When Luke Nutting was home in New Hampshire between semesters at boarding school, he says he’d pack his dog and resonator guitar into a rowboat, push off into the Connecticut River and teach himself to play in open-G tuning. That’s the tuning that bluesmen like Skip James and Son House used to achieve that unrestrained, […]
When Luke Nutting was home in New Hampshire between semesters at boarding school, he says he’d pack his dog and resonator guitar into a rowboat, push off into the Connecticut River and teach himself to play in open-G tuning. That’s the tuning that bluesmen like Skip James and Son House used to achieve that unrestrained, […]
It’s hard to refuse a french fry, but some are more irresistible than others. These nine places meet (and exceed) our high fry standards. The humble potato has never had a higher calling. Basil Mediterranean Bistro (1): This Corner spot with a novel-length menu offers fries that are crispy, generously salted and dangerously delicious dipped […]
By Christy Baker and Erika Howsare Few rooms in a house provide the opportunity to make such a strong statement as the kitchen. Perhaps because there are so many different materials involved—from countertops to drawer pulls, from faucets to stove burners—the kitchen is a place where a homeowner’s taste is clearly on display. That’s true […]
Spring break For over 70 years Virginia has celebrated spring the third week in April with Historic Garden Week. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia (vagardenweek.org), tours raise funds for statewide restorations. It’s surprisingly easy for old gardens to disappear—a blink of the eye will do it. The gardens of Monticello and the University […]
Mark these pages What should you have on your bookshelf or coffee table this season? Here are ABODE’s picks for the best new home and garden books. Brew a pot of tea and enjoy. Houses/DesignSource Collins Design This chunky little volume contains almost no text. Instead, page after page of Dwell-worthy modern houses, from all […]
For at least the past 9,000 years, the humble goat has been mankind’s companion and provider. As evidenced in their respective mythologies, both Greek and Roman armies utilized this hardy animal as a self-propelled food supply for far-flung borders—regardless of terrain, goats will find their own food and produce milk and fiber while they live, […]
Problem: Making room for play, no matter what the weather Becky Scott and Andy Orban’s backyard stretches past several stately oak trees and down to a creek nearly a hundred yards behind their North Downtown home. Their children, Nathaniel and Carrie (3-and-a-half years and 22 months, respectively), are outside nearly every day, now that spring […]
In an oscillating real estate market, knowing how much a property is worth is nothing short of a strategic masterpiece. Many factors—such as real estate assessment, market value analysis, area comparables and a seller’s motivation—go into finally deciding that a one-story ranch in Charlottesville’s Rose Hill neighborhood could be listed for around $290,000. On most […]
There’s nothing quite like spring in Charlottesville. As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, our homes beg for fresh air, friends, and some good ol’ Southern hospitality. Whether it be selecting an open floor plan perfect for a party, or choosing furniture, flooring, and finishes that can stand up to red wine […]
“Go step into that corner. That’s my favorite corner,” says Downtown homeowner Hank Wells. A favorite corner? “It sounds crazy, but you really can tell a difference between standing here [in the kitchen] and standing here [in the living room].” It’s not surprising Wells has such an opinion about the 1,000-square-foot condo he shares […]