Ridge top: Riggory modern lets in the light

Address: 2915 Riggory Ridge Road
Neighborhood: Riggory Ridge, Albemarle County
Asking: $725,000
Assessment: $747,500
Year Built: 1999
Size: 5,400 fin. sq. ft,  0 unfin.
Land: 3.87 acres
Agent: Tim Michel, McLean, Faulconer Inc.  434-295-1131
Curb Appeal: 10 out of 10

These Albemarle homeowners had a vision of the perfect house– one with an open floor plan and an abundance of light. Finding nothing on the market that met their expectations, the couple designed and built a home on a hilltop with 360° views of the mountains. The amount of light radiating through the countless windows shows the meticulous attention given to this plan.

Riggory Ridge is situated at the intersection of Proffit and Stoney Point Roads just fifteen minutes from Pantops and the new Martha Jefferson Hospital. Proffit Road is also a convenient shortcut to Route 29 North and in proximity to several job hotspots including NGIC (National Ground Intelligence Center) and the North Fork Business Park.

High atop a clearing, this contemporary house is oriented to maximize the vistas from nearly every room. Stone retaining walls and shrubbery niches with sculptures mark the path to the glass-encased entry door. Inside, the modern design uses nature as a theme with plenty of solid wood, stone, and plaster. Exposed beams and vaulted wood ceilings define the expansive area designated for entertaining. A stunning stained-glass window in the gabled end illuminates the gas fireplace in the living room below.

Beyond the dining area is a wall of oak cabinetry and all the components of a commercial kitchen– without the showy stainless. Upgrades of wood panels on the appliances would help disguise them and would be in keeping with the Craftsman-inspired style throughout. A large side-by-side refrigerator, a double oven, and island featuring a gas cook-top with prep sink complete a perfect work triangle.

Seating at a separate peninsula gives a bird’s-eye view of the feeders through a bank of windows located above an additional sink and dishwasher. The laundry room, adjacent to the kitchen, serves double duty as mudroom with access to the garage.

A private wing houses the master bedroom suite with dramatic views through windows that stretch a story and a half high. This section includes a walk-in closet, study, and a generously proportioned bathroom with jetted tub, separate shower, and double bowled vanity.

Retracing steps back into the main house, there is a deck spanning the length of the living and dining room area. A screened-in portion with rattan dining furniture allows one to dine and appreciate the spectacular scenery bug-free. Below, a patio  is accessible from the finished family room below.

This lower level houses a large bedroom with full-view French doors, private bathroom, and adjacent storage room that can be converted to an additional walk-in closet. The game room is enormous—spacious enough to host a dance and equipped with a kitchenette and second bathroom. There is a workshop and separate utility room containing a central vac, water softener, and a whole-house generator. This level, as well as the rest of the house, is immaculate.

A two-story wall of glass lights the stairway leading up to the second floor.  The owner created a home office in a bedroom, where one can take a break from work to enjoy panoramic views in three walls of glass. Built-in cabinets contain a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and bar sink for convenience. Next door is a shared full bath and another roomy bedroom where two walls of windows converge on views of a range of mountains.

The owner’s love of the outdoors is apparent as one walks from the terraced, fenced garden down the manicured lawn to fire pit and wood cupola. There is room to seat a small party and vistas to quiet the soul of a lone visitor. The vision these owners had of a light-filled home has been creatively executed, and the result is an enchanting dwelling that all will appreciate.