Central Virginia Home Magazine Spring 2019

HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA

TH E

real estate issue

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

living history

HOME MATTERS real estate trends staging to sell

SOUTHERN CHARM

springtime libations neighborhood get-togethers

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REAL ESTATE

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Lauren Bell is the Owner & Principal Broker at Lauren Bell Real Estate, a full-service boutique style brokerage company servicing all of Central Virginia. Selling over $32 million in 2018, Lauren was ranked the #1 realtor in the Lynchburg Market. Additionally, she has ranked in the top 2% of over 600 agents for the past 7 years.

For the past three years, LB Real Estate has been voted “Best Real Estate Company� in Lynchburg Living’s “Best Of � Campaign.

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L AUREN BELL (434) 221-9375

WWW.L AURENBELLRE ALESTATE .COM 434-384-1010 | 4109 BOONSBORO ROAD, LYNCHBURG, VA 24503

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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CONTENTS Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

22

60

80 features

showcase home

THE REAL DEAL IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA The state of real estate

LIVING HISTORY AT RIDGECREST Restoring a Federal-era home on Fox Hill Road

22

BY JANE RENNYSON

52

FINANCIAL FITNESS Get in financial shape before you buy

60

BY PERRY PAYNE MILLNER

Cover photo by Michael Patch at the home of Robert and Stephanie Sullivan.

BY CHARLOTTE A.F. FARLEY

80

STAGING TO SELL Let us count the ways

BY CHUCK TAYLOR

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Good medicine takes more than knowledge, more than training; it requires time to listen and follow up.

More Than Just Your Average REALTOR®...

NADINE IS PROUD TO BE YOUR CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST Nadine earned the credential Nadine of being a Certified Luxury Blakely Home Marketing Specialist TM

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The CLMHS designation is awarded to Institute Members with documented sales performance in the top 10% of their market.

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Nadine also gives to many other charities and community organizations.

She is proud to have sponsored shows for the Jefferson Forest Theatre, and helped sponsor their football and swim teams.

She also helped to sponsor the charity event Planes, Tranes and Automobiles.

1st Olympic, REALTORS® 20395 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA • 832-1100

S PR I NG 2019

DESIGN

47 SITTING PRETTY Outdoor furnishings

47

BY AMELIA POORE

94 2019 DESIGN SERIES: CREATIVE SPACES Local brokers share personal spaces that inspire them

BY CARTER BENDALL

96 DOUBLE DUTY FURNITURE Multi-use pieces for home and work

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

IMPROVE

36 ADVENTURES IN UPCYCLING Repurposing heirloom pieces

BY DEBORAH SIROCKMAN

84 THE ART OF LIGHT Trends in replacement windows

90

BY NOELLE MILAM

GARDEN

31 HUMMINGBIRD HOSPITALITY Welcoming nature’s littlest angels

31

BY MITZI BIBLE

76 TINY RETREATS AND OUTDOOR FOLLIES Garden nooks that spark joy

BY CHRISTINA MOORE

106 UNCOMMON GROUNDS Historic Garden Day in Lynchburg

LIVE

42 TOASTING BOURBON Single barrel libations for spring

BY VICTOR MILLNER

57 EATING ORGANIC Choices worth the splurge

BY BECKY CALVERT

90 NEIGHBORHOOD GET-TOGETHERS Entertaining friends and neighbors

BY MARSHA GALE

100 HOME SHOW ROUNDUP Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show

BY AMANDA ADAMS

THE LAST WORD 113 SOUTHERN COMFORT

BY JOHN PHIFER MARRS 14

84 Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

C U S TO M I Z E Y O U R L I F E .

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EDITOR’S note Dear readers, Catching up with a dear friend who asked me how 2019 had been so far, my immediate response was, in a word, “rain.” After the record-shattering 65 inches of rainfall recorded in central Virginia in 2018, WSET’s Chief Meterologist George Flickinger predicts that 2019 is on track to be equally sodden. So we won’t be waxing poetic about April showers in this issue of HOME. We have plenty though, between these covers to lift soggy spirits and brighten dreary days, with springtime articles about hummingbirds and bourbon culture, history and spring cocktail concoctions. We offer ideas for repurposed heirloom furniture, tiny retreats, backyard follies and so much more!

This is HOME Magazine’s Real Estate Issue! In the iconic and beloved film It’s A Wonderful Life, Mary Bailey blesses the Martini house at the purchasers’ housewarming: “Bread,” she offers, “that this house may never know hunger; salt that life may always have flavor; and wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.” We offer you within these pages articles dealing with financial fitness, staging your home for sale, an overview of the local real estate market and so much more!

Historic Garden Week is coming right up! Check out our Lynchburg tour overview and this issue’s Showcase Home feature on Ridgecrest, a spectacular, Federal-era restoration and one of the five homes featured on the tour.

We had a fabulous time hosting nearly 4,000 of our nearest and dearest readers at the Love My Home: Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show, made possible by presenting sponsor Maddox Air and Electrical. The show was held in the former Macy’s space at River Ridge Mall and featured nearly 100 vendors displaying and demonstrating home, garden and lifestyle products and services. The three-day event featured Doug Wilson from Trading Spaces, Dallas designer John Phifer Marrs, Building Arts’ principal John Paul Huguley and artisans from the American College of the Building Arts, as well as local powerhouse architect Amanda Adams of CJMW. Local speakers packed the house with panels, workshops and seminars on the Love My Lynchburg Home Stage, sponsored by Budget Blinds of Lynchburg.

Welcome spring! Given recent rainfall, our gardens should be gorgeous this year. I leave you with a verse from Percy Bysshe Shelley: And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

Read on, dear readers; enjoy every word! We wish you wonderful gatherings, fruitful gardens and the happiest of springs!

Warmly, Perry Payne Millner perry@westwillowpublishing.com

At Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, we’re passionate about Central Virginia and proud of our diversity and community spirit. We are recognized for our expertise and authenticity in guiding our clients through the buying and selling process and for representing quality, value, and exclusivity with effective results. Technology has completely changed the real estate industry over the last few years, and we are leaders in its evolving role. Sotheby’s International Realty® provides extensive research and offers exclusive insights that allow our clients to take advantage of this changing landscape. We’re dedicated to innovation, and we provide the resources to meet our clients needs with a personal touch and a global reach.

Bruce Carrington 434.944.2643 bcarrington@frankhardy.com

frankhardy.com © MMXVIII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Countryside used with permission.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

FEEL CONFIDENT YOU HAVE MY WORD. • How would you rate the quality of your dental care?

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Keeping your family

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HOME

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Perry Payne Millner ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amanda Adams Carter Bendall Mitzi Bible Becky Calvert Charlotte A.F. Farley Marsha Gale John Phifer Marrs Alyssa Mercadante Noelle Milam Victor Millner Christina Moore Amelia Poore Jane Rennyson Deborah Sirockman Chuck Taylor PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Patch

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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 2019 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.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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When the Fergusons founded Lynchburg’s Finest, they knew it had to be a fresh updated establishment, set apart from the traditional real estate brokerage.

They wanted their agents and clients to have a boutique real estate experience. But what does that mean? It starts with location. Their local storefront is part of the incredible Wyndhurst community. Centrally located, inviting those walking by to come in for a cup of coffee and be a part of their story. With an impressive office space located near the corner of Enterprise Drive and Goldenrod Place, Lynchburg’s Finest provides an "open-concept" office space where agents can come to work independently with varied landing spaces, without any extra or hidden fees. This allows the agents to collaborate and grow!

It’s people the Fergusons care about, not just the numbers their agents represent. A proven local business gives more than it takes. That’s why they offer lower fees, while holding to a standard of service only a local brand can achieve. Their independent brokerage is about investing into every member of the team and making an impact on clients’ lives. With nearly a decade of experience, Betsy pours daily into the growth of her agents, offering individualized coaching and in depth training. She’s making sure they have all the tools they need to be successful, while guaranteeing them more commission money and ensuring full brokerage support.

A turning point for Betsy was when she believed there is no barrier or boundary with an independent brokerage, so she stepped outside the bounds of typical and gave her agents leads to help them grow their business. Betsy is a prime example of a genuine, entrepreneurial minded Broker, who understood earlyon how an investment in AI technology would result in the ability to generate quality leads, closing more deals as a result. One of her big “whys” is helping her agents prosper. She is investing a generous amount of her marketing budget toward the generation of new website traffic - which eventually converts into opportunities for our agents to meet new people, to form and nurture relationships and ultimately be their guide to finding them their dream home.

Betsy is giving her agents an elevated edge with tools that you usually only see offered from a franchise. Her agents have access to a top Lead Generation System, CRM Technology, a Personalized Website and mobile App, with IDX feed and an elite Transaction Management System. If an agent went out to buy this right now it would cost them thousands of dollars a month. This is FREE for her agents. So when the agent goes into a Listing Appointment it’s easy. When you market your home with Lynchburg’s Finest, everyone will know it's for sale. Not only folks locally, but across the country. Lynchburg's Finest captures buyers using their system, which is one of the best in the industry.

Their website is a lead machine. Buyers also know they are working with authentic, highly trained agents who have comprehensive knowledge of the local market when they choose Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate. The Fergusons are offering an amazing value to agents and pledge to support their agents as partners. Let them take your business from ordinary to exceptional. The future is bright for the agents at Lynchburg’s Finest.

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THE

real estate issue

central virginia real estate

A MARKET WORTH WATCHING

BY JANE RENNYSON

It’s no secret that Central Virginia is a wonderful place to live.

Its scenic mountain views, numerous outdoor activities and less hectic lifestyle have made this area a hotspot—for younger generations just starting out and retirees looking for a quiet place to call home after finishing up long careers. Perhaps the most important draws for people in the area are the low cost of living and affordability of real estate. The average home price in the Lynchburg region is $149,600, 19 percent below the national average. With all of the positive changes that have occurred in Lynchburg in the past few years, now may be a great time to take that next step towards owning a home.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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A city expanding

The greater Lynchburg area is growing with a workforce that is increasing in number each year. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has made many successful efforts in recruiting companies to either relocate to the area or expand their current business. According to their website, “outstanding schools, nationally renowned healthcare services, mild climate and a host of recreational and cultural opportunities make the Lynchburg region an ideal place to live and work.” In April 2018, Framatome, a leader in nuclear energy, announced that it was relocating its headquarters to Lynchburg. Framatome employs 1300 people locally and employment in the area is expected to grow because of their move.

Centra Health, a company at the forefront of medical care in Central Virginia, employs 8500 people and is continuously recruiting people to Lynchburg and the surrounding area. Lynchburg General Hospital, Stroobants Heart Center and its many outreach health centers bring a diverse population and add a dynamic to our ever-changing city.

Another wonderful recent improvement to Central Virginia’s cultural landscape has been the revitalization of downtown Lynchburg. With the Academy Center of the Arts’ reopening of its historic Academy of Music and the addition of new bars, restaurants, food trucks and a strong push to shop local, an entirely new lifestyle can be enjoyed in the area. Changes in the Lynchburg region have come about in no small part as a result of numerous young people who are graduating from our colleges and universities, deciding to stay here and making this area home. Graduates of Liberty University, Randolph College and the University of Lynchburg are opening businesses, buying or renting homes and starting families right here. Ultimately this growth and development has encouraged a variety of people to live in our community and surrounding counties and has created new housing demand that enlivens the overall state of the housing market.

What buyers want

Demand for housing in the area can be categorized in a few different ways.

There are many people looking for new construction; whether in apartments or townhomes, smaller single-family 2 4

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

dwellings, or larger custom homes, they desire something new. Although there is little land available in the city to build upon, there are a few neighborhoods and developments in the city where lots can be purchased for custom builds, including The Preserve at Oakwood and Cottage Hill. New construction opportunities in Bedford, Campbell and Amherst counties are plentiful: In Bedford County there are several new residential communities and a few more in the works. Campbell County also has newer developments including Leesville Road Estates and Trents Landing, both offering newly constructed homes and lots available for sale.

For those buyers with a special interest in the environment, Cottage Hill is the first neighborhood in the city to conform to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, according to Billy Flint, principal broker at Flint Property Group. It truly is a green neighborhood, with special consideration given to grading and drainage, so buyers can feel good about the environmental impact of their purchase. For more affordable new construction, Flint says “Bedford and Campbell counties, with far more developable land, continue to offer more singlefamily construction in a wider range of prices.� Flint also sees c vhomemaga zine .com 25

rising demand for housing available for purchase in downtown Lynchburg; there are currently many downtown apartments and lofts for rent, but not a lot for sale. He feels there will be a need for condos to purchase in the future, including luxury properties for buyers who desire high-end lifestyles in a downtown setting.

Karen Hall, President of the Lynchburg Realtors Association, sees the highest demand right now for homes under $225,000 for first time home buyers. She says, “There are great financing programs to enable buyers to get into home ownership and investing; however, we just do not have the properties to sell them.” These well priced homes could serve an important group of people entering the market this year—the millennials. According to Hall, “All factors are showing that they are now ready to start investing in home ownership, not spend their money renting and setting down roots in the area.” That being said, she believes that millennials don’t tend to take on repairs or remodel properties; they prefer buying “move-in ready” properties that don’t interrupt their lifestyles. Hall continues: “I do think this will have the biggest impact on our market and we will be begging for more homes to sell,” even as interest rates rise. Flint agrees; he reflected, “Many said millennials would not buy homes; however, they are doing just that.”

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Jane & Kate YOUR LYNCHBURGMOTHER/ DAUGHER REAL ESTATE TEAM. TOGETHER WE GET IT SOLD!

JANE BLICKENSTAFF: 434.660.3773 jane@janeblickenstaff.net • janeblickenstaff.net KATE BLICKENSTAFF POATS: 434.258.1400 kateblick@gmail.com • blickenstaffandcompanyrealtors.com

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Looking for ways to make your property stand out in the competitive market? We surveyed local real estate pros about what they're hearing from buyers right now—what they're looking for on the market, as well as feedback on properties they've seen.

buyers want

buyers’ complaints

Curb appeal, a well-manicured lawn and landscaping. Great outdoor space in back…a nice deck, patio, screened in porch, fire-pit or outdoor fireplace. Outdoor spaces are huge—the front yard and back yard are equally important!

Laundry placement.

Lauren Bell , Lauren Bell Real Estate

Dori Conner, Consensus Real Estate

Open flow, good floorplan for entertaining.

Robert Dawson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Dawson Ford Garbee & Co REALTORS

Nice finishes, they seem more concerned about appeal than quality.

Betsy Ferguson, Lynchburg’s Finest Real Estate A home that has been well maintained.

Billy Flint, Flint Property Group Correct pricing.

Erin McWane, Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors

Neutral décor and colors. They convey a sense of peacefulness and comfort, and also help the buyer to easily visualize their personal belongings throughout the residence.

Wanda Ott, NextHome

Updated kitchen and baths.

Amy Scott, Flint Property Group

A floor plan that makes sense. Often there are functional issues with a house that are tough to overcome—a tiny bedroom that really would be tough to use, a small kitchen or lack of storage space are often deal killers.

Nadine Blakely, REALTOR RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors

Main level living; open concept floor plan; outdoor space for private entertaining.

Kate Blickenstaff Poats, Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors

Amentities and high-end finishes over square footage.

2 8

Wanda Ott, NextHome

Erin McWane, Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors Sellers’ Personal Items. How the seller lives in their home and how they should decorate to sell are very different. Buyers need to be able to clearly envision themselves living in the home, and in order to do so, sellers should absolutely remove personal effects and family photos.

Amy Scott, Flint Property Group

As crazy as this sounds, a house needs to smell good, be visually appealing, and buyers should be able to focus when they are at a showing.

Cigarette smoke, barking dog, cooking odors, and darkness are HUGE turnoffs.

Billy Flint, Flint Property Group Wallpaper.

Kate Blickenstaff Poats, Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors

Small bedrooms and lack of outdoor space for entertaining.

Nadine Blakely, REALTOR RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors

Homes that are not well maintained; close proximity to neighbors; lack of updates.

Robert Dawson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Dawson Ford Garbee & Co REALTORS Lack of natural lighting.

Dori Conner, Consensus Real Estate

Age of roof, heat pump—big ticket repair items.

Lauren Bell , Lauren Bell Real Estate

Dirt and grime: when the house hasn’t been cleaned. Little things like dirty air filters show that the home is not well-maintained. I always tell my sellers to get a professional deep cleaning before we list.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Central Virginia by the numbers

An important and crucial way to gauge the market in any area continues to be home prices and sales of existing homes. Hall says locally, “The average starter home has risen to a range of $125,000–175,000, mid-range homes are from $200,000325,000 and luxury homes start around $400,000 and rise to the $1,000,000 mark.” Overall, average home values seem to have risen in the past few years. In 2017 the average sale price in the area was $192,950; in 2018 it rose to $201,327. He reports that within those ranges, some had no change at all and others had larger than average increases. Sales of existing homes were up 4.5 percent in 2018 which shows that buyers are taking the risk of entering the market. Also relevant to demand, the average time on the market for homes has decreased nearly 25 percent—from 91 days in 2017 to 70 days in 2018.

All of these factors contribute to a healthy market, but perhaps the most important factor is the presence—or lack—of inventory. “If there is one weak area in existing single-family offerings in our area, it is the very high end— $750,000 and up,” says Flint. “Fewer families seem to want or need six bedroom homes with 6000 plus square feet,” says Flint. Hall echoes that sentiment: “The higher the value, the more limited the buyers are,” who are able to finance those properties. “Many in the upper price range,” reports Hall, “are building custom homes rather than purchasing existing ones.” A healthy market has a higher inventory of affordable single-family homes. In 2018, over 350 homes were sold in the $150,000 to 300,000 range.

Hopefully as we move through 2019, inventory will be on the rise in all price ranges as more and more people decide to list their homes for sale.

Buying or selling— is now your time?

Whether a first-time home buyer, a seasoned seller looking for a change or a retiree looking to downsize, there is a place for you in the local real estate market. It may be the perfect time to make a change, but before you do, enlist the help of our local experts. Our city has many qualified real estate professionals, builders and relocation experts ready and willing to make your next move as easy and painless as possible. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

GARDEN hummingbirds

hummingbird hospitality

welcoming natures’ littlest angels

BY M IT Z I B I B L E

The hummingbird may be the tiniest bird in the world, but it often draws the most attention. Its beautiful colors and unique hovering motion are fascinating to observe. As we discover more about how these amazing creatures live, we can learn ways to lure them to our yards and enjoy their larger-than-life character. c vhomemaga zine .com 31

How many of us, when we spot a hummingbird, are immediately entranced with their flying abilities and iridescent color display? We sit and watch them as long as we can, right? It’s because we don’t know how long the show will last or when these celebrities of the sky will be back. They’re unpredictable birds who love to play hard-to-get and it seems that as soon as we spot them, they’re fancifully fluttering off just as fast as they came.

Even the most hardcore birdwatchers have trouble spotting the elusive hummingbird and gazing at it long enough to study its behavior. Gene Sattler, president of the Lynchburg Bird Club and a biology professor at Liberty University, said during a regular bird count, he may only see one hummingbird. Their size, speed and the fact that they live alone makes them particularly hard to find.

“If you’re out birding, one might just zoom by, or you might see one by a patch of wildflowers at the edge of the woods where they nest,” Sattler said.

“They’re hard to study because they’re unpredictable. A lot of birds you can see in big groups, but hummingbirds are loners, so when you see one, that is pretty much it.”

They also don’t clue us in by making a loud call like other birds do. They have a very soft chirp (which we normally won’t hear unless they’re aggressive, in the case of two males at a feeder for example). And the “hum” that they get their name from is quiet, too; it actually comes from the sound that their wings make as they beat up to 70 times per second (and up to 200 times per second when diving!).

“You have to be close. They make a very, very distinctive motor sound—more of a buzz than a hum,” Sattler said.

But when we are lucky enough to see a hummingbird in Virginia, he said it is most likely the ruby-throated hummingbird, the most common species in the eastern U.S. (The males are the ones with the red throats.) They arrive in the spring, usually around the middle of April, traveling from South America through Central America before they find their summer homes here. When they leave us in the fall, most of them make the trek across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop.

This is why we may see more at feeders during this time; they are fattening up for the nearly 24-hour trip.

As rare as it is to see a hummingbird, it’s even rarer to spot its nest. Sattler said 3 2

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

in his over 30 years of birdwatching he’s only seen one a few times. The only way to really know where the nests are is to be lucky enough to spot a hummingbird and quick enough to follow it back there. Hummingbird nests are about the size of a big walnut and are built along the edge of a branch that is sloping downward. The hummingbird uses spider silk and fine plant fibers that are stretchable. Because the nest is no bigger than the diameter of the branch, it blends in.

Hummingbirds are also known to camouflage their nests by sticking bits of bark or lichen from the tree to the outside of the nest. The ruby-throated hummingbird lays two eggs that are no bigger than a pea. The female hummingbird is the only one who cares for the young.

In spring, as the hummingbirds arrive, there aren’t many flowers blooming to provide nectar, so some hummingbirds rely on the sap of trees and the help of their woodpecker friends who can chisel grooves in the trunk to allow the sap to flow. Hummingbirds feed on nectar primarily because sugar is a highenergy food that they need.

“Hummingbirds are at the end of the bird spectrum as far as the amount of energy they use. They burn more fuel, as their hovering

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flight is the most expensive type of flight energy-wise,” Sattler said.

But what you may not know is that hummingbirds can’t survive on nectar or sap alone.

Like us, they also need a protein source. Flowerbeds provide small insects, which hummingbirds also feed to their young. That’s why you may not have as much luck keeping hummingbirds in your yard if you don’t have that many flowers or flowering shrubbery. Hummingbirds like to stay for the whole meal, not just the appetizer.

There are some ways that you can make your garden areas more enticing, though. The flowers you plant are important.

Just as bright colors play a major role in the hummingbird’s mating habits, bright-colored flowers will attract them as well.

Consider planting lots of reds (the hummingbird’s favorite), such as the cardinal flower, red hot pokers and bee balm. Also, consider planting flowers with a trumpet shape that makes it easier for hummingbirds to get to the nectar. (Hummingbirds actually don’t suck the nectar with their beaks; they lick it out with their tongues). Vines like trumpet creeper and trumpet honeysuckle are highly recommended. Clematis vine, butterfly bush and mimosa trees can be magnets for nectar feeders like hummingbirds as well.

The rule of thumb is to place a hummingbird feeder by a garden first, where hummingbirds are most likely to discover it sooner as they visit the flowers and insects there. Fill feeders with a solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. (There’s no need to dye the water red—the red on the feeder is enough to attract them). Only use white granulated sugar, as brown sugar can cause a fungus (never use honey for the same reason). Boil the water first to kill any bacteria and let the sugar dissolve. You can make a large batch and partially fill the feeder, storing the rest in the refrigerator. It’s best to change

trumpet vine

bee balm

clematis

mimosa tree

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

the water every three to four days.

If mold develops, wash it out with warm water. You can also use a small amount of diluted vinegar and uncooked rice to scrub it clean.

After hummingbirds have discovered the feeder, you can move it a few feet every day, closer to a window for a birds-eye view of the action. You can also hang a feeder with a suction cup on the window.

In spring, you can expect the arrival of hummingbird “scouts,” migrants will soon follow and hold steady throughout the summer. Don’t be surprised if autumn isn’t the tiny birds’ rush hour out. It’s not too late to put feeders out then, as you’re likely to see even more birds—this time, the adults with their young— making the move southward.

hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly both forward and backward.

have tiny hairs on the tip of the tongue to help lap up nectar.

can hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside-down.

have hearts that beats up to 1,260 times per minute in flight and about 250 times per minute at rest.

can fly an average of 25-30 miles per hour. can dive at up to 60 miles per hour. have wings that rotate in a full circle.

The more you learn about hummingbirds, the more you’ll marvel at their magnificent abilities and the more the saying will ring true for nature, too: her most magnificent gifts can come in the tiniest packages. ✦

can see and hear better and farther than humans and can see ultraviolet light.

have bright radiant color that comes from iridescence like soap bubbles or prisms. are smart! They can remember every flower they have been to and know how long it will take a flower to refill. have little to no sense of smell.

have metabolism roughly 100 times that of an elephant. have very weak feet and can barely walk.

They prefer to fly. are on average 8.5 centimeters long from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail. weigh anywhere between 2 and 20 grams, 30% of which consists of flight muscles.

SOURCE: WORLDOFHUMMINGBIRDS.COM

c vhomemaga zine .com 35

IMPROVE upcycling PHOTO: MICHAEL PATCH

adventures in upcycling repurposing heirloom pieces

BY DEBOR AH SIROCKMAN

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

B

efore dismissing out of hand an offer of Grandma’s decades-old dresser, it might be wise to think twice. There is something special about antique and vintage furniture that, with a bit of updating, can be transformed into trendy, eclectic pieces that set off more modern decor in spaces that feel fresh, inviting and eclectic. A little elbow grease and a coat or three of paint can result in a family heirloom for the next generation. It’s worth putting time and money into an old piece of furniture if it has good bones.

Grandmas all over agree that they don’t make furniture like they used to and they are right. Modern furniture is often put together with particleboard, veneer, staples and glue, whereas a good, old solid piece is crafted with tongue-in-groove joinings, dovetail drawers, quality wood and solid metal hardware. Well-made, solid wood pieces are available new, but modern craftsmanship is expensive. Why not update Grandma’s dresser with a fresh refinish or a new coat of paint! Painting tired furniture has the same cosmetic effect as making up a tired face: a furniture makeover can bring out old beauty and completely change its look.

Painting is only one of the many rewarding and fun options for restoring and repurposing legacy pieces. Furniture can also be retrofitted to serve entirely different purposes. One of my first repurpose projects was a piece we found for a kitchen island in our summer home. My husband and I hunted for something unique and stumbled upon a vintage elevator governor from New York City. (The governor is the piece of machinery that prevents the elevator from plummeting.) It had such a great industrial look; we added a set of legs from an old workbench and topped it with reclaimed barn wood. It is truly a one-of-kind piece; chances of seeing another one quite like it are slim which makes the piece so beautiful and special to us. Even though we’ve done many projects since, that piece remains one of our favorites.

Finishing that project jumpstarted our repurposing adventures. The next project was quite an undertaking. Missing

a piece for our dining area, we already had a farm table and chairs, but needed a console and wanted another unique piece, not a traditional side table or hutch. Thus began another hunt; we combed local flea markets, auctions and Craigslist to find just the right project. Finally, one market day there it was—a 64-drawer, vintage card catalog! It was covered in stickers and painted a funky color, but I knew it had the good bones we were seeking. The project totally took over the house, with numbered drawers and hardware everywhere.

The first order of business was a good cleaning and off came the stickers. It was a start, but cleaning didn’t fix the funky paint. I wanted a dark, mahogany look and decided a two-in-one stain would do the trick. Thankfully, sanding wasn’t needed, which was key because with 64 drawers and endless nooks and crannies, it would have taken a very long time. It took two coats and polished up nicely.

It was all coming together, but not quite right; at this point, it was just an improved card catalog, not a console. Inspiration arrived in the form of a reciprocating saw ; we cut the body in half and secured it side by side, which left the piece not quite high enough and topless. We stacked two store bought wooden feet on top of each other and voila! We made three more sets and the height was perfect. We found a beautiful piece of wood for the top and finally arrived at our vintage card catalog console.

It took a dedicated hunt and a few repurpose tricks, but she is a beauty!

PHOTOS: MICHAEL PATCH

c vhomemaga zine .com 37

Fabulous Finds

Repurposed, Vintage, Decor & More

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If you’re inspired to take on an upcycle, just do it! The beauty of upcycling is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Start with a simple, straightforward project. Find inspiration in magazines and on Instagram and Pinterest; take those ideas with you when you embark on the hunt—the best part!

There are so many places to look: Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, rummage sales, thrift stores and the king of all upcycling resources, the flea market. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to get to a good flea, the world of junk will be your oyster. Look for pieces with good bones; make sure your targets are structurally sound if you don’t have a fix-it person at the ready. Shake the table, sit in the chair, pull out the drawers as if you were buying it new. Sometimes pieces need just a little TLC and sometimes they are just too far gone. But don’t discount those “too hard” pieces either! Maybe the top could be turned into a sign; the leg can be used to make a towel rack; the apron can become a frame for another amazing piece.

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Along with the satisfaction of upcycling obsolete, discarded pieces comes real pride in seeing your vision come to life. It’s fun to create pieces that are unique and to enjoy those new creations in your living spaces. Each has a special story and comes with hard work, but both the process and the result are sure to delight and inspire. ✦ Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

AT THE COMING UP E H COMING UP ATACT E ARTS ADEMY CENTER OF TH THE ARTS APRIL

FEBRUARY Opera on the James Presents: La Traviata 5

01- Alluvion Stage Company Presents: Warehouse Concert Series: 5 10 The Will Rogers Follies 2 7 12

Through Theatre Presents: 210 Community Warehouse Concert Series: TBA

The Best Us: Award and Opera on theof James Presents:Show La Traviata Black History Month Celebration

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Met Opera Broadcast in HD: Carmen, Concert in Collaboration with Series: 19 Warehouse The Hackensaw with Very Special Opera on theBoys James Guests Chamomile and Whiskey

Black Panther Film Event: Return to

Youth Theatre Presents: 20 Academy Wakanda Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

Academy Presents: The Second City

27 Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Presents: Jefferson & Adams: On Stage 27 and Maxxmusic & Midwood In Conversation

Entertainment Present: The Earls of Leicester 28 Palates & Palettes: A Fundraiser to Benefit the Academy Center of the Arts

MARCH

MAY Met Opera LIVE in HD: La Fille Du

02 3

Stephen Sondheim’s Follies

11

Academy Presents: Ladies of Laughter

24 Met Opera Broadcast in HD: Die Walkure

22

MAY CONTINUED MARCH CONTINUED

North Mississippi Allstars

16 Funny & Fabulous Comedy Tour Chart Toppers of the Past

21

ACADEMY CENTER OF

Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra with Regiment, in Collaboration Presents: Dvorak’s New World Symphony Opera on the James

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17 17

23 18

24 19

Charlottesville Ballet Presents:

Community Through Theatre Presents: Cinderella Stephen Sondheim’s Follies

Empty Bowls

Community Through Theatre Presents: Stephen Sondheim’s Follies

The Barter Players Present: The

Adventures of Tom Sawyer Community Through Theatre Presents: Stephen Sondheim’s Follies Back to the Future Film Event

Community Through Theatre Presents: Stephen Follies CantateSondheim’s Children‘s and Youth Choir

Present: Folksongs of the Four

Community Seasons Through Theatre Presents: Stephen Sondheim’s Follies

30 Create Virginia Conference

24 Academy Presents: Cirque-Tacular’s Art of Circus

30 Academy Presents: Aquila Theatre’s Frankenstein 24 Met Opera Broadcast in HD: Dialogues Des Carmelites

APRIL 31 Academy Presents: Grammy

05 Award-Winning Opera on the Artist James Presents: Richard Marx La Traviata

INFO INFO AT AT ACADEMYCENTER.ORG ACADEMYCENTER.ORG

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FURNITURE

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by design

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Whether you have a small budget or are looking for something that will last for generations, you are sure to find it at Grand Home Furnishings. We carry some of the best brands: from La-Z-Boy and Kincaid to Sealy and Serta—and everything in between. With our long-standing, good relationships with these brands, we’re able to negotiate the best prices on the best brands and pass the savings on to you.

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GRAND HOME FURNISHINGS DESIGN CO N S U LTA N T Jill Truitt, Grand’s Corporate Display Coordinator/Buyer Jill has been with the Grand family for over 25 years. Jill believes that creating the perfect style for your home should never be based on what the designer likes to do, but on what will make the customer happy.

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Myth #1: Designers are only needed on large projects.

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Our Consultants work with you to ensure you are happy with the furniture choices you make. Plus—Grand offers a 30-day total satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase within 30 days we’ll exchange it or provide a full refund. See the store for details.

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LIVE bourbon

HIGH SPIRITS TOASTING BOURBON B Y V I C TO R M I L L N E R

Turning to thoughts of bourbon, I imagine for many it might conjure up visions of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night with a hunting dog curled up at its master’s feet.

But for true bourbon lovers in Virginia and elsewhere, this exalted spirit brings more than cold weather comfort. I, for one, enjoy the deep earthy flavor of the brown juice year ‘round.

I tend to be a purist—I take mine over ice with just a little water—but there are a multitude of fresh and fabulous bourbon cocktails that can outrun holiday nogs and cranberry punches to enliven festive parties welcoming spring, to outshine stodgy sea breezes and fizzes.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

First, a bit about bourbon history and culture: If you have read or heard anything of the history of this uniquely American spirit, you will know that the roots of its origin are hotly contested.

The two states that claim the title of “birthplace of bourbon” are Kentucky and our dear Old Dominion. As best I can tell from my own investigation, bourbon’s birthright can be boasted by both.

Way back in 1789, a western Virginia preacher, Elijah Craig, started aging his whiskey in oak barrels (now a requirement to be legally called bourbon). In 1792, Pastor Craig’s far-western area of Virginia became what is now Kentucky. Part of that area was Bourbon County, named for the French Royal House of Bourbon and credited as the origin of the unique process of aging corn liquor in oak barrels; Bourbon County gave the potent potable its name.

Bourbon fever ran rampant through the south and by the early 1800s there were thousands of outfits cooking up the sauce throughout Virginia. Even beloved native son George Washington got into the game in 1797, turning a Mount Vernon side hustle into one of the largest bourbon distilleries in the country. Then came another war: as destructive as it was to southern culture overall, the Civil War was particularly cruel to the whiskey making business, as many of the distilleries and the corn used by distillers were destroyed in the fighting. Not too many years later, Prohibition delivered a near-knockout punch; just as bourbon production was recovering its legs, the ban on production and sale of alcohol in 1920 drove the whiskey-making trade underground, delivering to Virginia the legendary and colorful moonshiners whose stories are vivid in Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountain lore to this day.

Throughout its checkered history, bourbon was viewed as a rather lowly liquor as compared to its more sophisticated

(even snobby) cousin, scotch whiskey. Bourbon has long been the drink of regular folk, not particularly complicated or fussed over and deeply ingrained in southern culture. In the last decade or so, though, bourbon has begun to rival if not surpass scotch, in popularity and complexity. Bourbon festivals, tastings and tours are easy finds across the country and make for leisurely day trips right here in Virginia, where there are no fewer than a dozen distillers of my favorite hooch. A bourbon crawl starts up the road from central Virginia to Afton’s Silverback Distillery; to the east is Richmond’s Reservoir Distillery. Manassas has KO Distilling and a quick jaunt to Fredericksburg winds up at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, where their Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon beat out Kentucky distillers in 2018 and was named the “World’s Best Bourbon” at San Francisco’s World Spirits Competition, associated with the Triple Crown of Competitions. At any rate, a bourbon tour is a great way to spend a weekend; it goes without saying that wise bourbon day trippers designate dry drivers.

As April brings warm weather and the fireplace is cleaned for the season, you may be thinking it’s time to move the brown liquor to the back of the cabinet and bring forward the lighter spirits of spring. Just hold on! There are tasty ways to enjoy the smoky brown brew all through spring and summer. Derby Day is coming, accompanied by the most iconic warm weather bourbon concoction in the south—the mint julep. Imagine porch-sitting in a big wooden rocker on a wide veranda in May, the smell of magnolia in the air and a sweet, icy, minty cocktail in a cold Julep cup in hand. The recipe for this nostalgic classic is simple: crushed ice, home-made simple syrup (infused with fresh mint or not) and mint for stirring and muddling around. Serving it up in a pewter or silver cup makes it seem even colder on hot spring days, as crushed ice forms frost on metal.

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whiskey or whisky?

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Canada, India and Japan (the three other major whisky producers) follow the Scottish spelling. US producers generally follow the Irish spelling, with some exceptions: George Dickel, Makers Mark and Old Forester follow the Scottish. — FORBES, Is It Whisky or Whiskey and Why It Matters

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THE MINT JULEP MAY STAND AT THE HEAD OF THE CLASS, BUT IT’S NOT THE ONLY WARM-WEATHER BOURBON COCKTAIL. TRY OUT YOUR MIXOLOGY SKILLS WITH THESE GREAT SPRING PARTY DRINK RECIPES!

BLACKBERRY BOURBON SMASH

SPIKED ARNOLD PALMER

10–15 blackberries, muddled 8–10 mint leaves, muddled 2 tsp sugar 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 oz bourbon 3 oz club soda

4 cups boiling water 5 regular-size tea bags 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 4 cups cold water 1 cup bourbon 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice Garnish: lemon slices

—Lively Table

Divide blackberries, mint and sugar between 2 whiskey glasses and muddle.

Fill glasses with ice and divide lemon juice, bourbon and soda between glasses.

Stir and garnish with extra blackberries (optional)

HORSE’S NECK —The Spruce Eats

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dinner Monday thru Saturday starting at 4:30

1 1/2 ounces bourbon 2 ounces lemonade 1 ounce pomegranate juice Shake with ice and strain, serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedge or cherry.

—Southern Living

Pour boiling water over tea bags, sugar and lemon zest. Stir until sugar is dissolved; cover and steep 5 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding tea bags and zest. Stir in 4 cups cold water, bourbon and lemon juice.

Cover and chill 30 minutes to 12 hours. Serve over ice. Garnish with lemon slices. To make this tea a day ahead, follow recipe as directed, omitting ice and garnish.

Store in the refrigerator in a pitcher. When ready to serve, stir in ice cubes and lemon slices. ✦ Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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DESIGN outdoor seating

sitting pretty

COMFORT AND DURABILITY ENHANCE OUTDOOR SPACES

BY AMELIA POORE

With the weather warming up, it’s time to get excited about spending more time outside, whether you’re by the pool, tending the grill, or reading on a balcony. Whatever your outside space looks like, the one thing you’ll need to consider is outdoor seating. If your area is an open, terraced patio with a fireplace, you may need to consider sturdy, wooden chairs or a pair of loveseats will make the outdoor space feel cozy. If you’re designing a covered front porch, you may only need a few rocking chairs and a set of French doors to coax you to spend time relaxing outdoors.

Homeowners have begun treating their outside spaces with much more regard than in the past.

The patio or porch is now, quite honestly, another room in your home. c v h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m 47

engaged IN LIFE

As with every other room, the options for personalizing your outdoor space are limitless. The classic, wrought iron and wicker options are still available, but there are more contemporary routes if your taste demands it. There are also treated composite wood and untreated wood options, such as teak, white oak and cypress. The outdoor space can reflect the flow of your home’s indoor colors and style through the furniture style and arrangement, finishes and fabrics. For example, a traditional colonial-style home with a brick-paved patio may benefit from a classic black wrought iron furniture arrangement with an equally-classic green and white cushion set, while an expansive deck on a ranch-style home with a view may look best with a weathered teak sectional and bolder accent colors in the fabric.

If you are going to use your space for al fresco dining, you would obviously be investing in comfortable and durable dining chairs and a table, but you may also want to include a small sitting area with a matching loveseat or chaise for after dinner conversation.

If you’re decorating a patio with a fire pit, arrange a sofa and two or three armchairs at a safe distance around the fire pit, perhaps including a few floor cushions for extra guests. In any arrangement, choosing the focal point is critical. A fire pit is an excellent centerpiece but also think about a sumptuous ottoman or one-of-a-kind cocktail table. Be sure your outdoor space speaks to you: comfort, relaxation and fun are vital.

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The timeless wrought iron and wicker materials are still available in the style we all grew up with, though the elements themselves have had a bit of an update. Wicker furniture, for example, is now most frequently found in treated wood or in all-together synthetic options. These updated selections provide a longer-lasting investment in outdoor furniture because they stand up to the elements and are easier to clean. In the same vein, wrought iron furniture, already a hardy outdoor material, is Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

now treated with rust and fade-resistant coating. Both options are nearly impervious to the elements. Local merchants, as well as online retailers, offer a vast variety of classic shapes and finishes—some look straight out of a classic film and some have a more modern flair, such as more organic shaping in the arms of the chairs or using a material such as stone or an acetate.

However, mainstays wicker and wrought iron aren’t limited to the classic styles of the past. Sleek and modern options in both materials are now mainstream. A simple online search of “modern wicker outdoor furniture” returned hundreds of current options. Most of the contemporary designs have a minimalist flair—very little decoration in both the finish and fabric. Additionally, they are often sectional, allowing for extensive customization and flexibility in your space.

However, modern furniture options extend far beyond wood, wicker and wrought iron. Thanks to the development of sturdy synthetic outdoor materials, the possibilities for your backyard can range from post-modern to space-age. Many manufacturers use materials like polyethylene plastic to create molded loveseats, tables and chairs in a variety of novel shapes and colors, ranging from white and gray to blue and yellow.

Some are even equipped with color-changing, glowing LED lights, so you can change the color of your pieces with the touch of a button. This new, plastic furniture does not fade or melt in the sun and is easily hosed off, making cleaning a cinch.

The primary consideration you need to take when designing your outdoor space is the level of exposure your furniture and fabrics will need to withstand. With covered areas such as porches, the finishes don’t need to endure the same level of

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exposure as an open patio. The more open your space is to the elements, the more resilient you need your selections to be, with choice in wood and fabrics in particular. For example, when choosing wooden furniture for an open deck or patio, choosing a durable outdoor-friendly wood and leaving it unfinished may deliver much less heartbreak than selecting a varnished option since varnish frequently becomes discolored and cracked when left in the sun and humidity. The same goes for certain types of paint. When painting or refinishing wooden outdoor furniture, be sure to thoroughly sand and prime with an outdoor primer before selecting durable exterior paint. These critical steps will help your furniture look fresh for summers to come. Determining the best finish for outdoor metal furniture is also important.

Two main options for metal furniture are paint and powder coat finish. Paint finishes usually have a more extensive color selection and overall better resistance to fading from the sun, but it does require a specialized primer to maintain any strength in the finish. With powder coat finishes, a primer is unnecessary.

Powder coat finishes are more durable when applied in thicker layers, but they are prone to chips if applied to a flexible surface and the homeowner can’t usually touch-up the area without needing to strip the entire powder coat.

The same consideration goes for fabrics. Visiting a fabric supplier or retailer allows one to feel the difference between indoor and outdoor fabrics. Fabrics are often measured in what is called a “double rub,” which tells the consumer the fabric’s abrasion resistance. Asking a retailer or researching on your own can tell you the double rub measurement of the fabric you’re interested in. A medium durability fabric would be 9,00015,000 double rubs; a heavy-duty fabric, 15,000+ double rubs.

Most modern outdoor fabrics go through a chemical treatment that makes them more durable and resistant to the elements.

Selecting a fabric that is made from synthetic materials and is designated as being “outdoor” or “UV-resistant” will definitely be your best option. The fabric with the best reviews is solutiondyed 100% acrylic (such as Sunbrella), which will resist fading from the sun and repel water (thus resisting mildew). Solutiondyed 100% acrylic fabrics are unique in that the acrylic threads

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are dyed before the fabric is woven together, which makes these fabrics exceptionally durable and attractive! There are inexpensive do-it-yourself fabric sprays that will protect against water and UV rays, but the reviews are often mixed, nor are they compatible with all fabrics.

Additionally, you will want to verify that your outdoor cushions are filled with a polyester fiberfill stuffing, compressed polyester, or polyurethane foam inserted into a water-resistant cover. This will ensure that your fabric will be just as protected on the inside as it is on the outside. You may also want to invest in waterproof furniture covers to protect your furniture when your space is not in use, such as during the winter months.

Many covers are UV-resistant and include mesh vents to prevent mold and mildew from taking hold and may also include a warranty.

Whichever fabrics, finishes and furniture styles you choose, the only requirement is that your selections fit your unique space and tastes. Stick to a theme, or mix and match as you see fit. Just make sure you love living in your outdoor room! ✦

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THE

real estate issue

financial fitness

PRESENT YOUR BEST FINANCIAL PHYSIQUE FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN B Y C H A R LOT T E A . F. FA R L E Y

Tis the season for home buying! The National Association of Realtors reported that there were 1.55 million active listings on the market coming into 2019 and that 32% of buyers were first-time buyers. If you’re in the market (or even if you’re just interested in refinancing), you’ll want to get in the best financial shape possible before embarking on the loan qualification process. There are different loan products available that can help you meet both your budget and your goals and the better shape you’re in, the better the loan application process will be. If you want to get to the closing table smoothly and without hassle, follow these tips to getting your finances fit for a home loan.

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Check your credit reports

Your credit report is a crucial factor in the mortgage application process and a loan officer will pull your credit reports faster than you can say fifteen-year fixed rate. This document reflects your creditworthiness. Think of your credit report as your financial autobiography, one that showcases the highs… and lows. Have you paid your bills on time? How many loans have you taken out?

How much do you still owe? Do you have an established credit history, or is it still relatively new? The credit report details your bill paying record and supplies a view into your credit (such as your use of loans or charge cards).

Review the report carefully for any discrepancies, such as a past due payment you know you paid on time or a line of credit that you know you closed years ago. Contact the reporting credit agency or bureau to correct these errors. If there are any delinquencies, you’ll want to take care of them as it will be more challenging to get the loan you wish to with delinquent accounts appearing on your credit report. The fewer the blunders on your credit report, the better your credit score.

Know the score

Unlike the numbers on the scale, higher digits are admirable when it comes to your credit score. Lenders will examine your score and use that information to determine the likelihood that you’ll pay your monthly mortgage payments—and make payments on time. The higher your credit score, the better the interest rate you’ll qualify for; likewise, the lower the credit score, the higher the interest rate will be.

It’s kind of like the SAT—the closer to 800, the better the score. A FICO credit score upwards of 700 is considered a good credit score with scores below 670 falling into the average range and numbers in the low 600s and below falling into the fair to very poor range.

Knowing your credit score will help you discern if lenders will view you as a credit-worthy applicant or if you need work on improving your score. Some lenders and loan products allow people with fair to poor credit to still qualify for loans; however, those loans often come with exorbitant interest rates. c vhomemaga zine .com 5 3

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Have you thought about refinancing your mortgage loan?

Maybe you’re not sure if it would actually help move you ahead.

Perhaps you are curious as to why anybody refinances their mortgage in the first place.

People refinance for different reasons: they might want to consolidate debt, make home improvements (like finishing a basement or adding a garage), or garner the benefits of paying a lower-interest loan.

Still more might want to switch from a 30year loan to a 15-year loan—the latter lets you pay less interest over time and allows you to pay your mortgage off faster.

Typically, you want to save 1% when you refinance. Take a look at what you’re currently paying in interest, how much life is left on your loan, how much it will cost to close and if it will save you more in the long run to re-fi.

Decrease your debt (and don’t open any new lines of credit)

From credit card balances and car payments to student loans, most Americans have some kind of debt in addition to their mortgages. The amount of debt you owe in contrast to your income is known as your debt-toincome ratio (DTI) and this ratio is yet another principal factor in the loan qualification process.

Lenders develop this figure based on how much of your monthly income you spend on monthly debts. The DTI also informs lenders about how much money you can borrow. A high credit score and a low DTI will help you towards qualifying for the best rates.

Some ways you can reduce your DTI include making purchases in cash instead of on credit (to avoid shouldering more debt) and making more (or more substantial) payments on a highinterest debt before making a mortgage application.

Build your savings

Before you settle in with a cup of coffee and a date with Zillow, turn your attention to your savings account. It’s not exactly cheap to buy a house: in addition to the down payment (more on that in a moment), you should expect to pay for house inspections, closing costs, repairs or upgrades to your new home-to-be and general expenses associated with moving. Having more cash on hand can mean less stress and less debt in the days ahead. Plus, mortgage lenders like to see that you’ve been squirreling away funds in your savings account: it demonstrates that you’d still be able to pay your mortgage each month even in times of crisis.

Increasing your savings can also lead to being able to put down a sizeable down payment, which can help you establish equity faster and lower your monthly payment. Strive to bring 20% of the home cost to the table to get out of PMI (private mortgage insurance)—PMI means a higher monthly payment and even more money going towards interest and not the principal of the loan.

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Talk with a lender

You’d hate to attend an open house or schedule a showing of a home you saw in your dream neighborhood only to learn later that the property is out of your price range or that you don’t qualify for the kind of loan you’d need to buy it. With that in mind, before you find a realtor, find a lender.

Working with a lender from the get-go helps put you on the path to pre-qualification. The lender will run your credit and analyze your financial documents to see what you can afford in terms of a monthly payment. At that point, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter that outlines the amount a lender is willing to loan. Buyers who have been pre-approved are seen as serious buyers and they usually don’t have deals fall through because of lending problems.

You don’t want anything weighing you down and slowing down your homebuying or re-financing process, so take your wallet’s pulse, work out a way to pay down and manage your debt and find your way to financial fitness this season. ✦

local lending experts offer their insights BEST TIPS

“Have your paperwork organized, no matter what kind of loan you do. You’ll need the last two years’ federal tax returns, W-9s or 1099s from the last two years, 30 days most recent paystubs and 60 days of bank statements—that’s the minimum.”—Rick Comar, Select Bank “The best thing you can do to get in the best shape for a loan is to make sure you get your financing ironed out—don’t go home shopping first.”—Will Luper, Movement Mortgage Meet with your banker to determine mortgage options available to you based on your situation. Reduce your debt to income ratio as much as possible but don’t close out revolving credit cards as credit scores are driven by the borrowers credit history; continue to make timely payments, show a pattern of saving money and try not to make a job change as it could impact final loan approval.

—Holly Roark, First Bank & Trust Meet with a mortgage professional and get prequalified. Dealing with someone face to face gives personal attention to you and your situation. Also, any issues with credit can be resolved prior to

building hopes and dreams only to be disappointed. You will find out how much house you can afford prior to shopping and this will save time and money for both you and your realtor.—Cynthia Turner, Beacon Credit Union

FORECAST

Will Luper has good news: “The rates are still historically low.” He predicts that rates will stabilize throughout the year.

Rick Comar shares that perspective and adds that “interest rates should not impede anybody from trying to purchase a home this year if they qualify.”

Holly Roark comments, “We have seen a slight decrease in mortgage rates since the end of last year and they are holding steady. They should continue to stabilize at the current levels, maybe even dip a little.”

Cynthia Turner agrees, “Rates have been steady for several weeks, fluctuating very little but in this industry, they never stay that way for long. We are seeing the lowest rates we have seen since around this time a year ago so if you are considering buying, now is the time.

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LIVE eating organic

ORGANIC VS. LOCAL VS. NATURAL VS. CONVENTIONAL

what is worthy of the splurge?

B Y B E C K Y C A LV E R T

There seem to be a multitude of labels on food these days and decoding what they all mean can be overwhelming. What exactly does ‘natural’ mean? Why is organic so expensive? What exactly can you feel good about buying without busting your budget? c vhomemaga zine .com 57

Dirty Dozen

most pesticide residue Apples Celery Cherries Grapes Nectarines Peaches Pears Potatoes Spinach Strawberries Sweet bell peppers Tomatoes

First of all, it’s important to know that the labels on at least some of the foods you’re buying are pretty lenient—although the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has guidelines—guidelines developed by working with food producers that have a stake in it. Many small family farms cannot afford to pay the fees it takes to earn the ‘organic’ label, so while those beautiful tomatoes you bought at the farmers market have actually been raised organically, they technically can’t call it that because they haven’t been certified by the USDA. And if they are caught labeling it without the proper certification, they can be fined several thousand dollars.

The USDA defines “Natural” foods as foods that are minimally processed with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. This does not mean they don’t contain antibiotics, growth hormones or other chemicals, which is why the label can be misleading at times.

“Organic” labeled foods consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients without antibiotics, growth hormones, pesticides, petroleum or sewage-sludge-based fertilizers, bioengineer or ionizing radiation. Each organic ingredient must be identified along with the name of the certifying agency. To obtain the organic label requires submitting a three-year history of operations and substance use, the products to be grown, raised and produced, as well as a plan for practices and substance use.

Producers also need to keep records for five

years after certification, making all records and information available to the division of the USDA that oversees organic food production. Organic food producers tend to rotate crops, use compost and manure to fertilize, utilize birds and traps to protect crops from pests, allowing animals to roam while feeding them organic food.

“Local” foods are grown and produced regionally, but are not necessarily organic.

“Conventional” foods are grown and processed using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones to produce food that can cost less at the grocery store, but has higher environmental and health impacts.

So now that you know what some of that means, how should you use that knowledge when shopping for groceries? And how can you understand what you need to buy organic, versus what you can buy that’s conventionally grown?

Start with produce. There is a group called the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit, nonpartisan group dedicated to protecting human health and the environment— sort of an environmental Consumer Reports.

Every year EWG puts out a list of what they call the ‘Dirty Dozen’, the top 12 produce items with the most pesticide residue. This list is part of their Shopper’s Guide and is meant to be a resource for those who cannot always buy organic foods. The latest list from 2018 includes strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes and sweet bell peppers.

Clean 15

least pesticide residue Asparagus Avocados Broccoli Cabbage Cantaloupe Cauliflower Eggplant Honeydew melon Kiwi Mangos Onions Papayas Pineapples Sweet corn Sweet frozen peas

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When it comes to the dirty dozen, organic is considered best, but pesticides can be removed by cooking your produce and/or soaking them in a solution of baking soda and water if organic is unavailable. No matter how your fruits and vegetables are grown, thorough washing is always recommended.

EWG also puts out a ‘Clean 15’ list of foods with the least amount of pesticide residue that includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, onions, sweet frozen peas, papayas, asparagus, mangos, eggplant, honeydew melon, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli.

Of course, local produce is also recommended. Some fruits like strawberries, peaches and nectarines don’t necessarily travel well, so you are likely to get a better product when buying locally grown fruits, since they are grown and harvested nearby within days or even hours of your purchasing them. This means they ripen on the tree or plant which allows their flavor to develop further than say, a strawberry grown in California, then shipped here to land in your grocery store shelves a few days later.

Thankfully, we live in an area plentiful with local berry patches and orchards that offer “pick-your-own,” always a fulfilling endeavor! Getting to know your local farmers means that when the next ban on romaine lettuce happens, you can skip worrying about where your salad greens come from. The downside to eating “local” is that you are somewhat limited to eating seasonably—no more strawberries or tomatoes in January, when sweet potatoes and butternut squash are plentiful.

Meats are also recommended for purchase organically. The cost is generally much higher than conventionally raised meats,

so families have been known to reduce the amount of meat they eat in order to keep their budget in line. Such a switch to your diet may not go over well with everyone in your household, but consuming fewer animal fats in your diet is considered healthier.

When it comes to other pantry staples, like peanut butter, switching to organic is more than just an adjustment to your wallet, it’s also quite the change for your family’s taste buds. In addition to being made from organically grown peanuts, it can have less salt and sugar than conventional peanut butter and may take some time to get used to. Organic is considered better than conventional over all, as peanuts can absorb all sorts of things while they grow underground.

Other items like grains don’t necessarily have to be organic but can help you feel better about what you are feeding your family. Going full-on organic is pricey, so take small steps toward getting there. When in doubt, take some time to look up growing practices for your family’s particular favorites and ask questions of local farmers. Take the extra time to read labels, particularly if something is labeled “natural”—sometimes those “natural” or “organic” labeled granola bars will have more sugar than the ones that are conventionally produced.

Eventually, you’ll learn which products to reach for, once your initial time investment in what is best for your family is complete.

Ideally, eating less processed foods and more real foods are best, although it can take some time for everyone’s taste buds and eating habits to adjust. The effort, in the long run, can be worth it, for as a wise old man once said, “you are what you eat.” ✦

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LIVING HISTORY AT RIDGECREST

Federal Period Home on Fox Hill Road B Y P E R R Y PAY N E M I L L N E R P h oto g r a p hy by M i c h a e l P atc h

Robert and Stephanie Sullivan’s future together was bright when they completed their medical residencies in Cincinnati in 1997. With a young daughter, Matilda and newly burnished degrees in pediatric medicine, the double doctor duo really could have gone anywhere. Stephanie is from South Carolina; though Bob grew up in Atlanta, he’s a Virginian by birth and hoped to return to the area to set down roots.

When Hopkins Pediatrics recruited the couple together, they visited Lynchburg for the first time; their first impression as they drove down Madison Heights Hill was of how much the downtown cityscape reminded them of Cincinnati, another hill city on the river.

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Period wallpaper, decor and furniture lend warmth and permanence, an antique lambing chair sits fireside in the parlor.

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Upon further exploration, they were charmed by Lynchburg’s wealth of diverse and historic architectural styles—Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian. They loved the Hopkins practice and purchased their first home on Greenway Court; Benjamin came along in 1998 and the young family grew into the close-knit Boonsboro community.

The couple shares a deep love of history and both are collectors of early southern furniture. With the help of Frank Joseph, an antiques dealer and preservationist in Charlottesville, they began to look for a Federal-period house and land near their practice and Virginia Baptist Hospital. Coming up empty closeby, they went ahead and bought a vacant nine-acre tract on Fox Hill Road and cast a wider net as they continued the search for a period home. They learned in 1999 of a plantation house in Halifax County on the Virginia Landmark Register and The National Register of Historic Places, built around 1822. A descendant of the original owners, Bowling and Mildred Baker Gaines Eldridge, had purchased the house in the 1960s with plans for its restoration. The home had only recently achieved national landmark status in 1993; nevertheless, the descendant abandoned restoration plans, agreeing to sell the house to a buyer who would pledge to restore it. The couple visited the house; its ramshackle exterior belied the structure’s condition: “The bones were solid,” Bob recalls; the couple was sold on the property and negotiated a closing in 2000.

Frank Joseph’s family has for generations saved historic structures by dismantling, numbering, cataloging and storing building parts until just the right buyer comes along. “It’s kind of like ultimate recycling in a way,” adds Stephanie.

They formulated a plan that would satisfy state and national preservationists as only one other house had—Mt. Ida, a late 18th-century farm which was moved in this manner in 1995 from Buckingham County to Charlottesville and managed to retain its historic registry designations.

Upon closing, Frank Joseph and his brother began to dismantle the house, a two-story, mortise-and-tenon frame structure with gable roof, double front portico, exterior brick chimneys, brick foundation and beaded weatherboard siding, as well as a two-story ell added in 1823 with its own chimney and a pent room. The team cataloged each piece before it was loaded onto a tractor-trailer; they saved every salvageable element including the old wood lath; much of the interior plaster and weather-beaten antique clapboard siding was lost.

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Meanwhile, back in Lynchburg, Colin Anderson of Anderson Construction began work at the site, constructing the new foundation and ground floor with rebar and piping for radiant heat. “Colin Anderson is amazing,” Bob says. “He’s willing to take on difficult projects and his workers are all master craftsmen.”

Once the house arrived on site, Frank Joseph’s team began the process of putting the “bones” of the house back together again on the new foundation. When the skeleton was fully assembled, Anderson’s team took over. Together with Colin, the Sullivans examined all the parts to determine which were too far gone to be used—about ten percent of the wood trim needed to be replaced and was replicated to perfection by Taylor Brothers.

Beginning the fulfillment of the couple’s pledge to their sellers to restore the house to historic preservation standards, Bob got out a chisel and collected wood chips from door, window and chair moldings, as well as the mantels from every room. Those samples would be sent off to Johns Hopkins University for analysis to discover original wall colors and coverings and the couple committed to using whatever colors were determined by the results to be original. “Whatever the original palette was, we were committed to using it,” Stephanie recalls. Bob then pulled 64

All but one of the mantels are original to the house, with faux painted finishes to mimic wood and stone.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

out a set of dental tools and began the painstaking process of removing years of paint from the intricate, hand-crafted millwork to reveal original detail.

Almost all the original doors were preserved though some were moved around in the house. Bob found a discarded door lying on it’s side in the ell, similar in construction to other exterior doors with more intricate paneling on front and back.

When he realized he had found the original front door it was put back in place; the door that it replaced fit perfectly the doorway to a small closet under the stairs in the entry hall. Bob notes, “Once it was put back in place, we realized that there was half a mouse-hole on the bottom corner of the original door that now completed the other half mouse-hole on the door trim. It was a perfect match!”

Original woodwork was installed. Replication duty of window sashes with restoration glass was handled by Gaston & Wyatt, a Charlottesville firm specializing in architectural millwork restoration, whose projects include Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Poplar Forest and James Madison’s Montpelier.

Doors needing repairs were handled by Tinnin Martin, a restorer of violins and antique windows who has since retired.

Anderson’s team began hanging the window frames, sashes and doors. Beaded and beveled wood siding was copied by Taylor Brothers; referencing documentary photographs from the 1910s, they also made posts to 1820s specifications using as templates originals that had been cut down, to rebuild the double front portico. Original wide-plank, quarter-sawn yellow pine floors were installed, though some flooring had to be replaced—at The Sullivans’ collection of southern antiques from the Federal era or earlier feels at home here amid stately surroundings.

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The home’s original palette of pinks, blues and greens is grounded by period carpets and floorcloths; the mural here can also be found in the White House and Gracie Mansion.

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some point during the house’s vacancy it had been used as a giant beehive, with honeycomb in the floorboards and holes cut to extract honey.

Entertainment systems including stereo and DirectTV were hidden in the walls as well. Bricks from the original chimney were used in the new basement’s family room, breakfast room and kitchen; the Sullivans ordered more durable “Old Carolina” brick for the replicated chimney, appropriate to the period.

Ronnie Andrews of Comfort Solutions Heating and Air took on the difficult task of designing an air conditioning system which could be hidden behind walls and doors. Steve Driscoll handled plumbing and E&E Electrical in Forest wired the house.

Bob’s father, a civil engineer, worked with Nelligan Insulation of Lynchburg to approach insulating such an old house.

Amanda Adams of CJMW Architecture remembers the project: “Insulation in buildings that are 75-plus years old has to be considered very carefully. Historic materials are very different from modern materials—much more susceptible to moisture,” she explains. “Everyone touts

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A federalperiod crimson couch adds a pop of color in the parlor.

the advantages of spray foam, which is a phenomenal product; however, it’s not always the best fit for an historic wood frame house.” They used a product called BIBS—Blow-In Blanket System insulation. Adams added, “Wistar Nelligan put a very superior insulation into the walls, a lovely installation.”

The old wooden lath was donated to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and incorporated into its restoration. After three coats of plaster over metal lath, the house was finally ready for finishes. Bob and Stephanie had been doing their homework and a dramatic and vivid palette—rich with apple green, Prussian blue and pink—was revealed by the analysts at Johns Hopkins.

Architectural historian Travis McDonald of Poplar Forest and Jean Dunbar at Historic Design, Inc., a historic interiors consulting firm in Lexington, Virginia, helped provide expert guidance. Todd Glasgow was brought in to apply original paint colors; John Kraus, a master grain painter, recreated historic faux finishes—marbling on baseboards, graining on doors and mantels and “puttied” wainscoting—to mimic burled mahogany.

He also kindly created a custom foyer floor cloth—the ancestor of modern linoleum, hand-painted on oilcloth—to mimic the same graining, in the manner of and appropriate to the period.

Hand-loomed Brussels carpeting in period patterns was installed and sewn on site on the first floor; after he wrapped up the carpeting work at Ridgecrest, artisan Robert Gfroerer’s next stop was Mt. Vernon.

Master paperhanger Jim Yates hung Adelphi Paper Hangings’ re-creation of a 1790 pattern the couple found in a trunk in Tarboro, North Carolina. Another was described by Jean Dunbar in a 2003 article in Early American Life: “4 July 1776,” depicting

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Bedrooms upstairs are cozy and spare, with unfinished floors and original detail.

America as a native American princess and Britain, without its colonies, as a weeping Britannia. The couple chose Brunschwig & Fils’ authentic period patterns including Les Sylphides, Laurel and Urn, Wheeler House and New Corde et Cret Border. Les Vues de l’Amerique du Nord— Jean Zuber’s iconic pattern depicting Boston and New York Harbors, West Point, Niagara Falls and Natural Bridge— hangs in the dining room illuminated only by daylight and candlelight; the same pattern hangs currently at New York’s Gracie Mansion and in the diplomatic reception room of the White House.

Historic furnishings include portraits of family ancestors and Bob’s great great grandfather’s dental tools, a period sideboard from Lynchburg’s Norvell Otey home, Federal era Cornelius girandoles— branched candlesticks resembling small chandeliers: “One set depicts George 70

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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Washington flanked by two Benjamin Franklins and another pair is of Daniel Boone.” The couple’s collection includes a Chinese porcelain punchbowl decorated with an American eagle and the Federalist seal. A lambing chair sits by the hearth in the parlor: “If you’re a shepherd caring for an abandoned baby lamb, you can tend to the lamb on your lap, or put it to bed in the cabinet underneath, cozy by the fire,” Stephanie explains. Other period pieces include a woman’s wingback chair, sewing stand, Argon lamps, sugar chest and a singing bowl from Tibet.

With their children now grown, there are currently in residence two dogs, two chickens and two kune kune pigs named George and Martha—a New Zealand breed whose name translates to “fat and round.” The Sullivans have continued to add to the property, including a summer kitchen, privy, well, smokehouse, chicken house and a barn for the pigs. Behind the house, a formal garden blooms with dwarf boxwoods and chestnut roses. After adding the adjoining 21 acres with a wonderful cottage for relaxing weekends, their family compound is never complete; the property is ever-changing and imaginative, a vibrant, elegant, whimsical trove of living history. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Inaugural Roanoke St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway You won’t have to travel far to tour—and enter to win—the St. Jude Dream Home, located in the Orchards of Ashley Plantation. This newly constructed, 2,688-square foot home features four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a three-car garage and a chef's gourmet kitchen. A large, covered front porch allows for spectacular mountain views. M.W. Dunbar Construction has mastered every detail in the construction of this quintessential home, valued at $425,000.

ONE LUCKY NEW HOMEOWNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLE ON JUNE 26 TO WIN THIS EXCEPTIONAL HOME. The St. Jude Dream

Home Giveaway is new to the Roanoke Valley area and benefits the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers leading the ways in which the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save many thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

When asked how he got involved with this project, Mark Dunbar of M.W. Dunbar Construction recalled, “I was approached by Kelly McGuire, a construction specialist with St. Jude. They had been looking for a lot to purchase nearby. Mr. McGuire explained what was needed, and together we were able to secure a lot from a private individual in Ashley Plantation;” the lot fit into the project’s budget, and St. Jude and Dunbar Construction have partnered to procure donations for the materials and labor needed to build the Dream Home.

“The time, talent and expertise contributed by the many subcontractors and craftsmen on this project has been humbling,” Dunbar added. “I am amazed by the generosity of everyone—from the excavation crew to the framers, plumbing contractors, just everybody. We all know it is a worthwhile undertaking.” Dunbar also offered that as this is the first St. Jude Dream Home in this area, the commitment and excitement for the project has been gratifying (other Dream Home Giveaways have been located in Virginia Beach and Richmond). ✦

The $100 tickets go on sale during a live sell-a-thon on WSET ABC 13 on April 4th. You can also purchase reserve tickets online at dreamhome. org or by calling 800-834-5926. There are only 6,500 tickets available for sale for this Dream Home Giveaway. The Richmond and Hampton Roads 2018 Giveaway tickets sold out early.

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Garden Nooks That Spark Joy tiny retreats and outdoor follies

W

BY C H R I S TI N A M O O R E

What do the popularity of online shopping, home food delivery businesses, telecommuting and culture’s newfound focus on wellness have in common? They all represent a growing lifestyle trend of “staying in.”

Technological advancements, plus a growing cultural awareness focusing on personal well-being and self-care, has led to many creating a home sanctuary to overcome the busyness of life. We have seen this trend realized with the explosion of home decorating and DIY bloggers gaining in popularity over the past decade and, inevitably, these trends also inspire us to examine our outdoor living spaces as well. Creatively thinking of what might spark joy for you in your outdoor space, partnered with skilled planning and wise investment can help you gain a peaceful retreat in your yard to relax and unwind.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Modern homeowners and purchasers have the freedom to think creatively, whether purchasing or contemplating changes to their current homes. They no longer need to feel restricted by current layouts or space available and have been encouraged to think outside the box and transform their spaces to fit the function, feel and aesthetic they desire. These inspired transformations can extend outdoors to create tiny retreats—garden nooks and outdoor follies that reflect the homeowners’ style, interests and personalities. Extending outdoor spaces not only creates a tranquil escape that extends beyond the conventional walls of your home, but those investments increase the value of both home and property.

When asked about creating outdoor tranquil retreats, Mark Maslow, owner of Southern Landscape Group, says, “When I think about tiny nooks and small retreats within a landscape, I get really excited! After all, we are talking about creating a closeness to nature and designing a space that gives you the euphoric feeling of peace and tranquility. We all could benefit from that kind of escape that is right there on your property.”

Maslow suggests the following considerations when planning an outdoor retreat: n Location: Is it easy to access from your exterior doors, yet away from noise and people?

n Privacy: Can the space create a feeling of seclusion and escape? n Soft Elements: Does the landscape plan offer soft elements to make it feel alive? Examples of these would be the sound of water, or plants and features that attract birds and butterflies.

A tiny outdoor retreat can blur the line between indoor and outdoor space, creating a peaceful escape that is an extension of home. When planning for an outdoor retreat, consider the scope of the yard and take note of which natural borders and barriers currently exist and which may need to be added. Living privacy boundaries block views and sounds from neighboring yards, the street, or even activity areas in your own yard. Consider the location of your intended retreat to maximize sunrise or sunset views or natural vistas of mountains, lakes, or streams.

April Sigmon, Landscape Designer at Southern Landscape Group advises, “different garden areas are separated from each other by focusing sight lines which can create a sense of mystery or privacy. Screening views from one section of the garden to another (or your yard from your neighbor’s yard) doesn’t have to block 100% of the undesired view. Even deciduous shrubs can blur the edges of the space enough where your focus remains inside the garden room. Focal points also help retain interest

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inside the room—these can be a fire pit, a favorite planter, or an interesting tree along a path.”

Other features to consider when planning a tiny retreat are seating options. Very small spaces may only allow for a comfortable chair and small table, but larger spaces could include a hammock, swinging bed, multiple seats, or a larger table with chairs. Use the footprint available to help determine the function of the space and make a plan from there.

A beautiful and functional addition to a backyard retreat might be a “folly.” In eighteenth-century Europe, follies were first built as decorative, non-functional, symbolic structures in gardens, representing classical virtues of the location—temples, pyramids, or abbeys—and were purposed to add whimsy or extravagance to the surrounding landscape. In today’s landscaping, a folly is built generally matching the style of the exterior of the main house and increasingly used as functional outdoor space.

Outdoor follies can either be created from repurposing existing outdoor structures or building new ones. There are numerous plans online for follies that match the architectural style of your home, as well as existing shed kits that may be purchased from home improvement stores and modified to your own needs. Be sure to check with neighborhood covenants before building to ensure that your planned structure falls within guidelines.

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

A trend that has become popular in today’s booming DIY culture is the “she shed”—a folly created by transforming backyard structures into beautiful and luxurious hideaways where women can escape the daily grind. Created for crafting, reading, relaxing, or indulging in a favorite hobby, the she shed offers its owner a welcome retreat from the unending list of chores staring back at her inside the home. No commute is required and the space can be customized to indulge the senses with favorite scents, luxurious linens and comfortable furniture for relaxing. Many she sheds offer modern conveniences such as electricity, internet connectivity and air-conditioning; some are even large enough that they may be used as small gathering spaces, should entertaining be something that brings joy.

Imagine your own current outdoor space. Is there a particular area to which you are drawn, where you might create a tranquil space for daily escape—a cozy nook, haven or folly? Begin planning now and you could transform the tiny retreat of your dreams by summer! ✦

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THE

real estate issue

STAGING TO SELL let us count the ways B Y C H U C K TAY LO R

“All the world’s a stage,” William Shakespeare wrote in his comedy “As You Like It.” The Bard was onto something. Relocating his family from Stratford, England, in 1599 across the river to Southwark and again in 1604 to an area north of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, we can assume he understood how to present each residence in its best light for potential buyers, yes?

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

F

ast forward about 415 years and the art of staging a property is now part and parcel in preparing for a sale. “First impressions are everything in selling your home,” Jane Blickenstaff, founder of Blickenstaff & Co. Realtors, tells Central Virginia Home. “Buyers often make quick decisions about a property, so put your best foot forward in the beginning, otherwise they will mark it off their list. Buyers rarely revisit homes that did not make a positive first impression.”

Most realtors now coach home sellers with tested tips and tools to attract the greatest number of potential buyers. In fact, home staging has become such an essential element in real estate marketing that entire firms are now dedicated to sweeping through both new and stale listings with a stable of updated furnishings and décor—such as Shows Great Photography and Staging, founded by Wanda Richards.

After working as a realtor for three decades, a friend asked if Richards would stage her vacant home. She added her own furniture and then—as a trained photographer—also provided images for the newly polished space. It had been on the market for months; following Richards’ “intervention,” a contract was written in less than 30 days. In 2018, her company also photographed

1,400 homes in Central and Southwest Virginia. She stresses that in addition to staging, “Studies have shown that professionally photographed homes sell faster and for more money.”

Central Virginia retailer and interior designer Moyanne Harding, developer of Estates on Commerce, has staging in mind as she readies 21 high-end luxury condos in a warehouse she is rehabbing downtown: “The most important thing in marketing a property is to stage it thoughtfully. That means intentional furniture with a unifying color scheme, in a space that is uncluttered, neat and clean.”

Local realtor Nadine Blakely of RE/MAX 1st Olympic adds, “Staging is not about decorating, but how to make your home appeal to the masses with a neutral, non-personal decor. The way we live in our home on a daily basis may require changes so buyers can imagine the ways they could live in the home.”

Whether hiring an outside firm or staging on your own, it all starts curbside. First impressions matter, Blickenstaff says.

“Exterior curb appeal is very important and simple improvements can greatly help.” This includes cleaning windows, pressure washing sidewalks, tidying up landscaping and mulch beds, freshening paint on the front door and adding flower pots at the front entrance. “These are details that say you care about your home and make if feel welcoming.”

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Once inside, it’s all about decluttering and cleaning, as in “hotel clean.” Let us count the ways: 1. Declutter everything. Less is more.

If necessary, consider a storage locker (or dumpster) to empty rooms. Staging is also depersonalizing. It’s about broad appeal and something everyone will like. “You want buyers to feel like they want to live in your home,” Blickenstaff contends. “So also use selling your home as an opportunity to ditch things that are not useful or beautiful.”

Rearrange or eliminate furniture pieces to create more open space and allow free movement. This makes rooms appear larger; overly furnished areas make spaces seem small.

2. Speaking of moving, since relocating is a big undertaking, it helps to establish four different piles: charity, throw away, for sale and what you want to keep. Keep the expense and effort of moving at the forefront when deciding what is precious enough to hold onto.

3. Painting is one of the least expensive tools to refresh a home and it delivers maximum Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

return. Light neutral colors make the home feel new and then bring in pops of color with pillows.

4. Hire a professional cleaning company to deep clean and steam clean carpets or replace if necessary. Be very (very!) mindful of pet odors.

5. Invite the light. Open blinds and window coverings, leave lamps on and change light bulbs to a brighter wattage. Use cooler daylight bulbs instead of the old-fashioned kind that cast a yellow glow.

6. The biggest bang for the buck in undertaking extensive updates is always the kitchen. Buyers love stainless steel appliances and stone countertops. Or it may be as easy as updating cabinet hardware.

“Once you have finished decluttering, deep cleaning and rearranging, you are ready for professional photos,” Blickenstaff says. “Realtors use these photos in all of their marketing.” She advises to take a few photos yourself and study them closely to determine if the home is ready. “If you’re happy with your pictures, then it’s time for the photographer to come in.”

And there’s more! Here are tips as valuable for listing photos as they are for the home staging: n Clean out closets. n Place new white towels in baths and replace shower curtains if they are old or faded. n Scrub down kitchen appliances. n Replace old window coverings. n Organize bookcases. Take out half of what fits. n Kitchen and bath counters should have minimal items

n n

n

n n

displayed. The coffeemaker can stay, but remove that bulky toaster oven. In the bath, remove…pretty much, everything.

Take a leaf out of the dining table.

Make repairs that matter. Fix squeaky doors, paint old wood paneling, repair chipped paint, remove worn carpets.

If hardwood floors are in disrepair, at the least place a new area rug over them. Replace shiny brass lights with modern fixtures, such as brushed nickel.

It’s a big deal, but remove wallpaper. Here’s a factoid: The top two turnoffs for potential buyers are pet smells and wallpaper.

Put away personal photos, religious items and personal awards. In other words, “Take yourself out of the picture.”

Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows and baseboards. A word to the wise: Blickenstaff notes, “Folks will look in your cupboards, under your sinks and in your closets.”

Alongside the staging “do’s,” there are plenty more “do nots” to heed. Foremost, don't take it personally. You are not selling your home; you are selling a house. To get top dollar, emotionally detach from thinking about those attending an open house as your guests. Don’t be offended by potential buyer feedback and trust in your realtor’s experience to know what works when staging.

“As realtors, we have a fresh set of eyes and we can help guide you through the process before offering your home for sale,” Blickenstaff stresses. “It definitely pays, not only in increasing your sale price, but in days on the market. You can help yourself by helping those buyers that have trouble visualizing.” ✦

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IMPROVE windows

the art of light

TIPS AND TRENDS IN REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

C

BY N O E L L E M I L A M

Chances are unless you live in a brand new home you have given some thought to replacement windows. Initially conceived as an affordable way to replace dated and inefficient windows without having to replace exterior materials of the home, replacement, or retrofit windows are designed to fit into an existing window opening. Historically these replacements were almost universally unimaginative: made of aluminum or vinyl, with plastic fittings. They were an improvement on drafty, single pane glass windows, but aesthetically, they were, in a word, blah.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

According to Reed Newton, Project Manager for Architectural Windows of Virginia, the number one reason motivating today’s homeowners to look at replacement windows is energy savings.

“There are many reasons our clients are looking at replacement windows for their homes,” explains Newton, “but energy efficiency is usually at the top of the list.”

Today’s replacement windows, however, are definitely not your grandmother’s replacement windows. They now come in multiple materials and colors, sporting technology and energy efficiency that would impress NASA. Thanks to an unfortunately short-lived tax break in 2009–2010, that sent many homeowners clamoring for energy efficient windows that actually complimented their homes, the industry responded with an exciting array of products to suit almost any taste and style of home. “In addition to energy efficiency, customers are looking to replace old or dilapidated windows with ones that are aesthetically pleasing, noise reducing and that compliment the style of their home,” says Newton. Quality replacement windows, when done right, have the potential to improve a home’s curb appeal, enhance its décor and increase a home’s value, all while saving homeowners money in heating and cooling costs every month.

Replacing a home’s windows is an investment, however and not a tiny one.

There are many styles of replacement windows out there—and many levels of quality as well. Homeowners considering window replacement should arm themselves with research: keeping in mind both their home’s location and age, as well as trends that best suit their individual home. As with most home improvements, a little bit of homework will ensure that you are getting the right product for your home.

Materials

Pre-World War II, there were mostly two types of window frame materials: wood and steel. Around the mid-century new technologies abounded, making lighter metals such as aluminum a cheaper alternative and this was followed closely by vinyl, so depending on the age of your home, you may be looking to change out these materials for today’s durable hybrids. Though vinyl window frames are still the most common, there are several materials used to manufacture replacement windows: wood, of course, c vhomemaga zine .com 85

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but also aluminum, wood composite, vinyl and even fiberglass composites. Components have been enhanced to improve durability to withstand most climates without peeling, fading or rotting. Most quality vinyl windows have 10-20 year guarantees.

Wood replacement windows are definitely the gold standard.

Today’s wood replacement windows undergo a process called “cladding” in which the wood—usually pine, fir, or mahogany— is wrapped (think wrapping paper on a birthday present) in a metal, such as aluminum, or a composite, such as fiberglass, making them exceptionally durable and low-maintenance. Steve Dawson, Manager of Neathawk Window and Door, explains that clad-products are increasingly popular in the replacement window market due to their versatility and durability. “The aluminum clad products enjoy a great deal of popularity because 8 6

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

they are extremely durable, come in a wide array of styles, options and colors and allow clients the benefit of the warmth and beauty of wood on the interior and the protection of cladding on the exterior.” Unlike un-clad wood replacements, clad-wood will never need to be painted and the products are guaranteed for up to 50 years. To add to the popularity of clad replacement windows, Newton also points out that replacement windows can be ordered, “pre-finished” in colors, so the frames won’t need painting. “Our customers love that replacement windows can be ordered pre-finished white, for example, to match the existing exterior and interior trim, which means that the windows will not need to be painted,” says Reed.

Ratings

Efficiency is key to this project, so how do you know you are looking at the most efficient products? According to both Dawson and Newton, the right place to start is by insisting upon products that are Energy Star certified. These products go through a rigorous certification process designed by the US Department

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JULY 31- AUGUST 4 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

BRING YOUR GAME

ST AT E G A M E S O FA M E R I C A . C O M As host state, anyone in Virginia can participate

HOME

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

of Energy and the EPA. Secondly, look for products that bear the National Fenestration Rating Council’s labels. These will include detailed information on the products such as U Factor (which measures the rate at which heat escapes the window), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (which measures how much solar radiation will penetrate the window) and Air Leakage. Look for products with airtight seals for window openings and double or even triplepaned glass filled with an insulating gas such as Argon.

Current trends

You’ve diligently done your research. You’ve found a line of windows that fits your budget and that meets or exceeds your efficiency guidelines. Now what? Well, now comes the fun part: individualizing the project for your own home with an eye to what you and your family will enjoy, what will compliment your home’s architecture and décor and what will have universal appeal should you decide to sell in the future. A look at a few current trends in the replacement window market should give you a sound starting point.

Replacement windows by definition are designed to replace existing windows and because of that are chosen to fit into the original window opening; the replacement window will be the same size and shape as the window it replaces. However, though conforming to an existing opening limits the size of your replacement window, it needn’t limit the other style choices. Are you interested in changing up the look of your classic doublehung paned windows for something more contemporary?

Consider the unfussy ease of pass-through sliders or the increased ventilation of today’s modern casements. There are many styles to choose from to give your home a new look while complimenting your home’s architectural style and age.

By far the most significant trend in recent years has been a departure from basic white replacement window frames. “Dark colors—black or even dark bronze are very popular now,” Dawson explains. Dark colored frames, black, brown, bronze, even dark hunter green, are popping up more and more in the residential market. Newton agrees. “While we still see a majority of people ordering white replacement windows around here, there has been a definite uptick in orders for colored frames. In fact, we carry more than 20 colors now and though we haven’t used every one, we are getting close.”

Fantastic new features, going beyond color and style, have been incorporated into today’s array of replacement windows.

Homeowners can now find replacements that have extra narrow frames, increasing the glass—and therefore the light—

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

inside your home. There are also replacement windows that have retractable screens, which eliminate the need to remove, store and replace window screens. There are even replacement windows designed with safety and security in mind— windows that come with integrated security systems, which align with your home’s existing security system and others that come with blinds between the glass panes providing an effortless way to achieve privacy without ever having to dust blinds again.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your home’s efficiency, replace ugly or non-functional windows, or simply increase the beauty of your home, replacement windows are an excellent choice. From space-age materials to exciting new colors, to features designed to make life safer and more relaxed, the new generation of replacement windows has a lot to offer area homeowners desiring an upgrade in energy efficiency and aesthetics. ✦

MEASURING ENERGY EFFICIENCY U-FACTORS: How fast a window will lose heat during cold weather.

The higher the number, the greater the heat loss a window displays.

Generally, look for a number lower than .3 SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC): How well a window will perform in the warmer months, by measuring how much solar radiation penetrates.

A good SHGC will be .32 or less.

AIR LEAKAGE: How much air passes through a window. The lower, the better. (.1 is the lowest possible, .2 is good, .3 is average and .4 and above is unacceptable)

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LIVE culinary corner

welcome neighbors!

PLANNING THE PERFECT GET-TOGETHER

BY M A RS H A G A L E

A

Although exciting, moving to a new home can be difficult and a bit lonely, regardless of whether the move is to a different neighborhood across town, or across the country.

Neighbors frequently want to welcome new-comers but grow tired of showing up with the same uninspired plates of brownies.

Sometimes it feels as though we go through the long, cold winter alone, barely seeing our neighbors. Now that the weather is warming up, people long to get outside and socialize. Throwing a block party can reacquaint old neighbors and welcome new ones.

Our neighborhood is made up of many cul-de-sacs, so we tend to gather in one of those. You can designate a front or back yard for the gathering—have “Cocktails on the Corner,” or if there is a public space nearby, have a “Party in the Park.”

Whatever you call it, the point is to get people together over food and drink and enjoy each others’ company. Keep the menu simple and ask everyone to bring something. You may want to assign certain types of food, so you don’t end up with six bowls of guacamole and no chips!

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

All of these recipes can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.

RANCH CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as an appetizer It’s nice to include an option for those who are eating low-carb, but these meatballs are so delicious, everyone will enjoy them!

1 pound ground chicken 1/2 c almond flour 2 T cream cheese (cut into small cubes to make mixing easier) 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix 1/2 t salt 1/4 t pepper 1/4 t garlic powder In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, almond flour, cream cheese, contents of the dry ranch packet, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Using wet hands, form the meat mixture into 1-1/2-inch round meatballs.

(The mixture should be sticky and wet hands help; keep wetting your hands as you go).

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. When hot, add the meatballs, working in batches and adjusting the temperature if the meatballs are browning too quickly. You just want to brown them a bit, they won’t be cooked all the way through. Once all the meatballs are browned, transfer to a baking sheet and bake in a 350 preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the meatballs register 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer or cut into a meatball to check that it is cooked through.

Wash the cilantro carefully to remove any sandy materials, dry and cut off the end of the stems. Twist the bunch, fold over and twist again.

Chop the leaves and stems.

Small-dice the onion and combine onion and cilantro on a cutting board. Sprinkle with salt. Chop through the pile with a chef’s knife, then take the side of the knife blade and press the salt into the onions and cilantro. Repeat chopping and pressing until the mixture resembles a chunky paste. I really think this is what makes my guacamole different.

To chop the jalapeno, wear gloves to avoid burning your fingers. Also, be careful not to touch your eyes while working with peppers. Remove seeds from the jalapeno (that’s where a lot of heat is), then finely chop the pepper.

Peel the avocados, removing the pits and place in a bowl with the onion/cilantro mixture. Mix with a fork to desired consistency. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture and taste. This is also when I add the jalapeno. Depending on the size of the avocados and the juiciness of the limes, you will probably want to add more lime juice. (I usually add the juice of one lime per avocado. This sounds like a lot, but it keeps the guacamole from turning brown and we love the tanginess.) I usually add extra salt as well, but it’s important to taste as you go as the ratio of ingredients is a little different every time.

These are very flavorful and moist by themselves, but dipping in Ranch dressing is also recommended. They can be served hot or at room temperature. (Adapted from the Instant Pot Keto Cookbook)

MARSHA’S CLASSIC GUACAMOLE Serves 6 (or sometimes 2—haha)

This is one of my most requested foods from friends, family and clients. My daughter and I took a cooking class in Mexico a couple of years ago and I learned the techniques. You can add tomatoes, garlic, etc., but I like to keep it simple.

2 ripe avocados 1 small bunch cilantro 1/2 small sweet onion Fresh jalapeno to taste 1/2 t kosher salt Juice of 1–3 limes

PINEAPPLE ROSE’ SANGRIA Makes 6 drinks

A signature cocktail can make a party feel special. Sometimes sangria can be overly sweet, but this one is light refreshing and quick to assemble. Just make sure you label the punch bowl or pitcher as “Adult Drink” and provide other non-alcoholic options for the kiddos and those who don’t wish to imbibe.

1 bottle chilled rosé 2 c chilled pineapple juice 1 pint raspberries 1 pint blackberries 1 c pineapple, chopped Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher, punch bowl, or even a vase.

Serve over ice. (Adapted from The Roasted Root) c vhomemaga zine .com 91

GROWN UP CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Makes about 30 cookies Years ago, I worked at the lovely kitchen store, Culina, in Lynchburg’s Boonsboro Shopping Center. Lance Yeatman taught a cookie class in the store’s kitchen and this was one of the recipes. I’ve made a few tweaks over the years; friends and family insist this is the only chocolate chip cookie I should make.

It requires a few special ingredients, but if you can’t find them at your grocery store, you can always order online. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 2/3 c packed brown sugar 1/2 c granulated sugar 1/4 c golden syrup (preferably Lyle’s— if your store has an international aisle, it’s in the British section) 1 large egg 1 T vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 1/4 c malted milk powder (preferably Carnation) 1/2 t instant espresso powder 2 3/4 c all-purpose flour 1 1/8 t salt

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1/2 t baking powder 1/4 t baking soda 1 pound bittersweet chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli 60% bittersweet baking chips) Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 375 degrees.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and golden syrup. Beat in egg, vanilla, malted milk powder and espresso powder.

Add flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda; stir until thoroughly combined.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls (or use a small ice cream scoop) 3 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake, one sheet at a time, for 10 minutes, until golden brown at the edges; the center will appear slightly under-cooked.

Transfer the sheet of baked cookies to a wire rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing cookies from parchment. ✦

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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DESIGN creative spaces

inspiration BROKERING

BY CA RT E R B E N DA L L

I

n whatever ways we spend our days, whether in business, science, trade, academia or art, humans have in common the innate drive to seek innovation, creativity, originality—in a word, inspiration. We take input from our spheres—family, friends, community, nature, news, advertising and physical surroundings—to solve problems and create our best output, whether for income or avocation.

Inspiration may be found in a garden view or landscape, a piece of art, a magazine ad or interesting article of clothing. Trends in fashion, home décor, media and art are interconnected and impact one another, pushing culture forward in a whirl of creative energy.

Colors provoke emotions, associations and reactions that affect how our brain perceives things. More than 16 million colors and hues define our world and have the power to impact emotion, bringing on feelings of calm, energy, anger, happiness and nostalgia.

Interior design directly affects our mood, outlook and productivity. Real estate professionals, like interior designers, are often inspired by spaces in their own homes, drawing from their surroundings creativity that translates into delivering their personal best service as advisors and agents for their clients and customers.

Realtors wear many hats as they are called upon to be interior designers, sounding boards, interpreters and strategists. Victoria Bartholomew is a local realtor with Flint Property Group who specializes in downtown and historic properties and often fulfills many of these roles. When asked what in her own home inspires her to be her most creative, she reflects, “My house inspires me every day to help others choose to restore historic homes and preserve the important and unique historic character of our city.”

Her favorite creative space is her renovated dining room with its dark, saturated color. Victoria says that dark colors make her feel alive and invigorated. Line prints hanging on the wall are perspective charts from her grandfather’s time in architecture school. The mid-century modern dining room set was purchased through an open house she happened upon as an agent; she asked the owner’s aunt if he had any interest in parting with some of the mid-century furniture before he moved; fast forward to closing— he sold every piece of his collection to her, a win-win for both parties.

Victoria loves the room’s unpainted woodwork and finds inspiration in its antique beauty every day. She says, “The original unpainted woodwork, along with the location in Diamond Hill is why we purchased this house. Once you have removed paint from woodwork you realize how valuable it is to find it in its original condition. My home is absolutely my favorite place and inspires me to help others find that same feeling.”

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Stevie Savage, a realtor with John Stewart Walker for over 30 years, is at her most creative in the family’s den. With a creamcolored sofa and two club chairs, there is ample room for friends and family to gather and even kick up their feet on the cushy ottoman. Streams of natural light pour into the room through the bay window that overlooks the deck; the walls are lined with books chock full of design ideas and family mementos. Texture is found in the throw pillows and jute rug. Stevie comments, “Cozy spaces inspire me to think of the finer moments in life and consequently, what might be a good fit for my clients.” Stevie values her time with her family; her den is truly a haven for warm and wonderful gatherings.

Mary Morrison Sloan, a realtor with John Stewart Walker, draws inspiration for her clients from her three young boys.

She says, “When I stare at the backpacks, sports equipment and musical instruments of my three sons, it reminds me that I need to focus on the busy and sometimes hectic home lives of my clients; I make sure that prospective properties are able to accommodate their current and future needs. Moms appreciate storage space and this mom knows the value of built-in storage!” Seeing the dayto-day items of her young family allows her mind to bloom and dream about how she can help other families as well.

Jane Blickenstaff, with Blickenstaff & Company Realtors, has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Purdue University and an eye for architectural elegance. Being in the business for over 35 years, she can envision and articulate the potential in properties and thus help clients in a wide array of areas. In her own home, the successful broker has found that updating her kitchen and dining room has really stretched her creative mind. She has replaced outdated chandeliers with bold and modern, large scale lighting. She has changed out her traditional wooden dining room chairs for cloth covered ones. It makes dining cozier and ups the “wow factor” in her sophisticated space. “Lighting, kitchen design and overall great spaces help me to help my clients picture homes that they want to buy,” says Blickenstaff.

In her lake house, one room in particular really sings to Blickenstaff. She loves the enclosed porch that overlooks the lake in the back of the house. Drawing on her love of blue and white and preference for clean lines, Jane added pops of coral to add interest in the white room. Graphic modern art, ginger jars and bamboo furniture round out the rooms appeal. In this space, Jane can relax and let herself be inspired by her surroundings, both inside and out.

These rooms—each the result of a distinctive exploration of curiosity—deliver inspiration through color, texture, pattern and line; all provide pathways to the creative work, service and solutions of these women’s work as real estate professionals. ✦ Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

STEVIE SAVAGE’S DEN

JANE BLICKENSTAFF’S ENCLOSED PORCH

VICTORIA BARTHOLOMEW’S DINING ROOM c vhomemaga zine .com 95

DESIGN multi-functional furniture

Versatile Furniture

DOES DOUBLE DUTY

T

B Y A LY S S A M E R C A DA N T E

he urge to declutter this time of year is practically inescapable. Spring has officially sprung and with that, we yearn for freshness and simplicity. The desire may seem even stronger these days with the increasingly popular Marie Kondo mantra making its way into our lives. If you haven’t heard of her yet (do you live under a rock?), Kondo is a professional organizer and author with a brand-new Netflix series out called Tidying Up With Marie Kondo and she is all the rage right now.

Her method involves keeping only things that “spark joy,” treasuring what you have and creating displays for you to value each individual object. Perhaps you have a cherished piece of furniture that you truly cannot part ways with, but you aren’t quite sure what to do with it. Or maybe you need ideas for making the most of smaller rooms. I’m not here to preach to you about Kondo’s ways, but I am here to help you simplify those tight spaces and expand functionality with pieces of furniture that do double duty.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

When it comes to furniture in smaller rooms or spaces, built-in storage is an absolute must. There literally isn’t room for useless pieces, so each item should have a purpose, or even better, multiple purposes. Ottomans are a great example of versatility in that some open up to reveal a tray and storage space to be used for kids’ toys, remotes, video game controllers and more. These are usually pretty lightweight and can be moved around the room easily and used as footrests, side tables, or even extra seating when needed. A pretty and cozy storage bench goes along the same lines by housing blankets, pillows, or shoes, also providing additional seating. Coffee tables can be designed to contain large drawers or hidden compartments to use as storage. Some can even open up to reveal a cooler!

A bookshelf is probably one of the most modifiable pieces of furniture. Of course, it can always be used as intended—to hold books—but there are so many other great ways to organize and display different objects using bookcases. As a media console, store all your movies, music, gaming devices, TV boxes and more. Organize your shoe collection shelf by shelf and allow for easy access by using them in a mudroom, entryway area, or closet A smaller bookshelf could be used as a nightstand and serve as a stylish way to store your bedside needs. For a spalike touch, place a small-scale bookshelf in a bathroom to hold towels and other essentials. A large bookcase could be used as a makeshift wall to divide a room—just pull the bookshelf away from the wall, library-style. Make sure to stabilize and secure bookshelves to the floor or wall to prevent them from tipping and becoming safety hazards.

Make the most out of the furniture you already have and give your favorite heirloom and traditional pieces new flavor by using a little ingenuity and inventiveness. Take the armoire, for example, which usually houses linens, coats, or other clothing in the bedroom. Since most houses are equipped with fairly spacious closets these days, try thinking outside the box and come up with another, more useful, design for your freestanding cabinet. Perhaps it could be used as an office workspace— storing papers, books, file folders, pens and markers and a laptop—that can all be closed at a moment’s notice. A chic, vintage wardrobe could be used for extra storage in the dining room.

An old bachelor’s chest doesn’t have to be just for garment storage; a beautiful, substantial chest could be used as an island in the kitchen. Add rear cabinets and a marble or granite top and you’ve got yourself a new piece of furniture. For a less intimidating project with a smaller chest, install front hinges on

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the top drawer, slide it out and transform it into a “bar cart” in the blink of an eye.

A vintage secretary can also be used as a small bar area.

Store an assortment of fancy drinking glasses in the shelf area behind pretty, glass doors and use the desk portion as a spot for a tray filled with bottles and all of the necessities.

Add a vase with flowers or a small lamp to give the older piece a pop of new life. The same style of furniture could also be used as a linen closet in a guest room or bathroom.

Perhaps you have inherited dining table that doesn’t get much use. Rather than letting it sit there useless, why not push the table up against a wall when not entertaining guests and use it as a desk or office area. You could even make it kid-friendly by cutting down the legs and creating a place for children to do arts and crafts. Dressers are also versatile pieces that can be used for silverware and linen storage, as nightstands, or as television and media consoles.

Now is a perfect time to inventory space and furnishings you already have and evaluate how to best use them.

What can you consolidate and simplify? What wasted furniture pieces can be refreshed and brought back to life by simply moving them to a new room and giving them a new purpose? Using a little imagination and mixing things up can go a long way to make every piece of furniture customizable to your needs, yet still “fit” in a fresh way.

Make this spring your season to re-think, re-purpose and re-use! ✦

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Building Community

AT A HOME AND GARDEN SHOW PHOTOS: MICHAEL PATCH

B Y A M A N DA A DA M S

When Perry Payne Presents and HOME magazine asked me to participate in the 2019 Greater Lynchburg Home and Garden Show, I was honored and happy to say “yes,” not knowing of course what I was saying “yes” to. Whatever I was expecting or imagining paled when I stepped into the show space. An abandoned department store had been transformed into a series of professionally designed exhibit and education spaces, each staffed by friendly, personable and informative hosts. The warmth and hospitality inside stood in sharp contrast to the cold, rainy weather.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

I appreciated the stage and schedule of speakers. There were many subjects presented with ample opportunity for audience interaction. The exhibitors were some of the most seasoned experts in their respective fields, offering advice, products and services that could fulfill any homeowner’s needs. The relaxed pace afforded much opportunity for discussion, especially with our three out-of-town guests who generously gave of their time to travel to Lynchburg.

John Pfifer Marrs was a delight to meet. It was not unexpected for this Texan and interior designer to exclaim his appreciation for “clients who are big thinkers.

If they can dream it, I can decorate it.” He had marvelous advice and inspiration for all of us who find ourselves keepers of great Aunt Sally’s chifferobe and Uncle John’s collection of walking canes.

For their 2019 Honor Awards, it comes as no surprise that the American College of Building Arts (ACBA) recognized the legacy of Mayor Joe Riley and his impact on making Charleston, South Carolina, one of the best places in America to live and work. The Honorable Mr. Riley joined forces behind John Paul Huguley to create the American College of the Building Arts. As the construction industry changes,

Participating in the Home Show was a great way to connect with other local business and to introduce myself and my services to those who came to the event.

KATHY POTTS DECORATING DEN The Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show by far is the best expo or home show I have experienced. I’m not just saying this because it took place at my property, Julie and Perry truly transformed a blank space into the most spectacular and beautiful event. No detail was spared and the sense of community and businesses supporting other businesses was outpouring during this show.

I have never seen so much talent, passion, and inspiration in one room. I am so proud to have played just a small role in this event. It’s one I’ll never forgot and will be tough to beat.”

KATIE FARRIS, MARKETING DIRECTOR, RIVER RIDGE MALL Virginia Found Goods was thrilled to be part of the Greater Lynchburg Home and Garden Show. We got to share our love of vintage and help people incorporate it in their homes.

DEBORAH SIROCKMAN VIRGINIA FOUND GOODS The home expo surpassed our expectations!

The amount of foot traffic was incredible, due to the quality and quantity of vendors and the affordable cost to visit, and it was lovely to meet people who had never been in our shop. We have had the pleasure of seeing many of them already coming into our brick and mortar, after seeing a sampling of what we offer. The seminars were very informative, and with so many people attending it was great to spread the word about “Designing on a Dime,” which we had the pleasure of putting on. We are looking forward to participating again, with great feedback from guests about how it was so good to have something like this back in our city!

ASHLEY HILBISH CURTAINS, BLINDS & BATH Great show! I loved the programs, informational, fun and entertaining! We met a lot of people that we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet and reconnected with people too. It’s great when you can meet with people face to face!

HOLLY L. ROARK FIRST BANK AND TRUST

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The Home & Garden Show exceeded our expectations.

We made 20 appointments and got at least 60 good leads.

TREY NEIGHBORS A-PLUS LAWN CARE The Home & Garden Show knocked it out of the park in all categories! We made at least 15 appointments and have had many people call for appointments since the show.

Very well done!

JASON NUCKOLS VINYL PORCH RAIL CO The Show benefited our business very much! We didn’t just get leads, we set 13 appointments which is better than the last three Roanoke shows.

RANDY DINWIDDIE BATH PLANET The Greater Lynchburg Home Show was an overall exceptional experience for my company. We set 15-20 appointments and have many leads to follow up with.

TRACY WHITE BETTER BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

the old ways of building are threatened with extinction. There is a direct correlation between preservation and training of a new generation of “educated artisans,” as John Paul describes the graduates of ACBA. Some of these graduates were able to join John Paul in Lynchburg. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the charming Daniella Helline and Cooper Ball of Charleston Rose Artisans. They generously gave of their time and expertise to provide me and others a tiny taste of stone carving. It was intoxicating! If a suggestion box is available, please receive our suggestion of bringing a “Chip and Sip” experience to Lynchburg. I’ll be first in line!

Last but not least, was Doug Wilson, of TLC’s Trading Spaces. Doug has a reputation for his dramatic and sometimes confrontational style, which certainly makes him a fan favorite in the world of reality television. However, for those who got to hear and speak with him in the intimate and informal setting of the Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show, we discovered so much more. From his childhood on an Illinois farm to his deeply personal connection to Ronald McDonald House Charities, we 102

discovered that Doug Wilson is not someone you want to “trade spaces” with; rather, he’s someone you want as your lifelong neighbor and friend.

All of the vendors and volunteers brought so much energy to the event. Personally, one of my favorite workshops was the “For What It’s Worth” antiques appraisal booth—a tiny “Antiques Roadshow,” right here in Lynchburg. We had the best time with visitors who brought in their treasures to discuss the pieces’ histories and to identify them. Some items’ legacies may remain mysteries, but we had great fun in identifying at least one of the items half of a sterling silver, antique claw-foot ice tong—who knew?!

Community is often an ill-defined and over-used word. However, I truly feel that the Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show brought together a community of like-minded, talented craftspeople, designers and a plethora of home and garden products and service providers along with the faithful stewards of our rich building heritage. These are the things that build community and make Lynchburg HOME! ✦ Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

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GARDEN blooms about town Historic Garden Day is hosted by Lynchburg Garden Club and Hillside Garden Club. Tour headquarters will be 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 Known as “America’s Largest Open House,” Virginia’s Historic Garden Week features over 29 tours across the state and comes to Lynchburg Tuesday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience 200 years of history in scenic Lynchburg and the surrounding counties. Stroll through the gardens, orchards and grounds of three unique properties on Fox Hill Road. Visit a unique downtown loft downtown on Lynchburg’s Bluffwalk and take a quick jaunt to Sweet Briar’s newly renovated President’s home.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Ridgecrest, 1651 Fox Hill Road

A tour of Ridgecrest is featured in this issue beginning on page 60.

This Federal-style house was built in 1822 in Halifax County. It was later dismantled and moved to Fox Hill Road by its current owners and is on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. All original rooms were left intact, though some of the interiors were modified to accommodate the needs of a modern family. Visitors are welcomed by English boxwoods and a grand portico. All doors have been grained in mahogany and tiger maple like the originals. Color schemes and finishes were matched by elaborate paint analysis of the original woodwork. The entrance hall is papered with a pattern that dates to 1790; it depicts a patriotic scene known as “4 July 1776.” Also featured is a painted floor cloth by John Kraus inspired by the graining patterns of the house. All mantels are from the original home except for the replica in the parlor. Behind the house, a formal garden features dwarf boxwoods and chestnut roses.

Outbuildings include a privy, well and smokehouse, as well as a summer kitchen with brickwork done by masons from Monticello.

Dr. Stephanie Sullivan and Dr. Robert Sullivan, Jr., owners.

ERIN McWANE — REAL ESTATE —

434.238.8675 • erinmcwane@gmail.com

The Cabin, 1589 Fox Hill Road

This 1970s house was acquired by its owners when they added 20 acres to their existing property. The house features a large central room with vaulted ceilings, wide-plank pine floors and a large stone fireplace. To make the house appear more rustic, the owners enlisted Colin Anderson to create a log-cabin façade for the house’s interior and exterior. A large chandelier made from 98 whitetail deer antler sheds is a focal attraction, along with taxidermy specimens native to Virginia including buffalo, elk, whitetail deer and mountain lion. A tavern cage bar anchors the main room inspired by an historic tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Outside, the front porch affords views of the grounds and outbuildings. A place of relaxation and solitude, the cabin is a favorite weekend retreat, located just a short walk from the more formal main house next door.

Dr. Stephanie Sullivan and Dr. Robert Sullivan, Jr., owners.

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2056 Fox Hill Road

Situated on a bluff overlooking the James River, this authentic log cabin was constructed in 1938 by neighbors during a weekend barn raising. The original structure, built as a hunting lodge, comprised one large great room, with a loft above and another small room below. A kitchen, three bedrooms and

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

two bathrooms were later added. The current owners completed a third addition in 2015. The cabin is decorated with a blend of antiques and rustic American pieces. Of special interest are handcarved ducks and a painting of an old tavern at Salt Creek near Elon by the owner’s brother. Behind the cabin and overlooking the river are the owner’s vegetable and herb gardens. The landscaping of the property uses deerresistant plantings such as boxwood, hellebores, laurels, St. John’s wort, daffodils and ornamental grasses. A smaller cabin on the property is often used for family and guests and is also open for the tour; the rugs and carved wooden objects within are from Poland and were gifts to Dr. Eppes from his aunt.

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Eppes, Jr., owners.

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1102 Commerce Street

This stylish loft is located in a downtown building built in the 1800s as a wagon factory, which later served as the Eastern Electric Company. The current owners gutted and redesigned the building as a Mexican hacienda. Perched atop Bootleggers Restaurant, the loft overlooks Lynchburg’s Lower Bluffwalk, a pedestrian walkway offering stunning views of the James River and Blue Ridge beyond. The home’s metalwork, staircase railings and master bedroom grates were custom-made in Mexico from designs drawn by the owners. The trompe l’oeil paintings in the powder room and living area are the work of Mrs. Borel, as are the bathroom vanities. All cabinetry was built in and shipped from Mexico. Of special interest are the exterior copper awnings, kitchen hood and island, all hand-made by an elderly Mexican artist who begins his process by sketching his creations onto a dirt floor; he also produced all the home’s ironwork. The living room coffee table was made from a railroad casting found during construction when the owners cleared the property. The owners take particular delight in their view of the trains, river and everexpanding activity of downtown Lynchburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borel, owners.

434.237.6243

Milano's Italian Restaurant

LUNCH TUES - FRI, SUN 11:30 AM -2 PM 1 1 0

MILANOSOFLYNCHBURG.COM PEAKLANDLLC@YAHOO.COM

434-384-3400

SUN 11AM to 10PM MON- CLOSED TUES-THURS 11AM-10 PM FRI 11AM -11PM SAT 4PM- 11PM Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Sweet Briar House, Sweet Briar, College

Nestled on the campus of Sweet Briar College, this has been home to the college’s presidents since 1906 and was designated a Virginia Landmark in the 1970s; it also is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The original farmhouse was built in the 1790s and was purchased in 1830 by Elijah Fletcher, a schoolteacher from Vermont. Called “Sweetbrier” for the wild roses on the property, it was enlarged in 1851 with the addition of tower wings inspired by Italianate architecture experienced by the Fletchers in Europe and furnished with pieces purchased in New York and Philadelphia. After Elijah’s death in 1858, his daughters Indiana and Elizabeth inherited the home; by 1860, Indiana was its sole owner and renamed the plantation “Sweet Briar.” When she died, she left the house and all its land for establishment of a college for women. The college’s first president Mary K. Benedict used Sweet Briar House as her residence as does the current president. The home’s interior, recently and exquisitely restored with the assistance of the Richmond-based design firm of Glavé & Holmes, is filled with furnishings original to the house. It is surrounded by gardens that were restored by the Garden Club of Virginia.

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PLACES OF INTEREST OFFERING FREE ADMISSION TO HGW TICKET HOLDERS Anne Spencer House and Garden, 1313 Pierce Street

This Queen Anne-style house, a National Register landmark, 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.

Many nationally known Harlem Renaissance visitors, civil rights leaders and prominent African Americans were guests of the Spencers through the years. Anne loved both poetry and gardening. Her husband, Edward, crafted a garden for her and garden cottage named “Edankraal.” The garden is divided into enchanting “rooms” by a wisteria pergola and grape arbor.

Edankraal was a retreat for Anne and a source of inspiration for many of her poems. Beginning in 1983, the garden was restored to its 1937 appearance by Hillside Garden Club, which continues its routine maintenance. The garden has twice won the Common Wealth Award from the Garden Club of Virginia.

annespencermuseum.com.

Miller-Claytor House & Garden, 2200 Miller Claytor Lane

Lynchburg’s only remaining 18th-century townhouse was originally located downtown and moved to Riverside Park in 1936. The garden was designed by noted landscape architect Charles F. Gillette and is typical of the period. The gardens are a project of the Lynchburg Garden Club and a 2012 winner of the Common Wealth Award given by the Garden Club of Virginia. lynchburghistoricalfoundation.org/millerclaytor.

Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street

History and horticulture abound in this restored public cemetery, established in 1806. The entrance gatehouse was a Garden Club of Virginia Common Wealth Award project.

There is a Confederate section with more than 2,200 graves of soldiers from 14 states. Five small museums are located on the grounds. Described as a “grave garden,” the cemetery is an arboretum of historic plants with specimens botanically labeled, including more than 200 antique roses, medicinal herbs, a butterfly garden and pond, shrub garden, antique daffodils and hundreds of native and ornamental trees. The cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. gravegarden.org.

Point of Honor, 112 Cabell Street

Sited in Daniel’s Hill overlooking the James River, Point of Honor is a Virginia Historic Landmark, an example of Piedmont

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Federal architecture. Built in 1815 for Dr. George Cabell, the house is distinguished by its octagonal façade and finely crafted interior woodwork. Dr. Cabell (1766-1823) was a prominent Virginia surgeon and Patrick Henry’s close personal friend and physician. He married Sarah Winston, Patrick Henry’s cousin, in 1792. Inherited by William Lewis Cabell upon the death of his mother in 1826, the mansion was renovated in 1828. In 1830, Judge William Daniel inherited the property.

The mansion has been restored to its original appearance and furnished with period pieces. In 1977-78, with proceeds from Historic Garden Week, the Garden Club of Virginia began restoration of the grounds. pointofhonor.org.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest

Built by Thomas Jefferson in 1809 as his 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. The design of the house is highly idealistic.

Exterior walls form an equal-sided octagon. Inside, the space is divided into four elongated octagons surrounding a perfect 20-foot cube lit from a 16-foot skylight. In 2009, the exterior restoration was completed; the interior work continues.

Jefferson integrated man-made and natural features into his landscape design for Poplar Forest. Additionally, he interpreted a five-part Palladian plan—a central structure flanked by two wings ending in pavilions—but substituted double rows of paper mulberry trees for the right wing and earthen mounds for the pavilions. Through the support of the Garden Club of Virginia, the historic landscape on the north side of the house is being transformed back to Mr. Jefferson’s original vision. poplarforest.org.

Lynchburg Art Club, 1011 Rivermont Ave.

Since its founding in 1895, the Lynchburg Art Club has promoted and celebrated visual fine art in Central Virginia and is now one of the oldest clubs of its kind in the country. The Club’s Permanent Collection includes paintings by various club members through its history, beginning with work by founding member Bernard Gutmann, who has been called America’s Impressionist. Selections from the Collection are displayed in its first-floor galleries along with changing exhibitions.

lynchburgartclub.org. ✦

Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

THE LAST WORD John Phifer Marrs John Marrs is one of the premier interior designers of the South and is known for an elegant, fresh and inviting style that many call “The New Southern Style.” His interiors reflect his southern roots and combine a sense of the past with comfort and convenience.

I don’t know if I was hungry for affection, needing a good Southern “howdy do” or a slap on the back, but my recent visit to Lynchburg was better than a good soothing balm of buttermilk on a hot summer’s day. I think I forgot what nice was—not that people in Texas aren’t nice. They are, but Texas nice is a different kind: “in-a-hurry-nice,” or “because-they-need-something-nice.” I like nice just for the sake of being nice; that’s my kind of “nice.”

After my last talk at the Greater Lynchburg Home and Garden Show, two nice folks heard me mention that I would love to visit Poplar Forest. Before I knew it, they had tucked me into their SUV and whisked me off to Mr. Jefferson’s as if they had nothing else in the world to do, even though I’m sure they had visited there many times. That is nice.

I loved every minute of my Lynchburg weekend. Seeing Jefferson’s home was such a treat for my architecture-loving side, as was the history and beauty of the setting. I was blown away by folks being so generous in sharing with me their pride in their city and its treasures. I loved staying at the newly restored Virginian Hotel; the old gal has her dignity back and is lovely again, in a chic but comfortable way. The stunningly restored Academy of Music once again sparkles—the gem of the city, ready for another hundred years of productions to delight one and all. A stop for the perfect southern breakfast at Market & Main just about put me over the top—I can still taste those spiced apples.

Newly found friends warmed my soul, sharing their heartfelt love, not only for the local landscape but also for the monuments and old buildings of Lynchburg, the history and love of the south. Dinner and drinks became more than a meal; it was a sharing of ideas, thoughts and dreams.

It reminded me of growing up in a family of strong personalities that could sit around the dinner table, talking, laughing and telling stories for hours, where I quickly figured out how to get a word in edgewise; I’ve never shut up since.

TEXAS GUY GETS A GOOD DOSE OF SOUTHERN COMFORT AT THE GREATER LYNCHBURG HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Anyway, thanks for listening, Lynchburg; I can’t wait to come back soon and sit a spell when I need another nip of that Sweet, Lynchburg “nice.”

John Phifer Marrs

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ADVERTISER index Academy Center of the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Lynchburg Regional Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Accents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Alpaca By Jaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Maddox Air & Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Bailey Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Main Street Eatery and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Beacon Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Market at Main. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Bloom by Doyles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Member One Federal Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Boonsboro Direct Primary Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Merry Maids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Bowen Jewelry Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Milanos Italian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Bruce Carrington, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Monkee's of Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Budget Blinds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Monster Tree Service of Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Castle Garage Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Moyanne Harding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Central Virginia Business Coalition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104-105

Nadine Blakely, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Central Virginia Orthodontics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Nancy Brandt, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Childrens Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . 33

National Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

CLC Incorporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Next Time Consignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cottage Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Paisley Gifts & Stationery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Daniele Mason, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Peakland Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Decorating Den Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Peaksview Settlement Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Designer Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Persian Rugs & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Dr. Kevin Midkiff, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Piedmont Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Endstation Theatre Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Piedmont Floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Erin McWane, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Pinnacle Cabinetry & Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Estates & Consignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

PIP Printing & Marketing Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Fabulous Finds SML. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Pok-e Joe's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Farm Basket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Rainfrost Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Favored Flavors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Riley Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Select Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Fink's Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Southern Landscape Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

First Bank & Trust Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Southern Provisions Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Flint Property Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Spectrum Stone Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Francis Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

St Jude Children's Research Hospital ALSAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Givens Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Stones n' Bones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Gladiola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Suzy Q, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41

Sweet Peas Lighting and DĂŠcor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Harry's Bakery & Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Terrell E Moseley, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Hickey Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Terry Volkswagen Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings and Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

The Art Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Integrity Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Isabella's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

The Floor Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

James River Ironworks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

The Little Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

James T. Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

The Shoppes of Altavista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Jeremiah Cochenour, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

The Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Judy Frantz, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

The UP Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Just Liz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

The Vinyl Porch Rail Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Kathy Terrell, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Valley View Retirement Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Laura Simms Webb, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Virginia Amateur Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Lauren Bell Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Virginia Building Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Love is in the Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Virginia Garden Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Lynchburg Aesthetics and Wellness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Westminster Canterbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lynchburg City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Wired Up Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Lynchburg Dental Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Your Community Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@cvhomemagazine.com.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019

Outdoor Living at its Finest!

Make this the year you transform your outdoor space into a functional and beautiful place to relax and entertain!

Our national award-winning team can help you explore an array of exciting possibilities. Whether you are interested in an elegant patio, deck, pathways, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pool, hot tub, pergola or complete outdoor living space, we’ll make your back

Call us at 434.821.6004 or visit us on the web at soscapes.com to schedule a consultation.

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Central Virginia HOME Spring 2019