Located in Little Washington, the R. H. Ballard Shop & Gallery building is a real treasure with one of the best commercial locations in the Town. It is one block from the main building of the Inn at Little Washington, adjacent to the White Moose Inn and just down the street from The Parsonage, the grand Victorian from the 1850s, that houses six of the Inn’s luxurious guest rooms.
The R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery building currently houses one of the top 50 shops in the South, according to Southern Living Magazine. The building is suitable for many commercial endeavors that cater to the steady flow of tourists generated by the Inn and the charming and historic ambience of the Town. Galleries, shops, restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries and offices are among the many opportunities for the building that are limited only by your imagination.
The three level building was constructed around 1930. It was home to the Blue Ridge Guide, a precursor to the Rappahannock News, as well as a law office and a doctor’s office. In the 1980s it became a retail shop and the attractive coffered ceiling was installed. The current owners have operated the popular R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery for the past 20 years.
The main level is a large open room with high coffered and faux painted ceilings, two show windows facing the street, warm wood floors and lots of wall space. There is a slate porch and pergola in front for welcoming outdoor displays or seating.
The lower level is another open room with built-in storage, quarry tile floors and great lighting. It is ideal for displaying paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture. There is also a large storage room.
The upper level is a comfortable and convenient apartment that has a designer’s flair. It has a full kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms and its own access to the outside via a dedicated stairway on the side of the building. The apartment has beautiful mountain views to the west and overlooks the courthouse square and town buildings to the east. The apartment affords a new owner the opportunity of living and working in the Town or it can be leased for rental income.
The property includes four off-street parking spaces and there is ample street parking.
Washington Virginia is the County Seat for Rappahannock County. It is a quintessential small mountain village with period homes, interesting shops, art galleries and several dining destinations. It is home to the renowned Inn at Little Washington, one of the best inns and restaurants in the United States. It routinely receives the highest accolades and was recently awarded two Michelin stars. Further afield in Rappahannock County is an array of wineries, interesting farms, art galleries, great eateries, breweries, two distilleries and an entrance to the Shenandoah National Park.