House Tour: Classic Meets Modern on the Water in Virginia Beach

When Scott and Monique Adams’s home on Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach was completed in 2017, it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Scott had always wanted to live on the water, and Monique, who hails from Southern California, wanted an inviting abode with an open floor plan. Their mutual goal was to create a classic residence that looked like it had a history, but came with all the conveniences of a modern home—a place where their children and grandchildren would want to return again and again, and where the Adams could entertain on a grand scale.

It took approximately three years for the dream to become a reality, but, as interior designer Anne Standing of Panache Interiors says, “It was worth the wait.” A collaboration between Standing, Ackaway Builders, and architect Todd Savage of Tymoff+Moss, the home has a Federal-style exterior with open interior spaces that take advantage of the river views. Situated on a plot of land purchased from a family that had been holding it for more than 100 years, the house is a bright and inviting mix of welcoming spaces, high-end finishes, and special pieces fashioned out of unique materials.

“Each space was designed to flow into each other and to maximize light and views,” Standing says of the project, in which she incorporated a neutral color palette of muted greys and creamy whites accented with green to enhance the fresh, natural feel of the home. To keep spaces open and connected without sacrificing privacy, wooden door panels were skipped in favor of special pressed glass from New York City. Calcutta marble countertops in the kitchen and laundry room add warmth and weight to the areas, and a kitchen table made from a single California walnut tree by local Jeff Lawson anchors a gorgeous gathering space. Recycled wood was used throughout the property, including in the master bedroom and the pool bath. The result is a marriage of clean lines and comfort that the owners will enjoy for years to come.

All photos by Andi & Zoe. Interior design by Anne Standing of Panache Interiors (757.422.3815). Built by Ackaway Builders. Architecture by Todd Savage of Tymoff+Moss.