In the heady days of Danville’s tobacco boom, business partners and devoted brothers James and William Lipscomb had brick “townhouses” built side by side, each nearly the mirror image of the other. James’ house was razed just after the turn of the 20th century for the expansion of James G. Penn’s mansion and carriage drive next door. William’s house survives at 854 Main Street. Built in 1885, it shows Italian and French Renaissance influence, with a Gothic window added for good measure. A rich bracketed cornice and colored slates on the octagonal roof complete its well-developed architectural character. 

Members of the Lipscomb and Gravely families— related by marriage—continued to reside here for many years, followed by Dr. and Mrs. M. Howell Watson. Since 1993, a series of young couples has renovated the house in succession, most recently Chris and Priscilla Okay. Since moving to Danville from Washington only two years ago, the Okays have lavished considerable attention, inside and out, on the proud structure, as well as its rear garden.