REAL ESTATE- ON THE BLOCK- Dig it: Modern Quarries spread rocks!
Address: 5220 Havenwood Lane
Neighborhood: The Quarries, Schuyler
Asking: $349,900
Assessment: $313,600
Year Built: 2007
Size: 2,744 fin. sq. ft.
Land: 5.04 acres
Agent: Kevin Quick Re/Max Prime 434-286-7777
Curb Appeal: 8 out of 10
Looking for a greener life? This might be it. It's more of a commitment than just living in any neighborhood but less dramatic than moving to a commune. In this eco village of 43 lots, formerly part of a soapstone quarry, rules are flexible, but buyers have the satisfaction of knowing that their neighbors are like-minded folk.
Schuyler is half an hour south on 29 and commutable for those who really want to live in the sticks. The town's main claim to fame is being home to the Waltons. Beyond that, the closest town is Scottsville. Although buyers pass the "Welcome to Nelson" sign en route, this house is actually in Albemarle.
Construction is newish, but trees have been preserved, and it feels very much like a home in the wilderness for frontier types looking to roll up their sleeves and get dirty making stuff from scratch. A fenced-in herb garden, chicken coop, screened gazebo, and fire pit contribute to that feeling. Here, any plantings or garden beds need a barrier from those undisturbed fauna. Shared walking trails meander around the community.
The front of the house actually faces the rear of the property and away from the road. Around the other side of the house— the true rear— a picturesque vegetable garden is delineated by stones that give it a country kitchen-garden look.
The entrance opens to a main-level great room with living/dining space on one side of a wall and the kitchen on the opposite. A separate entrance through a mudroom and access to the garage expedite access to the kitchen. A spiral staircase offers access to the second level.
Here the full bath is home to the only tub in the house; upstairs, it's standup showers only. The tub was not a part of the original plan, but the owners added it, realizing it would be important feature for some folks, especially families with children.
Surprisingly, this level feels cool although only the second level has AC. Indian slate tiles, southern exposure and cool air moving downwards keep these rooms comfortable.
The rustic kitchen has a six-burner stove with a water tap, convenient for hardcore cooks. The fridge and pantry tucked away in an alcove off the kitchen are not a focal point. The plan fits the style of the rest of the house since technology is downplayed everywhere. The soapstone counters were mined locally at the Alberene quarry. An apron-front sink and wood-burning stove continue the rustic motif.
Upstairs, the flooring is all white oak salvaged from a church near Lexington. The cavernous master suite (including a walk-in closet and full bath) actually has two entry doors and is open and big enough to fit some chunky furniture. Across from the master an office could work as a small bedroom.
Two additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath. A large multipurpose area above the garage (with roughed-in bath) was designed with the option to convert into a suite for in-laws.
This house is a sort of modern homestead for people who value a certain way of life. Locally sourced materials have been used where possible. Its efficient design and systems keep utility costs low year ‘round. While the environmental impact of the long commute somewhat offsets any "green" value of the construction, for retirees or people with home businesses, this could be an attractive alternative to a closer-in and more densely packed subdivision.
PHOTOS BY SARAH JACOBSON
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