Outdoors-inspired touches accent the whole dwelling

VIRGINIA BEACH

One Spring Homearama dream house was four years in the making.

That's the case for new homeowners Jennifer and Ruben Finger, who bought The Walnut Cottage, also known as The Garden House, featured at Spring Homearama. The Tidewater Builders Association showcase of custom homes opens today.

"This was the perfect scenario for us, and we are excited to be part of Homearama," Jennifer Ruben said. "We try not to miss a Homearama. And this year we get to be in one."

The $589,000 home, built by Stephen Alexander Homes, is one of new nine houses featured at Eagle's Nest in southern Virginia Beach. Features include a  wrap-around front porch, a screened porch and dual master suites.

The 3,600-square-foot abode has five bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms.

Garden-inspired touches accent the dwelling, from the paint colors to wall collages, plants and flower accessories.

Robert Nye of Renaissance Outdoor Contracting, who did the exterior landscaping, incorporated various species of plant life to create a lush and beautiful backyard.

"It's ironic our house is The Garden House," Jennifer Finger said. "I have a black thumb and typically kill everything I plant."

With Nye's help, however, the Fingers said they feel they can maintain their new yard and all of its plant life.

Builder Stephen Quick of Stephen Alexander Homes LLC said they also carried the garden theme through the house with plenty of potted plants and hanging baskets.

The house will host a home-garden cooking demonstra-tion during Homearama, too.

"We also worked closely with White's Nursery to create a look that anyone could do," Quick said. "This is something people can easily replicate."

In addition to the garden theme, the builder incorporated a more traditional look and feel to the home

with lots of wood and trim work.

The layout is open and modern, Quick said.

The latter is what drew the Fingers to Stephen Alexander Homes.

"This is the best designed house we have seen," Jennifer Finger said.

The couple plan to attend Homearama and be at their home during the event. They hope to move in by the end of June; the housing showcase wraps up June 12.

"We can't wait," Jennifer Finger said. "But we get to have fun at Homearama in the meantime."

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net