Suffolk, VA  –  Tired of hearing bad news about the economy?  Escape from your every day life and soak in some old world charm without spending a dime.  Through August 31, enjoy a tour of the brand new, fully decorated Showcase Home at The Riverfront in northern Suffolk.

Visitors will notice immediately that it is a home unlike any they have ever seen.  Before stepping in the front door, a front courtyard living area with a fireplace and outdoor seating evoke old-world charm with exquisite stone work, a trellis with a wooden chandelier, and wrought iron detailing.  Tastefully tucked away from the view of the street, it is the perfect private outdoor retreat. 

The stunning entry sets the tone for this Showcase Home, built by local builder, Sasser Construction, one of the featured builders in The Riverfront, an East West Community off of I-664 in northern Suffolk.  To create this one of a kind plan, the builder worked with Frank Betz & Associates from Smyrna, Georgia.  The home plan melds the best style with features that Sasser Construction has built their reputation on in Hampton Roads, such as meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.   

Along with maximizing outdoor living space, the home brings the outdoors in with an array of finishes typically found only on the exterior.  Stone details, wooden beam work in the ceilings, and cedar shakes used in a first floor family work station all blend to create an understated, elegant atmosphere.  Eric Sasser, president of Sasser Construction, commented, “I like to bring the outside in by using exterior finishes inside and making sure there is a lot of natural light.”

The four bedroom, four and a half bath home, called the Falkirk Ridge has over 5000 square feet of inside living space, including 1367 of finished basement space.  In addition, the home has over 1100 square feet of finished outdoor space.  On the first floor, there are three bedrooms, including the master.  There is also a guest suite with a balcony overlooking the stunning vaulted family room which features an entire wall of glass doors that fold open to connect the room to the covered back porch.  The home also features smart state-of-the-art components such as a family organization center which includes a pet area, coat hooks and storage cubbies, laundry facility and even a cell-phone docking center just as you enter from the garage.  A full basement with a home theater has separate elevated seating and gaming areas.

Showcase Homes provide a unique opportunity for visitors, and a tour through this home will be invaluable for the DIY (do it yourself), or anyone building or remodeling a home.  Unlike the usual parade model, visitors will leave with complete details on the home, an extensive undertaking for a builder.  Specifics range from the exact shade of color used on the wall to lighting fixtures, appliances and furniture information.

This Showcase Home will be open to the public now through August 31, Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00; Sunday from noon to 4:00.  To tour this home, come to 3002 North James Drive in The Riverfront.  The community is located in the Harbour View area of northern Suffolk, off I-664, just south of the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel.  And remember, all you have to spend is your time – no spare change required. 

East West has developed 35 communities across seven states, including seven Hampton Roads communities: Founders Pointe and Eagle Harbor in Isle of Wight County, The Riverfront in Northern Suffolk, Gatling Pointe and Gatling Pointe South in Smithfield, Riverwatch in Gloucester, and – just opened – Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg. Recently, The Riverfront was named as the first and sole inductee in the Tidewater Builders Association Community Hall of Fame. Since 1972, East West has been known for innovative land planning, an unwavering commitment to the environment, and for building communities offering year-round, resort-style living. 

For more information on the Falkirk Showcase Home, Sasser Construction, or The Riverfront, call (757) 638-9100 or visit the community’s website at www.the-riverfront.com.