VIRGINIA BEACH — Modern and contemporary. Contemporary and modern.
The home at 2380 Haversham Close in Virginia Beach is an interesting combination of both.
While an emphasis on rectangular forms; long, straight horizontal or vertical lines; a lack of ornamentation; open spaces and high ceilings; and windows of varying shapes and sizes are just a few of the hallmarks of modern architecture, they are often also traits of contemporary architecture.
Built in 1987, the home is classified as contemporary, but was certainly inspired by the modern architecture movement that began in the United States after World War I and continued on into the 1950s.
However, “contemporary,” by its very definition, refers to the building style of “today,” and can vary widely in its architectural appearance, as well as the materials used in its construction.
“The flow of the home is contemporary in that it is so open,” said Karen O’Brien, a realtor with Howard Hanna and along with her daughter, Erin, a listing agent for the property. As an example, she said that the kitchen opens to an eating area, which opens to the back deck and to the great room with a high ceiling and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace.
The exterior of the home, especially the front, features many classic aspects of modern architecture: long lines that draw the eye and at least five different sizes of windows. It also incorporates both brick and wood. The wood runs vertically but also slants across certain sections of the front of the home.
Inside, O’Brien said that the multitude of windows and doors allow in significant amounts of natural light — another hallmark of both modern and contemporary architecture.
The home is not only unique in its architecture, but also its location, as the backyard and large back deck look out onto a pond, a fountain, and the fourth tee of a golf course that is behind the home.
“I think that makes it a lovely setting for the home,” said O’Brien. “It’s such a beautiful expanse.”
O’Brien, who lives in the same neighborhood, said the properties were originally part of the John B. Dye Farm. The home was built by Ed Brody, who built a number of other homes in that area.
At 3,389 square feet, it features four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, as well as new windows, new carpet, a new driveway and garage floor, and a huge cedar closet.
It is served by John B. Dey Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Frank W. Cox High School.
For more information about the home visit Howard Hanna Real Estate Services online.
