NORFOLK
“Along the Working River”
Sponsored by The Harborfront Garden Club and
Garden Club of Norfolk
www.norfolkgardentour.org
Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Larchmont
Larchmont, created in 1906 from 200 acres of farmland, was designed to attract families with its spacious lots and beckoning water views. In 1923, the growing neighborhood was one of several annexed into the City of Norfolk. Land prices soared, and construction of homes escalated as the city expanded.
More than 2,300 houses, ranging from century-old brick mansions to modest bungalows, grace the tree-lined streets and expansive waterfront lots that characterize the Edgewater section of Larchmont. Located on a peninsula overlooking the Elizabeth River, this section takes its name from Edgewater Drive, a “paper street” that washed away in the hurricane of 1933. Along this stretch of the Elizabeth River, an endless parade of cruise and container ships, naval vessels, fishing and tug boats are evidence of the crucial role played by this body of water in the commerce and recreation of the community.
INFORMATION CENTERS:
AAA Tidewater Virginia
5366 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Telephone: (757) 633-1600
Norfolk on the Virginia Waterfront
Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau
232 East Main St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
Telephone: (757) 664-6620
The Ocean View Visitor Information Center
9401 4th View St.
Norfolk, VA 23503
Telephone: (757) 441-1852
Chairmen:
Linda Cherry (Mrs. Thomas V., III)
1440 Cloncurry Rd
Norfolk, VA 23505
Telephone: (757) 451-1267
E-mail: lindawcherry@cox.net
Carol Olsen (Mrs. Clark S.)
1217 S. Fairwater Dr.
Norfolk, VA 23508
Telephone: (757) 440-0604
E-mail: olsenmommy@msn.com
Co-Chairman:
Jane Cole (Mrs. Andrew B.)
1106 Lexan Ave., Norfolk, 23508
Telephone: (757) 451-1427
E-mail: janecole@cox.net
TICKETS: Full ticket price is $25 in advance, $30 day of the tour. Single-site admission, $10. Children 13 and older, full price; ages 6-12, half-price; ages 5 and under, free of charge. Children younger than age 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Full Ticket price includes entrance to six private homes, The Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, a floral demonstration, and admission to three Historic Homes (see listing of Historic Homes). Tickets may be purchased on tour day at any of the private houses. Internet tickets may be purchased by credit card at www.VaGardenweek.org.
ADVANCE TICKETS: Available from Harborfront Garden Club member Kathy Protogyrou, 1519 Commonwealth Ave., Norfolk, 23505, (757) 625-5005, protogyrou@cox.net and at the following locations: Mary Barnett Unique and Decorative Accessories, 4122 Granby St., Norfolk, 23505, (757) 622-1100; The White Rabbitt/The Wild Hare, 334 W. 21st St., Norfolk, 23517, (757) 627-4169; Norfolk Botanical Garden Gift Shop, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd. 23518, (757) 441-5830, www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.
Checks made payable to The Garden Club of Norfolk Tour
REFRESHMENTS: Served from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kaplan Orchid Conservatory potting room.
LUNCH: Enjoy lunch at numerous nearby restaurants. Information will be available on tour day.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES: A floral demonstration by Laurel Quarberg and Sarah Munford of the New Leaf floral design company will take place in the backyard of their home located at 6301 Eleanor Ct., 12 to 2 p.m.
Orchid expert John B. Zukosky of Smithfield Orchid & Nature Company will answer questions and display a selection of orchids from his greenhouses for sale.
TRANSPORTATION: Bus service will be provided.
PARKING: On-street parking available throughout the tour neighborhood. A few metered spaces are available at the Kaplan Orchid Conservatory. Visitors are encouraged to use the bus service.
NOTES: This is a walking tour. Please wear flat-heeled, comfortable shoes to allow for uneven surfaces and stairs and to protect floors. No photography, sketching or cell phone use permitted inside the tour homes as a courtesy to all. Tour is offered “Rain or Shine!” No refunds.
NOTE: The Kaplan Orchid Conservatory and all houses are located within one and a half miles of each other in zip code 23508.
Properties may be visited in any order.
DIRECTIONS:
From North/Richmond, take I-64 East through the Hampton Roads
Bridge Tunnel toward Norfolk. Merge onto I 564 via exit 276 toward Naval Base/Terminal Blvd. Merge onto Terminal Blvd. toward Hampton Blvd. Turn left on Hampton Blvd. Follow Hampton Blvd. For 1.8 mi. and turn right at Bolling Ave.
From East/Eastern Shore, travel the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Take a right on North Hampton Blvd. Travel approx 4.96 mi. to I-64 East. Take I-64 East to Terminal Blvd. And follow the same as above.
From West/Suffolk, take Rte 58 East through the Midtown tunnel. Proceed onto Hampton Blvd. for approximately 2 mi. Turn left onto Bolling Ave.
THE ARTHUR AND PHYLLIS KAPLAN ORCHID CONSERVATORY at Old Dominion University. This $2.1 million structure houses the orchid collection of retired Norfolk physician Arthur Kaplan, a longtime grower of exquisite orchids. The collection is the largest in the Tidewater area and includes more than 275 species in 72 different genera. The complex consists of six climate-controlled greenhouses, a potting room, orchid propagation lab, and research facilities. In the stunning glass display house, a waterfall, pool and rock wall serve as the backdrop for lush tropical plants and approximately 100 blooming orchids. Orchids are rotated from the greenhouses into the display house while in bloom, resulting in an ever-changing exhibit that also includes a host of interesting tropical plants, some of which have economic value or are very rare in the wild. Among the trees found in the conservatory are cinnamon, chocolate, mango and the endangered Costa Rica Osa, of which there are only eight plants known to be living in the wild. The Kaplan Orchid Conservatory will be open until 5 p.m. the day of the Norfolk Garden Week tour. Parking is extremely limited. Admission is free. Regular hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, by appointment by contacting Steve Urick at surick@odu.edu or by calling (757) 683-3610. Located behind the Oceanography and Physics Building in the 4500 block of Elkhorn Ave.
1519 BOLLING AVENUE. Built in 1924, this stately moss-green, center-hall colonial occupies a spacious corner lot three blocks from the river. Professionally landscaped in 1994, the expansive garden is segmented into several distinct areas. A raised bluestone patio flanked by shade perennials offers the perfect view of a tranquil pond, surrounded by trellises festooned with evergreen vines. The renovated garage with an elegantly appointed apartment above serves as guest quarters for visitors. A separate play area provides a safe haven for children. Mature trees, shrubs and perennials are found throughout the lush grounds.
Inside, muted fabric and paint selections and gleaming tiger-oak floors serve as elegant backdrops for colorful handmade Turkish rugs and a collection of 19th century English and American antiques and family heirlooms. Among many furnishings of note are an American corner cupboard (c. 1835), an English Hepplewhite table (c. 1810), a gilded Sheraton mirror (c. 1820), a Federal-style, dish-top candle stand (c. 1800) and a dining table by Biggs of Richmond and custom-made sideboard from Gloucester, Virginia (both c. 1930). Slip-covered furnishings throughout add warmth to the formal spaces, balancing polished antiques and creating a family-friendly environment. Mr. and Mrs. L. Larus Avery, owners.
1706 BOLLING AVENUE. Tucked away in a verdant cottage garden, this c. 1900 Arts and Crafts style bungalow originally served as the carriage house for a waterfront home. A number of additions have modernized and expanded the original structure into an appealing and cozy retreat that retains the charm of yesteryear. Decor centers on family heirlooms, original art and exotic furnishings collected during the current owners’ extensive travels with the Navy. Playful paint colors and informal, unexpected design elements create a warm and welcoming environment. Of note are the gleaming shellacked mahogany counters and collection of Polish and Spanish ceramics in the kitchen. The main portion of the house features an unusual hexagonal hall upstairs with bath, closets and bedrooms radiating in every direction. Hidden above the two-car garage is a spacious guest retreat with full bath, office, sitting room and bedroom.
Avid gardeners will be captivated by the textural, richly planted gardens visible from every room in the house. Old columns removed during renovation have been repurposed as arbors, and a quaint potting shed draped in vines beckons from beyond the kitchen windows. Vice Admiral and Mrs. David Architzel, owners.
Norfolk—5336 Edgewater Drive
5336 EDGEWATER DRIVE. Built in the late-1800s, this stately waterfront home was originally embellished with balconies, porches and grand two-story columns. During a 1950s renovation, the house was stripped of these architectural elements and the floor plan was reworked. The current owners have attempted to restore some of the interior layout and have added a widow’s walk and several decorative balustrades to the exterior. The original entrance to the residence faced the water and Edgewater Drive, a “paper” street that washed away in the hurricane of 1933. A new front entrance, added on the street side exactly opposite the original front door, gives the feel of symmetry.
Original features in the elegantly appointed living room are the large brick fireplace, quarter-sawn oak wainscoting and oak staircase. In the dining room are a needlepoint rug, silk drapes and family antiques, including a pair of matching corner cabinets that belonged to Mrs. Neikirk’s grandparents. Family time is spent in a more casual setting: the 18-by-55-foot family room and kitchen addition, and a child’s playroom that could later serve as a first-floor bedroom. Most of the artworks on display were done by Mrs. Neikirk’s great-grandfather, Walter E. Baum, a Pennsylvania impressionist painter. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Neikirk, owners.
5417 STUDELEY AVENUE. The Nottinghams gave up a secluded vacation retreat on the Northern Neck to purchase this 4,500-square-foot transitional waterfront home four years ago, trading some serenity for a constant view of the bustling Elizabeth River. The couple tore down walls to create an open kitchen, dining and family area that focuses attention on the stunning view. Painted above an expanse of windows overlooking the water is the saying, “Behold the Working River on Which We Live…,” a reminder that the river serves as a vital source of commerce as well as recreation.
Elements of the sea are found throughout the house. In the kitchen, shimmering tones of blue and grey prevail in the recycled glass-tile backsplashes, stainless-steel appliances, granite counters and hand-blown glass pendants. The casual décor is spiced up with original works of art, family heirlooms and decorative objects, including a collection of antique bottles washed up on the shore. Outside, one can sit by the fire pit near the covered brick patio and enjoy a “borrowed landscape” of unfenced lawns and unobstructed river vistas in all directions. Mr. and Mrs. George U. Nottingham, owners.
6239 POWHATAN AVENUE. A secluded location and water views enticed designers Jon and Monique Rizzo to purchase a modest two-bedroom ranch and remodel it into a two-story home in 2007. The Rizzos utilized their business philosophy in the new design, transforming an essentially blank canvas into a stunning, eclectic four-bedroom residence combining both traditional and contemporary elements. Quality sustainable building materials throughout include quartz countertops in the kitchen and master bath, cork floor tiles, and wrought-iron railings on the staircase and landing. Recycled and original materials are found throughout, from glass doorknobs to the original yellow tile retained in the downstairs powder room. Furnishings range from family and mid-century modern antiques to urban chic.
The exterior facing the street features clean lines, a crisp chocolate and white color scheme, and Bermuda shutters that pivot at the top. The back portion of the house takes advantage of the water views and encourages outdoor living, with an expansive screened porch and balcony located off the master bedroom above. A short walk through a serene, Asian-inspired garden leads to the couple’s design studio, where a hand-finished floor of brilliant aqua echoes the glint of the nearby river. Mr. and Mrs. Jon A. Rizzo, owners.
6301 ELEANOR COURT. The current owners renovated this 1941 waterfront colonial in 2006, but retained the look and feel of the original house inside and out. An expanded kitchen features elegant appointments such as granite counters, gleaming wood cabinetry and an antique English gaming table. The new full bath under the staircase adds a bit of whimsy with bright aqua paint and a layered crystal chandelier. The entry foyer, living and dining rooms have been updated with a fresh coat of neutral paint to showcase collections of antiques, Ms. Munford’s family heirlooms and artworks created by Ms. Quarberg, an acclaimed artist. Articles of note include an antique Persian mirror, c. 1600s French corner cupboard and a pair of Italian hand-carved angels dating to the 1700s.
Directly off the kitchen, a screened porch, deck and pool provide a perfect spot to enjoy the abundant bird life and spectacular view. The former owners, both master gardeners, left a legacy of perennials, trees and shrubs in the shaded beds winding down to the water’s edge. The recent addition of a gravel drive and flower beds on the front side of the house completed the renovation. Ms. Sarah Munford and Ms. Laurel Quarberg, owners.
Historic Homes
Admission to the properties below is included with purchase of a full Norfolk Garden Week tour ticket.
THE HUNTER HOUSE VICTORIAN MUSEUM, 240 West Freemason St. In 1894, Boston architect W.P. Wentworth designed a new Richardsonian Romanesque townhouse for James Wilson Hunter Sr., a banker and prominent Norfolk merchant, wife Lizzie and children James Wilson Hunter, Jr., Harriett Cornelia and Eloise Dexter. In the 1960s, Eloise, the last surviving family member, requested that her estate be used in part to establish a museum, preserving the home’s architecture, furnishings and decorative arts. Rich in architectural details, the museum displays the family’s collections, including an unusual Inglenook, a Renaissance Revival bedchamber suite, a nursery of Victorian playthings, stained-glass windows and an elaborately embroidered crazy quilt. Lavish period reproduction floor and wall coverings and drapery treatments complement the collection. There is also a collection of 20th century medical memorabilia that belonged to Dr. James Wilson Hunter, Jr. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE MOSES MYERS HOUSE, 331 Bank St. Built in 1792 for a prominent Norfolk resident, this structure is a fine example of Federal-style architecture. The house contains nearly 70 percent of its first-generation furnishings, including the Gilbert Stuart portraits of Mr. Myers and wife Eliza. Much of the family’s cut glass, furniture, silver and china are on display. The house was home to five generations of the Myers family before it was sold in 1931 to become a privately operated museum. The Garden Club of Virginia renovated the gardens in 2002 to reflect historically accurate late-18th century garden design. Call (757) 441-1526 for information.
NORFOLK HISTORY MUSEUM at the Willoughby-Baylor House, 601 East Freemason St., was built in 1794 by Captain William Willoughby, a descendant of English immigrant Capt. Thomas Willoughby I, who was the recipient of a 1636 Royal grant of 200 acres – 50 of which would become the town of Norfolk in 1682. The house remained in the family until 1890 when it was sold. It subsequently fell into decline and was slated for demolition until it was bought and restored by the Norfolk Historic Foundation in 1964. The current exhibition showcases various aspects of Norfolk’s architectural, commercial, maritime and military history through objects from the Chrysler Museum’s collection and other institutions and private citizens. The garden, designed by Siska Aurand Landscape Architects, was installed in 1991 and represents the most current understanding of colonial gardens at that point. The recent addition of an oyster-shell paving is appropriate to the period. Call (757) 441-1526 for information.
Other Places of Interest
THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART, 245 West Olney Road. Aptly described by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top 20 museums in the country, The Chrysler is home to one of America’s premier permanent collections—with 35,000 pieces spanning more than 5,000 years of history. Its 62 galleries highlight many of the world’s greatest artists and one of the finest glass collections in the United States. Exceptional visiting exhibitions, educational programs, and special events complement the permanent collection. This Italianate building on the Hague inlet of Norfolk’s Elizabeth River also houses the largest art reference library in the Southeast, a theatre, a gourmet café and a fine gift shop. Best of all, general admission to this world-class collection of art is free. Call (757) 664-6200 or visit www.chrysler.org for information.
HERMITAGE MUSEUM AND GARDENS, 7637 North Shore Road. This beautiful 12-acre estate is nestled in a lush wooded setting along the Lafayette River. The Arts and Crafts style house features a combination brick and wood exterior, elegantly carved eaves and wrought-iron accents. Originally built to be the summer retreat of William and Florence Sloane in 1908, the residence became their year-round home and was later the permanent location of the Hermitage Museum. The museum was established in 1937 by the Sloanes to increase public awareness and appreciation of the arts and to offer encouragement and support for creative artistic endeavors. The house is a work of art in its own right. The expert carving and detail of master craftsmen C.J. Woodsen, Karl von Rydingsvard and M.F. McCarthy resulted in a home of uncompromising craftsmanship and an appropriate showcase for displaying treasured artwork from around the world. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Fri., and Sat.; Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; closed Wed. and Thurs. Admission: $5 adults, $2 children (Ages 6-18), $3 students, free for children under 6 and active duty military. Call (757) 423-2052 for information or visit www.thfm.org.
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN, 6700 Azalea Garden Road. Originally started as a Works Progress Administration project in the 1920s, today Norfolk Botanical Garden consists of 155 acres of stunning beauty with 12 miles of pedestrian pathways surrounded on three sides by Lake Whitehurst. The Garden is located adjacent to Norfolk International Airport and boasts one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons on the East Coast. Norfolk Botanical Garden displays more than 20 theme gardens including the Virginia Native Plant Garden (Founder’s Fund Award, Garden Club of America), Bicentennial Rose Garden, World of Wonder and many more. Visitors may tour the Garden by foot, tram or boat. The gift shop provides distinctive items for both garden and gardener. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for youth (3–18); FREE for children 2 & under with accompanying parent. For information, call (757) 441-5830 or visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.