Cornelius Van Loan House (1795)
This private residence is not open for interior tour.
Built in the Georgian style during the Federal period, this house was constructed in 1795 for Cornelius Van Loan. The fine entrance door is within an arched and recessed vestibule. The archway over the entrance is of painted marble, as are the lintels under the front windows. The Palladian window above repeats the delicate design in the fan and sidelights of the door. The American eagle symbol of the Federal period can be seen in the center of the fanlight over the door and the Palladian window.
From 1795 to 1923 Cornelius Van Loan, and his descendants, retained ownership of the property. But through the years after that the house was altered, abused, and allowed to deteriorate to the point that, by 1993, it was no longer habitable. It was from 1993 to 1996 that Robert Keeper and Arthur Marquis began the essential task of restoration, retaining as many of the original features as possible and removing the extra kitchen and two side porches not appropriate to the original house. The present owners, Robert and Andrea Smallwood, now maintain this home in pristine condition.
In 2007, Andrea was elected mayor of Athens, the first woman to hold that position.
Leave a Reply