THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 20, 1995 TAG: 9504200139
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover story
SOURCE: BY SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Long : 132 lines
WHEN JEFF AND KATHY Pond built their home four years ago, they had family heirlooms in mind.
Ten-foot ceilings were required to accommodate certain antiques, particularly the china closet in the dining room. The cabinet, constructed with wooden pegs, still bears burn marks made by candles on its shelves years ago.
``This is my favorite piece,'' said Kathy Pond. ``At one time, it was covered with black paint. When it was removed, there was black walnut underneath.''
Other cherished family pieces, including a 17th-century rosewood sideboard and a crystal chandelier that belonged to Jeff Pond's grandmother, add to the charm of the room.
The Pond home, at 102 Pitchkettle Point Circle, will be among four homes and a garden featured on the Suffolk tour. The tour, sponsored by the Nansemond River Garden Club, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
The event is in conjunction with the 62nd annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia, sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia.
On Monday, the Ponds' dining table will be set for an elegant dinner with a unique collection of plates picturing several varieties of roses.
``Mr. Pond started the plate collection of all the roses in his garden,'' said Pond of her father-in-law, Richard Pond.
The house was designed by Kathy Pond's father, Randolph Turner Sr., who was a Suffolk contractor for 40 years before his retirement. The Ponds have framed his original sketch of their house.
``This is a transitional home,'' Pond said. ``I like traditional, but I also like contemporary.''
The two-story, brick residence on Lake Meade has a spacious entry hall, which is flanked by the living and dining rooms. A color palette of wine, cream and teal reigns throughout the downstairs rooms.
``I like rich, dark colors,'' Pond said. ``As long as you have a lot of light, you can use them.''
A portion of the upstairs hallway is open, with a view of the entry hall below on one side and family room on the other. After the house was framed, Kathy Pond asked that skylights be placed in the cathedral ceiling of the family room to allow a view of the lake from the upstairs walkway.
Highlights of the family room include floor-to-ceiling windows and a simple yet elegant painting by Mexican artist Luis Sottil.
The kitchen, which opens off the family room, has white ceramic tile floors and polished cherry cabinets. Kathy Pond's collection of fruit prints and plates enhance the area.
As window dressing, wine- and teal-colored fabrics have been artfully wrapped around drapery rods in both the kitchen and family area, without inhibiting the expansive water view.
The master bedroom suite on the first floor features caramel-colored walls and a spacious bath, also decorated in teal, wine, cream and touches of black. Wall prints and rugs add oriental influence. The suite's back door opens onto an large deck.
Upstairs, the entertainment room and the bedroom of the Ponds' 14-year-old daughter, Ashley, will be featured on the tour. Fashioned by Ashley, the bedroom walls are bright teal with a purple border.
Other homes and garden featured on the tour are:
107 Pitchkettle Point Circle - Garden, owners Chuck and Joyce Jordan.
Both retired, the Jordans have fashioned a lovely garden bordering Lake Meade. There are wooden walkways to the boat landing. In addition to a built-in fish pond, there are fruit trees, grape and raspberry vines and a small vegetable garden. A picket fence and rose arbor above the garden gate were designed by Mr. Jordan. Afternoon tea will be served from 2 to 5 p.m.
105 Pitchkettle Point Drive - Owners Mr. and Mrs. Jay S. Howell.
This brick home reflects the owners' modern tastes while showcasing Mrs. Howell's diverse collections of art, quilts and antiques. Special painting techniques have been used throughout the house by Mrs. Howell, such as rag-rolling, sponging and stenciling.
807 Craig Drive - Owners, the Lawrence Penniston Family.
Primitive furnishings and a light palette provide the setting for family heirlooms in this spacious ranch-style home.
A cozy sitting area overlooks the Japanese garden, which reflects the couple's time spent in Okinawa during the late Dr. Penniston's naval career. Native American and Civil War relics are displayed.
801 General Pickett Drive - Owners Mr. and Mrs. William K. Stulb.
This Cape Cod home features family heirlooms, antiques and hardwood oak floors, complemented by Oriental rugs. The traditional kitchen is enhanced by oak cabinets. The adjoining den is a sunroom/play area for the couple's children. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The home of Jeff and Kathy Pond, on Pitchkettle Point Circle, was
designed by Kathy Pond's father, Randolph Turner Sr. The design
combines traditional and contemporary styles.
Kathy Pond arranges a fruit display in the breakfast nook off the
kitchen. The area is enhanced by her collection of fruit prints and
plates.
The dining room has a 10-foot ceiling to accommodate the china
closet, a family heirloom. The cabinet, made of black walnut and
constructed with wooden pegs, is ``my favorite piece,'' Kathy Pond
says.
Afternoon tea will be served Monday in the garden, above, of Chuck
and Joyce Jordan. The garden, with its wooden walkways and fish
pond, borders Lake Meade. The nearby home of Mr. and Mrs. Jay S.
Howell, below, will also be open and will feature Mrs. Howell's
collections of art, quilts and antiques and some unusual
wall-painting techniques.
Graphics
AT A GLANCE
Tickets - at each house: block, $10; single house, $5.
Coffee and doughnuts - 9-11 a.m., Johnson's Gardens Inc., U.S.
Route 58.
Luncheon - 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Holiday Inn; $8.50; informal
modeling, Denison's.
For tickets, call the tour chairman, Mrs. Peter D. Pruden III, at
539-5087.
ON THE COVER
Kathy Pond relaxes in the great room of her Pitchkettle Point
Circle house that will be featured on the home and garden tour.
Staff photographer John H. Sheally II took the picture.
by CNB