December 2008
Stephen Thomas Homes: New Easy Living house featured on the Home Builder’s Association of Richmond’s 2008 Parade of Homes

For many of those of us living with spinal cord injuries in central Virginia, searching foran accessible home can be an exercise in frustration. The term “beauty is only skindeep” comes to mind. Those houses which look attractive from the curb, more often than not offer very little in the way of accessibility features on the inside.

This gorgeous 5-bedroom home which is situated on a golf course lot in HanoverCounty’s Mountain Run subdivision showcases EasyLiving Home, EarthCraft and EnergyStar certifications. However, it’s true beauty may not be obvious to the casual observer.

All of it’s accessibility features were carefully planned and designed to avoid the all too common “institutionalized” look– which makes re-sale tricky at best. In fact, several people who visited the home during the Parade of Homes tour commented that they didn’t see anything “special” in terms of accessibility. For builder Steve Thomas, that was the ultimate compliment. A great attention to detail was very evident to those with more of a trained eye. There were countless accessibility features such as: stepless entries, wider halls and doorways, a curbless shower, multilevel kitchen counter and kitchen sink and bathroom vanities with cabinet bases which are easily removable to allow sink access for those in wheelchairs.

The house includes a high tech Lutron lighting control system, elevator, unique drive-through garage and circular driveway which make this welcoming home accessible to all. The kitchen includes a lowered “pull-out” microwave oven as well as a raised dishwasher both of which are easily accessible from a wheelchair. The “New Haven III” model, is Hanover County’s first Certified ‘EasyLiving Home’, and offers accessibility through Universal Design. For more information contact: Stephen Thomas Homes at: 804-672-6806 or visit them at: www.stchomes.com. The ultimate welcome mat, is one that sits in front of a stepless entry!

[Download the PDF here]