The Spite House of Old Town Alexandria: A Quirky Piece of History
Old Town Alexandria is known for its charming cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and rich history, but one of its most fascinating quirks is its collection of spite houses—narrow, oddly placed homes built out of pure resentment. These tiny, tightly squeezed structures tell fascinating stories of neighborly disputes, property rights, and creative problem-solving.
Whether you’re a local history buff or just love a good dose of architectural drama, the spite houses of Old Town are a must-see!
What Is a Spite House?
A spite house is a structure built with the primary purpose of annoying or inconveniencing someone—usually a neighbor. Some were constructed to block views, prevent access, or settle disputes, while others were built simply to make a point about property rights.
Spite houses exist across the country, but Old Town Alexandria is home to one of the most famous examples in the U.S.—and a few lesser-known ones, too!
The Hollensbury Spite House: The Skinniest House in America
The most famous spite house in Alexandria—and possibly the narrowest house in America—is the Hollensbury Spite House, located at 523 Queen Street.
The Story Behind the House
In 1830, John Hollensbury, a local brickmaker, owned a home next to a small alleyway between two buildings.
He was fed up with pedestrians cutting through and frustrated by the noise of horse-drawn carriages constantly passing through the alley.
In a bold move, Hollensbury built a two-story, 7-foot-wide house in the alleyway—effectively sealing off the space and preventing any further traffic.
A House That’s More Like a Hallway
The home is only 7 feet wide and 25 feet deep—barely wider than a standard doorway!
Inside, you can still see indentations from carriage wheels on the original walls.
The house is now a private residence, but it remains one of the most photographed and talked-about buildings in Alexandria.
Other Spite Houses in Old Town Alexandria
While the Hollensbury Spite House is the most famous, there are other narrow, unusual homes in Old Town with stories of their own.
The Blue Spite House (1401 Prince Street)
This adorable blue house is another tiny structure squeezed between larger homes.
Local legend says it was built out of resentment toward a neighbor, but unlike Hollensbury’s, the details of its origins remain a bit of a mystery.
The house is narrow but fully livable, offering a cozy space in the heart of Alexandria.
Other Rumored Spite Houses
Several other narrow, tightly wedged homes in Alexandria are rumored to have been built for similar reasons—some blocking alleyways, others built to assert land ownership.
If you take a stroll through Old Town, keep an eye out for homes that seem just a little too small for their surroundings!
Why We Love Spite Houses
Spite houses may have been built out of frustration, but today, they are beloved landmarks that add character to Old Town Alexandria. They represent a quirky side of history, where personal grudges turned into architectural oddities that still stand centuries later.
Plus, they highlight the importance of real estate and property rights—something still very relevant in Alexandria’s competitive housing market!
Visit Alexandria’s Spite Houses
📍 Hollensbury Spite House: 523 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA
📍 Blue Spite House: 1401 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
Since most spite houses are privately owned residences, you can’t go inside, but they’re definitely worth a photo stop while exploring Old Town’s historic streets!
