Keith and Ellen Calfee built their family home on the last remaining lot in Martin Estates, a picturesque, farm-like community off Forge Road in Toano, and have enjoyed it to the fullest.
Keith, a Williamsburg native and well-known builder in the area, and Ellen, an interior designer, work well together.
They built their first home in Ford’s Colony and lived there for several years.
As the Calfees grew their family, they decided they wanted a quieter lifestyle and more land for their kindergartener and twin preschoolers to run and play.
In 2006, they broke ground in Martin Estates and moved in 2007. They liked the home they built in Ford’s Colony so much they modeled their new home after it.
“We put the same plans into this house,” said Keith. “We discovered what we liked and what we didn’t like in the first house and we made some adjustments.”
Some of the things the Calfees improved upon include enlarging the foyer, the laundry room and the bonus room.
The two-story, all-brick home is well maintained and features six bedrooms and five baths.
Its best features include high ceilings, attention to detail in woodworking throughout and the easy flow from one side of the house to the other.
It’s evident that a lot was put into the design of the 4,800-square-foot-home.
In addition to the house, the Calfees truly enjoy the privacy and quietness of the neighborhood.
The family has used the large lot to play volleyball and soccer games and other fun activities.
“When it snowed we used to pull the kids around on a tube with a four-wheeler,” said Ellen. “It was a lot of fun.”
Though the land is zoned agricultural, the Calfees don’t have any farm animals. Instead they enjoy the occasional “moo” from a neighbor’s cow or take in the beauty of another neighbor’s peacock.
“It really is very peaceful here,” said Ellen.
More information about the home can be found online.
