offered for the first time in over 60 years, “crestmere” is a landmark estate overlooking the james river and kanawha canal in the exclusive rothesay circle neighborhood. designed in 1916 by architect walter blair, this iconic stucco tudor revival was originally built for charles gillette, virginia’s most notable landscape architect. gillette was known for seamlessly integrating architecture into the natural setting and this house showcases his work with the house sited on a gentle rolling 1.67 acres framed by mature trees overlooking the river. distinctive architectural elements include the brick molded window frames and mullions, casement windows and red tile roof. the stone columned “ha-ha” wall separates the lawn from the pasture where horses once grazed and ensures uninterrupted river views. with 4700+ square feet, this residence offers a total of five bedrooms, four and 1/2 baths with beautiful colonial revival details including a gracious entrance hall with turned staircase, formal living and dining rooms with woodburning fireplaces and reclaimed mantels and a sunroom with expansive river views. an enclosed porch and the living room open to the original formal gardens and brick patio. the large eat-in kitchen connects to a mudroom with full bath and a convenient side entrance. the primary suite, added in later years, features a panelled bedroom with casement windows offering sweeping river views, two separate closets and access to two baths. additional amenities include a detached 2-car garage, full basement, and floored attic for ample storage. a rare find - this property offers both a serene setting with acreage yet is convenient to shopping and dining in nearby carytown. from the millstone placed at the front entrance to the sun setting over the river, crestmere represents a true synthesis of history, architecture and natural beauty. this distinctive home represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the next steward of this extraordinary home with an unrivaled virginia provenance.
