Belle Aire

Belle Aire is a Greek Revival mansion listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register in the Greater Deyerle neighborhood of the independent city of Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.A. Located just south of Brandon Avenue SW (U.S. 11) at 3820 Belle Aire Circle SW, Belle Aire was completed in 1849, as the private residence of Madison and Margeret Pitzer on a knoll overlooking their 1,600 acres (2.500 sq mi; 6.475 km2) of land adjacent to the Roanoke River.[3] It is located approximately one-half mile from his brother Jeramiah's house (Mount Airy). Today the home still stands, with the surrounding area now developed as single family home typical of those built during the 1970s-80s.[3]

For the similarly named plantation on the James River, see Belle Air Plantation.
Belle Aire
Belle Aire built by Benjamin Deyerle in Roanoke, VA around 1849
Belle Aire is located in Virginia
Belle Aire
Belle Aire is located in the United States
Belle Aire
LocationU.S. 11, Roanoke, VA
Coordinates37°15′49″N 80°1′4″W
Area8 acres (3.2 ha)
Built1849 (1849)
ArchitectDeyerle, Benjamin; Sedon, Gustavus
Architectural styleGreek Revival
NRHP reference No.75002034[1]
VLR No.128-0052
Significant dates
Added to NRHPApril 15, 1975
Designated VLROctober 21, 1975[2]

History

Belle Aire was constructed by Benjamin Deyerle and his carpenter Gustave A. Sedon (also known as Gustavus Sedon) for the Pitzer family in 1849.[4] Its Greek Revival embellishments were influenced by the New England architect Asher Benjamin's publication The Practical House Carpenter of 1830.[4] The L-shaped home is of brick construction with stuccoed Doric pilasters at the corners. Its most recognizable feature is its 2-story pedimented portico four fluted Doric columns at each level.[4] A kitchen addition replaced the original outbuilding and the side portico has been enclosed. Otherwise, Belle Aire remains much as it was in 1850. Today the home remains as a private residence.[5] It became a Virginia Historic Landmark in 1966 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
  3. "Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Plan: History" (PDF). City of Roanoke Planning Division. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
  4. Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Staff (September 1975). "National Register of Historic Places nomination, Belle Aire" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-09-06.
  5. "City of Roanoke GIS". City of Roanoke. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
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