308 North Street, Sandra Kearney and Richard Wood, circa 1850
Originally, this home was constructed in the Federal style. At the turn of the 20th century the house was modernized in the Victorian style.Upon entering through the front door, pay close attention to the solid oak wooden floors throughout the house. The ornate slate mantle is a focal point of the living room. The hand crafted built-in china cabinets in the dining room with Gothic style doors still retain some of their original glass. The eclectic style of this house exhibits a recent renovation that allows for modern day living with an old house charm.
413 Middle Street, Dean and Peggy Burgess, circa 1860
The house was built by Henry Hudgins in 1860. He was one of the men set to sinking ships in the Elizabeth River to keep the Union gunship Pawnee from retaking the shipyard. His family owned the house for 50 years, followed by the Buchanan family who also owned the house for about 50 years. The Burgesses are the third family to live in it. The house is made of random width, flame grain heart pine throughout, with its original pressed plaster moldings and ceiling medallions. Mr. Burges' family lived in Havana, Cuba, from the 1850s until the Spanish American War and it has furniture, playing cards, glassware, toys and fans on display from there. Mrs. Burgess comes from an old Virginia Beach family, the Barcos, and there is furniture from that family as well. Most of the furniture is from family, ranging from 1820 side chairs, and furniture from the 1830s, 1860s, and 1880s, to the early twentieth century. The dining room table was built on Mr. Burgess' great-great-grandfather's farm in Illinois in 1833 and Abraham Lincoln, a friend of the family, sat at it.
408 Middle Street, Chris and Gabrielle Jenks, circa 1800
480 Middle Street, circa 1800, owned by Chris and Gabrielle Jenks. This building dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and is characterized by an elevated basement and progressively shorter stories from the first to the third story. According to local history, this site was the headquarters of Benedict Arnold in 1781 during the Revolutionary War. At the turn of the century, this building was used as residence and commercial interest. The dwelling portion of the building was also used as a boarding house in the late 19th century. This home has its original wide plank flooring and staircase. Many of the walls are adorned with artwork by artist, Leslie Folksman. The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated with the master bath having a sauna, hot tub, and fireplace. The second floor contains Mrs. Jenks yoga studio.
422 Crawford Street, David Ratcliff and Cathy Revell, circa 1841
Located in historic Olde Towne, the Pass House was built by Judge James Murdaugh in 1841 and occupied by Union Troops from 1862 to 1865. Federal Forces required Portsmouth residents to obtain a written pass to travel across the Elizabeth River. These passes were issued from the English basement, and thus the name "Pass House" was derived. The Pass House is a four story Federal-style brick structure with an attached two story servants' quarters, heart pine floors, six fireplaces, an ornate plaster ceiling medallion, a center view staircase, formal furnishings, a cottage-style garden with fish pond, and a modern kitchen for catering.
360 Crawford Street, circa 1900, owned by Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation
The Queen Anne home was constructed by Fred Carr in 1900. This block was once occupied by four houses. In the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, many of these property owners subdivided their lots and sold or constructed additional houses. This block is one of the original platted by Colonel Crawford in 1752. This building has a three bay east facade with brick veneer. The entrance has a single light transom and the sills are rusticated limestone. In the 1970's, the house was converted into three, one bedroom apartments. Most moldings throughout the home are original, as are the windows and glass. Another note of importance is the original staircase and balusters in the downstairs foyer. They are made of heart pine which is the same as the upstairs flooring.
OPEN SATURDAY ONLY-Olde Towne Foundation Featured Project 711 Washington Street will feature an open house with cider from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Olde Towne Foundation was instrumental in partnering with the Portsmouth Planning staff and saving this home from demolition. It is one of only two Queen Anne style houses in the city. Historic tax credits were used in the renovation of this building. Please visit and explore this site, keeping in mind that were it not for the efforts of the Olde Towne Foundation it would probably be a vacant lot. This location will not be furnished. Follow this link for more information on 711 Washington Street.
Olde Towne Foundation P.O. Box 902 Portsmouth, VA 23705