The shingled gable end, turned porch posts and narrow windows, all painted a rich terracotta, lend great charm to this trim buff-colored Victorian dwelling. In 1892 C.T. Bethell sold Greenhow Maury the fifty-foot lot where Maury had his home built five years later. For nearly the next half century, it remained the residence of Maury, his wife the former Mary Rutherfoord Harvie, and their several sons and daughters. Greenhow Maury, a successful merchandise broker, was descended from the distinguished Virginia family whose most famous scion was Matthew Fontaine Maury, the “Pathfinder of the Seas.” 

Since 1946 and the sale of the property to Mr. and Mrs. Russell Tucker, the first of several owners following the Maurys, the house has been the much- loved home to other well-known local families, including the Harvies and the Heards.  A year and a half ago it was purchased by Barry and Rose Shields. 

Mrs. Shields, a decorator by profession, has taken every advantage of its spacious high-ceilinged rooms, and interesting features such as the corner fireplaces in both the living room and dining room. Using rich colors to accent the cool pastels which predominate throughout, the Shields have also outfitted the house with their collection of antique and classic contemporary pieces for a quiet traditional look. Many of the period pieces were refinished by Mrs. Shields’ father. Hanging on the walls in a number of the rooms are framed examples of Mrs. Shields’ subtly-detailed needlework.  Especially appealing is the family room which was added to the house during its extensive renovation by the Hubert Webers when they lived here in the l960s. Here, a practical wood-burning stove keeps this beautiful room, where Mr. and Mrs. Shields spend much of their time, toasty on the most frigid winter days.