The Truitt House, built in 1909, is a shining example of historic preservation and a reflection of the enduring charm of downtown Suffolk. Originally designed by lumber magnate George Truitt as a showpiece for the town, the home remains a stunning representation of early 20th-century craftsmanship. From the rare wood framing its doorways to the intricate Italian marble adorning its entrance, every detail of the Truitt House speaks to an era of timeless elegance.

Suffolk has the opportunity to restore and repurpose the Lehman House - not as a home, but as a useful place of business or as a location in service to our historic downtown community. Suffolk has a chance to restore not just a structure, but a symbol of its past, a beacon for its future, and a space that can once again bring people together.

Sometimes comfort looks like a joyful Main Street, and sometimes it tastes like a warm slice of pound cake. Either way, it reminds us to savor the simple things that steady us.

Guest Episode: Kristy McCormally of Truitt House Living
Kristy McCormally shares the story of Truitt House Living, hosting with Southern charm in a Virginia town, and the lessons she’s passing to her daughter through her Dear Mom, How Do I Host? series. A conversation about history, hospitality, and the heart of home.

The Virginian-Pilot profiles Kristy and Brian McCormally’s restoration of the Truitt House — a 1909 Greek Revival mansion whose revival has inspired a broader wave of community pride and downtown renewal.