For Jay Floyd and Jimmy Adams, a bird’s eye view of the city skyline, the river, and the surrounding mountains makes coming home a peaceful escape.
Built in 1923, their four-story colonial estate, known as the Whitehall House features a vantage point from Stringer’s Ridge that magnifies the beauty of the Tennessee Valley. Embraced by nature from every angle – the house views the Tennessee River, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and downtown Chattanooga, while the back deck lends a charming view of the Tennessee River Gorge, Elder and Signal Mountains. Jimmy says his favorite view comes from the rear of the home. “I love standing in the kitchen and watching the weather moving in between Elder and Signal [Mountains]. It’s a spectacular view.”
Situated on approximately five acres of land, the ivory brick home boasts 9,500 square feet that includes seventeen rooms and five baths, making it quite an impressive estate for the time and even today. Its two-car garage was especially unusual for the era in which it was built.
During the warmer months, guests can revel in the excitement of Riverbend from afar. Lounging on the balcony, they can listen to the bands or relax under the night sky as they watch the kaleidoscope of colors burst into the air from Riverbend or the Chattanooga Lookout’s fireworks shows. At Christmas the boats decorated with lights parading down the river also brings the night to life. Their balcony overlooking the Tennessee River marks the ideal hangout. “It’s a popular house during those events,” Jimmy adds.
According to Jay, when the home was first purchased five years ago, it was not uncommon for passersby to stop and walk in unannounced as they assumed it was a bed and breakfast. This prompted them to install an iron gate around the property. For additional privacy, they planted a row of cherry trees along the front gate.
The home not only abounds with magnificent views but also brags of a rich history. If its walls could talk, the house would always have a story to tell, according to Jay. Rumor has it that its walls were once lined with coins. Edmund Joseph Walsh, a New England business entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Chattanooga Boiler Company, built the home for himself, wife Rose, and their eight children.
According to Shaun Harmon, a journal penned by her late grandfather William “Billy” LeBeau Walsh, the third child of Edmund, reveals many exciting adventures that took place at the Whitehall House. He labeled his father a “great kidder and practical joker” whose arsenal of pranks included a dribble glass, a “dirty” bar of soap that would get your hands dirtier the more you tried to wash it off, a vibrating hand shaker and exploding cigars.
The original all-wood house burned to the ground in October of 1921 and Walsh rebuilt the house that stands today. In his journal, Billy revealed that the boys’ room had five beds lined up on one wall. “Daddy called it ‘The Kennel’ where he kept all the pups,” he wrote.
Now the home’s third owners, Jay and Jimmy incorporated their own sense of style to the home, while maintaining the integrity of its original concept. They converted “The Kennel” into a master bedroom and remodeled the master bathroom to reflect their cutting-edge style.
They not only transformed Walsh’s walk-in safe in the basement to a modern wine cellar, but they also added an extensive landscaping with irrigation systems, central heat and air, a natural slate roofing made of recycled plastic, interior wiring for surround sound, and a state-of-the art kitchen with stainless steel appliances and amenities. “It’s my favorite room,” Jimmy says of the newly remodeled kitchen which features Carrara marble, painted surfaces, traditional checkerboard-style flooring and French blue custom cabinetry.
The home lacked a formal entry so an extension was added to the facade, creating a front entry that provides a warm welcome for guests. The original dormers were also recreated and reinstalled. “Everything is traditionally-based and updated with contemporary lines so it is fresh and new,” Jimmy says.
To further preserve the home’s originality, Jay and Jimmy kept original molding, light fixtures, mahogany interior doors with skeleton key locks, and the highly-detailed fireplaces. A natural limestone fireplace, which makes a proper centerpiece in the family room, boasts a carving of the Walsh family coat of arms.
Jay and Jimmy’s classic décor blends seamlessly with their love for contemporary pieces of art and photography. “It began in California,” Jimmy says of his contemporary art collection. “We have a good selection of Bay area artists.”
On land known as a bird sanctuary, Stringer’s Ridge is a wildlife lover’s dream. Jay and Jimmy not only embrace their breathtaking views but also their furry neighbors that scurry across their property including wild turkey, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, fox and deer. “It’s like living with Bambi,” Jimmy says.
Currently being marketed by The James Company, this dramatic home has one-of-a-kind views and is surely one of Chattanooga’s most beautiful and historical landmarks.