Let’s take a tour through someone else’s home—meet Karyn and Eric. Now they aren’t strangers anymore.
Eric is a well-known house rehabber in Richmond and Karyn is his partner (she also makes beautiful handmade jewelry). They live in a charming sixty-year-old house that Eric bought years ago when it was falling apart—crumbling walls, unusable bathrooms, the works. With his renovation skills he transformed the main house and converted four other buildings on the two-acre property into fully functional guesthouses, which he rents out to help cover the mortgage. Clever and practical.
This is their lively game room, complete with a pool table and a vintage wooden Ralph Lauren sign Eric rescued years ago when a department store was clearing inventory. The navy table paired with Americana accents gives the room a fun, classic feel.
Nearby are vintage honeycomb chairs upholstered in navy, orange, and white—thrifted finds that add color and coziness to the space. They’re cheerful and perfect for lingering between games.
Every room showcases beautiful architectural detail that was either carefully restored or thoughtfully added by Eric. Even the hallway features crisp chair rail molding and clean white trim that elevate the home’s overall sense of polish and history.
The dining room, seen through the doorway above, has deep slate-colored walls and a striking chair rail. A refinished fireplace adds warmth and character, and the reclaimed wood plank table steals the show.
Eric actually built that table himself from reclaimed wood—handmade furniture that perfectly complements the house’s restored character.
Upstairs, Eric renovated the bathroom and incorporated striking stonework in the shower. A tasteful mix of neutral tiles and built-in alcoves for shampoo and soap create a spa-like, functional design.
The living room features another restored wood fireplace mantel, brought back from dilapidated condition to a beautifully preserved focal point.
The original kitchen received a tasteful facelift: painted cabinets, new hardware, and updated stainless appliances (the dishwasher is next). A woven rug keeps the space feeling warm and rustic, tying the room together.
Outside, the property is just as impressive. Rolling lawns, blooming shrubs, and a private, wooded atmosphere make the grounds feel like a secluded retreat.
The setting even made a beautiful backdrop for family events—Karyn’s sister and brother-in-law were married here, and the landscape’s natural charm made it a perfect choice for an outdoor celebration. In the distance you can see one of the other restored buildings on the property that Eric rents, along with three others—an inventive way to offset costs while keeping privacy between each unit with mature trees and shrubs.
A quaint gazebo behind the house is a favorite spot for Eric and Karyn to plan upcoming projects—next up is a pergola Eric plans to build using reclaimed wood columns.
One small restored detail that stands out is the dentil molding above the front door, paired with a custom plaque that highlights the home’s architectural charm. These finishing touches reinforce the house’s historic presence.
They also added shutters flanking the front door and placed two matching rocking chairs on the porch for an inviting entrance that complements the home’s restored details.
Thanks for touring Eric and Karyn’s beautiful home. Their thoughtful restorations and creative reuse of materials make the property both charming and practical. What’s your favorite part?