As I’ve mentioned before, home tours are some of my favorite types of articles to cover here at Modern Reston. Those articles are also some of our most popular with our readers, so it’s likely that you love them, too. As much fun as it is to browse interior design photos, though, it’s much better to be able to walk around inside those homes and see them in person. Every October you get that chance, thanks to the Reston Home Tour. This year’s tour takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2015, and it is the major annual fundraiser for the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, which offer community exhibits, archives, and public events.
In addition to being a fundraiser, the tour is also just a lot of fun, especially if you’re interested in design, architecture, real estate, or remodeling. The theme for the 2015 tour is “Spaces Reimagined,” and features six homes that have undergone imaginative renovations. If you love a good before-and-after decorating story, this tour should be right up your alley. Tickets for the tour are likely to sell out, so be sure to order them in advance. Prices are $30 per person.
I spoke with Bonnie Haukness, Chair of the Reston Home Tour, for an inside look at the tour. Bonnie is a realtor with Long and Foster, and she first got involved in the Reston Home Tour years ago when she was invited to show her house in the tour. She was comfortable with the idea of having people walk through her house, since exploring homes is an everyday part of her career in real estate. Eventually she found herself organizing the Home Tour each year, along with Co-Chair Margaret Gupta. This year’s team also includes 80 volunteer docents, 6 families sharing their residences, the staff of the Harrison Apartments, and several sponsors.
I’ve often wondered how homes are selected for the tour. Bonnie explained to me that they are usually nominated by real estate agents, interior designers, or contractors who have worked with those residences. Sometimes families nominate their homes, as well, and as the Reston Home Tour has grown in popularity over the years, self-nominations are becoming more common.
In addition to the six private residences included in this tour, the Harrison apartment building will also welcome ticket holders for a look inside their facility. Bonnie encourages everyone to leave plenty of time in their day for the Harrison, and to be sure to visit the Harrison’s Culinary Center. M&S Grill will be hosting a “tasting of autumn” at the Harrison demonstration kitchen, and the food is included in the cost of tour admission.
High-rise apartments are a recent addition to the Reston Home Tour. As Reston has evolved to include more of an urban lifestyle, the Home Tour has grown to reflect these new ways of local living.
Bonnie Haukness says that one of her favorite parts of this year’s tour is the renovation inspiration it will offer visitors, regardless of their budgets. “Some renovations are done with a lot of money,” she explains, “And some are done with a lot of imagination.”
Curious about what you’ll find in the tour? We have a preview for you, thanks to the Reston Home Tour team!
LINKS DRIVE
After thirty years and two renovations, that began with the sledge hammer removal of a wall, the owners of this home overlooking the 9th fairway of Reston’s Hidden Creek Country Club course still call it “ongoing”. Family art from Castro’s revolutionary days in Cuba mixes with Limoges plates from pre-war France. And, local artist, Rick Wall’s wood sculptures find a home with an heirloom Chinese chest. Every piece has a story to tell!
LAKE NEWPORT: HOME 1
Interior designers look at homes differently, usually focusing on what “could be” rather than what they see. Specializing in kitchen and basement design, Cindy was able to alter the spaces to take full advantage of the lake views over Lake Newport. Adding the stepped terraces, a water feature and their newest addition, a gas fire pit cocktail table makes “camping out” on summer nights an activity to love!
LAKE NEWPORT: HOME 2
The owner and founder of KPA Design Group wanted a house with great bones in a beautiful setting, and one that was “in need”. Moving to this contemporary home after 33 years in an c. 1889 Great Falls farmhouse was not an easy task. Altering some of the floor plan and adding organic materials, ledge stone, wood cabinetry and flooring, warmed and naturalized the interior. The eclectic mix of antiques and art from their farmhouse and the modern interior design work perfectly together!
MOORINGS DRIVE
The renovation began within minutes of ownership. Tedious, painful and toxic (and ongoing for four months!) is how the owners describe removing the popcorn, and decades of paint, to expose the beautiful, modern concrete slabs that are now their ceiling. From a Beastie Boys wallpapered bath, to the 1960’s mid-century modern bedroom, and the spinal cord dining chairs, this one is sure to get your creative juices flowing!
TURTLE POND DRIVE
Experience Reston’s only residential cinema – complete with a Marilyn Monroe bathroom, accented by a tongue-in-cheek “Nighthawk” and a life-sized Marilyn in the shower. Designed by Warren Katz, this contemporary home’s design is one of Reston’s most interesting, and the remodeled master suite is a study in white marble classicism.
GOVERNOUR’S SQUARE
When the builder, Klingbill, constructed this traditional home, he separated each space with doors and walls, as was the fashion in 1968 in Northern Virginia. Reston’s Synergy Design and Construction had a another idea, and the home you visit today, with walls removed and/or moved, is open, spacious and contemporary.
THE HARRISON
The striking spaces and expansive glass compete for your attention with the lifestyle-centric amenities – an indoor lap pool with spa, a cycle-spinning, yoga and pilates room, a fitness center with cardio equipment and a rooftop club and pool with an outdoor prep and grilling area! A taste of autumn will be offered in the Commercial demonstration kitchen. Don’t miss Reston’s latest take on apartment living!
The Reston Home Tour takes place Saturday, October 17, 2015. It is a self-guided tour, and tickets are available for $30 online. Order them in advance, because they are likely to sell out.
Photo credit: Bob Haukness
Photo credit for Lake Newport Home 1: Barry Harley
Photo descriptions: Reston Home Tour
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Home Tour: A Cramped Split-Level Transforms with Spacious, Mid-Century Style
Home Tour: A Designer’s Vibrant Waterfront Townhouse
Home Tour: Basil’s Eclectic, Art-filled Condo
Holiday Home Tour: The Wests’ Incredible Halloween Decorations
