Old world elegance
in Lynchburg.

The Villa of Kriselea was designed by the famous Lynchburg architect Aubrey Chesterman. Built in 1912, this 18,000 square foot Georgian-style mansion has a 2 1/2 story center section with flanking wings. Its most promenent feature is the two story front portico with Ionic-style columns. The left side entrance includes a large gabled veranda and arched fanlight transom with a double door.

An interesting architectual feature of the Villa of Kriselea is the lack of wood in the main structure of the building. The original owner of the villa had a deathly fear of fire, and ordered the mansion to be constructed using only fireproof material.

The villa remained in private hands until 1952 when it was sold to the Convent of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who established the Villa Maria Academy on the grounds. After the school was closed, the villa served as the Liberty Godparents home, until it was purchased by the current owner.