoods, as well as a new crop of bulbs Renee planted last fall for Garden Day. “There should be a lot to see,” laughs Dave. “Renee planted hundreds of bulbs!”

The home’s large dining room overlooks the backyard, and features a cheerful table and chairs that Renee refinished. “This table was old and scratched, it looked like nothing,” Dave says. “Renee sanded it down and painted all the chairs, had them recovered, and look!” The chairs are white with seats covered in brightly colored embroidery on a white background—reminiscent of the many needlepoint throw pillows that Renee has crafted over the years. “Oh I love to needlepoint,” she says. “I think that’s why I loved this fabric so much for the dining room chairs—it looks like it was handmade.”

More blue and white dishware are on display in the dining room, and the hallway which connects to the home’s original kitchen. Joking with each other about Renee’s fondness for the blue and white, Dave chuckles, “She married a ‘blue guy’ too, with all my years in uniform.” Renee quips, “Yes, I do have a thing for pieces that aren’t totally perfect and are a little bit quirky.” “Well thank goodness,” Dave laughs. “So that’s how I got her!”

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The second kitchen has a raw cherry wood island, cleverly designed storage, and French doors leading to the patio.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

The original kitchen at the end of the hallway, with its wood cabinetry and cork floors, has been renovated several times over the years. Does it ever get used? “Oh yes,” says Renee. “When we’re entertaining it is so nice to have a second fridge and dishwasher handy.”

It’s also useful for hosting catered events.

“Caterers love it because they can block this room off,” explains Dave.

The family’s bedrooms are on the second level. The spacious master bedroom boasts a larger-than-life headboard that once was an old blue and white glass church window. “I found this thing decades ago at a sale in Morgantown, North Carolina,” Renee explains, flicking a hidden switch so that the whole thing lights up. “It had been in a fire, so I learned how to restore it—cutting glass, reglazing, wiring, the works. I’ve hauled it all over the place for 20 years. I’ve used it as a room divider, in windows, above mantles, and now, as a headboard.”

Over the home’s original kitchen is a redesigned wing belonging to Renee’s high-school-aged daughter. While renovating, the couple reworked the

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THE EXPANSIVE 2.5-ACRE YARD INCLUDES GARDEN “ROOMS” WITH BENCHES AND STATUES, MATURE TREES AND ROSES, AND A REDESIGNED SWIMMING POOL WITH A NEW STONE DECK

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

layout to turn what was once a small office, with a trap door to the attic, into a teenager’s dream: a giant walk-through closet. The cumbersome pulldown trap door was replaced with a staircase, and the trap door and its steps were cleverly repurposed to create a charming set of built-in, full-sized bunk beds in what Renee calls the “grandbaby room.”

This soft pastel room, Dave explains, is enjoyed by their three-year-old granddaughter, but is also a favorite of the grown children, not just because of the large bunk beds and relaxing colors, but also because the walls sport artwork created by each of the kids over the years, along with a special cross stitch made for Renee’s grandmother that reads, ‘If Mother says no—ask Grandmother.’

Back in the front entry, amidst the soothing greens of Renee’s William Morris wallpaper, Renee reflects on all that’s changed. “We’ve accomplished a lot in three years,” she says, gazing around, “and it is now a great home for entertaining.” The couple acknowledges that it is a large house for their stage of life, but every visit from family and friends confirms that they have indeed made the right choice. “Sometimes we think about downsizing,” Dave says, “but we’ve got a house that works for us and is open to everybody. We’ve got a wonderful relationship with all our kids, and this home provides the backdrop for that.” ✦

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IMPROVE property pests

CRITTER CONTROL

KEEPING WILD CREATURES OUT OF YOUR HOME

R

B Y K AT H E R I N E F U LG H U M K N O P F

abbits, squirrels and foxes are fun to watch romping in your yard; birds and even snakes can be interesting to view from a distance, but when these creatures venture inside your house, they are at the least a nuisance and in some cases scary to discover. It becomes even worse when they move in and decide that your home is now theirs. Bats and squirrels love attics; snakes and rodents wiggle into basements and garages. How do we protect our homes and keep the wildlife at bay? What do we do when we find one of these creatures has ventured into our home? We want to be kind to these wild critters, but we have to be firm that their home is not inside ours.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Ideally, you want to humanely deter and prevent creatures like raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, skunks, mice, and bats from gaining entry into your home in the first place. Routinely inspect your home for openings, starting from the ground up. Foundation cracks or rotting boards on your home are an easy way for creatures to slip inside. Even small gaps pose a risk, as rodents and snakes can squeeze into tiny openings, so you’ll want to be sure they’re sealed or repaired.

Decks make good cover for rabbits, groundhogs, raccoons, chipmunks and mice to create dens and tunnel under your property. Keeping ¼- or ½-inch galvanized hardware cloth tightly secured around the base of decks and sheds makes access difficult for these animals. Attach the hardware cloth firmly to the foundation with staples or nails, leaving about six to 12 inches to overlap the ground. Bury the remaining hardware cloth a few inches underground, bending it outward so that any creature that tries to dig beneath the barrier will run into the obstacle. Once secured, you can paint it to match the foundation, or disguise it with lattice or foundation plantings if desired.

Check for vines that grow onto the house—animals like to nest in the area between the house and the ground where the vegetation grows. Birds and squirrels can access the upper floors and get into attics and under the eaves, so make sure the roofline is tightly sealed to the soffit. If squirrels or other creatures have entered your attic, the best plan of action is to wait until they leave to forage for food and close off the entrance.

Chimney caps are a must for keeping varmints such as bats from using the chimney as their entrance. If your chimney cap appears damaged, or you don’t have one, it’s best to hire a professional roofer. He can check out the condition of your current chimney cap and repair it, or install a new one if needed.

After inspecting the immediate vicinity of your home, take a look around your property. Walk your lot looking for holes and tunnels in the ground which may extend near your house. If your yard has any large, old rotten stumps, be aware that raccoons and skunks often build dens down inside these decaying mounds.

Raccoons are notorious garbage scavengers and are dangerous to small pets, while skunks and dogs seem to find each other with regularity, so it’s best not to provide these creatures with a habitat in your backyard.

While walking your property, if you notice significant amounts of scat or a heavy overgrowth of foliage, it is a good idea to investigate further. Pests can make their home in the garden and then move into the basement or attic during cold months, potentially bringing fleas, lice or ticks with them.

Be sure to stack wood away from your home. Often the garage or the side of the house seems like a good spot for easy access to firewood, but woodpiles attract mice, chipmunks, and other rodents, which in turn attract snakes. These creatures make their homes in woodpiles. Don’t keep anything stacked or leaning up against your house—you can’t see what’s in there, and its occupants may burrow into your siding or surprise you when you lean over to pick up some firewood. Either way, this is not a good idea. Stack firewood or any brush piles out in the yard for safety.

Other good habits to keep wildlife from getting too close to your home and property are simple. Except for bird and hummingbird feeders, do not feed wildlife. Pet food left uneaten attracts animals, so keep bowls clean and empty if your pets eat outside. Keep trashcan lids secured; if you use metal cans, use lid latches. Keep tree branches pruned back from your roof and

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exterior walls so that squirrels and birds don’t have easy access to your home. Pick up fruit that drops from trees and put it in the compost bin or trash cans. If you have beehives or a vegetable garden, proper fencing will discourage animals from feeding there.

If you do discover an animal in your home and you can’t convince them to vacate or they pose a danger, professional wildlife removal services such as Blue Ridge Wildlife and Pest Management can help. They have staff trained in wildlife biology and related specialties, and can safely remove creatures from your property, repair any damage, and show you how to keep undesirable wildlife from encroaching on your property in the future. Be aware that Virginia law prohibits relocating wildlife, so dangerous or nuisance animals must be trapped by a professional.

If you find an injured animal or an abandoned nest of baby animals on your property, Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke can help. They cannot remove critters unless they are sick, hurt, or abandoned babies, but these situations do occur in your yard or even in your home. Their mission is to rehabilitate animals and release them back into their native habitat.

Your home is a valuable possession and you want to keep it in good shape. It’s easy to ignore critters or view them as cute, but in your home or on your property, they can pose a significant danger. If they invade and are left alone they can cause expensive damages as well as spread disease. Especially during spring, many creatures produce offspring and are looking for places to nest.

Keeping a close eye on your home’s exterior and surroundings is the best way to make sure their nests are made in the great outdoors and not in your home. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

LIVE special recipes

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

make mom feel special with flavorful fare Many a mom has woken up on Mother’s Day to breakfast in bed. Who can resist little faces carrying a tray of simple goodies they prepared—toast with jam, a cup of coffee, and a flower from the garden? Maybe a frozen waffle, some fresh berries, and a homemade card? We delight in these sweet moments because they speak to love and family… even if someone in the family scorched that piece of toast or put a few extra spoonfuls of sugar in the coffee. It’s a moment we enjoy and a memory we cherish—and no matter how simple or how grand the Mother’s Day meal is, that’s the spirit of what we do for mom, to show her we care.

Though restaurants are always hopping for Mother’s Day brunch, some folks prefer to avoid the crowd and treat mom to a homemade meal. Whatever the menu, thoughtful touches like a vase of fresh flowers, pretty cloth napkins, and a playlist of mom’s favorite tunes will set the scene.

For libations, a pitcher of freshsqueezed orange juice or mimosas has classic appeal. Bellinis, made with champagne and peach nectar, are a luscious alternative, or you can make

“baby Bellinis” with peach nectar and nonalcoholic sparkling cider. Serve drinks in stemware and, if you have children old enough to have a solid grip or fairly sturdy stemware, let them use it as well—they’ll feel grownup and special.

For recipes, if you are a seasoned foodie who loves making complex gourmet recipes, I salute you (and can I come over?). If you are looking for delicious yet family-friendly fare, there are plenty of options. Susan Brown, of Suzy Q, etc., catering and events, knows a thing or two

about special occasions, and has lots of ideas. For main dishes, Brown suggests quiches, casseroles and frittatas. For savory sides, Parmesan-stuffed tomatoes or Tomato Napoleons (layers of tomato and mozzarella, similar to a stacked Caprese salad) make a pretty presentation.

For sweet sides, fruit compote over biscuits, spiced apples, fruit skewers with cheesecake dip, or orange blossom muffins are sure to delight. Pecan crescent twists and candied brown sugar bacon will please almost any palate.

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Here, Brown has shared three of her most popular Mother’s Day recipes with us. No matter what you serve or how you celebrate, taking the time to show your love and gratitude is what will make the day.

MAPLE BACON PANCAKE BITES Serves 8 to 10

butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Fill each mini muffin tin 2/3 full. Bake 9 to 12 minutes until lightly golden on top.

While muffins are baking, in a small bowl whisk, cream cheese, sugar, maple syrup and salt until smooth. Once the muffins are cool, dip tops in icing and sprinkle with diced bacon.

Pancake Muffin Bites 3 cups flour ¼ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 ½ cups milk 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 eggs ½ stick melted butter

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Icing ½ cup cream cheese, softened 1 cup confectioners sugar ¼ cup maple syrup pinch of salt

Topping 1 pound of bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and lightly grease 24 mini muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder; set aside. In a small bowl, combine milk and vinegar; set aside for one minute. Then whisk in vanilla, eggs, and melted

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SPINACH AND GRUYERE QUICHE WITH HASH BROWN CRUST Serves 8

Crust 1 package of frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 egg dash of onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Add a little olive oil to bottom and sides of springform pan. Line bottom with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Combine hashbrowns, melted butter, egg and spices in bowl. Press mixture into springform pan, including up the sides. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until hashbrowns start to crisp on edges.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

ORANGE BLOSSOM MINI MUFFINS Serves 8 to 10

Muffins

Quiche ¼ cup red pepper, diced ¼ cup onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 eggs ½ cup milk 2 cups gruyere cheese 1 16-ounce package fresh baby spinach 3 to 4 slices of bacon, diced In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat and sauté onions, peppers and garlic for 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add spinach and cook until spinach wilts; set aside to cool. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, cheese and bacon. Add cooled spinach mixture, stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour into hashbrown crust. Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees, bake for 45 minutes.

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2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups vanilla yogurt ¼ cup buttermilk 1 stick plus 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon finely grated orange rind 4 eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease 24 mini muffin cups. Sift flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Whisk yogurt and buttermilk; set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and orange rind until pale and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating briefly between each addition. With the mixer on low, add 1/3 of flour, then 1/3 of yogurt mixture. Repeat with remaining mixtures, alternating until incorporated. Mix until smooth, then spoon into muffin tins.

Orange Blossom Icing 5 tablespoons butter, softened 2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted 3 teaspoons orange blossom water 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla yogurt 1 ½ tablespoons water Beat all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth. Working with one mini muffin at a time, use a hot wet spatula, icing sides first, then top. Let dry for at least 1 hour. Garnish with candied orange peels. ✦ Susan Brown was born and raised in Virginia. She has combined her art degree and love for food to create Suzy Q, etc., specializing in catering, event planning, specialty rentals, decorations and more.

Find her on Facebook at facebook.com/ suzyqevents.

Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Cool completely; remove from pan.

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THE

If You Build It

real estate issue

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WHEN BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME

BY S LOA N E LU CA S

B

uilding the home of your dreams is an aspiration shared by millions of Americans, but building from the ground up can often seem like a prohibitively expensive proposition.

It doesn’t have to be. If you take a systematic and practical approach, you might be able to achieve that ideal home within your budget. We reached out to local experts in the field of new construction for some tips and tricks to help keep expenses down while building your dream abode.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

First and foremost, planning is everything. “Initial decisions to save money can be accomplished by planning ahead,” says Jane Blickenstaff, a 40-year real estate veteran and broker with Blickenstaff & Company. “Get a clear plan and stick to it.”

When choosing a builder or architect, Blickenstaff says, “It is important to interview them to get a clear understanding of not only pricing, timing and quality of their work, but who you think you could work with the best.” Ask for personal referrals from friends and family, and meet with multiple potential partners before choosing. “A good builder can make recommendations throughout the process to help you save money,” she says, so invest some time in finding the best one.

Scott Elliott, president of Custom Structures, agrees. “Hire the right builder, and they will get you the best deal. We always ask our clients to interview at least three builders,” he explains.

“Communication and trust is key to a successful project. Check with vendors and suppliers to ensure the builders are up to date on accounts and in good standing.” In addition, “Ask who is performing the work on your project,” advises Elliott. “Always make sure every subcontractor who is working on your project is licensed and insured.”

Once you have your builder, you should have a contract spelling out what is included in the project and how the builder will get paid, advises Blickenstaff. Builders arrange payments in various ways. Some may prefer monthly payments, while others may arrange payments at different construction milestones. Make sure that these payments are outlined in your contract, and, if needed, coordinate payments with your lender.

As for financing, you have choices there as well. Research different lenders to learn about their specific programs. “Some construction loans can be converted to a mortgage with only one

closing, which saves you on the closing costs,” says Blickenstaff.

You should also look into locking in the interest rate, “So there are no surprises in your payment at the end.”

In fact, it would be smart to avoid surprises as much as possible in the process and get costs and pricing up front. For example, many builders will work with clients on “allowances” to cover the cost of certain items, and that dollar amount is included in the price of the project. This could include selections of tile, lighting and carpet. “If you make selections ahead of time, you can establish realistic allowances and add to your budget,” says Blickenstaff.

Experienced builders recommend paying close attention to those allowances in the bidding process. Not all builders are upfront with buyers, and it’s not unheard of for builders to work hard to craft the lowest bid, and then have customers who wind up paying more than expected because the allowances are too low for them to get what they want.

Get multiple bids and make sure to understand the breakdown of costs—knowing that lowest isn’t always smartest. “We have had clients come to us after they chose the lowest bidder and had unfortunate situations,” says Elliott, who always encourages potential clients to really do their homework. “If you are not sure what finishes you want, ask for allowances, but make sure they are realistic for the size home you are building.”

Along those lines, “Allow for a few places that you may want to splurge,” advises Blickenstaff. “For example, a kitchen backsplash is something that you will see many times a day for years, so you may want a special tile feature behind your range.” Account for the splurge, then find space for it in your budget.

Having a clear game plan will help avoid fees. “Add-ons and change orders are expensive,” says Blickenstaff. But, since some

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changes are inevitable, “Have a clear understanding of what the extra costs are and get all change orders in writing. It is important to know upfront in your contract how any change orders are charged and paid for.”

Blickenstaff says homebuilders should think in terms of assembling a specialized team. “Your main players are the builder and architect, but you may want to add team members such as an interior or kitchen designer,” says Blickenstaff, who herself holds an interior design degree. “Designers can help you create beautiful spaces and can save you costly mistakes.”

You can save money while also benefitting from design support if you purchase from a store that has a designer on staff. “If a designer is not in your budget but you need help with paint colors, for example, paint stores sometimes have staff members who have a good eye for color, and they can help at no charge,” says Blickenstaff.

After working for many years with numerous homebuilders throughout the construction process, Blickenstaff warns about the pitfalls of “it’s only a couple of hundred dollars” thinking. “That can catch up with you and blow your budget,” she says. “If you have to have something, think of tradeoffs. Get what you want, but move money from one bucket to another.”

On big ticket items, Blickenstaff says, watch for sales and be creative. “Buy your appliances on Black Friday. Most cabinet companies run seasonal sales as much as 10 percent off, and builders sometimes get better pricing on light fixtures, so ask your builder if they will allow you to purchase at their cost.”

Elliott recommends scoping out local deals on an ongoing basis. “If you are on a really tight budget, check the clearance aisles at Lowe’s and Home Depot each week,” he says. And don’t be shy.

“You can usually talk them down even more from the marked down price.” He also suggests you look beyond the big box stores, searching for items at Habitat for Humanity re-sale stores, Craigslist and local Facebook pages.

You should also talk to your builder about any time-honored tricks of the trade you can employ. For example, instead of expensive custom cabinetry, have your builder secure stock cabinets, and then upgrade them with nicer doors and hardware, giving you the look you want for less overall cost.

It’s important to identify what’s important personally and where you want to spend money. “If you love to cook and a 48-inch, sixburner gas Viking range is a dream, and you will enjoy it every day, then do it,” says Blickenstaff. This is mainly because, “Some things you can add later and some things you won’t change.” If you have cabinets and granite designed for a basic range and vent hood, you will need a costly remodel to get that 48-inch range to fit. Instead, get what you want by shifting the funds. “Take your deck money and use it for your range, and add the deck later,” she suggests. Or build a concrete patio for the short term.

If you are building a home that you think you may sell in the near future, then engage your real estate agent, advises Blickenstaff. “Realtors know where you should spend the money to get the most return and what finishes are important in your price range. They will be glad to help—they will want your home to be as marketable as possible.”

If you are thinking about building your dream home, don’t let the initial price tag dissuade you. Thanks to some advice from experts in the field, you may be able to achieve your goal on time and under budget, making that dream a reality. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

New Spring Listings 4912 MOUNTAIN LAUREL DRIVE 5 BR/4.5 BA • 1.46 AC • 4884 SQ FT • $599,900

3312 WOODRIDGE PLACE 3BR/2.5 BA • .75 AC • 2654 SQ FT • $249,900

2440 EVERETT ROAD 6 BR/5 BA • 1.79 AC • 4600 SQ FT • $499,900

1503 LANGHORNE ROAD 3BR/3.5 BA • .94 AC • 3681 SQ FT • $445,000

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OPEN CONCEPT: Anyone hooked on home TV shows can’t miss this top request for homebuyers and those looking to renovate. Multipurpose floor plans can combine living, eating, and cooking areas into one larger space, and this layout remains a top trend. The area might include more than one dining space—such as a formal area, casual dining space and kitchen bar stools. There could be multiple seating areas as well, such as a larger area for groups plus smaller reading nooks. The open space allows for families and friends to be together in one grand space, even if they are all doing their own thing.

TOP TRENDS IN FLOOR PLANS

KITCHEN HUBS: Hosts have all discovered that, regardless of how many snacks you scatter around the living room, guests tend to congregate in the kitchen. It’s often the true heart of the home—so a new idea is to embrace it. This design trend makes the kitchen a focal point, with seating and eating areas, and a large kitchen island so the hosts can prep and chat at the same time. In addition, as home-

cooked meals become a goal for families, kitchens are being built with more gourmet chef options. If cooking is a shared hobby, homes can feature more than one sink, or more than one prep space.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE: More and more, homeowners are creating “semi-outdoor” spaces, such as an adjacent screened-in porch, or sheltered outside areas that can house a TV or other entertainment.

It brings the outside in and creates more livable space.

LIGHT IT UP: Making use of natural lighting is a great way to create openness and airiness, while also using less energy. Watch for more homes to integrate floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights throughout the house.

GROUND-FLOOR MASTER SUITES: If you are building a dream home, you may even plan to retire there some day. In which case, planning ahead could include a ground floor master bedroom and en suite bath to avoid having to take the stairs later in life.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

DESIGN color news

BOLD is back!

COLOR TRENDS FOR 2018

BY A SHLE Y BL AIR SMITH

Springtime, with its first sights of lush green grass and vibrant blossoms, evokes feelings of hope for new things to come and change that leaves us whirring with enthusiasm. If you’re anything like me, this time of year you’re ready for a bit of sprucing up around your home. An easy and affordable way to give any space new life is to add a dash of color—and 2018 is seeing some exciting color trends.

This year, expect to see pastels giving way to more intense colors—specifically, jewel tones. Deep sapphire, regal purple, ruby red and vibrant emerald green can add rich, cozy details to any room in your home. These hues are warm, inviting and mix well with most colors, neutrals, and prints. Don’t let these bold shades intimidate you, because they can work well for most anyone’s home. So if you feel like making a statement in your decor this spring, there are some fun new colors to explore.

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0669 Frozen Stream

0662 Ocean Spray

0620 Star Studded

0689 Atmosphere

0375 African queen

1201 Dreamy Heaven

0138 Coconut Macaroon

1103 Moonrose

1018 Sunny Horizon

1059 Alexandra Peach

0006 Little Dove

0899 Bugle Boy Here are some stunning​ timeless jewel tones from James T Davis. These shades are both approachable and on-trend in today’s home.​

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“Oceanside”

Sherwin Williams has named Oceanside as their color of the year. Described as “a collision of blue with jewel-toned green,” Oceanside is a lovely, deep color that radiates both calmness and creativity. Blue is a versatile color category that inspires different moods depending upon the shade, as well as where and how it’s used. This marine-inspired hue is full of mystery and energy, and can make any room feel vibrant and welcoming.

Try Oceanside on your family room or office walls for a bold statement that draws the eye and defines the space. This color also works well in accent touches—for drapes, upholstered chairs or platform beds, or even just a painted bureau or end table. Don’t be afraid to go bold in small spaces! Try sprucing up a powder room with fun touches of blue on your mirror frame, window shades, and vanity knobs. It also pairs well with metallic accents such as light fixtures, coffee and side tables, and wall decor.

“Ultra Violet”

A trendsetter in the design industry, Pantone has named Ultra Violet as their color of the year. Rich, mysterious, and brimming with artistic flair, deep shades of purple such as plum and amethyst can add a sense of elegance and luxury. While purple can be used in dramatic ways throughout your home, the color can also be used to create a serene atmosphere, especially in meditation areas, to

help evoke the sense of being connected and grounded.

Not quite sure how to add these lush hues to your home decor? For a subtle touch, try adding a plum-colored area rug or lamp shade to give your living room a bit of depth. Pretty amethyst walls or accent pieces in your office can add a calming, focused aesthetic. In the bedroom, purple pillows, throws, drapes, or an upholstered headboard add a luxuriant touch. And if you want to amp up the glamor, try a purple upholstered chair, sofa, or an ottoman pouf in your living room.

“Caliente”

Benjamin Moore has named Caliente as their color of the year. A deep rich red, Caliente is dramatic, lush, and powerful. This color is riveting when paired with a crisp white, but also goes well with creams, stone, and natural wood tones. Try giving your front door a welcoming pop of color using this beautiful red hue. Use it in your library or study for a warm, sophisticated feel. This energetic shade can also work well in a gym, as a dramatic statement in a powder room, or as a fresh update to the classic red dining room.

Emerald green

While not named by any specific design company, shades of emerald green have been appearing in home decor in recent months.

Whether you’re after a timeless vintage look or a modern preppy vibe, there is no shortage of Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

ways this darling color can be incorporated in your home. For a sophisticated look, try pairing emerald green with crisp blacks and whites in your living room. Emerald green walls evoke European flair, while a velvet emerald sofa can serve as the focal point for a modern-meets-classic look. If you are leaning more toward a nature-inspired vibe, pair emerald hues with wood tones in your kitchen for a fresh springtime feel.

Just a touch

If you love jewel tones but aren’t ready to commit to painting an entire room just yet, try adding just a dash of vibrant color— throw pillows on your living room sofa, a light fixture in the dining room, or a cozy chair in a reading nook. An emerald green or deep blue island in your kitchen is a fun way to add instant style. Upholstered chairs and luxuriant area rugs can add a rich and elegant look to an otherwise muted space in your home.

Be bold and step out of your comfort zone this spring and try something new! While nature is busy blossoming outdoors, don’t be afraid to create a little growth and new life in your own home. ✦

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GARDEN plant propagation

Passalong Plants the tradition of sharing old-fashioned garden favorites

BY MEGAN JANSEN

Mama always said, “Be careful what you admire in a friend's garden. You might end up goin’ home with it.” All that is needed is an established plant that is easily propagated—whether dug up or given as a bulb or root—and a gardener eager to share.

The gift of a “passalong plant” is not only horticultural; it's emotional as well. Whenever you see that flower, shrub, vine or tree, you'll think of dear Aunt Bess who gifted it.

Your garden will be populated not only by plants, but also by special memories.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Passalongs are most valuable when they’re old or heirloom plants not found in modern garden centers. While they might be available through mail order, the best source by far is a local “green thumber” who wants to share his or her bounty.

The following plants should thrive in our area, assuming sunlight and soil conditions needs are met...

sweet pea

Sweet shrub: Calycanthus floridus; sun or shade; moist, well-drained, loamy soil

sweet shrub tuberose

Remember sitting on the front porch swing reveling in a sweet-scented breeze? You might have been enjoying sweet shrub, also known as “Carolina allspice” or “sweet Betsy.” This shrub, which grows six to 9 feet tall, was found in many Colonial Virginia gardens—Mount Vernon, Monticello and Williamsburg to name a few. Sow ripened seeds from the two- to three-inch seed capsules to get your own shrub.

Tuberose: Polianthes tuberosa; sun to part shade; moist soil

Another vintage plant, single-flowered tuberose has a heavenly spicy fragrance. While the newer, double-flowered “white pearl” is commercially available, the single must be passed along or mail ordered as a bulb.

Sweet pea: Lathyrus odoratus; full sun; moist, fertile soil

This six-foot tall vine was all the rage in the early 1900s, with over 200 varieties. These days, many more varieties exist, with a tremendous range of colors. Sweet pea gives off a scent similar to the classic White Shoulders perfume, and tends to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Originally from Sicily, these are easy-care plants that reseed themselves. Pods full of seeds can be harvested and planted.

Sweet autumn clematis: Clematis panticulata; full sun; well-drained soil

There are many varieties of clematis, and this is one of the latest bloomers. It grows quickly to 30 feet or more, and has highly fragrant, small white blossoms in August and September, when many other flowers have faded. Seedlings shoot up all around the parent, so it’s easy to bequeath this variety.

Southern shield fern: Thelypteris kunthii; full to light shade; moist soil

shield fern

This two- to three-foot fern is difficult to buy, so if you see it in a garden, it was probably a passalong, or perhaps was dug up from the woods. Even a few pieces of its roots not only grow but spread.

This fern tolerates hot, humid weather and even drought. It provides a beautiful backdrop for

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smaller colorful plants like red or pink caladiums.

Hollyhock: Alcea rosea; full sun; fertile, moist soil

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Old hollyhocks that you might have admired along granddaddy's back fence put out rows of single flowers, not the doubles of newer varieties. A symbol of fertility in Victorian times, each hollyhock produced many offspring. Care will be required as this plant can fall victim to rust, spider mites or Japanese beetles, which will strip leaves as well as flowers.

Lily of the valley: Convallaria majalis; full to part shade; fertile, acidic, moist, organically enriched soil

Lily of the valley is honored on France’s May 1st holiday. The tradition goes back to 1561 when the king distributed sprigs of “muguet” (lily of the valley) as a token of affection. Now French folk gather the flowers in the woods and sell small bouquets in cities, towns and along roadsides. This 8-inch plant has fragrant bell-shaped white flowers in spring. Pink versions also exist but are uncommon commercially and are usually passalongs.

Plant each division of roots—each with at least one pinkish-white eye—an inch below the soil, then top with manure and an inch of shredded leaves. Keep these plants moist in the summer.

Butterfly bush: Buddleia davidii; sun; fertile, well-drained soil

The butterfly bush came from China in the early 1900s. This fragrant, easy-care plant features blooms from early summer until first frost (just clip off spent blooms for more flowering), and attracts butterflies to its nectar. Blooms come in a variety of colors—white, pink, purple, lavender, or maroon. It sends out seedlings which can be dug up for passalong, but with no guarantee of reproducing the parent bush's color. Instead, root cuttings taken mid to late summer produce the most satisfactory passalongs. Cut the bush to the ground in the fall to avoid its bare branch winter appearance and to encourage new growth.

Daffodil: Pseudonarcissus telemonius plenus; full or part sun; moist, fertile, well-drained soil

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This old-fashioned bulb, sometimes called “butter and eggs,” has lasted for generations and can be seen in historic Virginia gardens such as Monticello, Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. To propagate, divide a clump of them after the foliage has turned yellow, and plant the bulbs four to six inches apart at the depth they were previously growing.

Daffodil bulbs are poisonous to rodents, and deer are uninterested in the flowers.

butterfly bush

hollyhock

lily of the valley

bearded iris

Bearded iris: Iris germanica; full or part sun; fertile, well-drained soil

Old-fashioned bearded iris are easy keepers—they require only sun and decent soil to provide prolific blooms, and are also drought tolerant and deer resistant. In the hot summer—dormant time for iris—dig up the clumps and divide the rhizomes, each bearing some feeder roots, and plant. Just be sure to leave the top half of the rhizome visible when planting.

Newer hybrids, often bred by members of the Iris Society, display unusual colors of brown, gray, green and black, but can be fussier and are subject to borers and rot.

There are many more passalongs to discover—from the smallest four- to six-inch creeping phlox, easily rooted from pieces of stem, to the 10- to 12-foot tall Chinese snowball bush, which can be rooted from cuttings taken in midsummer. In between these extremes of sizes, there are seed pods, bulbs, seedlings and cuttings to be rooted—all waiting to be distributed to gardeners eager to share in the joy of passalongs! ✦

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making business personal NEW HEADQUARTERS TRANSFORMS BUSINESS ALLIANCE

BY J E SSIE THOMPSON PHOTOS: MICHAEL PATCH

It is ironic that someone without strong roots to one particular place would be the linchpin for a permanent home for Lynchburg’s Regional Business Alliance. Lauren B. Dianich, who moved to Lynchburg with her husband and two sons about five years ago, is not one to shy away from challenges. As a military brat, she says she never had a problem throwing herself into a new community.

As an architect and business owner (she and her husband own Atelier 11 on Lynchburg’s Main Street), one of her first stops after moving was to Lynchburg’s Regional Chamber of Commerce, which she joined. The chamber merged with Region 2000 in 2016, and the new organization became the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. With a renewed energy and focus—and the realities of having a larger staff—a move was inevitable. After some back and forth about where to locate, the organization purchased a 24,000-square-foot building downtown on Lucado Place.

The building, originally built as mail-sorting facility in the early 1990s, was later used for an event venue, and a day care center. Initially inexpensive to build, there was literally no design in it. Bids were solicited to transform the space; Dianich and her team at Atelier 11 were awarded the job, and the Alliance was able to move in recently.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

For Megan Lucas, the CEO and chief economic development officer of the Alliance, the revamped building is really a microcosm for the work the Alliance is so much a part of: “The region is thriving, with a swift, energetic business culture that can overcome challenges... Redevelopment can be successful with the right team.”

A tight budget, along with specific goals—creating private office spaces, along with conference spaces of various sizes, and giving the building some character—presented some unique challenges. One way to meet those goals was to keep a laser-sharp focus on the critical elements of making the space feel like a mirror for the work of the Alliance and its staff: energized, efficient, creative, hard-working, modern. “If you get that right,” says Dianich, “you set the tone for the whole building.”

“I’m really a Humanist,” Dianich says. “I observe people all the time, and study human nature. I am interested in creativity—and also what squashes it. While form is important, if it doesn’t have a meaning to the people in the space, if it doesn’t bring them joy, then, really, what’s the point?”

Multiple meetings, involving designers and employees of the Alliance, helped nail down the right vibe, and finding the both the materials and the properly-proportioned spaces was the next step. Glass doors on offices provide privacy, but give transparency. Walls coated with dry-erase paint lend themselves to creativity—no fumbling around for projectors or electronics. Carpet tiles help building acoustics and are durable; if one gets ruined, it can be replaced easily and efficiently, without disturbing the rest of the area. Conference rooms now have large windows, and “intermediate areas,” where a smaller group of three or four can interact and brainstorm. There’s also a nook for coffee off of one of the main hallways that lends itself to conversation, along with an alcove for local artwork, and several areas with cushy chairs.

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Choosing great team members

“I have to give a shout-out to Amy Burczyk, my ‘right-hand man’ on this project,” says Dianich. “She has a background in commercial interiors, and she’s an amazing artist, so she suggests materials and colors that might make us wonder, but that work.” She also credits local building partners with great ideas and the know-how to turn ideas into reality. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for all of those we worked with on this project.”

“Masters Engineering were so good to work with to problem solve. The builders, LG Flint—having a good relationship with them, and good communication with them led to a better project,” Dianich says. “One of Flint’s carpenters, Dennis Miller, went above and beyond. I had this idea for gliding doors; he took it and ran. Having this interactive relationship with him really makes the building shine.”

LG Flint’s president, Andy Flint, echoes those sentiments.

“We enjoyed working with both LRBA and Lauren and Amy from Atelier 11,” he says. “The project presented several opportunities to create some unique spaces in the building, including the front desk area and the large windows on the corners of the building. Remodeling projects can be tricky and we did discover some items that needed to be repaired in ordered to move forward. The folks at Atelier 11 and LRBA were great to work with to figure out solutions to these issues.” c vhomemaga zine .com 95

Design ideas to steal

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Whether it’s commercial or residential design, a budget can be stretched by figuring out where to splurge and where to cut. (“It’s important to be very good at tracking the budget,” Dianich says. “It’s almost like surgery—what can you take out to stay on budget?”) For example: rewiring the building. While it would have been nice to upgrade the wiring—every light is actually on a single switch—it would have cost tens of thousands of dollars, so that was not an option.

One way to bring unity to a space without having to spend a lot is in choosing paint colors. “Christian Chute [at Atelier 11] did our renderings—with three different color schemes,” says Dianich. It was easy to see then that one color was too loud, one too dull. Ultimately, green became the neutral, and really gives a nod to the outdoors and to Central Virginia’s natural beauty.

Orange also made the cut, giving visual impact in smaller doses.

The main corridor of the building uses broad, vertical stripes of orange paint, topped with state-of-the-art monitors, to highlight the Alliance’s mission: promoting this region, generating jobs and investment, cultivating talent, and enhancing the business climate. Royal blue and purple are also featured throughout the space, and the Alliance has incorporated those colors in its marketing materials.

Another tip: repetition. When the previous windows were replaced with larger windows (something everyone agreed was a must-have), some structurally necessary metal supports, which happened to run on a diagonal, were exposed. Instead of trying to hide or minimize them, Dianich decided to incorporate them into the design. The aforementioned wooden gliding doors Dianich wanted have a distinct profile, in large part because of some diagonal trim Miller added. Additional diagonals can be found in the floor’s carpet tiles, and in the newly installed facades outside.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly in a business setting (which can be austere), the design needs to tell a compelling story about those who inhabit the space. For the Business Alliance, that task falls to Jamie Glass, the Alliance’s deputy director of economic development. “We wanted this space to feel welcoming, and to give a nod to our business heritage, so I’m creating a ‘Made in this Region Alcove’ that will feature products, old and new, from this region, including a historic smoke stack from the Lane Furniture Company,” Glass says. “It’s old meets new, and it’s meant to be respectful of the business ecosystem we came from.”

The project, she says, is analogous to a wall of family portraits found in someone’s home.

Creating a community

One thing the building offers the region is access to conference rooms, which are available to members (and nonmembers) for business-related events. There is an executive board room for gatherings of about 30; a 15-seat conference room sponsored by First National Bank; and a 400-seat conference room sponsored

by Centra Health, which can be broken down into smaller spaces. There is also work being completed on a non-traditional conference room with a long table in a warming kitchen—also sometimes called a finishing kitchen, these areas can heat up food that has been prepared elsewhere without having to have all the permits of a commercial kitchen—since sometimes ideas sometimes flow more freely in a casual environment.

Members also have access to private offices and a member lounge, along with a small outdoor space that will have flower9 6

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

PHOTOS: MICHAEL PATCH

filled planters in warm weather and a few small tables. Still, there is unused space, so the Alliance is leasing extra office space, being good stewards of money.

In a second design phase, there will be a focus on reaching outside the building.

Tucked behind the corner of Fifth Street and Rivermont Avenue, the lot has sweeping views of downtown Lynchburg, along with green space that the Alliance hopes to transform into a meandering, terraced entrance.

Also planned: the addition of showers, so members can have a meeting, go for a run, and still come back for a conference looking professional.

Overall, the goal is to give members a place to feel at home away from their offices, so they can continue to work while making connections in meaningful ways with other members and, ultimately, learning from one another and making the region better and stronger.

“The region’s premier business organization is now in a facility and location that represents our thriving, innovative and collaborative business community,” says the Alliance’s CEO Lucas. “In this region, success is simple, and the Alliance headquarters shepherds into our region an era of growth and opportunity.” ✦

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THE

real estate issue

BUYER’S CHECKLIST

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

BY MARISSA HERMANSON

FROM THE LAYOUT TO THE LOCATION, THERE IS MUCH TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A HOME. When you look at your big list of needs and wants—custom kitchen, walkout basement, giant yard—house hunting can feel daunting. But, if you are looking for the right things, you will be able to find your next home with a little less stress. To help you make an informed decision during your house hunting, here are a few important things you should add to your checklist.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Renovations

If you are looking to buy an old house that has been recently renovated, inquire with the owners about the type of work that was done to the house. For instance, were there just cosmetic updates or was the electrical and plumbing updated as well? If the former owners did a quick facelift without getting down to the nitty gritty behind the walls, you might find yourself stuck with a half-finished flip and not a lovingly restored home.

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Layout

Is the layout of the house conducive to your day-to-day life? If you plan on regularly entertaining friends and family, you’ll need a large kitchen that opens or has easy access to a dining or family room. Or, if you are looking for a house where you and your partner can age in place, make sure that the master suite is on the first floor of the home. Think about how you will be using the house over the years and see if the layout jibes with the way you live.

Storage space

When looking at your house, you may be so wowed by the curb appeal and charming architectural detail that you might forget about storage until you get your boxes moved in and think, “where do I put all this stuff?” Consider how much storage space is in the kitchen, pantry and laundry room. And, make sure there are enough closets throughout the house. Is there an unfinished basement or attic where you can store your seasonal decor? Is there a shed out back to house gardening supplies and power tools?

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Foundation

A strong and solid foundation is essential for the overall structural health of your home. If your inspector notices some wonkiness in the foundation, be sure to call in an expert like a structural engineer to give the house a second look.

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Heating + cooling

Inquire on the age and condition of the heating and cooling systems. If you buy a house with a 30-year-old boiler, it can go kaput any day. Or, if the A/C unit is leaking, your home won’t be cooled efficiently. You don’t want to be stuck paying big money to replace the heating or cooling systems after purchasing a home.

Kitchen + bath

Has the kitchen and bath been updated recently? Kitchen and bathroom renovations are incredibly pricey, costing tens of thousands of dollars. And, it should be noted that updated kitchens and baths can significantly increase the resale value of your home. If the kitchen harkens back to the ’70s, ask yourself if you have the time and money to properly update the space.

Landscaping + hardscaping

Walk around the property and evaluate the landscaping situation. Was the yard professionally landscaped or was it a DIY job? Are there four seasons of plantings that will add visual interest to the garden year-round? During the fall and winter when trees are bare, are you going to have views of something undesirable, like a back alleyway or your neighbor’s DIY mechanic shop?

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Also take note of the hardscaping as well. Steep driveways can pose potential problems with snow in the winter. Make sure walkways are wide enough and tree roots aren’t encroaching on the patio.

Neighborhood

Do your due diligence and research the neighborhood. If you have kiddos, make sure you are in a good school district.

Check with the local precinct about crime. Also, take note of what is in the immediate area— your block. Is the house located near a school or park that hosts late sports games? Is there a restaurant around the corner with outdoor dining that might be disruptive in the evenings?

Get an idea of the happenings in your neighborhood before you commit to buying.

Room to grow

If you are purchasing a house, you should commit to owning

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the house for at least five years.

Make sure that during those years you’ll be able to grow into—not out of—the house.

There should be plenty of living space along with bedrooms to house your brood. If you are expecting to add a few more people to your clan, plan ahead and make sure there are enough rooms. You’ll also want a guest room for visiting friends and family. And, if you know you’ll eventually be working from home, make sure there is a space that you can transform into a home office.

With this checklist in hand, you’ll be able to navigate house hunting with ease and confidence. Taking the time to make an informed decision can help prevent buyer’s regret down the road, and ensure that you love your home in the years ahead as much as you did at first sight. ✦

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

IMPROVE meal planning

grocery strategies

SIMPLE TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR FAMILY’S FOOD WASTE B Y S A R A WA R R E N D E R

Unless you have groceries delivered to your door, making a trip to the supermarket is a constant chore. And whether you make the trip or someone else does, we’d all like to reduce the time, money, and food wasted, while still providing delicious meals for our families.

There are several practical ways to save these valuable resources throughout the meal planning, preparation, and storing stages of your weekly grocery routine.

c vhomemaga zine .com 10 1

Alternate uses for leftovers When preparing meals, you’ll encounter scraps of fruits and vegetables after they have been peeled or chopped, bones or remnants of meat which cannot be added directly to a recipe, and many other items which can leave you turning to the trashcan in frustration. Instead of tossing these items, there are clever ways to utilize them, minimizing waste while also saving money.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Toss fruit, such as overripe bananas or soft berries, into a large bag in the freezer. When you have gathered enough, blend these fruits with some sour cream, yogurt, or ice cream for a smoothie.

Bananas which have turned brown can also be used in quick bread, muffins, or other delicious baked goods.

Puree herbs and olive oil and freeze to use as the base for pesto or other herb sauces.

Save leftover vegetable peelings in a large bag in the freezer. When you have gathered two or three cups of scraps, cook the veggies for about an hour to make your own stock or broth.

BREAD Stale bread is almost unavoidable, even in the most food-conscious households.

Stale bread (that isn’t completely rock hard!) can be revived in a dampened paper bag warmed in an oven for about 15 minutes. Heat until the bread is warmed through, but be careful to wet the bag appropriately to avoid scorching it.

If your bread is stale beyond salvage, repurpose it into breadcrumbs, stuffing, croutons, topping for French onion soup, bread pudding, French toast and grilled cheese sandwiches!

CHEESES Hard cheeses which have gained a bit of mold can be scrubbed with a vegetable brush, rinsed under the cold tap, and patted dry with a kitchen towel. Leftover cheese, such as rinds that can’t be grated without grating your knuckles, can be added to many hearty dishes, including soups and sauces for an extra flavor kick.

Before you shop

Meat can be an expensive aspect of feeding your family, so before going to the store, look online or in recent newspaper ads to see what’s on sale. Then, use those items as the basis for several meals. Take a few moments to flip through your favorite cookbooks, planning a weekly menu for you and your family to use and reuse those items in different ways.

Yes, this step requires some preparation, but the time and money saved is well worth it.

For instance, one meal can be grilled chicken with rice, and the next night those chicken and rice leftovers can be transformed into fajitas by simply adding a few different vegetables and seasonings. Any leftover vegetables from the fajitas can then be the start to a hearty vegetable soup, or the toppings to your family’s favorite supreme pizza! Be sure to only buy in bulk what you know you can use before the item spoils.

Another way to reduce clutter in your fridge is to check what you have in excess.

Be sure to mark that item on your list as a product you should not purchase to avoid overstocking and wasting food. In that same regard, check your kitchen for staple items you should always have on hand such as olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard for a quick marinade or homemade salad dressing. Other useful items to always have on hand are pasta, rice, and canned soups that can also be the basis for gravies and sauces.

Skip the store

If your family’s fresh fruit tends to spoil before you can eat it, consider shopping at your local farmer’s market or produce stand to get a smaller, more customized supply of fresh fruits and vegetables that are also loaded with homegrown flavor. There is often a noticeable difference in taste and texture between fruits and vegetables which are mass-produced, versus locally sourced items.

Preserve your investment

Before putting the new items into your pantry or fridge, be sure to clean and sort your kitchen and refrigerator contents. Spoiled items should be removed, and items close to expiring should be placed in a highly visible area of your fridge to encourage their use.

When storing your groceries, remember which items need to be refrigerated and which need to be kept at room temperature. For best results, your fridge should be kept at 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be at zero degrees, or just a little lower to maintain maximum freshness and longevity of your items. Note that apples, oranges, grapes and berries need to have their own spot in the fridge. Meat, seafood, poultry and dairy should always be refrigerated, along with fresh lettuce, spinach, green beans and peas. Wrap lettuce and cucumbers (for best results wrap cucumbers individually) in paper towels and refrigerate in a loose plastic bag. Rinse herbs lightly, roll in paper towels, and refrigerate in an unsealed plastic bag. Be careful, however, to give your vegetables their own space. A crowded vegetable crisper will quickly produce rot.

Keep avocados, pears, melons and peaches out of the refrigerator until they are ripe.

To keep your counter space open while sprucing up the look of your kitchen, consider storing them in hanging fruit baskets. They add rustic charm, color, and help keep your kitchen free of clutter!

Onions and garlic are best kept separate and can stay on the counter (or their own layer of the hanging baskets). Remember, onions absorb moisture, so keep them away from the sink as well as from potatoes, which emit gas and moisture that will also spoil onions quickly.

Leftover bits of cheese rinds can also be used for fondue, in salads, or stuffed into meatballs.

MEAT Leftover bits of meat (fat and bones) can be stored in a bag in your freezer, then later boiled to make meat stock. To make, place all scraps in a large stock pot, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook up to three hours, then strain solids for a hearty broth.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

If you believe your produce, meats or dairy will spoil before you can use them, don’t forget to use your freezer. When wrapped securely in freezer paper and stored in airtight containers, freezing items can ensure many additional months of freshness. For meats, separate into meal-sized portions to preserve freshness and cut down on thawing time (and frustration!).

Butter can also be frozen, along with milk, cheese, and more.

Additionally, if you already have a garden and bring in baskets of vegetables each season, those items will retain their flavor and nutrients for months in the freezer. For produce, you first must blanch the veggies then chill in ice water (to prevent them from fully cooking), then freeze in an airtight freezer bag. Boiling the produce first prevents enzymes from damaging color, flavor and nutrients, while also destroying lingering microorganisms. For easier thawing, separate the veggies into meal portions before freezing.

By utilizing these simple tips and incorporating some careful preparation, you can improve the shelf lives of your groceries, and give many items a second use in your kitchen. Being savvy with your leftovers also reduces waste, which is good for your family, the environment, and your wallet! ✦

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DESIGN 2018 style series

design, defined

MIDCENTURY MODERN B Y S A R A WA R R E N D E R

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t the end of World War II, troops returned home, and husbands and wives found themselves in need of rapid access to housing. This sudden surge caused a demand for simple, multi-functional home and furniture designs.

Design pieces encapsulated the light, airy feeling of post-war optimism, and were quickly embraced. Today, those same clean designs from 1939-1965 are still fashionable in 2018 homes.

Several notable midcentury designers, including Ray and Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Hans Wegner, created living room, dining room, and office furniture pieces that have become sought-after classics. Their aesthetic can be captured with just a few carefully placed statement pieces in your home.

Living Room: Eames Style

A quick online search of midcentury modern design will no doubt direct you to the husband and wife design team of Charles and Ray Eames. They combined art with science, creating sleekly curved pieces to provide ultimate comfort while capturing a fresh style which is still revered more than 60 years later.

The classic Eames chair was designed by the duo for the purpose of comfortably watching television in the 1950s. While an original chair comes with a hefty price tag, choosing a chair with a sleek design and interesting texture will help your living room look midcentury chic. Opt for seating with a simple wood base and plush, colorful padding.

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These visually appealing chairs pair perfectly with a coffee table constructed from smooth wood with a crystal-clear glass top. A simple centerpiece will enhance the clean lines in the room. Furniture focused on functional simplicity, flowing curves or geometric shapes, as well as a variety of textures, are key to successfully capturing the style.

Dining Room: Saarinen Style

A good friend of the Eames team, fellow designer and architect Eero Saarinen is known for both his furnishings and for designing famous structures such as St. Louis, Missouri’s Gateway Arch, and the main terminal of Dulles International Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Airport. Saarinen began designing furnishings and fixtures at a young age, and over the years created some of the most recognizable furniture from the midcentury modern period, including the “womb” chair, and the “tulip” table and chair set.

Saarinen’s tulip table was created to eliminate the visual clutter and knee-bumping properties of the standard four-legged dining table. It was designed as a sleek, industriallooking pedestal table, and tulip chairs soon followed to complement the look.

Saarinen took great pride in his work, building hundreds of models to obtain the table’s perfect curve and the right line to fit the human body. Tulip-style tables can be found to fit a conservative or extravagant price range, and will accent virtually any living space and decor style.

Saarinen is known for a wide variety of chair styles. The famous “womb” chair, often accompanied by a coordinating ottoman, is curved to comfortably fit the human body— hence the name. He also created the “70 series” seating collection for office chairs. In every case, he combined modern materials with organic shapes, and his work is widely emulated in modern side chairs and arm chairs. The light, streamlined design of Saarinen’s chairs allows for the fostering of an open and welcoming environment within your home, and provides an uncluttered and versatile setting for any dining room.

For a style that looks fun and effortless, try setting your table and chairs on a brightly colored area rug, or paint an accent wall with a brilliant color to add contrast. Mix it up by pairing a simple side chair with a plush arm chair to provide a pleasing difference in texture and design. To really make a statement, finish the room with an eye-catching midcentury Sputnik chandelier, and you are ready to enjoy a night of entertaining!

Office: Wegner Style

Hans Wegner influenced in the way furniture was viewed in the 1950s and 1960s with the concept of using minimalistic designs to highlight a natural softness, as well as the ability to fit and support the human body. Wegner is known as “the Master of the Chair” c vhomemaga zine .com 105

and designed over 500 styles for virtually every style and preference.

Wegner’s famous chairs include names such as “wishbone,” “peacock,” “valet,” “circle,” “shell,” “wing,” “oculus,” and many more. These chairs encompass a broad category, with styles and prices to fit a variety of lifestyles. More than just a place to “sit a spell” these midcentury chairs transform an ordinary area into a space with style, class and comfort. An office can easily integrate more than one of these space-efficient styles for additional interest. Polish your office design with the soft lighting of a midcentury modern desk, floor, or wall lamp. A vibrant area rug with eye-catching geometric designs is also an easy way to provide a warm atmosphere, as well as awaken creativity.

Whether you design your entire home with classic midcentury furniture from Eames, Saarinen, and Wegner in mind, or carefully choose a few key pieces to highlight, you are investing in the culture of an earlier age. The smooth, timeless designs are built to enhance any home with a functionality which will never be outdated. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

GARDEN blooms about town

Historic Garden Day is hosted by the Lynchburg Garden Club and the Hillside Garden Club. Tour headquarters will be the Oakwood Country Club, at 3409 Rivermont Avenue.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance, or on the day of the event, and luncheon boxes are available by prepaid reservation.

Ticket holders will also receive free admission to seven area places of interest.

For complete information on tickets, luncheon boxes, and the most current schedule of events, please visit vagardenweek.org.

Historic Garden Day

in Lynchburg

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Known as “America’s Largest Open House,” Virginia’s Historic Garden Week features over 29 tours across the state, and comes to Lynchburg on Tuesday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event offers visitors a rare peek at some of the area’s loveliest homes and gardens, with this year’s tour featuring five private residences dating from 1870 to 1950. Two of the properties are located in Lynchburg’s historic districts, and three are in the charming nearby neighborhoods of Boonsboro. Notable garden features include a variety of porches, terraces, trellises, a folly, and a potager.

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211 Cabell Street

HOME design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

The circa-1870 Waldron Hancock House is a Queen Anne-style abode that sits adjacent to historic Point of Honor, in one of the first neighborhoods in Lynchburg. Every brick on the house was made on the property, and the clapboard siding and slate roof are reminiscent of days gone by. The house sat empty for 30 years before being purchased by the current owners, who began remodeling the following year. The owners have done the majority of the refurbishments on their own, including the millwork, constructing the stained glass windows, and all of the plumbing and the electrical work. The parlor and dining room boast twin coal-burning fireplaces, with the original woodwork still intact. Seashells made of 24-karat gold line the fireplace in the dining room. The impressive staircase is made of solid oak and wainscoting, and the interior contains numerous antiques that have been collected by the owners. In the back garden, fig and peach trees have been planted where three buildings used to stand.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stoner, owners.

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS!

our summer issue focus is

RETIREMENT

Contact Kirsten Morey Becker 434.238.3168 or kirsten@westwillowpublishing.com for details.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

1300 Langhorne Road Built in 1940, this brick Federal-style home was just what the current owners were looking for when they acquired it in 2015.

A spacious open floor plan is well-suited for casual gatherings with friends and family, or formal entertaining. In the foyer, William Morris wallpaper serves as an elegant backdrop to the curved staircase. The blue and white palette of the light-filled living room sets the stage for inherited antiques and an Oriental rug. Work by local artists and numerous family photos create a relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include a renovated kitchen featuring a brick floor, whitewashed walls, wooden countertops and touches of copper. The newly added year-round sun porch provides additional living and entertaining space. A second kitchen, located beyond the original dining room in the back of the house, is used as a catering kitchen. The upper garden is a more formal, English-style garden; the back garden leading to the pool is filled with peonies and poppies in the spring.

Captain and Mrs. David Wood, owners.

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1612 Langhorne Road This charming storybook, ranch-style house has the classic character of old Hollywood. The glamorous furnishings and style are found in every room, light fixture and piece of furniture—no detail is left unfinished. Highlights of this property include the original slate roof, copper gutters, tumbled brick, dentil moldings, wainscoting and 9-foot ceilings. The newly renovated gourmet kitchen boasts marble countertops and a step down into a family room, where the owners enjoy entertaining their children and grandchildren. Built in 1954, this Colonial Williamsburg classic sits on over six acres, with an expansive lawn that backs up to Blackwater Creek Trail. Surrounding gardens focus on a palette of greens and white and include numerous boxwood and hydrangea. A detached barn and garage sit in the rear of the property.

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Baldwin, owners.

CARPET · HARDWOOD · LAMINATE · TILE · VINYL PLANK · HARDWOOD REFINISHING 2011 Enterprise Drive · Forest, VA 24551 434.316.5985 · www.piedmontfloor.com

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

2140 Rivermont Avenue Located within the Rivermont Historic District, this property was originally known as the George H. Cosby House. Built in 1913, it is an example of the American Four Square, by renowned Lynchburg architect Stanhope Johnson.

Designed as a Bungalow Craftsman home with a hip-style roof, other distinctive details include stucco and brick siding, hip-roofed dormers and a porch with clustered columns. The house is said to be one of a pair, built by two unmarried sisters to look alike and be mirror images on the inside. Purchased by the current owners sixteen years ago, this home has been remodeled throughout, including significant projects in the kitchen and downstairs bathroom area. The interior contains mementos from the owners’ travels as well as an extensive collection of work by local artists and family members. The original sleeping porch is now Mrs. Doucette’s art studio.

The intimate terraced gardens in the back yard have been slowly expanded over the years. The stone work is exquisite, and it’s worth the trip down the hill to see the view of the landscape in its entirety.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Doucette, owners.

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408 Trents Ferry Road Built by Dr. Robert Meade, a history professor at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, this yellow clapboard house has had six additions over its 67 years. A sweep of ancient boxwood follows the curve of the circular drive edged in Belgian block, making an impressive entryway.

Shades of the iconic butter yellow popularized by 20th century socialite, Nancy Lancaster, warm the walls and soft down upholstery. The original downstairs apartment is now an interior design office, library and studio archiving 45 years of fabrics and wallpapers. Within the last eight years, over 50 English boxwood that anchored the mature landscape have fallen victim to boxwood decline; they have been replaced by hydrangea along the pool’s retaining walls and behind the simple border garden.

Their texture blends with the foliage of fern, lenten rose and Solomon’s seal; while oak, magnolia, sycamore, and black walnut trees draw attention to a “folly” of six white columns. A wooded dell blooms every spring with hundreds of daffodils. Tucked behind a spirea hedge, where a pen once housed hunting dogs, is now a bountiful walled vegetable garden, a cutting garden and a boxwood nursery. Toni Rini and Don Lee, Lynchburg landscapers, will be in the garden to answer questions about horticulture, boxwood decline and garden design.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Baldwin, owners.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

7 NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST OFFERING FREE ADMISSION TO GARDEN WEEK TICKET HOLDERS…

Anne Spencer House and Garden, 1313 Pierce Street

Point of Honor, 112 Cabell Street Sited in Daniel’s Hill overlooking the James River, the home was built circa 1815 and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. With its octagonal façade and finely crafted interior woodwork, it is an example of Piedmont Federal architecture.

Sweet Briar House and Garden, 134 Chapel Road, Sweet Briar

This Queen Anne-style house, a National Register property, was the home of noted Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer (1889-1975).

The interior and furnishings are unchanged from the 73 years the Spencer family lived there. Her husband, Edward, crafted a garden for her and garden cottage, “Edankraal.” The garden is divided into enchanting “rooms” by a wisteria pergola and grape arbor.

Located 12 miles north of Lynchburg on the Sweet Briar College campus, this plantation home once belonged to the college’s founder.

The central portion of the mansion was built in the early 1790s, and the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Miller-Claytor House and Garden, 2200 Miller Claytor Lane

Built by Thomas Jefferson in 1809 as his personal retreat, Poplar Forest was one of only two houses he built. He visited it several times a year to manage the plantation, rest, and spend time with his grandchildren.

Lynchburg’s only remaining 18th-century townhouse, the garden was designed by noted landscape architect Charles F. Gillette and is typical of the period. Refreshments will be served from noon to 4 p.m. on Garden Day.

Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street On the National Register of Historic Places, this public cemetery was established in 1806 and has a Confederate section with more than 2,2000 graves of soldiers from 14 states. It features an arboretum of historic plants, including more than 200 antique roses, and much more.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Rd.

Sandusky, 757 Sandusky Drive Built in 1808 by Virginian Charles Johnston, it is named after the area in Ohio where Johnston was captured by Shawnee Indians and narrowly escaped execution. Thomas Jefferson was a guest there in 1817, and it was also the headquarters for the battle of Lynchburg in 1864. ✦

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ADVERTISER index 4 Seasons Landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Academy Center of the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Accents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Alexa Taylor, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Alpaca By Jaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Anthony and Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Arline Ore, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Assurance Financial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Bowen Jewelry Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Brandi Smith, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Bruce Carrington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 CAPTRUST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Centra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Central Virginia Orthodontics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Childrens Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . 73 CLC Incorporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Custom Structures, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Daniele Mason, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dawson Ford Garbee Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Decorating Den Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Designer Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Dr. Kevin Midkiff, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Endstation Theatre Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Estates and Consignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Fabulous Finds SML. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Farm Basket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Favored Flavors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Fink's Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 First Bank & Trust Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Flat Creek Pet Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Flint Property Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Forest Farmer’s Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Gladiola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Givens Books/Little Dicken. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 High Cotton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Home Again Consignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Hot Yoga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Interiors by Moyanne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Isabella’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 James T. Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 John Stewart Walker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Judy Frantz, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Just Liz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Kubota of Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 La La's Salon and Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Land Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lauren Bell Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Liberty Landscape Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Liberty University Dept of Studio & Digital Arts. . . . . . . . . . . 97 Lynchburg City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Lynchburg Dental Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lynchburg Regional Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-81 Lynchburg’s Finest Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Main Street Eatery and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Main Street Shoppes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Market at Main. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Member One Federal Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Merry Maids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Milanos Italian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Mitchell’s on 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Moose's Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Morris Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Movement Mortgage, Will Luper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Nadine Blakely, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 National Pools of Roanoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Next Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Next Time Consignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Paisley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Peakland Catering Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Peakland Pilates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Peggy McCall, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Pella Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Periodontal Health Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Persian Rugs & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Phoenix Custom Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Piedmont Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Piedmont Floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Pink Ladies Cleaning Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Pinnacle Cabinetry & Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 PIP Printing and Marketing Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Pretty Please on Broad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Rainfrost Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Reclaimed @ Smith Mountain Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Reid Street Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Reid's Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Riley Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Sarah Girten Interior Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Scott Weiss Architect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Select Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 SOLD Sisters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Southern Landscape Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Spectrum Stone Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Stephanie Miller Moir, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Stevie Savage, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Stones n' Bones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Structure Foundation Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Suzy Q, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Tax Resolution & Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Terrell E Moseley, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 The Art Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Babcock House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 The Cabinet Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Floor Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 The Shoppes of Altavista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Vinyl Porch Rail Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Valley View Retirement Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Vintage on Broad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Virginia Commonwealth Games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Virginia Garden Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Wellington Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Western Ways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Westminster Canterbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wired Up Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Your Community Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2018

Awesome by Day. Absolutely Magical at Night.

Day or night, all season long, we make sure the fun never stops!

At Southern Landscape Group, our passion is creating awesome back yards. We love blowing our clients’ minds with designs that simply transform their outdoor experience.

Whether you desire an elegant patio, beautiful back porch, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pool, hot tub, pergola or complete outdoor living space, let us work our magic for you.