2203 EAST BROAD STREET Home of Randolph

2203 EAST BROAD STREET
Home of Randolph & Karla Bell
This Greek Revival house was begun in 1855 but completed after the Civil War in 1873
along the originally intended architectural lines and was, therefore, “out of date” for its
Victorian completion date. Higher up the block are the Yarborough (2215 East broad) and
Turpin (2209 East broad) houses. Messrs. Yarborough and Turpin jointly owned a tobacco
factory. 2203 reportedly was begun for the Turpin’s daughter.
The high ceilings and large windows are characteristic of the first half of the nineteenth
century. A unique feature of the house is its servant’s quarters, visible from the garden (i.e.,
the rear wing of the house). Accessible inside the home only from the kitchen on the English
basement level, the “quarters” incorporate the only curved wall (other than a bay window) on
Church Hill.
The chandeliers in the living room and hallway are original to the house. The chandelier in
the dining room, procured by the owners, is a nineteenth-century Austrian fixture.
A pair of ship’s candlesticks on the bookshelf in the dining room belonged to the Bell family
when, in the early nineteenth century, it owned some coastal ships plying from Norfolk along
the capes to southern ports.
The garden
Designed by the owners, features large lavenders, box hedges, and trellises. The columnar
statue of Minerva in the rear bed was previously in the garden of a demolished Fan house.
2215 E. BROAD STREET
THE WILLIAM J. YARBROUGH HOUSE
Home of Waite and Malou Rawls
This brick, late-Greek revival house with Italianate touches was built by William J. Yarbrough
in 1861 on property purchased from Elizabeth van Lew’s father. Capt. John Freeman is
credited as the architect.
Mr. Yarbrough was one of Richmond’s leading tobacconists whose factory still stands at the
SW corner of 25th and Franklin Streets, now known as the Pohlig Bros. Box Company.
He and his partner, Miles Turpin, had married sisters and neither wanted a bigger or better
house. So they built carbon copies, with Turpin’s house being next door at 2209 E. Broad
Street. St. Mark’s Church between the two houses was the site of their communal garden.
The main house has three large rooms on each floor and face Broad Street, with high
ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and large windows with “Jefferson sashes” (that recede into the
ceiling when raised). It features a grand living area above an English basement and below a
third floor.
This was one of the first houses purchased by Doug Fleet (an early HRF president) in 1967
in an effort to preserve the history of Church Hill.
The current owners reworked the house’s infrastructure, restored the plaster medallions on
the main floor; and raised the ceilings in some rooms to their original height. The original
pine floors were also restored.
The Garden
To the rear is a formal garden plus the original carriage house on the alley, and an adjoining
servant’s wing that had five separate quarters plus a communal kitchen.
2307 EAST BROAD STREET
“CARRINGTON ROW”
Offices of Chuck and Linda Duvall
Carrington Row, 2307 – 2311 East Broad Street, was part of Historic Richmond Foundation’s
Pilot Block project that began in 1957. The row was built in 1818 by the three Carrington
brothers, George M., Richard A., and John. Their mother, Ann Adams Carrington, resided
around the corner at 2306 East Grace Street. The neoclassical design of the row has been
attributed to Otis Manson. Otis Manson (1790-1862) a carpenter-builder from Framingham,
Massachusetts came to Richmond about 1810 and practiced his trade in the city for over
forty years. In a letter of recommendation to Thomas Jefferson, Russell Dudley described
Manson as “an Architect of the first order and has designed and executed most of the most
elegant buildings in the lower part of our city (Richmond).” Carrington Row is believed to be
the last surviving building attributed to Otis Manson in the city.
During the first quarter of the 19th century, Richmond’s architectural sophistication was due
primarily to the work of a number of prominent American architects working in the city
including Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Robert Mills, Alexander Parris, Maximilian Godefroy and
Otis Manson, who is considered Richmond’s first resident architect.
Manson’s neoclassical style was rather severe and characterized by a restrained use of
ornamentation, the simplicity of geometric forms, the juxtaposition of various planes, and
grandeur of scale. These characteristics are evident in Carrington Row with its elongated
Doric pilasters, and the recessed window planes and panels between the stories. The
delicate fanlights and sidelights at the entrances are characteristic of the neoclassical style.
In the 1950s, when the row was restored the Victorian hood at 2307 and the Greek revival
porch at 2311 were retained to illustrate the evolution of the buildings over time. The
entrance at 2309 was restored to its original configuration
Carrington Row and 2307 have been home to many over the years. Dr. R. L. Bohannon, one
of the founders of the Medical College of Virginia once lived here. It also once housed the
law offices of former Governor L. Douglas Wilder.
The house is owned by Chuck & Linda Duvall. Mr. Duvall’s grandfather and father were
auctioneers in the Shenandoah Valley and the Duvall’s have maintained an interest in
auctions and older pieces of furniture. The offices have a mixture of old and new pieces
along with several old Dementi photographs of Richmond from the early twentieth century,
which have been hand tinted by local Richmond artist Susan Bock. There is also a painting
of the Virginia State Capitol, which Mr. and Mrs. Duvall commissioned from John Stengel, a
local watercolor artist, along with several other paintings done by local artists. The house is
furnished with a mixture of American antiques, contemporary art, and subtle colors to create
an elegant but inviting interior.
2403 E. GRACE STREET
Home of Susan Wynne and Jeff Williamson
This home, along with its nearly identical sister house (the Elmira Shelton House, 2407 East
Grace) is intimately bound with history of the Van Lew family, one of Richmond’s most
notable 19th century families. Construction of the two classic Greek revival homes was
initiated in 1843 by John Van Lew, and completed after his death in 1844. His will,
bequeathing the two incomplete homes to his wife, Eliza Van Lew, notes they were
constructed according to plans drawn by architect Otis Manson, recognized as Richmond's
first professional architect and credited with the design of many early 19th century Federal
style, Neoclassical, and Greek Revival Richmond landmarks, including the Ann Carrington
House (2307 E Grace) and Linden Row. Both 2403 and 2407 E Grace were used as rental
property through 1880, when they passed from the ownership of the Van Lew family. When
Eliza, John’s wife, died in 1879, the property passed to the son, John, who signed it away as
collateral for a loan. Hence John’s daughter, Eliza Van Lew, the well known abolitionist,
Union sympathizer, and reconstruction-period post master, never owned the properties. The
architecturally identical number 2407 was home from 1846-1852 to Elmira Royster Shelton,
who was Edgar Allan Poe’s secret fiancé, both in their early teens and near the end of Poe’s
life in 1849.
Other than the addition of later window cornices on the front elevation, number 2403 retains
many of its original exterior stylistic features, including its original Doric front porch. The twostory stacked rear porches afford scenic views of Richmond’s East end and riverfront. The
home’s interior retains six of its original mantles along with original hardware, millwork,
staircase with curved banister, recessed interior window shutters, pocket doors, and lovely
heart-of-pine floors throughout the home. The front door opens into a spacious entry hall,
leading to the formal front parlor, adjoining library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and a large
screened rear porch. The home is decorated eclectically with antiques ranging from the
American Federal period, to late Victorian; contemporary art and sculpture; and collected art
and craft items from the owners’ travels around the world. The classic English basement
communicates with the garden via French doors and contains the dining room and recently
remodeled kitchen, featuring white Thassos marble countertops,; professional-grade
appliances, and recessed lighting.
The garden
The garden features mature trees, flowering shrubs, a brick terrace, walks, and a pond with
moving water. When the present owners bought the property 6 months ago, the back yard
was over-planted with trees and shrubs, giving the impression that the garden could not
breathe. Several shrubs were removed from the sunniest areas to create a cottage garden,
incorporating perennial flowering plants relocated from owners’ previous home on Monument
Avenue. An herb bed flanks the back door. Other shrubs and trees were removed to let in
more light and help the remaining planting thrive. A flagstone path was discovered under
several layers of soil and was relaid in a graceful serpentine pattern, leading from the back of
the property to the pond. Hosta, fern, bleeding hearts, astilbe, epimedium, and other shadeloving plants fill the garden’s less sunny spots. Statuary is placed strategically throughout
the garden, while wrought iron furniture invites guests to linger.
2715 E. GRACE ST
Home of Karen Remley and John Onufer
This fine house was constructed in 1879 for Richard A. Meagher, asst. manager of S.G.
Atkins Company, a local wholesale grocery and liquor distributor. It is thought that the same
suppliers and workers may have installed the iron pieces here and next-door at 2717. Both
have filigree like pendant band of iron just under the wooden cornice, a peculiar feature
found elsewhere in Richmond infrequently. The house also has a delicate iron veranda. It is
instructive to look at the Italianate cornices of the house where the size of the house has
been taken into account in developing the over scale and size of the ornament and then
compare these to 2717.
The rear of the house has a long double porch to catch the river breezes and as a way to
reach the cellar.
The house was turned into multi-family use for a number of years but the immediately prior
owners underwent extensive and loving restoration of the entire house, turning this spacious
house back into a home. Of particular note is the very spacious but cozy kitchen and hearth
room - perfect for sitting and talking after a hard day at work while dinner is prepared.
Furniture on the first floor includes a number of antiques from the Victorian era and earlier.
Of particular note, bathrooms were added in the early 1900's by the building of two story
additions on both sides of the house. An arched entryway adds space to the left of the front
door entrance and three bathrooms were added at this time. This approach was rarely
undertaken, but allows rooms to maintain their original size and balance.
The Garden
The current owners have talked with many old-time neighbors about the backyard garden
and hear stories about a brick path heading back to the alley. Previous owners used these
bricks to build the large patio currently in place. When recently purchased, the decision was
to take the garden back to more Victorian roots with a touch of the "Secret Garden". Largescale work removing long existing vines and replanting bushes and trees was undertaken.
Designs include a relatively low maintenance framework including boxwoods and firs along
with plenty of space for puttering with perennials. Many bulbs and perennials from previous
owners were tenderly transplanted to maintain the history and flow of the garden.
Many brick and bottle fragments are found throughout the yard on any gardening project.
The addition of the Victorian style cast iron gazebo adds a focal point to the garden along
with a place for wisteria to trail from in the spring. The large trellis in the patio area provides
a visual focal point and an ideal place for pots of herbs and annuals. The garden is still
"young" and the owners look forward to working and learning what its personality will be
through the coming years.
11 1/2 NORTH 29TH STREET
THE HANCOCK HOUSE
Home of Geoffrey and Karen Cooper
The Hancock family built this house in 1867. The Greek revival architecture with large
spacious rooms, and windows that opened floor to ceiling allowed cross ventilation to cool
the house in Richmond's hot summers. The intricate ironwork on the front porch was made
by Tredegar Iron Works and has a historic easement in place today. The original design had
a kitchen separate from the house connected by a breezeway. The house stayed in the
Hancock family for 90 years until 1956 when "Miss Ellie" Hancock passed away.
The Callahan family next owned it. Mr. Callahan was a piano teacher and musician. The
house was filled with pianos (23 at final count) and the first and second floors partially
collapsed under their weight. After Mr. Callahan's death, the house fell into disrepair and
was condemned and taken over by the City for renovation. It is one of the first houses in the
Old and Historic district to be transferred to the City and then transferred to a private owner
for renovation.
It was completely renovated by Hunter and Nancy Sledd in 1994. The breeze way was
enclosed, the kitchen modernized and a small addition added for a sunroom. The original
1867 brick wall and limestone windowsills were incorporated into the addition. The floor in
the front room and the room above are the only original floors remaining. The dining room
as well as the garden contains a surprise treasure from Mr. Callahan’s collection.
We are the fourth owners of the house having purchased it in 2008.
The garden
Next, stroll past lush oak leaf hydrangea and under a towering fragrant gardenia to a hidden
tranquil garden. Rest on a bench under giant fig leaves next to a gently babbling pond filled
with bright Koi frolicking between Lilly pads. Climbing roses intertwine with hundreds of tiny
chocolate flowers under a shady vine canopy. A magnificent fruitful Holly is a cornerstone of
this beautiful urban green space.
3011 LIBBY TERRACE
Home of Catherine Hayden
During the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, Church Hill experienced a
tremendous wave of development as new houses were added to the side yards of
antebellum homes and vacant lots. The house at 3011 Libby Terrace (the original address
was 3007 East Main Street and became Libby Terrace around 1950) was built in 1896 by
Mrs. Bridget Smith and for nearly 50 years was the home to Mrs. Smith and her
descendants. The Queen Anne brick home is representative of the style but also displays
some unusual features. The three-sided bay, Eastlake porch and decorative cornice are
typical of the style and period. However, the double windows in the bay and size of the
porch are very unusual.
The houses on the south side of Libby Terrace are placed high on a bluff and offer
spectacular views of the James River – the view for which the city of Richmond was named.
The panoramic view also over looks the former port of Rocketts and the city skyline to the
west. The present owner, Catherine Hayden, renovated the house in 2005, with an eye to
take advantage of the river views by day and the city lights at night. Storefront windows, an
open plan and minimal low furnishings emphasize the many direct exterior views throughout
the house.
Not only did the south facing orientation of the house present great visual opportunities, it
also presented challenges about how to manage the southern sun and heat. Double
porches, interior shades, awnings, and tree placement were considered during the design
process to help screen the house. Solar panels were also installed on the roof to take
advantage of this orientation.
The Garden
The low maintenance landscaping consists of brick paving and perennials. The fig tree is the
only element left after the renovation. The only "grass" is in the rear, which was a former
parking area.
3019 LIBBY TERRACE
Home of John and Bette Dillehay
Home of Hiram W. Tyler, a merchant and ship's chandler, the house was built as a single
dwelling, but with two front doors to allow it to be used as two homes. Tyler, who had nine
daughters and one son, may have considered future family needs when building the
dwelling.
It was begun in 1857 and completed the following year. Constructed of cypress, the house is
Greek revival in style and the fluted columns across the front porch, is commonly referred to
as "Country Greek Revival". The rear of the house has a long double porch to catch the
river breezes.
The house was restored in 1975 by the current owners who redecorated the interior in a
warm yet sophisticated country style. The window treatments are minimized to help view the
gardens and the river. The predominate feature of the living and dining rooms is the Chinese
- red textured wall coverings from England. The kitchen presents a true country setting with
original beaded-board paneling and wood stove.
The Garden
It still follows basically the same design that existed in 1856. In 1975 when the current
owners purchased the property, it was overgrown with mature trees throughout the entire
back area. It was restored to its present condition with additions made over a period of 20
years. The garden features low maintenance plants, including a large number of herbs, with
the exception of a number of roses. Several years ago the front garden area featured a
large magnolia, which was replaced with 2 dogwoods when it died. These new dogwoods
joined the very large dogwood at the edge of the front garden, which had been removed from
the Dillehay property in Mathews and replanted here about 30 years ago.
• A highlight of the gardens are the English boxwoods that line the walkways
• Two ponds with fountain of floral design provide a smoothing background for quiet
evenings on the rear porches
• Walkways date to house being built in 1856. Photographs on file at Valentine Museum
show house and walkways.
• The well was discovered and restored in 1975 by the current owners. It contained
numerous artifacts, most of which went to Richmond Bottle Collectors Club who excavated
the well.
• Fence bordering west side of garden is replica of original fence which encircled garden, as
can be seen in early photographs.
• The property extended east beyond current boundary and was sufficiently large to contain
a cornfield, a picture of which is presently in collection of owners. The hill was reduced in
size to accommodate roadway created at lower portion of hill. This work was completed in
early 20th century.