-
Some homes leave a strong impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Terracotta, an ancient hue that’s been used for centuries, works in contemporary and traditional spaces alike, while yellow and lilac, which are both enjoying a design moment, suit homes with more of a period feel. Navy—which…
-
Family tradition holds that two-year-old Thomas Jefferson arrived at Tuckahoe Plantation on horseback, carried on a pillow by an enslaved caretaker for the journey from Shadwell (Monticello.org, Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia). He would spend roughly seven childhood years there, educated in a one-room schoolhouse on the property. Nearly three hundred years later, the 557-acre estate is…
-
Terracotta tile has warmed Mediterranean rooflines for more than two thousand years, and its most recent revival in Western architecture was driven, in part, by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, after which builders turned to fired clay for its resistance to flame (Wikipedia, 2024). An Ancient Color With Staying Power Long before terracotta became…
-
As autumn unfolds across Virginia, the rhythm of daily life begins to slow. Mornings grow softer, light turns golden, and the world outside shifts to rich hues of amber and rust. It’s a natural cue for our interiors to evolve as well—to invite warmth, comfort, and connection back into the spaces we call home. This…
-
Rococo is making a graceful return — not as a relic of the past, but as a renewed expression of romance, craftsmanship, and opulence for today’s most refined interiors. Once defined by gilded flourishes, ornate plasterwork, and soft pastels, this 18th-century style is being reimagined for modern luxury homes, balancing artistry with livable elegance. From Charlottesville’s historic estates to newly built…
-
A Lifestyle Hidden in Plain Sight Virginia’s most remarkable properties rarely announce themselves. They do not seek the spotlight in glossy spreads or compete for attention on the open market. Instead, they embody a quieter distinction — estates that carry with them the gravitas of history, the richness of land, and the elegance of a…
-
An Interview with Martha Stockhausen of The Next Chapter Travel We sat with Martha Stockhausen, founder of The Next Chapter Travel, to talk about what it means to design unforgettable experiences for women around the world. Her Charlottesville-based company specializes in small-group, all-women luxury tours to some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, blending culture, connection, and authentic travel…
-
In 1924, Sidney Fiske Kimball led Monticello’s restoration, aiming to preserve Thomas Jefferson’s architectural vision amid past alterations. His efforts over 30 years sought to reestablish Jefferson’s ideals rather than rewrite them. Kimball also designed Shack Mountain as a tribute to Jefferson’s philosophy, ensuring both landmarks remain significant in American design history.
-
Who Are The Most Motivated Homebuyers Right Now?
-
56% of Homebuyers Are Paying Full Asking Price or More Recent research by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows that 56% of U.S. homebuyers are paying full asking price—or even more. This market trend is raising eyebrows: Has pricing in real estate reached a tipping point? Why Are Homebuyers Paying Full Price? Here’s why many buyers are willing to pay…
-
Discover how farm-to-table living supports better health with insights from Charlottesville-based nutritionist Jen Van Santvoord. Learn why locally grown produce is more nutrient-dense, where to shop organic, and how to eat seasonally. Explore local farms, markets, and restaurants that connect you to real food—and a more vibrant lifestyle.
-
Why French-Inspired Homes Are Captivating Modern Buyers In a fast-paced world craving balance and beauty, French-style homes are enjoying a quiet renaissance. Defined by timeless materials, curated charm, and an effortlessly lived-in elegance, the aesthetic known as Châteaucore is winning the hearts of modern buyers—especially those looking to combine refined design with a sense of…
-
Over the past decade, farmhouse-style homes have captured the imagination of homeowners, interior designers, and HGTV fans alike. With their standing seam metal roofs, wide front porches, and rustic-meets-refined finishes, these homes strike a nostalgic chord. But beyond the shiplap walls and sliding barn doors, the farmhouse lifestyle speaks to something deeper—a return to simplicity,…