521 N 1ST ST

Discover historic Charlottesville living at its finest. Built in 1859, this Greek Revival residence stands as one of the city’s most authentic surviving examples of the style. The front façade is distinguished by four brick pilasters with stucco capitals dividing three bays, a feature once common in Charlottesville but now rarely intact. Inside, the floor plan has remained remarkably true to its origins, with a central hall and grand staircase that highlight its period character. Modern plumbing and electrical systems were added in the 1940s, including bathrooms, yet these updates left the historic exterior untouched. Over the years, the home has been cherished both as a private residence and as a gathering place for the Charlottesville community under the Gleason family. Today, the property offers 4 bedrooms—three on the main and upper levels—plus a versatile basement apartment suited for guests, extended living, or storage. A separate 2-bedroom guest house adds further flexibility. Set on nearly an acre, the generous front and rear yards create an inviting setting for entertaining, gardening, or quiet retreat. Just steps from downtown and minutes to UVA, this home pairs architectural heritage with everyday comfort.