Even though I’ve called Greenville home my whole life, I regularly find myself pulling off the road to gawk at an absolutely stunning piece of real estate. I’m talking Victorian mansions, chic Mid-Century Modern, homes that seem like they’re barely hanging on to Paris Mountain, and churches converted into open-spaced living rooms.
Here are just two (of many) that I’m *slightly* obsessed with:
Lanneau-Norwood House in Alta Vista (pictured above)
Greenville’s beautiful Victorian gem was built in 1877 for capitalist Charles Henry Lanneau II (for whom Lanneau Drive is named). He worked as a bookkeeper for Camperdown Mill and then organized Huguenot Mill. A large fire broke out in the home in 1883, Lanneau rebuilt it, and it then burned again in the 1890s.
It is unclear who rebuilt the home after the second fire, but Lanneau sold the property in 1907 to John Wilkins Norwood, who added plumbing + electricity. 🙌 It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Melbourne Lane in Wellington Green
Although not as grand as the Lanneau-Norwood House, my husband and I moved into this home over the summer and have been doing some updates, like painting the exterior brick white (hence the red brick chimney – hey, it’s a process 🤷🏻). We actually believe it to be haunted but I’ll share more on that later this month.
The property has been home to some notable Greenvillians, like Dr. Howell (for whom Howell Road is named) as well as a couple with some very recognizable last names. We’ve heard that the wife was part of the Cleveland family (yes, like Cleveland Park) and her husband was part of the Peace family (as in, the Peace Center).
Woodside Mill home from our reader, Erin F.
Built in 1905, this Woodside Mill home didn’t have running water until the 1930s. It, along with the mill, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and is protected by the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, who create guidelines to facilitate housing rehabilitation + new construction while maintaining the historic character.
I want to hear from you: Is there a home you want to know more about? Think yours is pretty cool and want to share with us?
Snap a pic, include the address + details on why the house should be highlighted, and send to us at hello@GVLtoday.com (or invite me over for wine, whatever works). We’ll be on the lookout for homes with stories to feature in our newsletter.