Joshua Wilton House

Joshua Wilton House is a three-story residential building featuring an octagonal corner turret and two projecting gabled sections. The brick exterior displays ornate carved wooden trim that emphasizes the Victorian aesthetic of the late 1800s.

Built in 1888 by Joshua Wilton, a Canadian merchant who settled in Harrisonburg, the house represents an era when wealthy business owners constructed elaborate residences to display their economic power. It exemplifies the trend of prominent merchants building grand homes along main commercial streets.

The house reflects a wealthy merchant's vision of success and status in the late 1800s. The elaborate design and ornate details show how prominent business owners wanted to display their importance in the community.

The building sits on South Main Street and is easily accessible on foot from downtown Harrisonburg. It functions today as an inn and restaurant, so visitors can explore it while dining or view the exterior before entering.

The house blends rare architectural styles: Gothic, Italianate, and Queen Anne details merge into a design that feels unusual for the region. The elaborate carving along the gable roof edge, particularly the delicate ornamental bargeboard, sets it apart from typical homes of its period.