Table Of Content
- The Spite House in Alexandria, Virginia
- Why Are Spite Houses Called Spite Houses?
- America's skinniest home is just 7 feet wide and was built out of spite
- The Hollensbury Spite House is one of a handful of spite houses around the world
- WATCH: Come and explore Old Town Alexandria’s most miniature mansion — built purely out of spite
- Which is the most famous spite house?
All proceeds go to SCAN, the only region-wide organization focused solely on preventing child abuse and neglect across Northern Virginia, through education, advocacy, and community engagement. While Courduvelis is the lead sponsor for the fundraiser, Bishop said that there remain multiple opportunities for other sponsors. He says it was “quite a challenge” to make a kitchen work in the tiny space allotted. There’s also extra storage space under a bench seat and extra cabinets in the corner.
The Spite House in Alexandria, Virginia
Each of these architectural curiosities dates back to the 1800s, with the King Street house erected in 1812. The origin of spite houses often lies in retaliatory motives, as disgruntled people use these structures to settle disputes and establish residential dominance. During my recent trip to Alexandria, VA, I stumbled upon something unique – a spite house. Let’s delve into what spite houses are and take a closer look at the one in Alexandria.
Why Are Spite Houses Called Spite Houses?
In 1994, the house was featured in Washington Post's Washington Home publication for the innovative way its then-owner and interior designer Sheldon Odland had arranged the place to feel homey. Odland told the Post when he moved to the alley house from his large residence next door he had to get rid of some of his clothes in order to keep all his books. The historical significance and architectural intricacies of spite houses in Alexandria, VA contribute to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry, offering unique insights into the past and present. These distinctive structures continue to intrigue visitors and enthusiasts, serving as enduring testaments to human creativity and resilience.
America's skinniest home is just 7 feet wide and was built out of spite
Its most recent sale was on Jan. 18, 2022, when the house was purchased for $1.14 million. The interior of the Seattle spite house contains a lavish kitchen complete with a quaint nook and small windows above the sink. The living room is filled with natural light and guarded by the oval-shaped, bright white door. The O’Reilly spite house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was originally built to satisfy a vendetta between neighbors.
It’s normal to see spite houses wedged into small, cramped, abnormal spaces, as they’re usually built as a way to annoy neighbors or lawmakers. The last known alley house in Alexandria is at 1401 Prince St. It is unique from the other spite houses in that it is only one story tall. The home is a little more than 8-feet wide and has been incorporated into the home next to it. While the Hollensbury Spite House is the most famous spite house in Old Town, it's not the only one. There are at least three other spite houses built in the neighborhood's historic alleyways, according to Old Town Home.
This includes the slender two-story house spanning 350 square feet, complemented by a walled rear garden and patio area, which unfolds within a snug 7 feet wide and 12 feet deep enclave. The Rockport Maine spite house, the Plum Island Pink House, and Freeport New York’s Miracle House are prime examples of larger houses built out of spite or rage. Spite homes aren’t exactly characterized by specific dimensions, but by the intent behind why they were created. However, it’s often the case that spite homes end up being somewhere between 200 and 1,000 square feet, because they are intentionally built into unthinkable spaces. While many famous spite homes were built in the 18th and 19th century, they are used today in a plethora of ways. Some of these famous spite homes belong to single residents or families who likely paid a large sum of money to own such a historical landmark.
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On the other wall is the kitchen counter with a small sink, a small four-burner gas range and an under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer. A wooden table is pushed against the other wall, providing plenty of room for three to dine comfortably. If it is pulled out and someone sits on a built-in bench at the end of the counter, four or more can use the table. Virginia's historic Old Town neighborhood, just south of Washington, DC, is steeped in history. From Georgian to Victorian to mid-century modern buildings, its streets have no shortage of beautiful architecture.
WATCH: Come and explore Old Town Alexandria’s most miniature mansion — built purely out of spite
Don't forget to visit the Lapham-Patterson House, a Victorian marvel near downtown. If you're still on the lookout for destinations, check out our favorite fall girlfriend getaway destinations and the South's most charming walkable girlfriend getaways, too. And if you're on the road at Christmastime, explore our picks for the best small towns for Christmas in the South—perfect locales to visit during the holiday season with your friends and family. If you find yourself with some free time, I strongly recommend paying a visit. The area boasts captivating cobblestone streets and colonial buildings that exude an enchanting charm, transporting you back in time.
From the ingenious space utilization to the architectural defiance of norms, these houses encapsulate the resilience and determination of their creators. Their narratives reveal not only architectural innovation but also the emotional and social context in which they were conceived. The personal accounts shared by those involved in the preservation efforts shed light on the significance of these structures in preserving the heritage and character of Alexandria, VA. The Hollensbury Spite House stands out for its unique design elements, with a striking facade and an interior layout that defies conventional architectural norms.
“It’s more interesting than staying at a hotel.” He says his company books about two million hotel rooms a year for clients, and he travels a good bit in his work. John Hollensbury was a council member in Alexandria, Virginia, who lived in a house on Queen Street (next door to what is now the Alexandria Spite House) that had been built in 1780. They once rented the house to a couple who wanted to see if they could endure living in a ship's cabin on a cruise around the world, Jack told the New York Times in 2008.
A closer inspection of the front facade reveals an intriguing detail in the form of a cast iron fire shield. This nineteenth-century addition signifies that the property owner had, at that time, paid the local fire department for their services in extinguishing any potential fires at the residence. Earning its moniker as the “Skinniest House in the United States,” this unique abode boasts dimensions of 7 feet 6 inches in width and 25 feet in depth, situated on a compact lot measuring just 356 square feet. Presently, the house has evolved into a weekend retreat for its owners, offering a tranquil escape during the balmy summer months. The residence also operates as a bed and breakfast, weaving diverse stories into its history. Uncertain about its future utility, Sammis eventually enlisted the expertise of designers to revamp the interior.
The replica playhouse is 6’9” wide (and thus only six inches narrower than the original), three feet in depth, and approximately 10’9” tall. Its front is virtually identical to its famous inspiration, from the bright blue color to the two big yellow windows with black shutters to the large door. There is a small patch of (artificial) grass and a solar-powered porch light. This alley house is the youngest alley house, built between 1891 and 1895 according to Sanborn Fire Insurance maps.
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Not far from Spite House, the 400 block of Queen Street is a beloved stretch of charming clapboard Colonial homes that have stood the test of time to become an enduring and endearing slice of history. For many, the homes’ colorful combinations and fluttering American flags epitomize Old Town’s visual charm. Mosey along Queen Street to find more abodes of distinct architectural eras rubbing elbows.
Its design exemplifies the creative solutions born out of contentious circumstances. The Queen Street Spite House, one of the notable examples in Alexandria, VA, has a captivating history. Built in the 19th century, the house’s construction was reportedly motivated by a neighborly dispute, leading to the creation of this iconic structure. Spite houses are characterized by their unconventional designs, often featuring asymmetrical structures and unusual layouts. The construction principles often prioritize functionality within limited space, emphasizing the fulfillment of the creator’s intentions over traditional architectural conventions.
The story is that there were two brothers who owned a plot of land, while one brother was away at war the other brother built a large home on the land that left the absent brother a very small portion. When the brother returned to find just a sliver of the property left for him he built the Skinny House to block his brother’s view and the light into his home. Individuals can contribute $10 to SCAN at /playhouse to win this one-of-a-kind playhouse. The winner will be drawn on April 24, 2024, in conjunction with Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving.
The soldier is said to have returned from war and built the narrow house out of spite, blocking his brother's views and sunlight. As you go through the front door, you enter the living room, with its charming exposed ceiling beams, painted brick walls and mantel, creating a faux fireplace the sofa and armchair group around. Hollensbury didn't work too hard on the structure of The Spite House – if anything he merely blocked the alley at either end, using the brick walls of the existing houses to provide the side walls. The gouges made by the wagon wheels were never repaired, and add character of the living room walls, something that's appreciated by the owners, who renovated it around 10 years ago. No matter the catalyst their friendship was irreparably fractured and Mr. Hollensbury could no longer stand being neighbors with the man he had developed such spite for.
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