Southern Living- styled hospitality

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

SUFFOLK

Inviting readers into picture-perfect homes is standard fare among shelter magazines.

Now, Southern Living magazine's jaw-dropping design ideas have made their way off the pages and into reality in northern Suffolk.

No longer bound by print, the fully decorated Falkirk Ridge at The Riverfront is a Southern Living Showcase Home, highlighting the best in today's home-building industry. Its floorplan is featured in the magazine's May issue; a feature article will follow, though no date has been confirmed.

"The beauty of the house starts on the outside," said Susan Martin, who recently toured the home built by Portsmouth-based Sasser Construction LC. "The entry way is gorgeous, and the house just gets better as you walk through it."

The home's exterior rock and multiple archways lead to an outdoor living space just off the front door. The open courtyard is equipped with a fireplace as well as living and dining areas covered by a trellis.

A candle chandelier and water features accent the outdoor space, which is enclosed by the house and iron gates.

The home has more than 1,100 square feet of outdoor living space, including a guest balcony.

A step inside the house, with its wood-beam-lined ceilings and stone accents, reminds visitors of old-world style. The vaulted ceiling accents a large rock wall in the family room and spilling into the kitchen.

Construction on the Frank Betz Associates-designed home began in November and finished in May, just in time for public tours to begin.

The home is open daily through Aug. 31. Although admission is free, those who visit in June are encouraged to bring nonperishable canned or packaged food to donate to help the Salvation Army stock area food pantries.

"There is so much intricate work in this house from the closets to the shoe racks and built-in shelves," said Herman Baker, who toured the home over Memorial Day weekend. "Everything is unique. "

The 8-foot Nanawall - a full wall of glass doors that slide open to connect the family room to outdoor deck - is among the house's unusual features. To create a bug-free space, retractable screens can be lowered at the touch of a button. Raise the screens and have an open space from the front door to the backyard and view of the lake.

"The Nanawall is a beautiful and unique feature that is great for our area and the changing seasons," Adria Joseph, sales executive with East West Realty at The Riverfront, said. "The retractable screens and the glass wall are the biggest hit of the house."

The four-bedroom, 4-1/2-bath home has more than 5,000 square feet of inside living space.

Just off the kitchen is a staircase leading to a finished basement, complete with bathroom, kitchen area, media room and space for a pool table.

"We have many of our customers who come to us with the mistaken impression that basements can't be done in Hampton Roads," said Mark Edwards, broker and sales manager at The Riverfront. "But we see Sasser Construction build them successfully and beautifully on a regular basis here."

Sasser Construction uses a specially designed and engineered wall system called Superior Walls in areas where conventional basements can't be dug due to water-table levels and challenging soil conditions. Superior Walls are manufactured to the design specifications of the builder's blueprints, and then delivered and assembled on site.

From underground to nooks and crannies, every available space is utilized in the home. The first floor has three bedrooms, including the master and a built-in office area off the kitchen. State-of-the-art components include a family organization center which includes a pet area, coat hooks and storage cubbies, laundry facility and cell-phone-docking center just off the garage. The second floor has another bedroom.

"This house feels nice and warm and inviting," said Brenda Boston, who was touring the home getting ideas. "This is real home living."

The house isn't just for show. Do-it-yourselfers can come with pad and pen ready to glean inspiration. On-site agents on-site can answers questions. Detail sheets are available and include everything from paint colors to light fixture names and where to find the same furniture.

"I am keeping my list handy," said Martin, who lives in the neighborhood. "I've made plenty of notes, too. It's always nice to come to houses like this and get ideas for your own home. You see things and start making a wish list."

Or you can just buy the home: Falkirk Ridge is available for $1.5 million or fully furnished for $1.61 million.

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net