The Charity House, built by Simply Custom by Sasser Construction, captured the hearts of visitors to Tidewater Builders Association’s Spring Homearama at Founders Pointe, as well as the gold award for People’s Choice Favorite Home and People’s Choice Favorite Interior Design. It also won the bronze award for People’s Choice Favorite Landscaping.

The People’s Choice Awards were determined by votes from those who attended Spring Homearama. More than 30,000 visitors toured the eight fully furnished and decorated showcase homes May 8-23.

The European cottage style home is the first home in Hampton Roads certified green by the National Association of Home Builders and also carries the Energy Star designation. It features a close-loop geothermal HVAC system and a tankless water heater. Design elements include extensive ceiling details, a pet center and a recycling center. Interior design was by Tina White of Interior Visions, Inc., with furnishings by Hearn Furniture. Landscaping was by Jeff Miller of Landworks Unlimited Inc.

First-time Homearama builder Norman Miller Builder LLC won the silver award for People’s Choice Favorite Home, the gold award for Favorite Landscaping and the bronze award for Favorite Interior Design.
His entry, The Meadow Glen, was a Tudor style home featuring double rear porches and a pet-washing center in the garage. Interior design was by Cathy Tellefsen of Complete Interiors and Esprit Decor provided furnishings. Landscaping was by Don Roberts of Southside Landscape and Fence, design by Diane Roselius LLC.

Another Homearama first-timer, Newhall Custom Homes, won the bronze award for People’s Choice Favorite Home for The Berkshire Point. The all-brick Craftsman-style house was themed, “The Smithfield House” and decorated to reflect the city’s culture and heritage. It featured cathedral ceilings and a gourmet kitchen with an arched brick alcove housing the cooktop and stove.

Hohmann Custom Builder LLC took home the silver awards for Favorite Interior Design and Favorite Landscaping for Nature Watch at Olde Heritage Manor. Interior design was by Janice Powell of Powell Home with furnishings by Hearn Furniture, Powell Home and Furniture Classics of Norfolk. Landscaping was by Robert Nye of Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. The interior and the landscape were designed to celebrate the natural elements of the community and to create a certified backyard wildlife habitat.

Five of the eight Homearama homes were sold before the end of the event. The next Tidewater Builders Association Homearama is planned for Norfolk’s East Beach community Oct. 2-17.