A mid-modern architectural treasure is lovingly revived in Blacksburg, Virginia.
On a quiet street in Blacksburg, Virginia, rests a lovely home that appears to hover amongst the trees.
Built in 1960, when clean lines and walnut paneling reigned supreme, walking into this home feels a bit like walking into a time capsule.
But it took some serious elbow grease to get it to this point. Owner and designer Cassidy Jones removed layers of bad carpeting and odd choices in the hope to restore the home to its original beauty.
“I would drive by this house and daydream of owning it someday,” reminisces Jones. So when the home popped onto the market, her fate was sealed. Built by architect Leonard Curry, a professor at Virginia Tech, the home had only been owned by two other families prior to Jones. The common areas live on the upper floor with vast expanses of windows. The lowest point of the cement-looking ceiling is in the middle of the home, with the roof fanning upwards from the center. The effect is mesmerizing. “My family and I get the experience of living inside a work of art. I hope my kids appreciate it as they get older,” Jones laughs.
“I wake up each morning, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to call this home mine. It’s like living in a treehouse.”
In the open living room, the fireplace is the main feature. The off-center mantle is one giant piece of wood, carved by a neighbor, according to local history enthusiasts. The oversized sectional from West Elm suited the scale of the room. For the color palette, Jones opted for rusty oranges, teal, gray, and creamy whites. In the adjacent dining room, a custom-made wood table comfortably seats eight.
A diagonal pattern is inlaid in the top, while the angled base is made of steel. Jones adds, “I made an effort to keep all of the furnishings low, so that the sight lines to the exterior aren’t obstructed.”
For Jones, the same principle applies in the kitchen; “You want to look up and out at the nature beyond, and not focus on the details.” The original rosewood veneer cabinets are lovingly and carefully removed and cleaned with mineral spirits and wax annually. The original Frigidare oven still works, putting out the most consistent heat without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. For the backsplash, Jones opted to introduce a stainless steel hexagon tile as opposed to something colorful that could detract from the architectural beauty.
The home is resplendent. Carefully curated objects grace each room—an old sewing machine table now serves as the front console, and an original rendering of the home has been framed and hangs near the front door. It manages to feel honest and relevant, connected to nature in a simple and straightforward manner. “Each season is special,” Jones says. “In the spring, the rain spills across the overhang like a waterfall. In the winter, the snow falling feels like a snow globe.”
Jones’ design advice for creating a home as warm and welcoming? “Old houses will teach you patience. And you have to be patient with decorating—resist buying all new. Be sure to include pieces that have a bit of history and soul.”
— We shared this story with you in the Winter 2022 issue of NEST Magazine. To subscribe to NEST Magazine, click here — and be sure to follow us on Instagram @NestRealty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIE LEA