VARINA, Va. — A Henrico family is putting River Oaks, their beloved home on the James River, up for auction. Becky Long, who grew up in River Oaks, called the five bedroom, 4,200 square-foot home with 200 feet of river frontage, a special property.
Long answered questions about the home and the man who built it — her father John Deal.
What makes this home stand out from the rest? Why is it special?
Becky Long: River Oaks boasts an open floor plan in-law suite with separate entry and private waterfront deck and features a full kitchen, master suite with full bath, walk in closet, laundry hook-ups, and office. And all that is just one side of the home. The main house has large master suite with bathroom and three generously sized bedrooms, bath, custom kitchen, beautiful great room, large closets and ample storage.
This home is full of character; hardwood floors, stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, custom crafted bookcases and exposed timber beams. Boat access to the river via public boat landing just 2 minutes away.
What is life like on the river? Is there something about river living that might surprise those of us who have never done it?
Becky Long: Western facing river views give spectacular sunsets. Watch the bald eagles and other wildlife, while a compelling variety of marine vessels ply up and down the river. You’ll see tall ships, barges and the annual Christmas parade of Lights in addition to recreational boats pass right past your windows.
Osborne Landing, a public boat launch and park is less than a mile away, with trails, playground and picnic shelters in addition to a ramp for your pleasure boat. If you prefer, build your own deepwater dock at home.
Tell us a little bit about your father, the man who built the home.
Becky Long: This property started out in the 1920’s as a hunt club cabin retreat built by Richmond doctors for fishing and hunting red fox.
In 1968 my father, John Deal, a local attorney, and his wife purchased the property for $20,000 with a dollar down!
He first moved to Richmond as a teenager from Wakefield where he and his family ran a chicken and turkey farm. Hoping for better employment prospects, they relocated to Sandston. In subsequent years, my father finished high school and enlisted in the marines.
After his training there he returned home and held a variety of jobs including; short order cook, pharmacy delivery boy and newspaper delivery. In an interesting twist of circumstances, a neighborhood friend thought he had potential and encouraged him to continue his education and attend college.
This gentlemen knew the dean of students at VCU (then RPI) and proceeded to call and enrolled him in classes the very next day. After a few years in college, my father took an interest in the law and decided he wanted to attend William and Mary Law School.
With sub-par grades due in large part to his working multiple jobs to help the family, his chances of acceptance were slim. But he didn’t let that deter him.
Dad drove to William & Mary and visited the dean of the law school without an appointment. So impressed by his fortitude and his plucky nature, the dean enrolled him in law school.
Dad continued to pursue his degree while living out of his car commuting between Richmond and Williamsburg. He eventually obtained his law degree, passed the bar and opened his private practice in Sandston.
The very night he passed the bar, he met my mother and they married a short time later.
Anyone who knows my father can attest to his integrity and honesty, traits that are sometimes hard to find in the legal profession. He practiced law for 41 years, was faithful to his wife, my sister and me and taught us innumerable lessons that helped spawn my own Christian faith and values that have served my sister and I well in our own endeavors.
My parents have lived in their river house for 49 years, but once my sister and I married and moved out decided that their nest was a little too empty. In 2000 they invited my husband and I to move back in and built and moved into a mother-in-law suite while we took over the original part of the home.
Our combined household has worked for our lifestyle allowing us to pool our resources and assist each other through the ups and downs of life. When my husband travels, I’m not alone at home with my little girl. When my parents need assistance in any way, we are able to help from the convenience of our own home.
Since moving in, my husband and I have upgraded and enhanced the house into the 21st century adding a conditioned crawl space, energy efficient insulation, nest thermostats and other technology like surround sound and internet connectivity throughout the whole house.
What kind of family would you like to see in your childhood home?
Becky Long: Our hope is that the next owners of River Oaks will come to love and appreciate the tranquility of this all one level home on the river. It truly is a gift to take in the beautiful sunsets across the river then wake up to the sparkling waters each morning.
I had so much fun exploring our property and playing with the neighborhood children in this idyllic country setting that’s just 12 minutes from downtown. It’s the best of both worlds!
Why is the house up for auction now?
Becky Long:With my parents aging and where we are in life, we think it’s time for a change! We are endeavoring to move across the river to be closer to friends and our church in which we are very active.
We’ve had so many years of great memories in this place but it’s time to move on. The auction is on March 16 at 1 p.m. with the house and property being open for viewing at 11 a.m. that same day. In addition there are two preview days — Sunday, March 6, 2 – 4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 9, noon – 2 p.m.
The home is located at 1470 Battery Hill Drive, Richmond, Virginia.
