Courtesy of Shaheen Ruth Martin & Fonville info@srmfre.com
Welcome to the “Billups” home, a landmark in the heart of historic Church Hill! Built in 1860 by William J Westwood, a brick foundry owner, this home showcases remarkable attention to detail and one-of-a-kind features dating to the 19th century. Charles J Billups, a prominent Richmond citizen and owner of the Chas J Billups & Sons Funeral Home purchased the home in 1912 and it remained in the Billups family until 1999. Two concrete dogs were added at the entrance which earned it the Church Hill nickname of “The Dog House”. The current owners modernized the home and added spectacular outdoor spaces, while preserving the original features and quirky traits that make it a special property. The wrap-around front porch provides the perfect welcome, as do the two sets of front doors which open to a striking foyer. Light pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows on the first level, and the formal rooms flow seamlessly into a comfortable family room open to the modern eat-in kitchen and a deck overlooking the backyard. Upstairs the primary suite is a dream with a spacious walk-in closet and renovated bath. Three additional bedrooms (one with its own bath), a hall bath, loads of storage, and a laundry area round out the second level. The finished basement is a treasure trove of original features and additional space! An English basement entrance leads to original brick walls, a bedroom, a sitting room/office, a wet bar, a half bath, a flex/fitness room, and a storage area that once served as the original kitchen. It’s the home’s outdoor spaces that are unmatched in the area! The front porch is the perfect spot to read a book or just say hi to neighbors. The back of the home has herringbone brickwork, plenty of parking, and a private driveway with two automatic gates that provide an entrance from 27th Street. Church Hill is a walker’s delight with coffee shops, restaurants, parks, historic sites, and festivals around every corner. The Billups home offers a rare chance to own a unique piece of Richmond history!