When Janna and Gerry Decker retired, they decided to do so in grand lakefront style. In 2020, they purchased a peninsula lot on Lake Anna in Bumpass — with 1,500 linear feet of shoreline — as the ideal site for their dream home.
“Our intent was to build a custom house that was optimally sited on our lot and designed to maximize water views from each living space,” says Janna. “We have two married children and three grandkids, ranging in age from 1 to 5 years old. Entertaining extended family and friends was very important to us.”
The result is an eight-bedroom, 9,000-square-foot house built on four levels. The resort-like, 3-acre grounds feature a swimming pool and spa, a 9-hole “chip and putt” course, a pickleball court, three fire pits, and a pair of boat docks. One dock is for storing boats and jet skis, while the other is a lavish entertaining spot for socializing with 360-degree views.
The ambitious project was completed in 2024 with the help of the dream team the Deckers had assembled to help them realize their vision: Christina Simon of c|s Design Studio and Jeff
Owens of JO Contractors.
“Early on in the architectural design process, which was led by the Deckers, we collectively coined the phrase ‘refined rustic,’ as that resonated with the homeowners and gave us an excellent direction for the design of this home,” recalls Simon, who was retained on the project prior to the construction phase.
One way to achieve the “refined rustic” look was through the use of natural elements like wood and stone, along with maximizing natural light by seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces.
On the second level, the foyer, kitchen, and great room are all part of an open floor plan. (The walkout basement occupies the first level.) The great room is anchored by an impressive two-story European ledgestone fireplace with custom built-ins on either side.
“The built-ins were designed to display family photos and heirlooms. There is also a well-stocked wet bar between the great room and kitchen, with an integrated icemaker, filtered water, and wine refrigeration,” says Simon.
For continuity, the bar has the same finishes as the adjacent kitchen, with its cherry inset cabinetry, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and Cambria quartz countertops.
“For flooring, we went with luxury vinyl plank for optimal durability and cleanability in the lake environment,” adds Simon.
Large picture windows and sliding glass doors capture the serene waterfront views outside. A primary suite on the second level has a welcoming private sunroom that opens to one of seven decks outside the home. The primary bathroom features a double vanity and walk-in shower with pebbled flooring and wall detail.
“The flow and layout allow for one-level living for the homeowners on a day-to-day basis,” says Simon, who kept aging-in-place features at the forefront of the home’s design. “We included easy-to-maintain materials, zero-entry showers, grab bars, and an elevator.”
What the Deckers call “modern conveniences” enhance the ease of aging in place as well. “Our house includes a whole-house stereo system, automated indoor blinds, and automated screens on the porch, and dedicated Roomba nooks on each level,” says Janna.
The third level has five guest bedrooms. (And there’s a bunk room on the first level.) But the Deckers’ favorite elevator stop is the fourth level, home to a custom-designed wine and whiskey room they affectionately call the Blind Squirrel Lounge. Even with its vaulted planked ceiling, checkerboard porcelain tile floors, and three built-in bars, the star of the show is still the lakefront view outside.
“Entertaining is a way of life for the homeowners. Each space is very well thought out with respect to how the Deckers entertain. And with an eye to convenience so that all the items needed are close at hand,” says Simon.
The Blind Squirrel Lounge is furnished with a quartet of comfortable leather armchairs for lounging, continuing the trend of easy, comfortable, and low-profile furniture with user-friendly finishes.
No furnishing competes with the view — the palette is neutral and organic, always keeping the eye lakeside. While the Deckers provided most of the furniture, the home accessories, wall coverings, and final touches were added by Cat Guerra of Interior Stylings by Cat.
“Every day feels like we are at a luxury resort that was specifically designed for us. It’s luxury lakeside living at its best,” says Janna. “We are really living the dream, which is why we named our home Deckers Dream.”
Feature image by Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
