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When Your HOME is Your 'CASTLE' Couple fill spooky-looking house with light and art Story by Melissa Nix Photos by Scott Neville From Gothic to Light: Lori and James Willden have transformed "the castle" on Washington Avenue. By Melissa Nix Date published: 1/7/2006
NEARLY THREE YEARS ago, James, Fredericksburg natives affectionately refer to the Willdens' century-old home, located a stone's throw from Kenmore Plantation at 1206 Washington Ave., as "the castle." With its cupolas, spires and corner tower, the Edwardian Victorian structure does look an awful lot like a castle. It has an imposing presence, with thick stone walls that give it a Gothic, darkish feel. "We moved in on Halloween night, which seemed really appropriate," James Willden says. James, 35, is vice president of engineering for Avalon Bay, a real estate investment trust. The family transferred to the Fredericksburg area five years ago from San Jose, Calif., when James' company merged to become Avalon Bay. Lori, 37, teaches first grade at Rocky Run Elementary School in Stafford. Their son, Matthew, is 13 years old and attends Walker-Grant Middle School. The "castle" is the first vintage home the Willdens have owned. The family lived in a contemporary subdivision in Stafford County before moving to downtown Fredericksburg. Despite a somewhat foreboding exterior, the house has been transformed into a place of warmth and light. The Willdens spent three months and $500,000 refurbishing it and installing a state-of-the-art security system. They also paid close attention to historical detail. They love their home, which is on state and national historic registers, and want to share it with others. When Fredericksburg's trolley tour rolls by, they often open their doors to tourists. "Someone's got to see the house," says James. "They may think its dark and scary from the outside, but it's not." The "castle" turned 100 years old in 2005. E.J. Cartright and J.H. Davis, who owned a quarry in Spotsylvania County, hoped to drum up business for their wares through projects like 1206 Washington. In 1905, they contracted renowned local builder H.C. "Peck" Heflin to build the Victorian as a "spec" house. Heflin used Virginia blue granite from the quarry.
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