NORFOLK — A dry basement in Norfolk may be hard to find, much less one so dry that it’s ready for entertaining.
But such is the case at 4013 Gosnold Ave., the home of Malcolm and Lily Smith, who have turned their now-dry basement into a space where Malcolm can not only enjoy for himself, but can share with others his love of single malt Scotch.
“Having a finished and usable basement is another unique feature, as the water table in Norfolk is high,” said Doral Lee Taylor, the Smiths’ realtor and listing agent for their home. “And it is rare to find a basement that is even useful for storing things, much less to find one that provides a perfect place to entertain.”
Some work was needed to get to this point, though.
“In the past, it was always dry, but more recently we began to notice water there,” said Malcolm. “Ultimately, we had to decide between having a small swimming pool there or doing something about it.”
The “cure” he said, was quite drastic. The Smiths hired a company to address the problem, which was accomplished by drilling through the cement along the inner walls and placing a drain, connected to a sump pump, and lines leading to the outside.
“They also lined the entire interior wall with a waterproof lining. Since then, despite many heavy rainstorms, the basement has been as dry as a bone,” Malcolm added.
Once the basement was dry and watertight, the bar was built with a purpose in mind.
“I enjoy single malt Scotch,” he said. “Back in the early 2000s I traveled to the island of Islay in Scotland and purchased a cask of single malt from the Bruichladdich distillery. Fourteen years later it was mature enough to be bottled and travel here. With some other fine whiskeys, we have been enjoying whiskey tastings at the basement bar with friends since then.”
Built in 1921, the Smiths have also been told that at some time in its history the home was referred to as “the mayor’s house.”
The home also features a larger than usual backyard.
“The large yard is 116 feet wide, over 4 city-lots in width,” said Taylor. “With approximately .28 acres it is a large lot, especially for a home built in Colonial Place in the 1920s.”
For more information on the home visit Howard Hanna Real Estate Services online.
