Oakdene, historic house in Virginia, United States
Oakdene is a residence in Staunton, Virginia, built in 1893 in the Queen Anne style and distinguished by irregular forms, slate roofing, and textured surfaces. The building features a large entrance porch with carved ornamentation, a turret with conical roof, decorative brick chimneys, and two sun porches.
The house was built in 1893 for Edward Echols, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1898 to 1902 and led the National Valley Bank. His father, General John Echols, died there in 1896, establishing a strong connection between the Echols family and local history.
The residence reflects the aesthetic preferences of the late 19th century and its placement within the Gospel Hill Historic District connects it to other heritage structures in the area. The varied materials and intricate details show how craftsmanship and beauty were valued in homes of that era.
The residence sits within the Gospel Hill Historic District, where multiple heritage buildings together tell the story of the town's past. When visiting, you can observe the brickwork and window designs from the exterior to appreciate the craftsmanship of that era.
General John Echols, the father of the builder, died in 1896 inside the house before it was even completed. This unusual connection between death and new construction adds a particular depth to the property's family story.
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