Famous as one of the narrowest homes in the United States, this house is only 7 feet wide and 325 square feet in size. This unique two-story structure, known for its spiteful inception, is a delightful detour for history buffs and curious visitors. The story behind its creation becomes a magnet that not only unravels an interesting anecdote from the past but lets people take a peek at distinctly peculiar architecture.
The Hollensbury Spite House was built in 1830 by brickmaker and city council member, John Hollensbury. Despite its tiny size, the house packs a wallop of history. The story goes that Hollensbury built this house out of “spite” to prevent loiterers and horse-drawn wagon traffic from crowding his alley. To this day, the walls of the house bear the imprints of wagon wheel hubs, which stand as a weathered testament to its vindictive origin. While it leans more towards eccentric, the house has been included in 'Ripley’s Believe It or Not' for its extraordinary design and history.
Beyond its peculiar size and historic origins, the Hollensbury Spite House encapsulates the charm of Alexandria’s old town. The property's intriguing blue facade, the proximity to the cobblestone roads, and the compact yet cozy living quarters, grant visitors a whiff of living in a 19th-century milieu. Its minuscule yet magnificent presence among rows of houses lends a fairytale-esque quality to the Old Town’s brick-lined sidewalks, drawing the attention of photographers and architecture aficionados alike.
Over the years, the house has been carefully maintained, conserving its antique aesthetic while adding modern amenities. Inside, despite its size, it comfortably accommodates two bedrooms, making it a perfectly functional home. While it stands as a private residence today, exterior viewing from the sidewalk is popular among tourists.
In closing, a visit to the Hollensbury Spite House while on a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, offers an intriguing divergence from the traditional historic sites. It invites visitors to step back in time, prompting a fascination with its unique structural design and the compelling narrative of its establishment. Housing a piece of eccentric historic architecture, this point of interest leaves one marveling not only at its past but at the creative ways individuals shape and leave their mark on the urban landscape.
