Central Virginia Scenery

Every few months we take a ride to visit our family in central Virginia. We used to live just a few houses down the street from them on Capitol Hill - until our son retired from the army after three deployments and twenty plus years. At least we had the chance to see our grandson grow to about ten years old and have kept connected all along. The family now has a home on the James River in a renovated warehouse as well as a “cabin” in the next city over. Whenever we visit we always take a ride to the cabin - about twenty minutes away and hang out for awhile. This also includes a walk around the grounds which are very hilly and also very scenic. Each season has something new to offer and our son keeps making changes to the land and has new stories to tell. This place is also on the James River and does have some connection to George Washington. Neither my husband nor I are outdoorsy kinds and really don’t care for the ticks and critters that abound in the wilderness. Our DIL has friends that join her there regularly for canoe rides or paddle boarding in the morning before work. We watched both of these structures become real homes over the years. They are very unique - just like their owners. 

The James River Cabin

Our son and his family moved to central Virginia from Capitol Hill about eight years ago. They bought an 1800’s warehouse in the downtown as their home. The building was a total disaster but it has been transformed in to a lovely living space. Then about three or four years ago they bought some land along the James River about a half an hour from the warehouse in downtown. There was nothing on the land - just another dream of a future “cabin.” Every time we visit our family for the holidays and otherwise, both of these locations continue to change. But the “cabin” is now completely finished - by that I mean it can be used and all of the appliances and things work. The lower level houses all of the watercraft - canoes and such. The upstairs is two bedrooms, a bathroom, a lovely great room with fireplace and a kitchen/dining room. It is quite a modern structure in this wilderness. Our son is still continuously improving the land, the paths, the landscaping, and all of the stonework. They even have a full time Mason building whatever stone options they need - including a fire pit next to the house. And the end result is a one of a kind place to go and do whatever you like. The dog loves it and looks forward to the daily trek. So when we were visiting over thanksgiving we were driven there every day to walk about and enjoy the scenery. Every season has its own special look and the river is a primary component. It was a good choice to build something close enough to home to be able to enjoy it every day. And we get to enjoy it too whenever we visit.