In 2002, Penne Poole and Ed Fuehrer purchased this vintage 1926 property when it was in a very deteriorated state and of questionable renovation potential. After literally two years of discussion and indecision, the couple finally decided to tackle the project, driven perhaps in part, by a beautiful round-topped door on a side porch… “We never looked back.”

From that initial vision grew a charming cottage reminiscent of those found in Carmel, California. The first challenge was to accept that the home’s footprint was forward of the Chesapeake Bay building setback limits, and that expansion could only occur away from the water where a number of mature pecan trees stood; trees the owners did not wish to remove. Thus the home grew only in significant and major new details, finishes, and products, many of which did not exist when it was built.

Comprising only 2,160 square feet on 1.9 acres and 165 feet on the Rappahannock River, he home “lives large” with wonderful circulation and incredible views of the river and it’s sunsets. At every turn one is met with exciting visual experiences due, in part, to Penne’s tastes as an Interior Designer, and her eclectic collection of art, furniture, and accessories. The color palate, a tantalizing combination of black, white, brilliant sunflower, lavender, and a daring faux finished pink-red called “Hot Lips” in the powder room, all play off the many different plaster wall finishes that were painstakingly created and repaired by a local artisan.

The kitchen, once a miniscule space with free-standing stove, refrigerator, and metal sink cabinet has been opened up and boasts of state-of-the-arts appliances amid black cabinetry, black and white tiles, and walls of plaster and exposed straw. The living room has been given a refreshing new look with large French doors and sidelights that overlook a stone patio and the river. The fireplace, once faced with painted brick, has been given a rough-stucco finish to match the walls. Off the living room is a small den which has been given a unique new look thanks to the talents of Mike Kramer of Gilders Studio of Washington, D.C. brought here to faux-finish the room and bookcases with a pine look. Off the den is a magnificent covered, but open porch overlooking the river and which has been finished as though it was an interior room. The owners admit that this is where most of their time is spent—and for obvious reasons—it epitomizes the “reason that we come to the Rivah!”

The sand stucco-finished master bedroom has access to a private walled garden, contained within which is access to a large outdoor shower. Another French door leads back to the master bathroom a with heated porcelain tile floor. It also contains separate his and her mirrored vanities and a large soaking/air tub and glazed walls. The water fill for the tub comes from a unique ceiling port. A guest bedroom, with its iron canopy bed and bright goldenrod walls, inspired by a trip to England, is also located on the first floor.

The second floor, once accessed by a very narrow, enclosed stairway has been opened, and a custom designed iron railing leads to a charming Living Room/Office with large dormers overlooking the river. Recessed bookcases and original burnished iron sconces add a special touch. A new bedroom, bath, and a considerable amount of storage space was added when the existing and failed flat roof was replaced with a large gabled space to add interest to the front elevation as well as to provide the third bedroom. The bedroom is finished in painted, rough-sawn cedar.   

The original structure had lap siding with beveled corners on the exterior. Because of the condition of that material and the considerable number of changes to the elevations, the owners chose to remove what siding remained and replace it with a true stucco finish—felt paper, wire lath, ¾” stucco undercoat, and a final finish was placed over the 1 x 6 sub-siding. The house was then painted a peach color. Old window sashes were removed and replaced with insulated, low-e glass and a bronze finish; new windows match the old. As with all interior trim, the owners replicated the exterior trim that was on the home. The house was re-roofed with an architectural asphalt shingle that gives a scalloped, slate-like appearance. Stucco walls of varying heights form a backdrop to gardens rooms that have been created around the perimeter of the home.

The overall effect is one of charm, warmth, hominess, detail, a certain mystic, and certainly a home unlike any other in this area—and all because of one door—and creative owners…!
For sale by owners, (804) 435-1970.