Presenting the 2013 Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes

1 – 1162 Briarcliff Place
The oldest home on the tour, built in 1910, the homeowners kept the original floors on the main level along with a few rooms and then they took it down to the studs. In the crawl space below they added 18 steel pillars to support the house. Their extensive renovation reveals a comfy, spacious cottage style home with serious “wow” factor influencing the owners’ passion for art and entertaining.

2 – 885 Arlington Place
When two oak trees fell on this home in 2009 the structural damage to the 1920’s bungalow was so severe that only some of the foundation, two exterior walls and the fireplace could be saved. It was rebuilt with a focus on recreating the style of the original house plus a few modern additions – think open kitchen and closets. It’s a fantastic example of exacting quality and attention to detail. Be sure to see the flooring and handrail on the stairs leading to the basement. They are reclaimed wood from the original home.

3 – 896 Arlington Place
Fresh, airy and bright, this well designed home with gallery-like spaces is entirely new construction. Its open plan design flows effortlessly through three finished levels and continues seamlessly to the outdoor lounging terraces and back lawn. An art lovers dream, it features iconic modern furnishings and a stellar contemporary art collection including graffiti wall art. You won’t want to miss this one.

4 – 1099 Lanier Blvd
Built in the 1930’s and renovated in the late 90’s this sophisticated home is flush with elegant yet comfortable style. Gone is the dark and gloomy rental property of the 80’s and in its place is an intimate home spanning three finished levels. One of the highlights is the master bedroom suite. An extension of the homes original attic, it boasts striking angles and wood clad walls that add a dose of drama to the tranquil sanctuary. The cozy, stone lined terrace level opens to a naturally shady landscape featuring a treasured 46-foot tall silver oak.

5- 1214 North Highland Ave
Tucked away behind historic boxwood hedges, this 1930’s classic was recently updated to include a new master suite, screened porch, lower terrace guest bedroom suite and a garage. Much larger than it appears from the street, this sprawling three-level home is a great example of successfully merging the old with the new. From its custom concrete counters to designer chandeliers and well selected turn-of-the-century antiques, the home’s romantic, vintage vibe make this one a must see.

6 – 648 Orme Circle
The bespoke and genteel appeal of this 2006 Craftsman-style home greets you at the front door. The result of a major overhaul to the first floor that was completed in September 2013, impeccable designer touches can be seen in the new, custom kitchen, dining room, living room, keeping room and stunning, reconfigured master suite. A handsome mix of textures and alluring finishes, like leathered granite counter tops and hand-finished wood floors, take the quality of this renovation to new levels. It’s one of our favorite kitchens on the tour.

7 – 688 Cooledge Ave Once a two bedroom, one bath house built in 1922, this home was given new life in 2012 when it was transformed into a luxurious four bedroom, three and one half bath retreat. The homeowners preserved the original Georgian Revival exterior entrance, first floor framing and white oak floors – the rest is brand new. Imported marble from Greece, floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the back of the house and a palm-lined outdoor oasis complete with pool are just a few of the signature details you’ll love about this designer home. 

8 – 921 Ponce Place
This home’s stately stone exterior is the perfect segue to the cultivated aesthetic you will find inside. Built in 2005, it is the largest home on the tour with three finished levels, four bedrooms, four full baths, two half-baths and three stacked stone fireplaces. It is furnished with many family heirlooms, including a custom 1890’s Steinway grand piano made of Brazilian rosewood. The piano belonged to the homeowner’s Great-Grandmother whose portrait (painted in the 1940’s) hangs in the dining room. You’ll take in both history and style at this address.