A Moody Virginia House Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe Is a Gothic Lover’s Dream

Name: Angie Cooper
Location: Oregon Hill — Richmond, Virginia
Type of home: Row House
Size: 1600 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: What happens when a girl raised in the country just outside Richmond spends most of her formative years reading Edgar Allen Poe? You’re looking at it. This is The Black Pine. While Angie and Matt only purchased this house in July 2019, it has been a dream of Angie’s for over 20 years. She wanted to create a place in Oregon Hill that embodied the spirit of Richmond. A city with mixed history and unbridled creative energy.

Whether it’s the dark walls, velvet curtains, Spanish tile, or handpicked antiques, this house was designed to connect people with a time gone by. Each room is filled with temptations to replace technology, like the hand-painted mural of nearby Hollywood Cemetery in the living room, the vintage Poe anthology in the dining room, or the framed stories sprinkled next to art and antiques around the house. Matt and Angie designed this house to share, so they don’t actually live in it full-time, and they currently rent it out through Airbnb. So far, guests have really enjoyed the eclectic and immersive decor.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: From a time gone by.

What is your favorite room and why? The living room is definitely the favorite. Namely because of the mural painted by our friend and local artist, Naomi McCavitt, from Thicket Design. [You can take a peek at Naomi’s home here.] It has many of the key landmarks from Hollywood Cemetery, which is just a few blocks away. It also has a tribute to the man who owned this house for over 30 years, Celester Lee Slonaker.

As for furniture, the green velvet couch and matching chairs were made at a factory in Southwest Virginia. The onyx coffee table and rug were from a house on Monument Avenue, which is a street famous for its elaborate mansions. Ironically, one of the pieces we get the most comments on is the mirror above the chimney. That is actually a new piece from the Harry Potter Collection at Pottery Barn. There really is nothing better than a night talking in this room with the people you love.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Close your eyes and think about how you want to feel every time you come home. Once you have that feeling defined, fill your house with things that make you feel that way.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.