Rowhouse or townhouse in The Fan? If you have been scrolling listings and seeing both terms used for similar-looking homes, you are not alone. You want the walkable, historic vibe, but you also want to understand what you are buying. This guide breaks down how these home types show up in The Fan, what differences actually matter, and how to match them to your lifestyle and renovation plans. Let’s dive in.
Why The Fan is different
The Fan grew up in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which is why you see continuous brick facades, front stoops, and period details. The neighborhood is part of a recognized historic district, so many homes include original woodwork, tall ceilings, plaster, and masonry party walls. Because of the historic overlay, exterior changes visible from the street often require design review by local authorities. Interior work is usually not reviewed unless special covenants apply. Planning early will save you time and surprises.
Rowhouse vs townhouse: working definitions
What a Fan rowhouse looks like
- Historic brick construction with shared side party walls.
- Narrow street frontage with a deep floorplan, often with a raised basement.
- Character elements like bay windows, cornices, and ornamental trim.
- Facade typically set close to the sidewalk, creating a strong streetscape rhythm.
What “townhouse” can mean in Richmond
- A broad term used in listings for both historic attached homes and newer infill.
- Newer versions may have wider footprints, open plans, and rear-access garages.
- Materials can be contemporary, with mixed facades and more modern systems.
What really matters to you
- Age and build type. Historic masonry vs newer stud-wall construction.
- Layout and livability. Stacked rooms and tall ceilings vs open-plan living and larger suites.
- Regulation. Whether exterior changes will trigger historic review.
- Systems. Older homes may need updates to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Architecture and layout differences
Exteriors and lots
- Historic rowhouses in The Fan commonly have brick party walls, continuous rooflines, and front stoops or shallow front yards. Frontages often range from about 12 to 25 feet, with deep lots and small rear yards or service alleys.
- Newer townhouses nearby or as infill can be wider, sometimes with integrated rear garages or private parking courts, and a less uniform cornice line.
Interiors and flow
- In historic rowhouses, expect vertical living. The main floor often has a parlor-to-dining sequence, with the kitchen in a rear extension or former basement space. Rooms are narrower but tall, with plaster and detailed millwork. Upper floors hold bedrooms; third floors or attics may be converted.
- Modern townhouses tend to offer open-plan main levels, kitchens on the living floor, powder rooms, mudrooms off rear entries, and larger primary suites. Closets and mechanical runs are easier to fit into newer framing.
Structure and systems
- Party walls and structure. Shared masonry walls are structural. Opening spaces or creating wide openings often requires engineering, steel, and permits.
- Foundations and moisture. Older basements can be shallow masonry and may show moisture. Waterproofing and drainage upgrades are common.
- Mechanicals. Many historic homes have been retrofitted over time. The scope and quality vary, so review HVAC type, electrical panel capacity, and plumbing stacks.
- Energy performance. Solid masonry and single-pane windows reduce thermal performance unless upgraded. Newer townhouses typically meet modern energy standards.
Renovation, maintenance, and permitting
What triggers historic review
- Changes visible from the public way, such as front windows, porch or stoop work, dormers facing the street, or facade changes, often require review and specific material choices.
- Interior changes generally do not trigger review unless there are easements or special covenants. Always confirm requirements before you design or demo.
Common upgrades in Fan rowhouses
- Masonry and exterior. Repointing, lintel and sill repair, and stoop or porch stabilization are typical maintenance items.
- Structure. Wide openings between rooms may require steel beams and posts, especially with masonry party walls.
- Systems. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades are common to meet code and comfort expectations.
- Materials. For pre-1978 homes, test for lead-based paint and consider possible asbestos in older finishes before major work.
- Windows. Restoration with storms is a frequent compromise to balance efficiency and historic appearance.
Practical renovation paths
- Rear additions. Many owners expand kitchens and living areas at the rear. Visibility from the street affects review.
- Basement conversions. Usable family rooms or office space are common, but check moisture, ceiling height, and egress.
- Mechanical strategies. Mini-split heat pumps or high-efficiency forced air can add comfort with fewer invasive chases.
- Preservation-forward updates. Repairing plaster, restoring millwork, and matching mortar types keep character intact.
Everyday living tradeoffs
Space and light
- Historic rowhouses deliver tall ceilings and period charm, with rooms that are narrower and linearly connected. Light often comes from front and rear, so interior rooms can be dimmer without skylights or additions.
- Newer townhouses typically offer wider living areas, more storage, and more direct indoor-outdoor flow.
Parking and outdoor space
- Many historic lots have small fenced rear yards. Original garages are uncommon, though some properties have rear parking off alleys. Plan for on-street parking and learn local permit rules.
Sound and privacy
- Shared walls can transmit sound. Ask about wall construction and consider acoustic upgrades if you are sensitive to noise.
Smart buying checklist for The Fan
- Understand whether the home is in a local historic overlay and what that means for exterior work.
- Review age and condition of roof, chimneys, masonry, and porches.
- Inspect basement and foundation for moisture or settlement clues.
- Verify electrical panel capacity, visible wiring type, plumbing supply and waste stacks, and HVAC age and type.
- Ask about prior structural work, permits, and engineering for any wall openings.
- Confirm egress and ceiling heights for any finished basement or attic rooms.
- Clarify ownership structure for newer townhouses, including whether it is fee simple or condominium and any HOA rules.
- Check parking options, rear access, and street permit availability.
- Get insurance quotes that consider attached construction and shared walls.
Which one fits your lifestyle?
- Choose a historic rowhouse if you value original details, tall rooms, and the block-by-block character that makes The Fan special, and you are comfortable with some renovation tradeoffs.
- Choose a newer townhouse if you want wider rooms, open-plan living, modern systems, and easier mechanical upgrades, and you are flexible on strict historic fabric.
- If you want both, look for sensitively renovated historic homes with strategic rear additions and updated systems. These often blend character with modern function.
Next steps
Every Fan home tells a different story. The best decisions come from pairing neighborhood knowledge with a clear read on structure, systems, and permitting. If you want help comparing a historic rowhouse to a newer townhouse on your shortlist, let’s talk through layout, likely upgrades, and long-term value. Ready to move forward? Unknown Company.
FAQs
Are rowhouses and townhouses the same in The Fan?
- Often the labels overlap. The real differences are age, construction, layout, and whether exterior changes must follow historic-review rules.
What exterior changes require approval in Richmond’s Fan District?
- Changes visible from the street, such as front windows, porches, dormers, and facade alterations, typically require design review. Confirm specifics before planning work.
How hard is it to open walls in a historic Fan rowhouse?
- It is feasible but can be complex. Masonry party walls are structural, so wide openings usually need engineering, steel, permits, and added cost.
Do Fan rowhouses usually have parking or garages?
- Many historic homes rely on street parking. Some have small rear yards or alley access, but original garages are uncommon unless added later.
What should inspections focus on for Fan homes?
- Roof and chimneys, masonry and porch stability, basement moisture and foundations, electrical panel capacity, plumbing stacks and waste lines, HVAC age, and any signs of hazardous materials.
