Ammadelle: An Oxford Architectural Gem

Ammadelle, located at 637 North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford, Mississippi, is a significant historical landmark showcasing Italianate architecture. Built between 1859 and 1861, the mansion was designed by Calvert Vaux, a prominent architect known for his landscape design work and partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted. Vaux considered Ammadelle to be one of his finest works.The house was commissioned by Thomas E.B. Pegues, who sought a design inspired by Tuscan villas. The red brick structure features white Italianate trim and black shutters, with an irregular layout and broad verandas to combat the Mississippi sun. The interior once held a secret room used to hide Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Although construction was interrupted by the Civil War, with intended balconies and a wine cellar never completed, the house remains well-preserved.Over the years, Ammadelle has been known by different names. Originally called “Edgecomb” in the 1880s, it was later renamed “Ammadelle” around the turn of the century. The house's historical significance extends beyond its architecture, as it served as a model for the Benbow house in William Faulkner's novel 'Sartoris' and was featured in the 1960 film 'Home from the Hill'. Today, Ammadelle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.