Suffolk News-Herald

As Historic Garden Week wraps us this week with Suffolk’s Friday tour of homes in Westhaven Lakes and Pitchkettle Point, the Nansemond River Garden Club showcases the splendid homes and marks their 71st season this spring. The club also joins others across the state as they celebrate the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the nation.

Every springtime, the tours benefit the restoration of important historic grounds and gardens throughout the state. Each event offers an engaging variety of five to six local houses and gardens, most open to the public for the first time for Garden Week.

The historic homes will open their grounds and gardens Friday, to give the public an opportunity to see some of the finest horticulture in the state.

&uot;TGIF in Suffolk&uot; is being sponsored by the historic Nansemond River Garden Club from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Co-Chairmen of the event, Linda Consolvo and Carleen Rollins, both of Riverview Drive, welcoming participants to the special event.

The Ticket Sales Chairman of the Historic Garden Week Tour is Elizabeth Smith, also of Riverview Drive. She said block tickets are $15 each entitling you to see all the homes on the Suffolk tour. Single house admission is $5 per person and children 13 and older, full price; ages 6-12, are $7; and ages five and under are free of charge. Advance tickets are $13. To purchase tickets, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Mrs. A.W. Smith, 515 W. Riverview Drive., Suffolk 23434. Tickets will also be available for sale at each home on the tour.

Refreshments will be served at the Suffolk Museum located at 118 Bosley Avenue, one block from W. Washington Street. A garden-related exhibit will also be available for your enjoyment, and restroom facilities are available at this location. For lunch, the garden club requests that you please visit one of Suffolk’s downtown restaurants

Other points of historic interest in downtown Suffolk include the circa 1880 Main Street Train Station Railroad Museum and Gift Shop, 326 North Main Street. Also, make a stop at the circa 1800 Prentis House Visitor’s Center, the oldest standing home in Suffolk, 321 North Main Street and Riddick’s Folly, the 1837 Greek Revival House Museum and Gift Shop at 510 North Main Street.

One of the most beautiful homes on the tour is that of Sandra and Leslie Claud of 134 Pitchkettle Point Circle. The entire home reflects the couple’s love of Florida and the family room overlooks the landscaped lawn and has access to the multi-leveled patio and pool area. The house also features a panoramic view of the lake attesting to this family’s love of water and sun. This year marks the first time this house has been included in the tour.

Another of the homes is that of Lydia Duke Heavener and her husband, William Hevener IV. It is located at 840 Colonel Meade Drive in Westhaven Lakes. This is the first time the home has been included in this tour but it’s certainly not to be the last once the public gets a look at the serene beauty of this serene setting.

The third home featured in the Garden Week Tour belongs to Linda and William A. Nash Jr. of 1209 Mt. Pleasant Drive. This is the first time their home has been open to tours.

The home at 137 Pitchkettle Circle is that of Deborah and Mark G. Wahlstrom. The owners’ European travels are reflected in this beautifully decorated home, with its lush fabrics and collectibles throughout.

Garden clubs across the state have offered tours this week, with funds being raised earmarked for the restoration of historic grounds and gardens throughout the state.

To take the tour, follow Route. 58 By-pass West from Routes 264, 664, 10 and 460. Take the Pitchkettle Road Exit. Turn right to proceed to the homes at Pitchkettle Point. Turn left to proceed to the homes in West Haven Lakes. From points west of Suffolk, proceed on Route 58 and take the Pitchkettle Point exit.

NOTE: Interior photography prohibited.

High heel shoes prohibited as a courtesy to the homeowners.

Comfortable, low-heel shoes are recommended.