138 CAROLINE St

A rare offering in the desirable historic riverfront neighborhood, Lower Caroline Street. This well-maintained Greek Revival Style TH/Duplex was built around 1855, and sits on a 5600 sq ft fenced-in lot w/landscaped rear and side yards. This gracious home has 3 finished levels, with over 2600 sq ft of finished living area and echoes the quiet elegance of the original homes on Caroline St. From the columned front porch, step into the foyer through double leaf louvered exterior doors and a stately wood paneled front door with side lights and transom. The main level with 10’ ceilings has a living room and dining room with original fireplaces, sitting area in an addition built circa 1970, and a modern kitchen (added in 2005) along with a powder room. The kitchen is designed with stainless steel appliances, slate floors and hand-crafted maple cabinets with a matching rolling island. The sitting area, with antique pine panelling and corner cupboard, is perfect for casual entertaining, with sparkle added by the vintage stained glass panels in the kitchen transom and sitting room window. The original heart pine floors throughout the home have been very well preserved. Most rooms have crown moldings and chair railings, and built-ins include book cases, display shelving and cabinets. Six over 6 windowpanes have been preserved. A handsome staircase leads to the upper level and two bedrooms, each with a fireplace, crown molding, chair railings and over-mantel molding. The full bathroom on this level has mosaic tile flooring, and a vintage buffet for the sink. The rear facing bedroom has decorative 18th c. tiles on the mantel and preserved Civil War graffiti! The lower level is a Raised English Basement that can be accessed from the foyer on the main level or via its own exterior entrance. It was fully renovated in 2003, with beautiful ceramic tile flooring throughout, and features a den and a bedroom, both with original fireplaces, a full bathroom and kitchenette, and a laundry area with shelving and front-loading washer and dryer. A spacious, sun-filled office faces the rear and side yards, with custom cabinetry built in 2006 (desk, cabinets, shelving and seating area) along with replacement exterior door and windows. The sidewalk leading to the English basement entrance was rebuilt in 2006.

The house was extensively renovated (including electrical system and plumbing) but always with care to protect the historic character and elements such as plaster walls, wood floors, paneling and vintage glass. In 2003, plaster and paint were repaired on the main floor, and new fixtures installed in the powder room. The exterior front steps were upgraded using mahogany wood. Plaster and paint repair continued on the second floor in 2004, and new floor and wall tiles, vanity cabinet and decorative lighting were installed in the bathroom. Renovations continued into 2005 with the kitchen addition, and a new standing seam roof was built over the rear of the house (sitting room, kitchen and rear entrance foyer). In 2006, the stamped concrete walkway was added, and all gutters replaced, with copper gutters put in the front of the house. In 2007, a new standing seam roof was installed on the front part of the house, with added insulation and attic decking. Other improvements: a new gas line to the house from the main (2010); 100 years of paint stripped off the front columns to reveal the historic carved wood and porch railing refreshed (2011); updated electrical panel box (2011) and surge protection added (2013); new hot water heater (2015). Ext regular painting every 6 yrs. Recently painted June 2024.
This property is easy walking distance to VRE, Amtrak, the Rappahannock River, the new Riverfront Park, and Historic FXBG where dining, shopping and entertainment are at your fingertips. This elegant home won't last! Schedule your tour today!