Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.
Quarantine Chronicles: Camper's Delight
Having fun in the woods and getting away to waterfront havens…
It amazes me what happens when you are faced with a challenge. Some people rise up to it, while others let it defeat them. Most people take challenges and make them into opportunities. It’s prime time for creativity and maybe trying some new things.
When I was a kid we camped out of an RV in the woods or at Holly Beach which has been pretty much battered by hurricanes. I remember fishing with my dad off of piers in morning Louisiana heat while my mother got flustered with the amount of snakes she caught. She remedied it by feeding the alligators. My mom is no stranger to the wilderness as she basically grew up in the jungle and my dad on the bayous of Louisiana. I however prefer cabins and a proper latrine. Camping has otherwise been my least favorite vacation option for fear of creatures crawling in a tent I cannot get out of, a mask serial killer lurking in the woods, or creating my own Blair Witch scenario. Not a fan.
This weekend, with Covid still affecting the way we as a family spend time together prompted my Mister to book a campsite. As you can imagine, my anxiety kicked in, but I realized that memories like these will last a lifetime with a precocious seven year old. So, he signed up for HipCamp and away we went to — Dinwiddie, VA??
We left later than scheduled (per usual) and we arrived after a long gravel road where many trucks and what looked like a mini salvage yard. We were greeted by our hosts Kirstin and Dale, she with a glass of wine (my kind of gal) and he a tall thin man who made sure the coals on the fire were hot to warm us. We were not expecting the campsite to be as close to the main house as it was, but as with all things, don’t judge so quickly. Once we got all our things in order and could finally sit and relax, the Harvest Moon above us shining bright, you could begin to see the mist on the creek. Our hosts hung out with us for a minute and then retreated inside, leaving us to make some food and relax.
I do love nature. I love the sound of waves on the ocean, the crunching of leaves in the forest, and the serene beauty that can come from it. I forget to appreciate it and this weekend would prove to bring that awareness back to my senses. I also just enjoy the simpler things in life sometimes. As the little lady explored the grounds, I kept thinking how great it was that she could just be happy without a screen in her face. We were surprised at location, we had no idea a large property in Dinwiddie could bring us such an experience.
My Mister and I talked over the fire one night about our hosts. Who were these people who lived on 100+ acres with salvage items in their yard, lots of trucks, and had a good sized machete? How strange it must seem to have strangers stay on your property while you enjoy the modern conveniences of your home. Sometimes I feel like our minds have been tarnished by technology and the new media, it puts us on edge before we even assess a situation. There were a lot of firsts this weekend. It was our little lady and I’s first real camping trip, like in a tent and all! She also caught her first fish, rode in a canoe for the first time, and I think it was all our first times in Dinwiddie. And in all these “firsts”, the thing that made the most impression was sitting around by a fire with our hosts and talking. Just telling stories, swapping experiences, conversing about current events and what we all do for a living. It was a camp fire convene worth having. You realize in these moments that this type of connection is valid and the warmth it brings is more comforting than any fire. Even our gal was sharing her life with these strangers and it was a beautiful thing to witness, she has been so timid in recent pasts with people in general. She even asked Mr. Dale if she could go out with him as he set out to fish in the morning. She played in leaves, put her feet in the water, caught a grasshopper and spent time with lines in the creek with her dad.
It truly was just a peaceful and serene weekend that replaced our Covid cancelled nuptials. Kirstin and Dales hospitality was off the charts and we were happy to spend time with them on their beautiful property and 11 acre lake. Just perfect. So, for all of you feeling the pressure of unemployment, of unpredictability, of the news, the election, the virus, the murder hornets, the social unrest, the racism, the fires, the world…do yourself a favor, get you and / or your family and find yourself gazing at stars you usually can’t see, frolic through meadows, canoe in a lake, go fishing, listen to the pop and crackle of a fire, or look up as the trees begin to the release their foliage. You might even consider buying a piece of your own rustic getaway.
Interesting in your own waterfront have?
Contact me today and I can show you a number of waterfront homes including these!
$799,950
5 Beds | 5 Baths | 6,662 Sq Ft
2420 Charing Cross Loop | N. Chesterfield
$420,000
3 Beds | 4 Baths | 2,682 Sq Ft
69 Shore Drive | Colonial Beach
$629,900
3 Beds | 4 Baths | 4,729 Sq Ft
16228 Bundock Rd | King George
House Style: Homes on the Screen
I watch a lot of movies and TV and I do love a good setting especially one where a home is also a character. Here are some picks of my favorite homes from motion picture. There are so many I love!
Sweet Home Alabama’s Historic Plantation Home
I am an avid, if not professional binge watcher of streaming television and movies. From Outlander to Buffy to recently, Dollface, my love of stories is fervid. It is true, my first true love is books, but sometimes I find it difficult to picture the intended setting of some authors. Just as I discover music through motion picture, I also easily discover dream home scenarios and ideas. It got me thinking, what my favorite houses and home decor from TV and movies. Here is what I came up with.
The Sharp Objects | Crellin House
I absolutely loved this house from the first shot of Amy Adams driving up to the gates of the Crellin House and down the winding driveway. I’ve always have had an affinity for Victorians. I don’t know if that comes from my deep southern upbringing or my pull to historical architecture. The features of Victorian’s are some of my favorites, turrets, wide wrap around porches made for cocktail sipping, and I’m a sucker for the ornate.
The other feature in the Crellin House I’m in love with is weirdly enough, the wallpaper. Featuring the Emerald vintage Chinoiserie in the foyer. The de Gournay covered walls make for an elegant welcome. All the rooms, from Adora’s distinctive Ivory, and soon to be revealing bedroom floor, to Alan’s album rich listening room adorned with beautiful built-ins, stained glass windows, and a decorative archway. All it need was a secret doorway. Even Amma’s room, drenched in pink and super sweet would tantalize a teenage girl.
The Preaker Manor as it appears on Sharp Objects.Photo by Anne Marie Fox/HBO
Sharp Objects | Crellin House Entrance Foyer | Courtesy of John Paino and HBO
Sharp Objects | Crellin House Listening Room Foyer | Courtesy of John Paino and HBO
Moonrise Kingdom | Summer’s End
The lighthouse Bill Murray and fam inhabit is a wet dream of a home. The Conanicut Point Lighthouse featured in Wes Anderson’s film Moonrise Kingdom is located on the Narragansett Bay in New England and my absolutely favorite room in the vacation house was the children’s attic playroom donning records and and hidden cubbies. The home so retro, yet warm and inviting. I loved the very large foyer and in true Wes Anderson style the color pallet did not disappoint. Kris Moran is one of my most inspired designers. Having created the Wes Anderson effect, she creates these whimsical homes telling their own story.
Sex in the City | Charlotte’s Park Avenue Apartment
Having been no stranger to New York living, space is always an issue when the desire to live in the big city arises. Charlotte’s apartment was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. I loved the deep rich wood walls and chevron lined floors. The cream and white accents added a nice contrast and of course the sprinkle of antique furniture throughout was well suited for the one bedroom apartment . If one could afford such luxuries in a upper east side abode, this would definitely be of great desire.
Sex Education | The Milburn House
This picturesque Scandinavian style chalet is ideal for a village presence. I love how this house is nestled in a valley with beautiful forest surroundings. I love the set design as well. It’s cozy, eclectic, and lived in with picturesque outdoor areas around the home.
The Waterford House | Handmaid’s Tale
If there was ever a house I’d love to live in, it would be the brick Victorian from Handmaid’s Tale. This fine home equipped with greenhouse and carriage house is a rich morsel of musty books and lush rooms. From chandeliers to elongated windows, every detail fits my aesthetic desires. I’m a huge fan of the conservatory-like kitchen with it’s huge windows and skylight. I’d find every creek and clop of the hardwood floors comforting and timeless. Fred’s office alone is any literate’s or writer’s sanctuary.
