The Tuscan Villas

I was a property owner at Tuscan Villas in the early 90’s, and I have to tell you dear reader, it was one of the loveliest places I’ve ever lived. Built in 1928-29 as apartments, and converted to condos in the mid 1980’s, this outstanding condo complex comprises the entire 500 block of North Boulevard at the western edge of the Fan. Tuscan Villas is a beautiful and rare example of Mediterranean influenced architecture in Richmond. One of the most beautifully executed examples of this style is the Taylor house on Monument Avenue.

Built as a series of five wings with courtyards in between each wing, the buildings are 3 stories high and contain 96 units, ranging in size from 550-1100 square feet. There are 2 and 3 bedroom units, typically with only one bath. The façade is faced with a lovely stucco currently painted a mellow shade of ochre. While on the smallish side, Tuscan Villas retains every ounce of its original 1920’s charm.

The interior courtyard units have balconies that are spacious and romantic with wrought-iron railings. The courtyards are immaculately cared-for and in spring are over-flowing with pansies, hostas and blooming crepe myrtles. The views from the top floor are lovely and the location CAN’T BE BEAT. One can easily walk to the VMFA, The Historical Society, Carytown and hundreds of restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood.

The inside is just as charming as the outside. The Mediterranean vibe continues with lightly stucco’ed walls and arched entryways. The galley kitchens are small-ish but typical for older, urban condos. Most have been upgraded from their earlier 80’s updates. Corner units are filled with sunlight and bedrooms are typically good-sized with closets and pretty windows.

Units don’t come up for sale very often, as owners tend to stay and stay. (Why leave?!) But, they do come up once in a while and buyers should move very quickly to snag one of these beauties. They don’t linger on the market. Where else can you purchase a home smack in the middle of the Fan, on one of the most beautifully planned boulevards in the south, for an average price of $175,000?!!! Tuscan Villas condos have a lot to offer and are still a rare deal in the Fan.