Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/16/2004
NRHP Listing Date 08/11/2004
NRHP Reference Number 04000860
Located on Chester Street in the previously registered Front Royal Historic District, the Balthis House is a vernacular interpretation of the Federal-style town house popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The two-story, three-bay, side-passage plan building is clad in weatherboards and has a later brick rear ell and northern frame addition. The dwelling was probably built around 1787 for James Reid, one of the town’s founders. E.C. Balthis became the owner in 1838 and probably built the additions. Dr. Bernard Samuels purchased the house in the mid-20th century and renovated it using architectural elements, such as mantels and baseboards, salvaged from razed houses on Chester Street. At the time, reusing architectural fabric from demolished historic buildings was a popular preservation ethic.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: November 9, 2021
