Walnut Hill

Welcome to this historic home in southeast Roanoke. It was built in 1892 by James D. Lazell. In the 1890’s the Roanoke River was the southern boundary of the city. Three bridges crossed the river at that me; Memorial Ave., Jefferson St., and Walnut Ave. (the la er built in 1890). The Walnut Hill area, immediately on the south side of the river, was considered by most as “too far out in the country” to be popular. James and his two brothers, F.S. Lazell and Ellis W. Lazell, operated the Virginia Brick Company located on the banks of the Roanoke River near the Walnut Ave. bridge. Not surprisingly, this Georgian Revival home is, of brick construc on. There were also “commodious outhouses serving as stable and servant quarters”. The carriage house remains today. All three Lazell brothers were unmarried and lived with their mother, Julia Lazell, at this home on the corner of Walnut Avenue and Ivy Street. With no country club in Roanoke at the me, the Lazells decided to establish their home as a social center with Mrs. Lazell ac ng chaperone and hostess in residence. Originally, it was called the Bally Hak Club and later changed to the Bachelor’s Club. The idea was said to be a good one, for kindred spirits of both sexes gathered here for social events. Unfortunately, the financial Panic of 1893 reverberated through the economy and the Lazell brothers had le Roanoke by 1894-1895. Julia Lazell remained in the house un l 1896. Martha E. (Ma e) Walton purchased the house in 1899 and it stayed in the Walton family un l 1945. Most Roanokers knew the house as the Walton House. In 1992 the footprint of the house changed slightly with a renova on/addi on to the exis ng wooden frame construc on back porch and kitchen space. The kitchen was enlarged and an adjoining family room added. Above this space on the second floor, a bedroom and two bathrooms were added.

Details

Property ID
703209

5
Bedrooms

5
Bathrooms

Square Footage
4500

Lot Size
.7

Year Built
1892

Style
Colonial Revival

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