VIRGINIA BEACH — Not every home’s uniqueness is defined by its physical characteristics: by how big it is or how beautiful it is or how fancy it is.
Sometimes it’s defined by tradition and the love that went into it in the first place.
The house at 3000 Lynndale Road in Virginia Beach is a perfect example of a home that was made unique by the family memories created there, especially Christmas memories.
Built by Woody and Melva Houck in 1994, from its inception the home was intended to accommodate already grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It was a family affair from the ground up, as much of the work was done by family: daughters Valerie Gwaltney and Laurie Pocock did the planning and design; their husbands oversaw the work and one did the woodwork; the Houcks’ son Tim did the concrete work.
“A lot of people downsize as they grow older,” said Laurie of her parents. “They kinda family-sized.”
Then, more than two decades ago during the Christmas season, the family’s first nativity scene took place, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
“It started with two kids – who are 34 and 38 years old now – and has moved on to include new generations,” Laurie said.
The nativity took place in front of a fireplace in the large open room that is usually a living area and a dining room. Furniture in the space was cleared out and seating added, with older generations and extended family serving as the audience.
Melva, now 83 and ever the proud parent and grandparent, said the nativity grew bigger and better over time, as did the number of participants. She also played the piano for the musical parts of the nativity.
“The singing was always appropriate for what they were doing,” she said, adding that in addition to Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus (who was sometimes portrayed by a baby doll and sometimes by an actual baby – depending on the availability of a live actor of the appropriate age) there were at various times colorfully robed shepherds bearing gifts; an innkeeper comically frustrated by the couple’s lack of reservations; and majestic kings adorned with paper crowns from Burger King.
Not just a place for holding a musical nativity, the home has served as a refuge over the years for the Houcks’ children.
“I think all of us have lived there at different times, as we were building our own homes,” said Valerie.
The home sits on an estate called “Talltrees” along the shores of the Lynnhaven River. “Club Houck” as it has been referred to, has seen more than just an annual Christmas nativity. There have been hide-and-seek games that included (and were often initiated by) the grandparents; soccer games and croquet matches in the large backyard; rides in toy jeeps; and even one big wedding.
Woody Houck, patriarch of the family and the founder of the family business (B&H Concrete Construction Corp) passed away in 2015, but the memories and the traditions he and Melva helped to create in the home at 3000 Lynndale will never pass.
And one tradition in particular will forever bring smiles — and tears.
“Our kids all say that their favorite tradition is the Christmas play and nativity,” said Laurie.
The 24-room home, on seven acres, also features a heated pool and well-equipped pool house, river access and a boat dock with a lift, a treehouse, and much more, while the entire estate is surrounded by a brick wall.
The home is served by Kingston Elementary, Lynnhaven Middle, and First Colonial High School.
For more information visit the Katie Zarpas Group online.
