Metta Gem: A Whole Home Transformation in Charlottesville, VA

Heather
Sep 19
2 min read

Updated: Sep 25

Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, VA, this charming bungalow—affectionately named Metta Gem—was in dire need of a transformation. Originally a one-story, three-bedroom (one barely large enough to be called a bedroom), one-bath home, it was a hot mess. My clients, a couple with a blended family, purchased this home as both a short-term rental and a personal retreat when visiting UVA—his alma mater and their daughter's current school. With a clear vision for investment, a tight timeline, and a love for bohemian design (plus a special fondness for tigers!), we got to work.

The Challenge

The house had a choppy layout, a non-functional kitchen, and a living space that didn't encourage togetherness. And with a growing family—including three children with significant others and a daughter of their own—adding another bathroom and increasing sleeping capacity was essential. The goal? Accommodate 10 family members comfortably while maximizing income by making the home ideal for six guests on short-term rental platforms.

The Transformation

Basement Revival: From Scary to Stunning

The basement was once an eerie, underutilized space with only two small windows (one of which had vines growing through it!). We saw an opportunity to create a private suite, complete with:

A queen bedroom
A work-from-home nook
A living room with a large TV
A kitchenette (crafted from repurposed cabinetry and a bar sink from an RV renovation!)
A full bathroom—ingeniously tucked under the stairs

To increase rental flexibility, we added a separate entrance and electrical panel, allowing the downstairs and upstairs to be rented individually when needed. A new laundry area and an owner’s closet provided additional functionality.

Before:

After:

Main Floor: Opening Up the Space

Upstairs, we made bold changes to improve flow and usability:

Removed a bulky closet that was consuming valuable living room space
Knocked down a wall in the kitchen, converting the space into an open-concept layout
Reduced the bedroom count to two, making room for a spacious kitchen and a dining table big enough to host the whole family
Widened the opening to the living room, creating a seamless, inviting gathering space

Outdoor Upgrades

No retreat is complete without an outdoor oasis. We transformed the backyard by:

Creating a cozy firepit area, perfect for family gatherings and guest enjoyment
Fencing off an unattractive garage, enhancing privacy and aesthetics

The Result

Thanks to a dedicated team and clear planning, we completed the renovation and furnishings right on budget and timeline, just in time for the family to celebrate Thanksgiving in their newly polished Metta Gem. Now, this once-dated bungalow is a stylish, functional retreat that meets both their personal and investment goals.

From hot mess to high style, this Charlottesville bungalow is now a true gem—a perfect blend of bohemian charm, smart design, and family-friendly warmth.