Virginia Homes was not named for Virginia Woolf. The building company was originally named for a lovely local lady named Virginia, quite a few years ago. I visited Charles E. Ruma, president of Virginia Homes, because I heard about a big step they had taken in the right direction.
Remember how angry I told you I got at HGTV’s House Hunters in my first blog here? Virginia Homes has appeased me a bit.
Their new house plans — designed by Design Basics , a firm that sells blueprints to builders, are trademarked Woman – Centric. In a tough market for new builds , for old builds, for sellers, for buyers, Women-Centric homes would make Virginia Woolf smile.
The concept came from paying attention ( finally !) to the numbers. The “decider” in new home selection and purchase is guess who. Women. Ninety one percent of the time. According to Paul Foresman, president of DesignBasics, they looked at the numbers for awhile, while talking to men builders, men contractors, men suppliers. Then, I don’t know, one day, maybe one of these men talked to his wife… and the house designed with the woman — the woman and not the “little lady” was born. Some houses have ” Inspiration Rooms.” With a door. That closes. I hear they’re going like hotcakes in Fargo.
Back to Virginia Homes and Charles Ruma. He had me take a test, to see what kind of Women-Centric home I’d lean toward. There were four “types”of women. Not stereotypes, Charles promised. Just a way to begin. I answered questions to see if I were a Margo, an Elise, a Claire or a Maggie. I hoped I would be a Maggie, because that’s my daughter’s name.
I wasn’t. I forget who I was, but whatever her name was, she was a hard – charging career gal on the go. This surprised me, because I think of myself more as a hiding – out recluse. Scurrying home to my one woman/one dog centric house, I realized I was being that hard – charging me at the Woman-Centric Virginia Home . A woman has many me’s within her. But you knew that.
Anyway, thumbs up and a nice step for WomenKind, Charles and Paul. Thanks for recognizing the need.
love this. You have been one busy writer again today. (And I’m oretty sure the lovely Virginia it was named for was my long time friend, Ginny Wittman Hull.) And she is the exceptional kind of woman who truly deserves a room of her own.
I was a Maggie!! Here’s the description of her from the survey results. I think it actually is a pretty accurate description of one of my me’s. I’m also a Gemini.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a word, you are BUSY! You are an activity-driven person, and your home is most likely your refueling spot. Of all the ‘Finally About Me” profiles, your identity is the least connected to your home’s appearance.
Your furniture selection is eclectic, as likely to be based on a piece reminding you of someplace you’ve been as opposed to any particular fondness for the style. You look for comfort and function in your home plan, and you may be happy with less square footage because your busy lifestyle leaves less time for cleaning and upkeep.
Low-maintenance products and surfaces are a must. Your energetic, but casual approach to life means drop-in visitors don’t ruffle your feathers, but you do appreciate a very open floor plan so you can comfortably visit with everyone. Storage is important, too, to accommodate your craft supplies, recreational equipment or camping gear. Because you and your partner travel often, a villa or gated community with good security can be very appealing.
You know my real name is Virginia, right?
Great article, thanks for the share. Blog bookmarked