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An expansive home in Roanoke County is the perfect fit for Marty and Diane Hellkamp, their beloved pups and, at least for visits, their whole family.
In the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” a little girl with blonde curls stumbles upon a house in the woods. Inside she finds three chairs: the first and second are too big for her, but the third is just right.
Here in Roanoke, another couple stumbled upon a house that they thought was too big…at first. Now, some seven years later, Diane Hellkamp and her husband Marty realize that their home is just right.
“The house offered far more than we ever set out to buy,” says Diane. “It is larger than we planned on, but the minute we stepped foot in the front entrance, we were hooked.”
With four bedrooms plus a large office and six-and-a-half bathrooms, the Hellkamps’ house in Roanoke County is quite impressive, notably from the front. A circular driveway surrounding a remodeled fountain leads to the two-story arched entrance and beautiful rubbed-bronze front doors.
“We replaced the old oak front doors and completely remodeled the front circular fountain, adding copper water spouts and new lighting,” says Diane. “We also replaced the mailbox with a hand-carved peregrine falcon on top of a solid piece of wood that we had commissioned to be carved especially for this house.”
The front doors only serve as a glimpse into what lies inside: a spectacular grand foyer with a chandelier, spiral staircase and a unique tile floor medallion. Just off the foyer is the formal living room featuring sky-high ceilings and an impressive collection of art, as well as the formal dining room with a tray ceiling and wainscoting. One of the things that Diane loves about the house is the bold, vibrant wallpaper throughout, which gives the home a rich, warm feeling as soon as you walk through the door.
“Even though there is a certain formality about this house, you always feel comfortable and cozy,” says Diane. “Our friends and family tell us all the time that this house is like no other home they have ever been in. They love being here and feel at home.”
Two very special members of the family feel right at home as well: the couple’s golden doodles, Trip and Sully. They love the various rooms throughout the house, but not nearly as much as they love the exceptional backyard, which features multiple levels of patios and a colossal pool that is perfect for entertaining and hot summer days.
“I love the privacy on the back deck in the summer,” says Diane. “You feel as though you are in a resort somewhere. You cannot see any houses because you are surrounded by trees, and the deck overlooks the 48,000-gallon swimming pool.”
As you move from room to room, you notice that each space seems to have its own theme: the formal living room features music-themed artwork and a piano, the guest bedroom where the couple’s grandchildren sleep is decorated with animal print and animal accents, and the basement has movie posters, oversized sofas and and a pool table.
“The themes in this house are in place naturally by the design and layout,” says Diane. “The lower level has a theater room, billiard area and a bar, perfect for entertaining. So it was movie posters throughout and funky art.”
Even the workout room got the special treatment. “There are photographs of Marty and me doing a leadership ropes course out West, which is a constant reminder to work hard and push ourselves.”
Needless to say there is no shortage of space when it comes to having friends and family over to visit. With three grandchildren and two more on the way, the Hellkamps’ home is spacious and family friendly.
“One of my favorite things about the house is making memories with our parents, kids and grandkids, sitting around the dining room table with everyone and sharing a meal, or having a bunch of friends over and watching a football game,” says Diane.
It may have been bigger than what they’d originally planned on, but it turns out that the “big white house” was just the right place to call home.
