Nestled on a hill in the northern section of downtown Charlottesville is Stasia Greenewalt’s cozy home that radiates comforting old-fashioned feels from the outside while sporting an impressive design inside that blends modern and mid-century style. Just a short walk or bike ride away from the Downtown Mall, Greenewalt’s home is a treasure surrounded by native plants and filled with her own style and art that she has masterfully curated.
In 2021, Greenewalt decided to make the move from an old rural farmhouse where she had lived for years with the intention of settling into an environment that would offer a different experience for her teenage children. Seeking just the right balance between a home that would be welcoming to her growing boys but also a space that would be exactly what she needed when they were eventually off on their own, she set her sights on this beautiful spot on Northwood Avenue. Built in 1958, the newly renovated home that still retained its original charm caught her eye.
“I was really grateful it was recently renovated. The family that was here before did some major renovations all around and then moved out. They re-did the kitchen, opened up the living space, and finished the basement,” Greenewalt said.
Prior to the updates, the spaces were more closed off, but with the help of the previous owners’ renovators, the home was opened up. Meanwhile, the basement was also finished, making it the perfect space for another bedroom and a bathroom as well.
Since 2021, Greenewalt has made the space her own, lining the oak floors with gorgeous rugs garnered on her travels and creating a comfortable space adorned with artwork that evokes memories and channels the community.
“A lot of the art is made by family or friends and people of Charlottesville. There’s a lot of art by my uncle David Fincham who passed away in the early 90s… and a painting by Edward Thomas from the day they took down Trax,” Greenewalt said.
She also has pieces of her own artwork and her son’s as well as pieces that feature cows of Charlottesville, the south of France, and an exceptional painting by local artist Lara Call Gastinger that is so intricate it appears to be a drawing.
The house also offers other features like incredible stained glass that Greenewalt has fallen in love with, a gorgeous bay window, and a beautiful upstairs bathroom that boasts natural light and a clean-edge design that’s entirely unique.
The home's bright kitchen is a cozy spot where she often utilizes the raised bar for gathering or dining. Greenewalt says she appreciates that the space also seamlessly flows into her dining area, making it feel completely connected. As an added bonus, the kitchen features exposed shelves that she regularly arranges, making for a pretty presentation.
The living room is a fluid area, with the composure changing seasonally. In the cooler months, Greenewalt considers it a “fireplace-centric” room, with couches and chairs cozily arranged by the decades-old fireplace that emits more than enough warmth to make anyone want to hunker down fireside.
In the warmer seasons, it’s easy to settle in on the house’s back patio. After strolling past the black cohosh and cardinal flowers planted along the side of the house, Greenewalt can settle in under the shade of the large red maple in her serene backyard. Filled with meadow rue and hydrangeas, the planting of which was guided by Michelle Smith of Fine Gardening and Consultation, the backyard is a peaceful retreat. The historic cast iron panels once recovered from a renovation of the Rotunda that are now adorning the exterior of her garage are just another addition that makes the house memorable.
When not relaxing in the back of her house on the patio, Greenewalt often finds herself on her semi-private front porch which overlooks the lawn planted with wood astor, mountain mint, serviceberries, ferns, and Annabelle hydrangeas.
“It sits up on a hill which is really amazing for porch-sitting because it’s wooded -- it feels private but friendly,” said Greenewalt, also remarking that she enjoys being able to interact with passersby while also engaging in work or relaxing.
Greenewalt couldn’t be more grateful for finding this cute, comfortable, and well-designed home when she was looking to move in 2021. From sunshine-filled summers to chilly nights warming up by the fire, she adores the opportunity to call this her home.
“I wake up each morning and want to write a love letter to my house. It’s the perfect place for me.”
"I wake up each morning and want to write a love letter to my house..."
"A lot of the art is made by family or friends and people of Charlottesville."