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Print | E-mail to a friend LIFE: HOMES

Couple creates a place to pursue individual interests

August 31, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

JEAN MCCLELLAND

For The Herald-Dispatch

SPRING VALLEY -- The Jim and Terry Blatchley family moved to West Virginia four years ago from a planned community in Florida.

They were used to cycling where they wanted, walking to school and shopping close to home. Knowing they wouldn't find exactly the same set-up in West Virginia, they still had a long list of needs to be met.

"My family needed a home with many options and features to keep us busy because I knew we would sorely miss our friends and former home near the shore," said Terry Blatchley.

It was a house in Spring Valley that fit the bill. The family has been most pleased with it since moving to the Mountain State. The house was built in 1988 and had all the advantages of sound construction yet was ready for a bit of updating and the new appliances Terry coveted. Terry gives Jim lots of credit for the extra fixes that make life easier when moving to a new house.

"He does the little things such as putting in dimmer switches, shower heads and shelving," she said.

The one-floor-plan home offers plenty of room for the entire family to pursue their individual interests. Each of the girls has a bedroom and sitting area. There is a hobby room for everyone, a workshop and garage for Jim and a lovely updated kitchen for Terry. Added to this is a convenient family room, a formal dining room and office.

Jim said they chose the house for its spaciousness both inside and out. He likes room to try new projects and hobbies. Part of the spaciousness is because of Jim's expertise as he puts his degrees in architecture and mechanical engineering to work. For example, he easily removed a wall that divided the family room and kitchen area thus providing a centralized living space for the family. Jim also installed crown molding throughout the house.

The neutral colors they painted all the rooms added to the openness they were seeking.

Despite the home, it was something else that reminded the Blatchleys that they were no longer in a planned community. The realization came when a horse wandered into the yard.

One morning they got up to find a horse lying on his back next to their car. Terry, who had never been near a horse, laughed as she related the story of being so surprised to see such a sight. The horse had meandered in from a neighboring farm and settled himself beside the car. Though everyone tried to get him to move he refused.

"Eventually he just got up and wandered home," Terry said.

Perhaps the horse came visiting because he liked what he saw outside of the Blatchley home. Beautiful landscaping, a pool, a gazebo, a hot tub, a picnic area and a game room probably looked like a great place to hang out. Teenagers Allison and Angela would agree since they often entertain friends and classmates at their home.

The Blatchleys have a 21st century dwelling in a country setting. They find deer wandering through the yard delightful but a black bear wandering off the hill gives them pause. All of them enjoy watching the bird population and the rabbits scampering by. Angela was even able to photograph a family of doves as they raised their three chicks outside her bedroom window.

Though the Blatchleys are not from the area, they have taken to life in West Virginia with enthusiasm. They enjoy the friendly environment and neighbors who always wave, smile and never hesitate to lend a hand if it is needed.

"The things we like about our home change with the seasons," Terry said.

The family's new West Virginia home is certainly loved and enjoyed.

Events

1940s Radio Hour
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 4-6, and 11-13; matinee at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. A "live" radio show with seven performances. Complimentary tickets offered to...

J. Chris Newberg
7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-7. A refreshing smart and edgy humor, delivered with a streetwise sense of philosophical...

First Friday and Second Look Saturday
5-9 p.m. every first Friday, 2-6 p.m. every first Saturday. Visit with Pendleton artists in their studios. Questions, call 606-920-9863.

Lions Arts and Crafts Show
4-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-7. Hosted by the Lesage and Southeast Huntington Lions Clubs. The juried show is filled with...

"The Nutcracker"
school matinee begins at 9:30 a.m. and regular show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Ashland Youth Ballet presents their annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Questions...

Christmas Tour of Homes
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7. Tour six outstanding homes in the Bellefonte area dressed for the holidays. Questions, call 606-329-8888 or visit...

2nd annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
2-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. A tour (inside and out) of eight prominent Huntington homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Questions, call 304-733-ARTS.

Marshall Artists Series: "Wizard of Oz"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, "The Wizard of Oz." Tickets, call 304-696-3326 or visit www.marshallartistsseries.org.

16th annual Joy to the World Holiday Concert
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bob Thompson with guest vocalist Dwight Lenox. Tickets, visit www.mountainstage.musictoday.com or call...

"Cowboy" Bill Martin
7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-14. The Texas native, who has toured with some of the biggest names in country music,...

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