Surrounded by a Marshy Forest, This Fortress-Like Home Asks $1.7M in Virginia
Recently listed in Williamsburg, Virginia, a modernist-style home is a stark contrast to other homes in the area—although the secluded location mostly hides it from view. The concrete block structure, which is sited on nearly ten wooded acres overlooking a small waterway and marshland, was designed by W.G. Clark, a renowned local architect and professor at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. After purchasing the property in 2018, the home's current owner set out to renovate the interior in a way that both honors Clark's vision, as well as the ideas of modernist icons such as Pierre Chareau and Le Corbusier.
The owner, Mark Segal, initially found the home after searching for a quieter place to spend time away from Los Angeles. "I am a huge fan of European modernism from the 1930s and was shocked to find a contemporary home that so strongly reflected the designs I loved," he says. "The interior was in desperate need of updating, but the design was perfect, and the hidden, waterfront lot provided the privacy I was after."
The two-story home's 17-inch-thick concrete walls, constructed with an air gap for insulation, create an imposing exterior facade that is balanced by expansive glass block windows that flood the interior with natural light and provide views of the scenic property.
Throughout the renovation, Segal updated interior finishes while retaining many of Clark's custom features, including built-in cabinetry and workspaces. "The beauty of the materials mixing with the light throughout day create a feeling of warmth and, in my opinion, make it a home," he adds.
The spacious, 3,000-square-foot residence comes with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, one of which features Clark's interpretation of a modernist vanity made with repurposed steel girders. A mezzanine level overlooking the dining area could potentially serve as a third bedroom.
The home is currently for sale by the owner with an asking price of $1,700,000, and most of the furnishings—including designs by Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Jean-Michel Frank, Pierre Chareau, and Marcel Breuer—are also available for purchase as a separate transaction. Keep scrolling to see more.
1668 John Tyler Highway in Williamsburg, Virginia, is currently for sale by owner with an asking price of $1,700,000. See the property website for more information.
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