521 W Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803

Set in a pleasing row of 19th century houses across from the Appomattox Regional Governor's School, 521 is an Italianate gem. Its facade of mellow red brick is distinguished by exuberant pediments above large windows on the first and second floors. Those windows were part of a major restoration undertaken by the sellers. That project produced a house rich in historic detail but adapted for modern living.nOn entering the foyer, almost the first thing one is struck by is the ceiling height -- about 14 feet. Also notable are vintage heart pine floors and simple but handsome mantels. Beyond the foyer, a living room, formal dining room, half bath, and eat-in kitchen constitute the main floor. Upstairs are two bedrooms, each with a bath. Natural light flows into the English basement through substantial windows. Here youll find a third bedroom, third full bath, and a family room. A large "sitting porch" off the kitchen on the main level overlooks a large swath of lawn that merges into a green space owned by the City. Two zone heating and cooling assure year-round comfort. At the rear of the lot there is potential for off-street parking.n Because history is never far away in Petersburg, it's interesting to note the house was built in the early 1880s by William Lumsdun, one of the heroes of the Civil War Battle of Old Men and Young Boys. Lumsden, owner of a local foundry, is also remembered for designing an ill-fated, multi-shot cannon.n Not far from the Griffin Lounge, the Hotel Pete