Presenting the 2012 Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes
By: Angelika Taylor, 2012 Tour of Homes Chair
The 2012 Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes is right around the corner and the TOH committee has been working hard to make sure this year’s event is a fun and successful one. In addition to nine outstanding restaurants, there are eight spectacular homes on the tour and we just can’t keep it a secret any longer so here’s a sneak peak at this year’s lineup.
Each home is different and has its own personality, character and style. As you browse through the brief descriptions, start planning your Tour of Homes weekend. Tickets go on sale in November and this would be the perfect event to kick off the holidays with your friends, family and out of town guests. And remember – tour tickets make excellent gifts as well.
For more information on this year’s Tour of Homes – including how you can get involved by volunteering – don’t forget to visit our recently updated website at www.vahitourofhomes.org.
1 - 957 Rosedale Road: 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 - 1089 Rosedale Road: An art enthusiast's dream home. The homeowners’ impressive collection of local and internationally known artists has been carefully displayed in every room of this house. An open airy kitchen and family rooms lead you outside where the art continues. Lush landscaping surrounds a Palm Springs-esque swimming pool and garden.
3 - 1109 Los Angeles Drive: A gorgeous renovation of an original 1926 Tudor/Bungalow home, its rumored that at one time a member of Margret Mitchell’s family lived there. During recent renovations the current owners found a signature on the inside of one of the original door frames signed “Mr. Mitchell”. This home has one of our favorite kitchens on the tour.
4 - 1030 N. Virginia Avenue: Built in 1929, this cute frame white house is a true little gem. While the current owners walked into a perfectly well preserved home, in 1996 they renovated the upstairs for a teen suite and in 2011 they took on their kitchen. One of the highlights, the kitchen is a throwback vintage/modern feel complete with 50’s style Big Chill appliances. You will find this little unassuming home is chock full of the past but makes use of every inch of space for a small family.
5 - 1139 Lanier Boulevard: This Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Prairie-style home was custom designed and is entirely new construction. Built by the homeowner himself, this home features extensive millwork/trim of tulip poplar, which was locally harvested. You don’t want to miss this one.
6 - 1029 Kentucky Avenue: Once a small 2 bedroom- 1 bath Tudor cottage in 1928, now a 5 bedroom – 4 bath home with three finished floors and a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. This home features a wine cellar, bar and spectacular outdoor living. The back yard boasts a serene setting centered around a beautiful lighted spa and waterfall.
7 - 760 Elkmont Drive: A 1930’s original bungalow floor plan, this home is an inspiring example of casual yet luxe renovations. The floors, doors and built-ins remain originals and the color scheme both inside and out aspire to evoke a coastal California beach cottage feel. The master bedroom and retreat spa bath are one of a kind and a must see.
8 - 630 Orme Circle: After a 1995 fire, this 1920 Craftsman Bungalow was fully restored to its original charm and opened as a Bed & Breakfast in 1996 in time to host international guests to the Summer Olympics. This B&B has 5 bedrooms and 5 baths all distinctively decorated with an eclectic collection of turn of the 20th century antiques and mid century modern collectables. The owner, a master gardener, designed the extensive gardens which are part of the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Worldwide Labyrinth Project. Open year round, this Bed and Breakfast is a special place to stay.