A Home for all Seasons (Windover)

A Home For All Seasons T om and Lindy Stevens got Typical of the period, the front door opens to the vestibule as their first look at Windover an equally prominent door then opens to the hallway (above). Tom and Lindy Stevens and their talented design team House in 2000 on a cold and Antiques fill the gallery that leads to the kitchen (opposite). transform a 100-year-old farmhouse into a neoclassical delight rainy December afternoon. It was love at first sight and they was the need to maintain the original style and flavor By Barbara Karth were thrilled to think they of this 100-year-old home. Photography by Bob Narod might have the chance to play a part in the history of Four years later, the big yellow farmhouse on the hill114 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 this great home. Finally, in August 2001 it became is still recognizable to any old-timer from the area. “It theirs and they hit the ground running to update the home, enhance its livability and establish a sophisti- Architecture: Richard Foster, Richard Foster cated elegance to make it a one-of-a-kind residence to Architects, LLC, Kensington, Maryland suit their lifestyle. Of utmost importance, however, Interior Design: Jean Higgins, Inside Out Interiors, Vienna, Virginia HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 115

© MICHAEL VENTURA President of the National Association of Realtors Tom Stevens and his wife Lindy relax in their living room (above). A sofa that once belonged to Tom’s parents serves as a centerpiece, reupholstered in a medallion fabric by Scalamandré (right). wasn’t a house that had been abandoned, so it wasn’t ers had opted to use a side door through the dining design we now have a great flow pattern throughout restored and reupholstered and is now a centerpiece in disrepair,” says Lindy Stevens. In fact, the two previ- room of the house rather than the original front the entire first floor that gives the home a warm and in the living room. Flanked by a pair of antique, silver- ous owners (who lived there 25 years each) had a great entry and vestibule doors, which were typical of the inviting feel,” says Lindy. This new floor plan func- plated gas lamps which have been electrified, the love for the home and during the mid-1990s an addi- period. With the addition of a front circular drive, tions well for its new owners, who love to entertain as room takes a distinctive bow to the past with its fur- tion had been incorporated to add some modern fea- the entrance to the home became clearly defined. business and pleasure mix. nishings as well as the gold-leaf trim applied to the tures and update the original dwelling. Foster opened the front foyer hall to create a spa- antique fireplace mantel on the outside wall and the cious view through the first floor from front to back. “I always felt the house didn’t deserve to be a column capitals and bases that define the living room As President of the National Association of Realtors Adding to this, he included a double set of French Victorian farmhouse,” said Higgins. “It really should at the entry foyer. The couple displays their Swarovski and Senior Vice President of NRT, Incorporated, doors from the side porch that open into the dining have a neo-classic look inside.” The neo-classical style collection in a lighted corner cabinet. Tom Stevens has a long career in the business of real room with a clear view to the opposite side of the took root when she shared this idea with Tom, who estate and housing. Lindy is a partner in the home- house through a side foyer. The owners were thrilled had inherited his parents’ old sofa; this heirloom from On the right of the entry foyer hall, where the building firm of Foster Communities, headquartered with this idea. “The house was wonderful before; we his past held many warm memories. After showing the living room was once located, is Tom’s mahogany- in Baltimore. With previous experience in construc- always saw its beauty and potential, but with Richard’s couple a swatch of luscious Scalamandré medallion- wrapped office, which houses his collection of tion and renovation, together the couple had the motif fabric that they loved, the neo-classical sofa was single malt scotch from Scotland. “This homeowner dedication and energy to fulfill their vision for creat- ing their “home of a lifetime.” HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 117 When the time arrived to select an architect, Richard Foster came highly recommended and was engaged by the Stevenses to blend his expertise with their vision for the home and create a new plan. At the same time, designer Jean Higgins (who with her engineer husband, Paul, owns Inside Out Interiors) joined the team and the journey began. As Foster tackled the renovation, he retained the period while avoiding the prominent excesses of ornamentation that persisted as the 19th century rolled into the early years of the 20th. Previous own- 116 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005

Furnishings from Kittinger grace the formal dining room made in more than 100 years. “To me that was very French armchairs and accessorized with matching side(above). The company pulled an old pattern from its archives exciting, to have a company that could create some- chairs. The serpentine curve of the center island maxi-to create the Philadelphia chairs (right). Handcrafted thing that you wouldn’t see anywhere else. They are mizes gathering space. Both Lindy and Tom love tomahogany millwork and a scotch bar make Tom’s home beautiful, beautiful chairs,” Higgins acknowledges. cook and are outstanding chefs. Combining that withoffice a distinguished retreat (opposite). their love of entertaining, all agree this gourmet Behind the living room and across from the dining kitchen is truly the heart of the home.has a very hands-on approach,” says Jean Higgins. room is another, equally prominent foyer which leadsCraftsmanship in fine molding and paneling is high to a side terrace and garden, but also holds the A slightly more casual entry foyer at the kitchenon her client’s list of essentials. Higgins had previ- home’s primary staircase. With a grand but gentle side of the house off the wrap-around porch leads toously worked with Dan Martinez of Cornerstone curve, the well-proportioned stairs lead to a landing a large pantry, additional powder room on the firstDesign, an industrial designer with years of experi- on the second floor that overlooks native walnut and floor and the guest suite above the garage. The “for-ence in architectural interiors, and recommended weeping cherry trees; the entire foyer is bathed in mal” powder room is off the entry hall foyer.him on this project to work with Tom to capture and light from the conservatory window that crowns thedraw upon his ideas. Once the plans were committed staircase and foyer area. Jean Higgins insisted the To the left of the kitchen is the family room.to paper, the Stevenses engaged Dave Wirth of Wirth house called for ornamental plaster moldings to Higgins defines this as a “today room,” with the liv-Construction and Kerry Nolan of Visions, Inc. to cre- highlight certain architectural features throughout ability required of a room that’s used often, but it alsoate the woodwork and paneling refinements, not only and recommended Jeff Schardt of Ornamental offers casual sophistication appropriate to the style ofhere, but throughout Windover House, all executing Plasterworks in Manassas. After one telephone call, the home. A pair of channel-back sofas from Ristthe Stevenses’ vision. Schardt was part of the team. He designed and upholstered in exquisite, soft wool in the oak leaf and installed intricate plaster ceiling ornamentation for acorn theme from Nancy Corzine define the param- The dining room, with elegant furnishings from the living and dining rooms and master bedroom, as eters of the room. A major focal point in the room isKittinger, is also on the right, separated from the well as hand-applied features that frame the conserva- the dry-stack stone wall with a raised hearth and over-entry foyer hall by oversized arched openings. When tory window with the oak leaf and acorn motif that the sized fireplace, one of seven throughout the house.the couple had a hard time selecting chairs for the Stevenses had chosen as a theme for Windover House.room, the problem was solved when Kittinger pulled On the second floor is the master bedroom suite,an old pattern from its archives, a 1725 Philadelphia The kitchen covers most of the back of the house. A with spacious closet rooms and a marble bath. Thechair that the Buffalo, New York, company hadn’t comfortable seating area in front of the stone vaulted tray ceiling is accented by special effects light- “Rumsford” fireplace is framed by Minton-Spidell ing and eyebrow windows offering views of the tree-118 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 tops. Also on this floor are Lindy’s office, a cherry HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 119

120 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 A serpentine island (opposite, top) maximizes gathering space in the kitchen. The couple’s frequent guests can also gather in the comfortable seating area with a fireplace (opposite, bottom). Casual sophistication prevails in the family room (above), with its channel-back sofas upholstered in soft wool, and on the lower level, with its rustic stonework (left). paneled reading room, laundry room and two guest bedrooms. Another guest bedroom suite is on the third floor along with an exercise room and smoking room. A balcony overlooks the east side garden of the home’s two acres with views of the town of Vienna and the Tysons Corner skyline. On the lower level, a mahogany bar with hand- carved corbels depicting a grapevine design and a copper ceiling greet guests at the first landing. To the left is a billiards room, complete with an antique B.A. Stevens “Union League” table, circa 1890. On the right is a large recreation room. Its outside wall is mostly glass and offers a welcome view of the lower patio. The entire opposite wall is stone, including a fireplace. From there, an arched stone hallway leads to the wine cellar. Tom takes great pride in its design and ample cli- mate-controlled, 2,400-bottle capacity as well as its built-in humidor. He also designed a windowed pass- HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 121

Jeff Schardt of Ornamental Plaster Works created the ceiling medallion in the bedroom (opposite) and the oak leaf and acorn molding around the conservatory window above the stairs (right). Two kinds of marble clad the floor and countertops in the master bath (above). through from the wine cellar to the bar, knowing it would be of great benefit for entertaining. A full bathroom suite including sauna is on this level as well as an additional laundry room and media room. The lower level is accessed with another set of stairs lead- ing to the garage and main level. From beginning to end, every aspect of the project was approached using the highest standards of crafts- manship, from the moldings and casings to the cus- tom cabinetry and shutters and the new and restored original heart-pine floors. It’s obvious this project has been a labor of love, resulting in the rebirth of a home even lovelier than before. Though the home was built for the last century, it is now working for a couple thoroughly ensconced in the current age. Many talented and creative people have left their mark in the re-creation of Windover House and that legacy will live on for generations to come. ❖ Contributing editor Barbara Karth resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Photographer Bob Narod is based in Sterling, Virginia.122 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 123

On the lower level, rustic stone archways (above, left) lead to the wine-tasting room (above, right). A windowed pass-through(opposite, top) opens to the bar. An antique pool table, circa 1890, is the center of attention in the billiards room (opposite, bottom).RESOURCES DINING ROOMProject Manager: Thomas Staats, Staats Developers, Vienna, VA. Ceiling Plaster Detail: Ornamental Plaster Works, Manassas, VA.Trims & Moldings: Cornerstone Designs, Fredericksburg, VA. Chandelier: Michael-Cleary, Washington, DC. Furniture:Carpentry: Virginia Custom Carpentry, Arcola, VA. Finishing Kittinger, Rist Corp., Washington, DC. Flowers: Aylesbury,(Millwork, Paneling, Stairs): Visions, Potomac Falls, VA. Painting: Leesburg, VA. Sconces: Schonbeck, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA.M.L. Straight, Warrenton, VA. Electrical: Dittmar, Vienna, VA. Accessories: Owner’s Collection & Penny Farthing Antiques,ENTRANCE Middleburg, VA. Framing: Showcase Portfolio, Alexandria, VA.Mahogany Tilt-Top Table, English Game Table, Scottish Clock & LIBRARYAccessories: Penny Farthing Antiques, Middleburg, VA. Lighting Millwork & Paneling: Wirth Construction, Herndon, VA. Shutters:Design: Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Sconces: Schonbeck. Shenandoah Shutters, Vienna, VA. Kittinger Desk & Chairs: RistOriental Rugs: Green Front Furniture, Farmville, VA. Flowers: Corp., Washington, DC. Desk Chair: Hancock & Moore, GreenAylesbury, Leesburg, VA. Door Glasswork: Art in Glass, Frederick, Front Furniture, Farmville, VA. Desk Lamp: Decorative Crafts.MD. Hardware: Home Specialty Store, Reston & Leesburg, VA. Barley Twist Table: Penny Farthing Antiques, Middleburg, VA.LIVING ROOM Chandelier: Metropolitan, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA.Decorative Painting: Monkton Furnishings & Designs, Monkton, KITCHENMD. Ceiling Plaster Detail: Ornamental Plaster Works, Manassas, Kitchen Design: Cornerstone Designs, Fredericksburg, VA.VA. Chandelier: Michael-Cleary, Washington, DC. Window Cabinets: Sterling Custom Cabinetry, Lancaster, PA. Tile:Treatment Fabric: Nancy Corzine, Washington, DC. Sheers: Old Architectural Ceramics, Washington, DC. Lighting: BurgessWorld Weavers, Washington, DC. Medallions: Houlés, Lighting, Fairfax ,VA. Bar Stools: Sterling, Rist Corp., Washington,Washington, DC. Fabrication: Drapery Designs, Etc, Springfield, DC. Plumbing & Appliances: Ferguson Enterprises, Chantilly, VA.VA. Secretary, Chairs, Tables & Accessories: Penny Farthing Lounge Chairs: Minton Spidell, Michael-Cleary, Washington,Antiques, Middleburg, VA. Bergères: Minton Spidell, Michael- DC. Fabric: Clarence House, Washington, DC. WindowCleary, Washington, DC. Sconces: Schonbeck, Burgess Lighting, Valances: Fonthill, Hines, Washington, DC. Fabrication: DraperyFairfax ,VA. Fireplace Mantel: Architectural Antiques, Pittsburgh, Designs Etc., Springfield, VA. Shutters: Shenandoah Shutters,PA. Fireplace Surround: Sandia Ceramics, Woodbridge, VA. Vienna, VA. Footrest: Antiques Emporium, Middleburg, VA.Accessories: Lenore & Daughters Antiques, Alexandria, VA. Sofa, Oriental Rugs: Green Front Furniture, Farmville, VA.Tea Table, Étagère & Cloverleaf Table: Owner’s Collection. HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 125124 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005

The renovation doubled the size of the 100-year-old farmhouse (above). Opposite, clockwise from bottom left: A wraparoundporch leads to a kitchen entry. The side view reveals the ambitious addition. Fine stonework paves the terraces.FAMILY ROOM Fabrication: Drapery Designs Etc., Springfield, VA. Bedskirt &Shutters: Shenandoah Shutters, Vienna, VA. Sofas: Rist Corp., Bench Cover Fabric: Marvic, Rist Corp., Washington, DC.Washington, DC. Sofa Fabric: Nancy Corzine, Washington, DC. Bedskirt & Bench Cover Fabrication: Drapery Designs Etc.,Coffee Table: Kittinger, Rist Corp., Washington, DC. Fitzroy Chair Springfield, VA. Slipper Chairs: Rist Corp., Washington, DC.& Ottoman: Rist Corp., Washington, DC. Middleburg Bench: Rist Slipper Chairs Fabric: Nancy Corzine Washington, DC. SlipperCorp., Washington, DC. Bench Fabric: Scalamandré, Washington, Chairs Trim: Houlés, Washington, DC. Ottoman: York, Rist Corp.,DC. Leather Chair: Hancock & Moore. Chairs in Bay: Minton Washington, DC. Ottoman Fabric: Scalamandré, Washington,Spidell, Michael-Cleary, Washington, DC. Chairs in Bay Fabric: DC. Custom Carpet: J. Brooks Designer Floors, Fairfax, VA.Marvic, Rist Corp., Washington, DC. Station Masters Desk: MASTER BATHHenckel Harris, Green Front, Farmville, VA. Entertainment Unit: Cabinets: Sterling Custom Cabinetry, Lancaster, PA. Plumbing &Sligh, Green Front Furniture, Farmville, VA. Rocker: Owner’s Fixtures: Kohler, Ferguson Enterprises, Chantilly, VA. Marble Floor:Collection. Rocker Fabric: Houlés, Washington, DC. Flowers: Crema Marfil & Breccia Oniciatta. Countertop: Breccia Oniciatta.Aylesbury, Leesburg, VA. Audubon: Oppenheimer Field Museum Tub Deck & Step: Crema Marfil. Chandelier & Sconces:Collection, Chicago, IL. Audubon Framing: Showcase Portfolio, Schonbeck, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Shutters: ShenandoahAlexandria, VA. Sconces: Metropolitan, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Shutters, Vienna, VA. Mirrors: Vienna Glass, Vienna, VA.Table Lamps: Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Oriental Rug: Green STONE ARCHWAYFront Furniture, Farmville, VA. Accessories: Owner’s Collection. Faux Painting & Mural: Monkton Furnishings & Design, Monkton,GALLERY MD. Sconces: Corbett, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Stonework:Faux Painting: Monkton Furnishings & Design, Monkton, MD. Jose Serra Stone.Conservatory Trim: Ornamental Plaster Works, Manassas, VA. WINE CAVE/HUMIDORSconces & Chandelier: Schonbeck, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Design & Fabrication: Vigilant, Inc. Installation: S. Goldstein.Window Treatment Fabric: Nancy Corzine, Washington, DC. Chandelier & Sconces: Crystorama, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax,Fabrication: Drapery Designs Etc, Springfield, VA. Plant Stand: VA. Antique Chestnut Table: Owner’s Collection. Chairs: RushPenny Farthing Antiques, Middleburg, VA. Staircase: Monarch, WV. Seat Chairs, Green Front, Farmville, VA.MASTER BEDROOM BILLIARDS ROOMFaux Painting: Fireplace & Pilasters, Monkton Furnishings & Design, Millwork & Paneling: Wirth Construction, Herndon, VA. PoolMonkton, MD. Ceiling Plaster Detail: Ornamental Plaster Works, Table: B.A. Stevens-Union League, c. 1890, Classic Billiards,Manassas, VA. Audubon Artwork: Oppenheimer Field Museum Baltimore, MD. Custom Carpet: J. Brooks Designer Floors,Collection, Chicago, IL. Chandelier & Sconces: Fine Art Lamps, Fairfax, VA. Lighting: Fine Art Lamps, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax,Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Antique Mantel & Overmantel: VA. Bar Stools: Hancock & Moore, Green Front, Farmville, VA.Architectural Antiques, Pittsburgh, PA. Antique Chairs: Antique Plant Stands & Accessories: Owner’s Collection.Emporium, Middleburg, VA. King Bed, Nightstands & Bench: EXTERIORHenckel Harris, Green Front, Farmville, VA. Bedside Lamps: Burgess Lighting: Framburg, Burgess Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Furniture:Lighting, Fairfax, VA. Bedspread Fabric: Nancy Corzine, Owner’s Collection. Stonework: Jose Serra Stone. Entry Gates:Washington, DC. Bedspread Fabrication: Drapery Designs Etc, Herndon Ornamental Iron Works, Herndon, VA. LandscapeSpringfield, VA. Window & Pillow Fabric: Zoffany, Rist Corp., Design: Fine Landscapes Ltd., McLean, VA. Garage Doors:Washington, DC. Trim: Scalamandré, Washington, DC. Designer Doors. Landscaper: Landshapers, McLean,VA.126 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 HOME & DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005 127