Barret House, Richmond
William Barret House, situated at the intersection of Fifth and Cary in Richmond, is an example of Classic Revival architecture. Built in 1844 by William Barret, a prominent tobacconist, and investor, the mansion reflects the architectural elegance of the era.
Constructed with stucco over brick, the two-story house is positioned on a sloping corner lot, which is enhanced by a rugged granite retaining wall supporting an original cast iron fence. The property also features a striking two-story rear portico that once offered views of the James River and a two-story dependency that housed the kitchen and carriage house.
Visitors to the mansion ascend broad granite steps to a one-story entrance porch, supported by two Ionic columns, leading to a central front hall distinguished by a curved and cantilevered staircase. Architecturally, Barret House shares similarities with the Scott-Clarke House, also in Richmond, underscoring the aesthetic links to the city鈥檚 stylish residential past.
Historically, the house has witnessed significant events and transformations. Barret House has survived many historical milestones, including the Civil War. During the war, the house was leased to the French consul, reflecting its strategic importance. William Barret, notably cautious with his wealth, invested in English assets during the Civil War, which spared him from the financial ruin that befell many in the South post-war.
Threatened with demolition as the neighborhood commercialized, the house was saved in 1936 by preservationists Mary Wingfield Scott and Elisabeth Scott Bocock, who then donated it to the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects. In the 1980s, the organization undertook extensive renovations, preserving Barret House's legacy as a link to Richmond's antebellum past, and now houses a financial investment firm.
Constructed with stucco over brick, the two-story house is positioned on a sloping corner lot, which is enhanced by a rugged granite retaining wall supporting an original cast iron fence. The property also features a striking two-story rear portico that once offered views of the James River and a two-story dependency that housed the kitchen and carriage house.
Visitors to the mansion ascend broad granite steps to a one-story entrance porch, supported by two Ionic columns, leading to a central front hall distinguished by a curved and cantilevered staircase. Architecturally, Barret House shares similarities with the Scott-Clarke House, also in Richmond, underscoring the aesthetic links to the city鈥檚 stylish residential past.
Historically, the house has witnessed significant events and transformations. Barret House has survived many historical milestones, including the Civil War. During the war, the house was leased to the French consul, reflecting its strategic importance. William Barret, notably cautious with his wealth, invested in English assets during the Civil War, which spared him from the financial ruin that befell many in the South post-war.
Threatened with demolition as the neighborhood commercialized, the house was saved in 1936 by preservationists Mary Wingfield Scott and Elisabeth Scott Bocock, who then donated it to the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects. In the 1980s, the organization undertook extensive renovations, preserving Barret House's legacy as a link to Richmond's antebellum past, and now houses a financial investment firm.
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Barret House on Map
Sight Name: Barret House
Sight Location: Richmond, USA (See walking tours in Richmond)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Richmond, USA (See walking tours in Richmond)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Richmond, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Richmond
Creating your own self-guided walk in Richmond is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Richmond Introduction Walking Tour
After settling Jamestown in 1607, several expeditions up the James River led to an interest in the area inhabited by the Powhatan Nation. But the first European settlements didn鈥檛 come for more than a hundred years when in 1737, planter William Byrd II had the original town grid laid out.
He named the town 鈥淩ichmond鈥� after an English town. He felt the view of the James River was similar... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
He named the town 鈥淩ichmond鈥� after an English town. He felt the view of the James River was similar... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Maymont and Carytown Walking Tour
Maymont, a picturesque and spacious Victorian estate in Richmond, Virginia, is a popular outdoor attraction nestled in the very heart of the city.
Home to the beautifully landscaped Japanese and Italian gardens surrounding the opulent, historic Maymont Mansion, it represents a remnant from America's Gilded Age. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Maymont Wildlife Center, home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Home to the beautifully landscaped Japanese and Italian gardens surrounding the opulent, historic Maymont Mansion, it represents a remnant from America's Gilded Age. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Maymont Wildlife Center, home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Historical Homes Walking Tour
Being one of America鈥檚 oldest major cities, the capital of Virginia, Richmond, is rich with historic homes, dating back well into the 1800s and beyond. Those passionate about storied buildings will surely find plenty to their taste here.
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum, The White House of the Confederacy 鈥� home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Civil War, and the John Marshall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum, The White House of the Confederacy 鈥� home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Civil War, and the John Marshall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles