627 Church Street
Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Built of handsome red brick, Ashford’s palatial entrance immediately draws the eye of passersby. Its soaring Corinthian colonnade supports the second-story porch roof, while Ionic columns on either side hold the first-floor roof.
After being out of fashion for nearly 40 years, neoclassical architecture enjoyed a comeback around 1900. This revival was especially popular among wealthy southerners, for whom it evoked the columned houses of antebellum days.
Sometimes this architecture was mistakenly labeled the "Colonial" or "Southern Colonial" style, although
in reality it had little if anything to do with authentic colonial architecture. From a tall, semicircular Corinthian portico, matching verandas sweep around both sides of the house.
Completed in 1903 by city engineer Julian Smith, the house was purchased in 1982 by Dr. and Mrs. Ray (Edie) Delp. The house was in solid condition, but the Delps re-worked floors and walls and converted five rooms into a gourmet kitchen and family room. Out back, they added a brick-walled garden. The plan lends openness to the downstairs, and there’s plenty of room for entertaining.
Among the interesting features are twin windows across the front that has leaded glass fanlights which match the front door. Leaded glass is also found in the dining room and along a wall of the staircase 
landing. Interior columns with egg and dart detailing as well as beading in the parlor contribute to this home’s architectural charm.
The Delps knew it was the perfect house to showcase their many collections, including a myriad of antiques, copper utensils from around the world, coffee grinders and china.
