Historic Homes in Virginia

Old Hall c.1830-Scottsville, Virginia

by John Ince, President Charlottesville Country Properties, LTD.

Greek Revival, red brick in Flemish bond, slate roof, columned portico, a confident setting on the best street in town, English Boxwood and flower beds…a banker’s house, built thirty years before the Civil War. Old Hall stands today just as it was built with nearly two centuries of fascinating history within its walls.

In 1830, Scottsville, Virginia on a broad horseshoe bend in the James River, was coming into its own. It was the busiest river port west of Richmond with freight and passengers coming down the river and the Kanawha canal. This burst of activity made Scottsville the County seat of Albemarle, and several prominent homes were built in and around town as fortunes were made. Old Hall was built for the president of the Bank of Scottsville, James Mason who owned it until 1850 when it was sold to the Beal family who owned until 1952. In 1865, Union General Phillip Sheridan entered Scottsville with his 10,000 troops to cross the James River. High water kept them stranded in Scottsville for two weeks during which time Old Hall served as headquarters for General Wesley Merrit, Chief of Cavalry. Artifacts from this hectic visit are still found from time to time. In 1879 the Beals rented Old Hall to Dr. John S. Andrews and his wife, Dr. Oriana Moon Andrews, who against all odds attended medical school and was the first female doctor in the Confederate Army. Dr. Andrews bore six children and died in the east bedroom of Old Hall in 1883 at the age of 48. Old Hall has had just four owners since it was built.
Old Hall is one of the earliest in Scottsville and has been of particular interest to architectural historians since it was built. Ed Lay of the University of Virginia and perhaps the foremost expert in Jeffersonian period homes considers Old Hall to be of particular interest due to its unique tripartite windows and stunning, grand entrance hall with an elliptical arch. Upon entering Old Hall its elegant proportions and classic design are self evident. Eleven foot ceilings in the two parlors, elaborate crown mouldings, chair rail and wainscoting, all upon lustrous heart of pine flooring present a picture of a lifestyle long past that will endure for ages to come.

Old Hall is now offered for sale. It is in excellent condition with gas heat, three bedrooms, one and a half baths and a modern kitchen. Old Hall is currently listed on the National and Virginia Historic Registers as part of historic Scottsville and is eligible to be registered in its own right. Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an important home in one of the most charming small towns in Virginia located just 30 minutes south of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. Charlottesville/Albemarle MLS#477172. $595,000

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