Spanning the James River, this Graceful Structure Welcomes People into a Special Community

It’s one of the most recognizable structures in all of Richmond—a gracefully arching railroad bridge that crosses the James River into Westover Hills. Lee McAllister knows it well. She drives by it several times each week. She’s familiar with its origins, which date to the early 1890s. She knows it’s part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railway, stretching from Maine to Florida. And the bridge is just one of many landmarks in greater Richmond—a city steeped in history—whose background Lee can describe. She was born here. She’s lived in the area most of her life. She knows Richmond!

Knowledge and Harmony

Lee credits her mother with instilling in her a love for history, especially the vintage homes that distinguish many of Richmond’s neighborhoods. Lee’s father was a structural engineer and her husband, Jim, is an architect. “Inevitably, I developed a strong appreciation for well-designed structures, such as the bridge, and even more for fine homes,” she says. Undertaking what she describes as a “labor of love,” Lee and Jim have transformed their 1928 Craftsman bungalow into a home that draws considerable attention from passersby. “We wanted to return it, as much as possible, to its original glory,” Lee notes. Today the Westover Hills bungalow is once again in tune with the vintage charm that makes Richmond such a great place to live. It reflects Lee’s own knowledge of and harmony with the area.

Aboard the Aquatect

When she’s not intently focused on meeting the needs of her real estate clients, Lee delights in moments of harmony with nature—especially aboard the Aquatect, a 42-foot sport-fishing vessel she and Jim keep on the Chesapeake Bay. There, usually accompanied by friends, they go fishing and cruising. Two or three times a year they’ll undertake longer trips on the bay, stopping at colorful ports of call such as Solomon’s Island, St. Michael’s and Onancock. It’s no surprise that someone born and bred in Richmond would be fascinated by the nearby Chesapeake. “Almost nothing is more soothing and relaxing for me than being out on those waters,” Lee says.

Bridge to Your Dreams

Nothing in her professional life is more important to Lee than delivering exemplary service to each and every one of her real estate clients. This is where her extensive familiarity with Richmond—especially the Westover area—and deep roots in the community prove priceless. Lee quickly assembles and clearly presents all the information her clients need. She’s particularly adept at handling questions about the history of various neighborhoods, often taking clients on a guided tour to explain how streets, parks and other features were named. She’s also an expert on the tax-abatement advantages of rehabbing homes in Richmond. For sellers and buyers alike, Lee’s in-depth knowledge of the area is the bridge to realizing their real estate dreams.

The Ultimate Resource

Lee begins by sitting down with her clients to answer their questions and help them evaluate all aspects of their move, suggesting a uniquely tailored approach with specific outcomes in mind. Then she follows through step by step, adjusting the plan as necessary and providing regular progress reports. Sellers benefit from Lee’s up-to-date awareness of the area’s real estate trends as well as her proven pricing and marketing strategies. Buyers draw on her invaluable area expertise of various neighborhoods and ability to discover the most promising prospective properties. And clients relocating to Westover or its environs discover that Lee is the ultimate resource.

So when it’s time to sell or buy a home in Westover or the surrounding communities, get in touch with one of Richmond’s outstanding Realtors®. Connect with someone who’s spent nearly her entire life here and who makes her extensive familiarity with the area available to each client. Lee’s knowledge can be The Bridge to Your Real Estate Dreams. Why hesitate? Call her today to schedule a complimentary consultation.