A Realtor Took a Vacation?! Rome, Architecture, and the Beauty That Follows You Home

Realtors aren’t supposed to take vacations — at least that’s what people love to tell me.
But this spring, I traded contracts and closings for cobblestones and Caravaggios… and I flew back to Rome, a city that steals my heart a little more every time.

And what did I learn?

You can take the Realtor out of real estate, but you absolutely cannot take the love of architecture, art, and beautiful spaces out of the Realtor.

Rome is a living masterclass in design.

Every time I return, I’m reminded that homes and cities are not just places — they’re stories. They’re layers of people, ideas, risks, reinventions, and moments of genius that last long after their creators are gone.

So, while this was “vacation,” it ended up being the kind of trip that fills your creative soul to the brim. Here are the highlights — the places that made me stop and think about space, history, and the quiet magic of stepping back in time.

The Hidden, the Grand, and the Completely Mind-Blowing

Domus Aurea — Nero’s Lost Palace

Imagine a palace of more than 300 rooms, glittering with gold and frescoes… buried on purpose and forgotten for centuries. Nero’s Domus Aurea was rediscovered only when a young boy fell through a hole in the ground, and Renaissance artists like Raphael and Michelangelo were lowered in by rope to study the walls. Walking through it feels like being inside the bones of ancient Rome.

Palazzo Colonna — 900 Years of Living History

Still owned by the same noble family, this palace is pure operatic beauty. The Great Hall feels like stepping straight into a painting — mirror-lined, golden, breathtaking. It’s grandeur with a pulse.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery — Intimate, Gilded, Unforgettable

This private palace-turned-gallery is quiet and deeply personal, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Velázquez displayed just as the family intended. A completely different museum experience — like visiting an old friend with exquisite taste.

Passetto di Borgo — The Popes’ Escape Route

This elevated corridor has been saving lives since 1277. Popes fled through it during invasions, most famously during the brutal Sack of Rome in 1527. Standing beside it, you feel the weight of fear, power, and survival baked right into the brick.

Castel Sant’Angelo — Mausoleum, Fortress, Sanctuary

Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, it morphed over centuries into a papal stronghold, treasury, and prison. Every level tells a story — some glamorous, some dark. And the rooftop view? Pure magic.

Caravaggio’s Churches — Masterpieces in the Wild

This is one of my favorite parts of Rome: Caravaggios casually hanging inside neighborhood churches, no ticket required. You slip into the shadows, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with raw, dramatic beauty.

Borghese Gardens — Rome’s Breathing Space

Wide tree-lined paths, sunlight filtering through pines, families strolling peacefully. It’s the perfect place to wander with no destination and let the city slow you down.

Baths of Caracalla — Engineering on an Epic Scale

Built in just about four years by roughly 6,000 workers, these ancient baths were once a lavish complex of pools, saunas, libraries, and gardens. Today their ruins stand open to the sky — breathtaking, massive, and humbling.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — Ancient, Sacred, Timeless

One of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, built in the 5th century and now the resting place of Pope Francis, who chose this Marian shrine for his tomb. Its mosaics and relics make it feel as though the centuries have layered themselves gently inside.

And yes — I climbed the new panoramic terrace. The views? Absolutely worth every step.

Fontana delle Tartarughe — A Small, Perfect Jewel

The Turtle Fountain in the Jewish Ghetto is one of Rome’s sweetest little surprises. Delicate, elegant, and tucked into a quiet piazza, it’s pure joy — proof that even Rome’s small moments carry art and charm.

So What Does This Have to Do With Real Estate?

Everything.

Travel reminds me why I love what I do:
helping people find spaces that speak to them.

Rome is a city of layers — ancient foundations supporting Renaissance beauty supporting modern life. Homes are like that too. They hold our stories, our histories, our dreams.

And just like exploring Rome, finding your perfect home is part research, part instinct, part magic.

So yes — the rumors are true.
Your Realtor took a vacation.
And she came back more inspired than ever.

If you want Rome travel tips, architecture chat, or you’re ready to find your own little masterpiece closer to home, I’d love to help. ❤️

🐾 Celebrating National Dog Day with My Best Friend, Kai

Every August, I pause to celebrate one of the greatest joys of my life: my Labrador, Kai. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you already know he’s not just a pet — he’s my constant shadow, my best friend, and forever “Employee of the Year.”

But Kai’s story didn’t begin that way. For weeks, he was “mine not mine.” He was promised to another family, and I was devastated at the thought that he wouldn’t be coming home with me. Then, in one of those wonderful twists of fate, that first family’s plans fell through. Kai became mine — and eight years later, I can’t imagine a day without him.

Why Dogs Change Everything

Living and working in Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley, I see firsthand how much pets shape the way we live in our homes. For me, Kai isn’t just company — he’s part of the family. From neighborhood walks to afternoons curled up while I work on real estate, he reminds me daily that home is about more than square footage. It’s about the life you live inside those walls.

As a Realtor (and an RN), I meet so many people whose four-legged friends are top of mind when they buy or sell. They’re looking for fenced yards, mudrooms for wet paws, or just cozy spots by the fireplace. A dog like Kai makes you think about “home” in a whole new way.

Dog-Friendly Living in the Shenandoah Valley

The Staunton area is full of pet-friendly parks, trails, and neighborhoods that make life with a dog so much richer. From Gypsy Hill Park to the Shenandoah National Park trails, Kai and I have our share of favorite spots. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here forever, exploring our community through your dog’s eyes is a gift.

A Realtor Who Gets It

As The Realtor RN, I know a home search isn’t just about bedrooms and bathrooms — it’s about lifestyle. If you have pets, they’re part of that lifestyle. Whether you’re selling your home and want to highlight pet-friendly features, or you’re buying a new place and searching for the perfect yard for your pup, I’d love to help.

Closing Thoughts

So on this National Dog Day, here’s to Kai — my glue, my shadow, my heart. And here’s to all the dogs out there who make our lives better and our homes feel truly complete.

If you’re a fellow dog parent, I’d love to see your “Employee of the Year.” Drop a photo in the comments or send me a note — let’s celebrate together.

Happy #NationalDogDay! 🐾

1431 DOGWOOD ROAD: A VERSATILE AND ENJOYABLE HOME COMBINING COMFORT WITH REFINEMENT

Welcome to the spring 2024 issue where we present an extraordinary home nestled in the prestigious enclave of Dogwood Road in historic Staunton, Virginia.

A Home with History

Built in 1955 for the Schwarzschild Family, this custom home was designed by Marcellus Wright & Son Architects from Richmond, Virginia. Marcellus (Eugene) Wright entered the world of architecture at age 16 and eventually transitioned to Philadelphia, PA, where he obtained degrees from the Philadelphia School of Applied Arts and the University of Pennsylvania. By 1922 he was elected to be a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Marcellus Wight & Son Architects is considered one of the founding firms in Richmond. While designing buildings of historical significance throughout Virginia, they maintained private residential clients as well. Some of their other notable buildings include Altria Theater, Hotel John Marshall, Byrd Terminal Richmond International Airport, and The Chamberlin Hotel.

Interiors: Attention to Detail

The home stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Stepping inside, one is welcomed by the warm embrace of custom millwork, a testament to the attention to detail that permeates every corner of the residence.

The interior design, curated to perfection, features custom drapery by the esteemed Thomas-Hines inc. in Richmond VA, lending an air of sophistication and luxury to the space. Soft color and carefully curated palettes envelope the interiors, creating a sense of tranquil luxury that resonates throughout every room.

Grand Salon: A Place for Conversational Gathering

The salon is a place to come together with loved ones to cherish each other’s company. Whether it’s for the celebration of a milestone or the opportunity to discuss the latest book club novel over wine and charcuterie, the salon is a place of gathering and celebration.

Dining Room: A Place to Relax

Step into the opulent dining room where elegance and comfort seamlessly converge. Gleaming with natural light, the inviting ambiance of this dining room is the epitome of luxury living with a touch of warmth.

Family Room: Places in Which We Gather Fill the Heart

The family room provides a cozy retreat for relaxation and connection in perfect harmony. The French door opens into the boxwood garden designed by the famous landscape architect Charles Gillette, referred to as the architect of Southern landscape.

Kitchen: Nourishing Hearts

Indulge in the timeless elegance of the custom kitchen designed with masterful craftsmanship. The galley-style layout, widened to exude spaciousness, showcases bespoke cabinets and moldings that define understated luxury.

Library: Nourishing the Mind and the Soul

The library is an exemplary testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras, showcasing enduring care and attention to detail. This cozy space exudes charm with its rich, warm fabric and paint colors that compliment the intricate cabinetry.

Primary Bedroom: A Retreat

Elegance, harmony, and refinement are reflected in the grand owner’s suite. With a marble ensuite and walk-in closet, the suite is timeless elegance for a modern age.

The Second Floor

Hidden behind double doors is the private entrance to the second floor allowing for privacy of guests and family members. The second level lends to a relaxed casual ambiance to unwind, rejuvenate and relax with views over the boxwood garden and peaceful backyard from both bedrooms.

Secret Garden

Nestled behind the home, a hidden oasis awaits in the form of a meticulously designed boxwood garden inspired by renowned southern landscape designer, Charles Gillette. Tucked away from the street view, this secret garden serves as a delightful surprise, offering a tranquil retreat for all who enter.

Elevations: Unassuming, Quiet Luxury

Nestled on a knoll overlooking Dogwood Rd, the deceiving facade of the home masks its true grandeur. Extending out the back, the home unveils a much larger interior that initially perceived.

Encircled by meticulously maintained boxwood gardens, this home embodies elegance and charm.

Details for Discerning Buyers

This home has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and spans 3,786 square feet. It sits on a 1.79-acre plot and is offered at $850,000.00. The seller is represented by eXp Realty LLC and photography is provided by Millpond Photography.

In Conclusion: Home

Comfort, love, belonging, sanctuary, memories. All these words encapsulate the essence of a home, and 1431 Dogwood Road is no exception. It’s a place of versatile and enjoyable living that combines comfort with refinement.

For more information, please contact Carolyn at 540.414.5332 or carolyn@realtorrn.com

The Blind Date

So, you are in the market for a new home. Maybe, you are retiring? Maybe you are purchasing your first home. Maybe your family is growing and you need more space or you are looking for an investment property. No matter your reasons for wanting to buy a home and no matter how many times you have been through the process, let’s face it, buying a home is really like going on a blind date.

According to datingadvice.com, 43% of Americans have admitted to going on a blind date. We feel like that number might be a bit higher, but a few of us (wink wink) are definitely not going to confess…we plead the 5^th! If you are currently in the dating pool you know how terrifying a blind date can be. For those of you happily coupled up or happily single, we know that you too remember what fear the idea of a blind date brings.

You head to a restaurant or coffee shop to meet the intended blind date with a bit of trepidation, excitement, maybe some anxiety. Maybe you hope for the best but expect the worst. Isn’t plunging into the real estate market characterized by the same emotions? You have seen the profile of the house on line, lingered over the photos and description, weighed the pros and cons and have decided to now go on a blind date with that property. Let’s face it, all you know before you enter the front door is how the house appears-it’s external shell. No different than going on a blind date with someone. Your friends or family have likely set you up. Maybe, and in this age of technology, more likely than not, they have shared a photo of your intended blind date with you. As you arrive at the intended meeting spot all you know is what the exterior of that individual looks like. It takes time to peel the layers away to reveal the true character of an individual. A property is no different.

Relationship experts offer up that at an initial meeting it takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes for one party to decide if they are interested in the other party or not. How fast do you decide if you are interested in a property or not? Have you ever driven up to a property and realized the reality of the exterior did not match the curb appeal presented on the internet? No different than arriving for your blind date and wondering who the person is that showed up because they look nothing like their profile picture. If you arrived at the property that looks nothing like the presentation on the MLS did you just drive away or spend some time and peel back the layers? My guess is that you bailed….just like I have (yes I am freely admitting this) when my blind date turned out to be old enough to be my father. (the picture I was shown was, how shall we say this nicely, edited).

Let’s explore a different path. You show up for your blind date nervous and anxious. You meet your date and are pleasantly surprised to discover that the exterior in real life does match the exterior a friend or family member showed you a picture of. You spend some time making small talk and suddenly you realize that the nervousness and apprehension are subsiding. You feel comfortable and you like that feeling of comfort. That is no different from walking into a property and feeling the warmth of the home wrap around you like a hug. It is that moment when you know this might just be the right date, the right person, a new start, or the right home for you.

As a Realtor, I understand the emotions that come with buying and selling a home. Arguably this is one of the biggest decisions of your life and the biggest financial decision of your life. It is OK to be emotional. It is OK to have some anxiety, trepidation and reservations. It is OK to date the property that you find comfort in. It is also ok if a goodnight hug is not an option at the end of the date. If the fit isn’t right, don’t force it. My best advice to you: take a deep breath, except the emotions that come with the journey, lean on your agent (i.e. me), and weigh the pros and cons. Whether this is your first time venturing into the market or you are a veteran home buyer, you will survive. Hey you survived a blind date or two, right?