In the bustling, progressive 21st century, these pockets of rich history are much admired, revered, and respected. The homes stand tall and proud after decades of weather, war and abuse. Across the country more communities are taking back their heritage and history and restoring these amazing homes. Virginia is no exception to this trend. In the Hampton Roads area a lone you will find many of these incredible communities. Step back into the 19th century by just taking a stroll through Ghent in Norfolk, Olde Towne in Portsmouth, or Historic Downtown Suffolk.

Ghent, Norfolk

The Ghent suburb of Norfolk, Virginia, began its development in 1890 with most construction occurring between 1892 and 1907. Stylistically, late Queen Anne Colonial Revival, and Shingle styles dominate. Colonial Revival interpretations range from Georgian Revival to Federal to Queen Anne/Colonial Revival. Gambrel roofs hinting at Dutch Colonial influences are occasionally seen in the Ghent area. Shingle Style houses are second in number to Colonial Revival dwellings. Three Shingle Style houses, possibly by the same, currently unidentified architect, exhibit large porches in a first-story recessed entrance bay. Typical Shingle Style houses in Ghent are of masonry construction on the first floor with frame construction (shingle sheathing) on the second and attic stories.
Other styles randomly found in Ghent include English Tudor, English Half Timber, Italianate Town House, and Beaux Arts (Sarah Leigh Hospital). The remainder of Ghent's dwellings are more difficult to classify as any single style. These include numerous builder Colonial Revival houses as well as residences suggestive of Dutch Queen Anne town houses.

For more of the history and story of Ghent visit: http://www.norfolk.gov/Planning/comehome/Ghent_History.asp
http://www.destinationghent.com/index.php

To learn more about the Culture and communities of the Historic districts in the Hampton roads areas, visit the following web sites.

Portsmouth:
http://www.portsmouthva.gov/tourism/historic.html

Port Norfolk:
http://www.portnorfolk.org/about.html

Suffolk:
http://www.suffolk.va.us/aasfk/index.html

Colonial Williamsburg:
http://www.history.org/

General Information:
http://www.grouptourcompany.com/virginia.htm