The Federal
Hill district has long been a choice residential spot for
some of Lynchburg's most influential families. The neighborhood,
which dates to the 1820s, was the city's first suburb and
has always been known as Federal Hill. It became a National,
State, and Local Historic District in 1976.
The corner
of Eleventh and Federal Streets is the neighborhood's high
point and has been the site of at least two imposing homes.
In 1909, David Howard, a prominent law partner, purchased
the property and demolished the existing c.1858 Italianate
home to build his new mansion. He commissioned renowned Lynchburg
architect, Aubrey Chesterman, to design a new home in the
popular Georgian Revival style complete with 4 1/2 baths,
gas lights, and steam heat.
The Howard
family lived in the home until 1960. Three additional owners
lived at Federal Crest until Ann and Phil Ripley purchased
it in 1994 to make it the Federal Crest Inn Bed and Breakfast,
as well as their home.
Today,
the Federal Crest Inn Bed and Breakfast is one of Central
Virginia's most beautiful and sought-after historic inns.
