VIRGINIA BEACH — Tim and Maria Barry have turned the backyard of their Sandy Bay Drive home into a personal retreat — and they’re loving every minute of it.
“We’ve added all these features — the pool, the hot tub, the lily pond, and the tropical landscaping to create a relaxing, peaceful environment that makes us feel like we’re on vacation all the time,” Maria said, who added that the pool and the hot tub are probably her favorite features. There’s also an outdoor shower for washing off the sun and the sand.
For those days when the pool just won’t do, Maria said the area’s Civic League maintains for the community a gated walkway to the beach — just a short stroll away.
The lily pond is ringed with stones and has a small waterfall feature. There is a Japanese maple, ferns and other various plants, and, of course, lily pads. Maria said the lily pond features a UV sterilizer, which makes it very easy to care for.
Despite all that’s going on in the backyard, along with a sizable deck (covered with a pergola and great for sitting and relaxing), there’s still room for a large patch of green grass and a box garden, both of which Tim and Maria make good use of.
“We grow everything there,” Maria said of the box garden. ”Zucchini, tomatoes, collards, parsley, basil and cilantro. We also have a fig tree by the garden, and we’ve really enjoyed the large grassy area for parties and volleyball.”
Howard Hanna Realtor Debbie Blankman said that the home also includes an in-law suite with two private entries, as well as a sunroom for when the days are rainy or cool.
“It brings natural light into the home and Tim and Maria use the space year-round,” she said. “And the in-law suite functions independently yet flows seamlessly with the rest of the house.”
The overall space has been designed with a goal in mind: “We’ve created a beachy cottage feel,” said Maria. “There’s nothing like hearing the waves and smelling the sea breeze all year-round.”
The home is served by John B. Dey Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Frank W. Cox High School.
For more information about 4305 Sandy Bay Drive, visit Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
