Inside Lynchburg's historic Villa Maria mansion

If you're from Lynchburg, you've probably dreamed of living inside the Villa Maria.

The Georgian Mansion on Rivermont Avenue is a piece of Lynchburg's history. It's been everything from a school to an event space.

Back in 2013 the 11-bedroom estate was purchased and converted back into its original use: a private home. Since then, the owners did a complete restoration.

The Villa was built in 1910, and more than 100 years later, it holds a different meaning to everyone in Lynchburg.

“We've all had a little piece of it in our lives,” said Katheryn Brown with the Lynchburg Historical Foundation. “It's an integral part of Lynchburg. It's just woven into the fabric.”

Todd Leap and Mark Little bought the building and turned it into their home, but when you live in the Villa Maria it’s hard to stay private.

“It's common for people to actually come and drive up the driveway…knock on the door,” said Little.

The couple understands the historical significance. That's why they let some people up to the house, if they have a connection.

“We get a lot of requests for people to come up for proms and weddings and we just can't accommodate all that,” said Leap.

They also work closely with the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, giving talks about the property. Last week they presented on the rich history, including when it was a catholic school: Villa Maria Academy. Alum were in attendance.

“Where the library is now was the chapel,” said Diane Kizer, who attended the school in 1956. “The second floor… the nuns lived.”

The library today is clearly no longer a chapel. The nuns would probably be shocked at their new digs.

Leap and Little repaired molding, fixed floors, moved pillars, the list goes on and on. The team spent two years bringing the space back to life, creating a home for themselves, and saving a piece of history for the community.

“I'm so glad they saved it because it looked like it was in danger of being left to deteriorate,” said Kizer.

“I look out at the lawn and everything that needs to be taken care of and it is a big responsibility,” said Leap. “But we're happy that we were able to preserve this house for Lynchburg and bring it back to a state that is beautiful.”

The owners are now moving onto another restoration project- the old bank building on Main Street. They say they will start that in the summertime.