Why I Live in Victorian Village

By Scott Blake, for Focus Mid-South

Tucked between Memphis’ bustling downtown and Midtown is the Victorian Village neighborhood named for the stately Victorian mansions that line Adams Avenue and were originally home to cotton barons and high society of a bygone Memphis era. Victorian Village, or as the natives call it, VV, has been my home for the past 23 years. In 1998 I had heard a rumor that my current home, Laurelhill, was coming on the market. The home is an 1867 Italianatestyle townhouse with soaring ceilings and gracious rooms. I contacted the owner who then just gave me the key saying, “Keep it for a week and come and go as often as you like.” I felt like I was back in New Orleans with the massive crystal chandeliers and walled courtyard. It even had a rooftop swimming pool accessed through a hidden bookcase door. Of course I bought it and the rest is history.