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SEVERN RIVER RESIDENCE - WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION & ADDITION

BEFORE

This Dutch Colonial home, located on the Severn River, was built by the original owner as a replica of the "Orrell House" located on Frances St., in Colonial Williamsburg.

In the early 2000's it sold to a couple who relocated here from Norfolk. In love with the charm of their home but finding themselves in a constant battle for space and functionality, they contracted Rave to design and build an addition that would respect the architecural language while providing space for a first floor master suite and an artist's studio on the second floor. Extensive interior renovations to the existing first floor included expanding the galley style kitchen, removing the partition wall between the living and dining spaces to open up circulation, revamping an upstairs bathroom and constructing a new screened porch. We had the honor of attending their house-warming party after the project was complete and to our surprise, the original owner was also there. She absolutely loved the transformation as much as our clients do.

AFTER

Front perspective shows the importance and simplicity of proportion inherent in Dutch Colonial architecture while the rear (waterside) provided an opportunity to incorporate a screened porch off of the newly opened up living space and an exterior entrance to the artist's studio for ease of moving his works in and out.

A covered front porch and expanded stoop was incorporated into the main entrance featured to the left providing much needed protection of the foyer to the outside elements.

BEFORE: KITCHEN & LIVING ROOM

AFTER

BEFORE: The kitchen was tiny and prohibited the clients from occupying the sapce collectively. Dining was separated from the living room and afforded limited circulation between the spaces.

AFTER: The kitchen was expanded by incorporating wasted space beneath the stairs, borrowing space from an adjacent 1/2 bath and an extra window adds much needed natural lighting. The partition wall between the dining and living room was removed, a utility closet and half bath now flank a new hallway leading to the master suite and a nook was incorporated into the living area to add depth. Custom cabinetry - built by the amazing staff at Colonial Kitchens in Yorktown.

NEW: MASTER SUITE

Formerly an antiques dealer, Skip collected many unique architectural finds in his travels to Europe and we had the thrill of incorporating them into this project. The master bedroom is home to a stunning handcarved Renaissance Jacobean fireplace surround, a handforged iron fireplace front which was retrofitted to receive a modern ventless gas fireplace and a pair of rustic, heart-pine arched doors lead you into the spacious master bathroom featuring slate, porcelain and stone tile, custom vanities, a custom linen cabinet and a soaking tub for washing away the day's stress.

BEFORE: GUEST BATH

AFTER

A new sitting area located off of the newly expanded great-room provides expansive views of the York River and one of the former bedrooms received two additional window openings to expand its river views and two closets flanking a built-in entertainment center with storage below.

NEW: ARTIST'S STUDIO & GALLERY

Skip is a self-taught artist who began selling his works to the public in early 2000.  He has created private commissions for several individuals and businesses and often has his work featured in galleries across the Peninsula. 

One of the driving forces behind his addition, was the dire need for a designated studio and gallery space in his home. The house is north facing on the waterside, which is the reason that a very large, custom skylight was incorporated into the space; providing ideal indirect, natural lighting. We are told there's been a lot of stargazing and bird watching in this space too!

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