The Rice House by Richard Neutra 1965

In Richmond, VA | Visited in Summer 2012

Richmond Virginia is more known for its traditional housing than it is for Modernism but that hasn't stopped the folks at Modern Richmond from banding together to celebrate and preserve their favorite modern architecture. When a family vacation took us to the east coast, we balanced the obligatory tour of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello with a private tour of Richard Neutra's Rice House. Though typically not open to the public except for special events and private tours, we were able to connect with Modern Richmond member Leslie Kingery for a tour of this gorgeously sited property overlooking the James River. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The circular driveway loops under a pivot-point at the end of the balcony on the left. The generous walkway allows the view of the river to be fully experienced. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra Bookmatched wood paneling greets guests in the foyer. The sleek and almost commercial-grade stairwell has railing on only one side, because the left hand side is a floor-to-ceiling wall of mirrors! The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The wall of mirrors succeeds in the illusion of making the space appear twice as big. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The far end of the home has a sunken conversation pit surrounding a smoky stone hearth. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The capiz shell lamp is double-hung over the conversation pit. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra Groovy cork flooring lends organic warmth throughout the home. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The home is available to host weddings, meetings and special events. Contact www.smv.org. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra My favorite room in the house is this red Formica-clad bar with doors on both ends. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The view overlooking the James River is the focal point of the home's orientation. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra This grotto area used to be a swimming pool. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The burly figure on the cork floor is hypnotic, and has stood up very well considering it is almost 60 years old! The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The obligatory pink bathroom tile! The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra This vintage wallpaper was amazing! The paper itself is silvery, with matte daubs of white ink. The far Eastern dancers are raised with fuzzy brown flocking. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The bathtub and shower were seamlessly tiled into the floor. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The generously sized kitchen featured plenty of vintage appliances. The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra The Rice House in Virginia designed by Richard Neutra Thanks for the tour, Leslie! You are amazing! Photos copyright 2012 Matthew and Alison King

 



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