Master Suite or smaller bedroom in Oregon Hill Home - Rent Reduction for Plant and Cat lover! (Shared Housing)

The Location & Vibe

Live in a charming, quirky piece of Richmond history! This owner-occupied shared house is a converted late-1800s corner commercial building in the heart of Oregon Hill. You cannot beat the location: four blocks from VCU and... Monroe Park, a block from Hollywood Cemetery, across from Robert Pleasants Park, and a short walk or bike ride to Brown's Island, the James River, and the Fan
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The house features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, abundant natural light, and a very open, spacious floor plan. Please note: Because of its historic layout, the house is not mobility-friendly and requires navigating a relatively long flight of stairs to the second floor.


Turn-Key Shared Spaces

The common areas are furnished and ready for you. There is some room for some additional furnishings if you have something that fits.

• The Kitchen: Recently remodeled and fully equipped for cooking enthusiasts. Features butcher-block counters, a large sink, a dishwasher, and a newer range with an induction cooktop and convection oven. It is stocked with cookware, small appliances, dishes, and utensils.

• Laundry: A large laundry closet includes a Miel washer and dryer set.

• Outdoor Living: The back door opens onto a brick patio and a fenced-in yard. Upstairs, there is a sitting room that opens onto a newly reconstructed, sizable deck overlooking the neighborhood, complete with outdoor furniture and a sun shade.

•Eco-Friendly: The house has solar panels to keep energy use efficient, dual-zone HVAC (heat pumps with gas backup), new energy-efficient windows, and we actively recycle and endeavor to conserve resources.

Rent includes bi-weekly professional cleaning of the shared spaces!
A vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies are available for day-to-day cleaning.

One of two rooms is available.

Room 1: Private Master Suite

You will be renting the master suite, located in a quiet rear corner of the second floor.

•The Space: Approximately 288 sq. ft. total, including a large closet and a private 55 sq. ft. en-suite bathroom.

• Furnishings: The suite features a beautiful, solid cherry sleigh-style queen bed frame. An older mattress is available if you need it, but you are highly encouraged to bring your own mattress for maximum comfort! The rest of the room is unfurnished, leaving plenty of space for you to bring your own desk, dresser, and personal touches.

Room 2: Private bedroom with shared bathroom

You will be renting a bedroom at the front of the house, overlooking the park. A shared full bath is across the hall.

•The Space: A little larger than 150 ft square with antique heart-pine floor, a closet, and a small nook.

• Furnishings: unfurnished

Room 3: The homeowner's bedroom.


A Note on Pricing & The "Lead Tenant" Discount

Please see the listing details for the base rents and the flat-rate utility fee.

• What the Utility Fee Covers: The fixed utility fee you see listed is fully inclusive—it covers your share of high-speed internet, electricity, gas, water/sewer/trash, AND bi-weekly professional cleaning of all shared spaces!

• Couples: Couples are warmly welcomed in the roomy master suite! The "Additional Occupant Fee" shown in the listing simply covers the increased utility consumption of a second resident.

• The Discount: Because I travel for extended periods, I am offering an addendum for 10% off the listed price for one of the rooms to a "Lead Tenant" who is willing to treat the house like their own. Details are below.

The Resident Cats & The "Lead Tenant" Discount

Two friendly resident cats, Obi and Puff, come with the house. Important: Because at least one of the cats is FIV-positive, the ideal applicant either has no pets, or has a well-socialized FIV-positive cat. No dogs, please.

In exchange for the discount, you would handle:

• Cat Care: Topping off their feeders, keeping the litter clean, and giving them some love. One of the cats, Puff, stays almost exclusively outdoors while Obi goes in and out.

• The Urban Garden: the yard is deliberately "wild," featuring wildflowers, native plants, and fruits. Duties include watering, light pruning, and occasionally taking the weed-eater to the small grass path and exterior green area to keep them clear. You are welcome to plant your own additions!

• House Upkeep: Acting as the primary point of contact for services such as maintenance and housekeeping while I away. Per the city, residents are responsible for the keeping public areas surrounding the house clear of snow and ice, as well as keeping the grass under 18".


The Ideal Roommate

I am an accommodating, reasonable person who values kindness and mutual respect. I am looking for someone mature, communicative, who respects their housemates and the shared spaces. If you are a graduate student, medical resident, or professional looking for a beautiful home rather than just a cheap room to pack into, this is for you.

Next Steps:
If this sounds like a perfect fit, please reply with a brief introduction about yourself and your typical schedule. From there, we can set up a time for you to come tour the house, meet the cats, and see if it’s a great mutual fit before proceeding to the formal application process! Read More