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STAUNTON NEWSLEADER
Owners: Renovated Visulite readying for Dec. opening
Originally published November 14, 2005

THE HOOK
REAL ESTATE
On the Block- Done up: Total restoration wins prize
Published December 1, 2005 in issue 0448 of the Hook

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HISTORIC STAUNTON FOUNDATION
33rd Annual Christmas House Tour

December 4, 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 years and under. Tickets available at the Bookstack, the Emporium, Byers Street Housewares, Streamer's and the HSF Office. Tickets will also be available at the Tour sites on the day of the Tour (Dec. 4).

Join Historic Staunton Foundation for a holiday celebration in one of Staunton ’s most diverse historic districts. Deeded to the city in 1803, Stuart Addition was a well established neighborhood prior to the Civil War. Its border along the western branch of the Valley Turnpike on Augusta Street, was a prime site for early businesses and taverns catering to those traveling through town. These businesses, family dwellings and the establishment of the town’s early educational institutions in the district all exhibited the simple Federal-vernacular or stately Greek Revival styles of the mid-1800s. As the town prospered in the late 19th century, dwellings and churches in the varied popular and grand Victorian designs dotted the district’s landscape, creating a diverse array of architectural styles. Education facilities, such as Augusta Female Seminary (Mary Baldwin College) and Staunton Military Academy expanded and influenced further residential growth; the early taverns, hotels and businesses along N. Augusta Street remained, and churches for the black and catholic communities built in high styles on the corridor.

Today Stuart Addition remains a thriving neighborhood that has embraced its historic roots and its varied architectural character in recent revitalization efforts. From young families and students, to visitors, professionals and educators, the neighborhood’s grand old places are seeing new use and new faces in this compact, diverse district. The 33rd Annual Christmas House Tour reflects the variety of the district with a sampling of private residences, a bed & breakfast, an historic tavern turned office, and the queen of Staunton’s educational institutions, Mary Baldwin College.

Open for the Tour

Circa 1700 Builders, Inc.
Jeffrey and Susan Goode
118 Prospect Street

This year’s recipient of HSF’s Residential Restoration Award is a stunning combination of old and new. The home’s 1910 molded block front, designed to simulate chiseled limestone, connects to the original rear section that dates back to the mid 1800’s, the front and side entrances, multiple porches, and simple exterior lines all add to this homes vernacular architecture. Upon entering this newly restored center hall home you’re greeted with a beautiful staircase, recreated by local craftsman Ben Clough, which had been partially removed to facilitate two-family conversion some time ago. Harlequin patterned foyer floor, original and reclaimed heart pine floors roam the open first floor layout. The custom shaker style kitchen blended with maple and concrete counters, open dining area, and family room with 9-foot ceilings and gas log stove keep the main living area warm, cozy and connected during day to day living. The second floor incorporates the new master suite with private balcony, large bedrooms, original claw foot tub with vintage faucet in second bath, and upstairs laundry room. The house is full of period hardware, black iron rim locks matching black hinges with ball finials, push button electrical switches, oil-rubbed bronze door hardware and switch plates. Original historic moldings from the turn of the century include wide casework, rosettes, plinths, turned corner finials, and beveled mirror mantles, which were carefully restored. The builder has used beiges, soft yellows, greens and blues combined with white enamel trim to accentuate the homes clean lines and provide for a warm and inviting environment. The holiday spirit is brought to life by Susan Goode, using a blend of new and old family decorations. Be sure to see the walking cane that was discovered by a workman during the renovation, maybe you will recognize some of the names carved into this treasure from the past.

HISTORIC STAUNTON FOUNDATION ARTICLE