$999,000

I’ve always loved this home! Do the dogs on the front porch come with it?

A million dollar listing on the North side of Broad. Can’t wait to see what it actually sells for.

I call first dibs

quite possibly the ugliest furniture I have ever seen. good lord. the kitchen is laughably unattractive as well.

@11 – don’t worry, the furniture doesn’t come with it. If that’s what’s holding you back from buying, rest assured you can bring your own. 😉

Several years ago, it sold in the $650000 range and has since been majorly upgraded increasing the usable square footage with the basement finish. That’s just one of the upgrades it’s has several other high dollar ones as well. I think it will go for fairly close to that amount~ 10%. 2200 E Grace was just listed for $940 ish …another stunner.

The renovation certainly appears costly, but it also appears tone deaf to the church hill marketplace whether north or south. Buyers here want period or original character (marble, subway tile, beadboard, slate) not travertine bathrooms and mirrored floors, etc.

Totally agree with #17.
Such an exception property and amazing lot, which all the more calls attention to the stunningly horrific choices that were made (the bathrooms? the kitchen? the marble floor in the entry? it’s like something out of “Real Housewives of New Jersey)
And anyone remotely in the market to buy that house is going to take one look at that travesty of a renovation and think “ok, so how much would it cost me to rip this junk out?” Will be a serious factor in whether it sells at all, for any price.

@11/19…jealous? If you’re living over on Clay Street…you don’t see many of these over there do you?

Haha, definitely not jealous of the furnishings or the renovation, although the property is amazing in terms of size, location, and potential. Any serious buyer at that price point would have to gut it to make it a quality home (lose the travertine, glass block, and crappy cabinetry, etc.). Whoever commits to the project will have the possibility of a real showcase of a home.

I can’t help but wonder what the place looked like when they bought it. Maybe this place was rundown/vacant/whatever at some point…? It might explain why the homeowners made such weak design choices – the need to finish and fill a huge space, without having much original detail to go on?

Regardless, it would be perfectly comfortable to move in and change those things over time. A light fixture here, new tile there… that kind of thing. But I’m also not sure that the typical buyer for a house that expensive would want to deal with that kind of crap.

Regardless, good luck!

I had no idea there were so many professional interior designers and renovators on here!! All you guys with such biting criticism of this home must be making boatloads of cash doing fabulous interior design for the Richmond’s elite!! Can you share some of your websites so I can reach out to you when it’s time to decorate my mansion tastefully?

@25- it was gorgeous before. Saw it on a CH Xmas tour one year. Very sad at what it has become.

I can’t believe people use this blog to air their negative personal opinions and they don’t have the guts to use their names…..JM, I love your blog, but I hate having to weed through comments like Clay Street and L.

@30 – I assume it’s the “buildable” part of that phrase that’s stumping you too right? I think there does appear to be an extra lot or two with the house but I’m not sure how they’ve come to the conclusion that it’s “buildable.”

My guess is that a.) the owner wouldn’t like having another house that close and b.) the neighbors would raise such a high holy stink about any attempts to build there that it would make the Buzzy’s commotion look like a garden club meeting.

@34 – you need to untwist your panties a bit. I don’t agree with most of the decor criticisms but there’s no need to start with the mom’s basement crap. Let folks express their opinion on a house with making it personal.

I’m pretty sure potential buyers aren’t looking to CHPN yahoos for advice whether they should buy or not so I doubt one person’s gripes make a difference. If you’d like to tell the group why you like the decor that might be positive.

Another interesting listing popped up over the last week. IMO, this is the premiere high end house in Church Hill with the park views and history. Looks like it could use a bit of work with the “AS IS” disclaimer but if this doesn’t bring in the big bucks, nothing will. If I had a million to spend on a house right now it would be on the Libby house. I don’t see the one above selling until the Libby house moves.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1-N-29th-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12520506_zpid/

I’ve also seen a couple homes on the Buzzy’s nearby neighbors block coming up, including this one…
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2714-E-Broad-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12519873_zpid/

Interesting that all the folks on that block blasted Bob because supposedly he was cashing out and selling and then they’re all rushing to sell after they fuck us out of getting another decent drinking option. I guess they really did believe that nonsense about real estate prices dropping and wanted to preserve their value so they could sell immediately after. Just wait until prospective buyers hear what a bunch of nasty busybodies live next door to the house they’re considering…

If I am not mistaken this was the original Billups Funeral Home and residence. I would love to see inside but what is ugly about the furniture? I hope they have correct period antiques in it. But by the description $1M isn’t that far off and is made for formal entertaining. Think of what can be if the right socialite buys it.

Never mind, see they have reproduction odd stuff throughout and no period pieces to showcase the house, too bad.

The house can be a showplace for the right person. Problem is that a house of this size and price should be advertised outside of Richmond as well. If Long & Foster is representing the property I know that there is a high end catalog printed every month and distributed in the Wall Street Journal that features homes here in Richmond as well. In general people under the age of 50 or even 40 will not be interested in a luxury property for high profile socialite entertainment. They want a small low maintenance place to simply watch TV and flop. They could care less about a formal dining room with three crystal chandeliers or gourmet kitchens. Or a house to paint every 5 years that costs several thousand dollars and do trim every few months.. cut grass and trim trees and shrubs, pay to fix anything that breaks, etc… I think the general buyer today isn’t and more and more are moving to condos and apartments just for those reasons. No conviction to cleaning, polishing, painting, pruning, fixing, and everything else that comes along with a large “single family” historic residence.

@Eric

How does the CHA still allow you to write articles in their paper when you have posts such as:

“I think the general buyer today isn’t and more and more are moving to condos and apartments just for those reasons. No conviction to cleaning, polishing, painting, pruning, fixing, and everything else that comes along with a large “single family” historic residence.”

Especially, with your posts against their “tough, fearless leader dentist”…..

I’m just so surprised they have not kicked you to the curb, how do you do it?! I surprised they have not burned you at the stake, for your non-support of the proposed Libby Hill condo building!

no

Edg, I feel certain Sam is being a bit sarcastic considering the prices Church Hill is currently commanding for real estate. Not everyone wants to live in a condo or apartment. And Sam is pointing it out to Eric + there are grammatical errors.
(However, I do not claim to be a writer before someone attacks me for my errors. I am the first to admit my writing skills are not as strong as many people.)
Although, I am not trying to disagree with Sam or agree with Eric by my next comment and it has nothing to do with historic houses.
There have been studies done about the millennial generation, and they will be the first generation not to want to live in houses as large as their parent’s houses. However, the study did not have anything about their generation not wanting to own houses.
Eric just goes overboard a lot in judging a lot of people and things in the area. I do find some of his criticism humorous because he and his partner do not live in a house anywhere close to the size of the one in the article for sale.
Their house is nice and unique in its own way. All of the houses in Church Hill are unique in their own way. It simply does not matter if someone buys this house and guts it or leaves it the exact same. The entire house is not my taste just as there are things about my house some people would hate. The house listed for sale is a very nice house, and I do hope they are able to get close to the asking price.
In reference to the person who commented it has been on the market for over a year and the price has only come down $30k. Perhaps the people do not have to sell, but want to down size or up size (is up size correct) live in a larger house. Who cares, it is their house and if they want to have a private dance floor installed on the first floor it isn’t any of my business. . Although, I hope if they do I am invited to a party.
Does it really matter if my house or your house is perhaps larger than someone else’s house? We all live in Church Hill, and for those of us (me) who want to see the neighbourhood become Soho, Park Slope (more my leanings) or Tribecca. We need to pull together as a neighbourhood and as a people.
Life is too damn short, I was 25 just yesterday and today (well let us say) 25 is further away than 40 is anymore. 😎

Sam, my articles are about historic subjects. Doesn’t mean I don’t have personal opinions.

As for 413… it is not up to code. The owner was paid by the insurance company for the damages and she was to have in turn paid contractors for work to fix it back up after the fire in 2012. She spent the money elsewhere and so the house is missing proper bathrooms and has no kitchen whatsoever. She owes the contractor $55,000 and they have taken a mechanics lien against it. The house was not occupant ready but she moved in anyway. When she became sick the city condemned it after seeing the condition it was in. A volunteer offered to bring it up to code for her but she refused the help. Now the city has control of it and anyone seen in or on that property will be arrested per Earl Weaver of CAPS – City Planning.

Eric – ought not make broadbrush generalizations of people based on age. Many people falling under those parameters (myself included) are looking for more than a small place to “watch tv & flop”, whatever that means, & are not afraid of the hard-work that comes with owning & maintaining a home.

@Eric most of the apartments and condominiums around us are being occupied by mostly college students, young professionals (not in the buying stage of life yet) and empty nesters and most of the people in these groups do not want the responsibility of owning a house yet.
However, when the college students attain employment, young professionals get married and have families they will both most likely want to own houses.
In reference to your comment about open floor plans etc., you repeated what I had already written. However, I do think there will be far more of the millennial generation buying houses up here because a lot of them prefer living in the city to their parents at the same age.
There are very few stately homes in Church Hill; we do not have a Monument Ave. alternatively, south of Cary neighbourhood up here. Although 3516 E. Broad St. Just sold for over $700K, and it is not as large as the house in this article.
In reference to the person who wrote, he/she thought 3516 still needed a lot of work. It didn’t need any work the house was beautiful inside. However, I will admit 3516 was not completely my taste. The folks who have bought are having it gutted because the interior did not suit their taste.
I do not agree with you on the value of the house in the 2600 block not being worth $900k. Real estate is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and the right person might not have viewed this house yet.
In the next place, I would never do my house over if I were trying to sell it being it is renovated and I am sure the owners of that house feel the same way. The house is a very attractive house inside, and it is beautiful on the outside. The interior is too formal for my taste because I prefer European country and American country. Although, I love having my formal dining room, separate den, and large eat-in kitchen even though I prefer country to formal.
I’m getting the impression you haven’t been in very many “stately homes” there are some of the most beautiful interiors that do not have marble floors, crystal chandeliers etc. and are beautiful.
Let us see some proof on what you have generalized about the younger generation. I can give proof of studies done because human behaviour was one of my majors in college. Therefore, I enjoy reading and learning about the differences in generations.
Thanks and good night

katzenjaammer, that is why we have the “Neighborhoods In Bloom” group who were supposed to have annual events to bring potential buyers into the area and educate them as well as promote historic home buying. But that has since fallen to the wayside I believe? Not long after we moved into our house they filmed a commercial through the Martin Agency in our house as a feature home but the management changed during that time and the commercial scrapped. We do have a copy of it supplied by them though.

You misinterpret my statement about “stately homes”. I was using it in a generic sense and not literally as in Mansions or Castles. A stately home can be small and labeled so because of its overall presentation. A matter of style and taste.

True, there are generational gaps we speak here and thus little to no interactions. Let’s face it, how many 19-25 year-olds want to consciously mingle with people approaching retirement age? So we have to go on what we have noticed by family members or seen on television or print. I have to disagree about all of the condos and apartments being rented out by college kids. They have dorms and campus housing. If they want more then they are spoiled. There can’t be “that many” students and besides, how were they housed 10 years ago? In fact, we know a married couple who doesn’t have kids and sold their large home on Libby Hill for an apartment downtown because of all I mentioned. They travel owning other properties out of the country so don’t have the time to maintain a large home so, one non college student apartment down.

Look, we are some of the exceptions and can argue all day long about opinions. We live in a self promoting, self centered, all about “ME” generation who would actually die in more than one way for their cell phones while being unaware of their surroundings. They don’t like “old” anything and several adults we know have the same constitution. It was even a cover story in “Time” magazine not long ago. It isn’t something I am making up. Their world isn’t about materialistic things to impress others (keeping up with the Jones) but all about electronics and who can be #1 at the cost of sacrificing morals and manners. Maybe I am a idealist and still have a 1950s-1960s pre computer age way of thinking but that is how I was raised and how I prefer to live since it doesn’t seem that long ago to me. No, things weren’t all rose colored glasses then but compared to today it was a hell of a lot better over all. People were taught rather than simply raised. Parents were issuing discipline rather than being disciplined. It all comes in a package deal with a trickle down effect.

But enough about social studies and back to the house which is a nice dwelling in which I wouldn’t mind having myself. Not sure why the front portion brick was painted over but that would have to be stripped back to the original natural brick if possible. The old embalming rooms in the basement have endless possibilities. And think the three crystal chandeliers in the dining room is pure opulence and would be throwing many formal dinner parties there! Our dining room is 15’ x 20’ and is still way too small for our furniture.

Geezzz, this is getting out of hand so is my last post on this subject unless directly related to the house.

I may be generalizing “being spoiled” a bit but at the same time I see parents defending children when the parents are just as much at fault having been left to their own devices growing up (and not attacking you East Grace). Not directly related but take for example how parents will keep children from eating green vegetables because they don’t like them. Why influence or even force the child to not eat something based on your own beliefs when in fact they may like green vegetables? The parent could see absolutely nothing wrong with that but there actually is. I can only go by people in my age bracket I speak with and have spoken about this subject many times and we all seem to for the most part all agree when we compare how we grew up to today’s society so my views are not singularly my own. ‘Nuff said. 😉

Agree completely with East Grace. Eric – I very much enjoy & appreciate your historical knowledge & preservationist-perspective on things, but your take on younger generations seems a little off-base & quite honestly ill-informed. It seems as if you watched a few reality (i.e., fake, scripted) tv shows or observed a pack of teens at Short Pump mall & then attributed those traits to basically anyone under 40 (or 50 even).

While there are always overlaps in what defines a generation, most would agree that Millenials are today in their early-to-mid thirties, married & maybe starting a family. Many of us are hard-workers who dream of owning & maintaining a home, just as our parents did but may be limited in our means to such. Keep in mind also that many in this generation & those following find themselves in much more trying economic times than the boomers, saddled with massive amounts of student debt, fewer well-paying jobs out of college & an overall stagnant economy.

The earlier comment about quality of schools in the city is spot-on. If I want my kids (theoretical at this point in time) to be afforded a quality education, I either have to pay out the nose to send them to private schools, which I disagree with on a philosophical level, or move out of the city to a county with strong schools. I’d venture that many folks would love to live in Church Hill & provide their children an education consistent with Henrico, Chesterfield & surrounding counties, but it’s just not in the cards at this point.

Schools have been an ongoing issue for families moving into Church Hill – and some moving out when children become of school age.