The 2007 Private Preservation Project of the Year Award was awarded to Howard G. Carey and Linda M. Carey for their restoration of the James D. Nimmo House on Hartman’s Mill Road in Charlottesville.

The Nimmo House was built in 1870 by carpenter and building contractor James D. Nimmo for his own family. Although modest in scale, the Nimmo House contains numerous high-style architectural elements which evidence Nimmo’s talents as a carpenter.

The Careys purchased the house after it had stood vacant and had deteriorated for many years. After being counseled by numerous contractors to demolish the house, they nearly did just that.

However, with the assistance of Preservation Piedmont, historian Aaron Wunsch, Lithic Construction contractor Alec Cargile, and historic preservation tax credits, the house has been restored as an important testimonial to 19th century craft and 21st century accommodation.

Photo gallery of Nimmo house – click to view larger images