Belle Aire

Belle Aire is a two-story mansion with a front portico held up by four tall fluted Doric columns, all built from brick. The house has an L-shaped layout and sits on about 8 acres of land that has stayed residential despite the neighborhood changing around it.

This house was built in 1849 for Madison and Margaret Pitzer on a hilltop overlooking a large rural property near the Roanoke River. The building became a Virginia Historic Landmark in 1966 and was listed on the National Register in 1975.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Asher Benjamin's 1830 publication 'The Practical House Carpenter', reflecting New England building traditions.

This is a private home and best viewed from the outside, particularly during daylight hours when the architecture and setting on the hilltop are most visible. You can walk around the property or view it from the surrounding area without disturbing the residents.

The design of this home draws from New England building traditions from the early 1800s, which shaped its architectural style. This connection to northern construction methods and aesthetics stands out in the context of southern Virginia homes.

Location: Roanoke

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.26350,-80.01824

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41