by Allyson Duckworth
One of the most charming aspects of Oxford, Mississippi, is the area surrounding the beloved “Square.” This district feels like something out of a Dickens Village, with each home proudly showcasing its individuality. It’s a setting that could easily inspire the next best-selling novel, right down to the fascinating people who live there. For me, my morning walks through this historic district are a treasured ritual. I stroll past picturesque homes and towering trees, making my way to the Ole Miss campus and back around the Square. It’s a spiritual and calming journey that I believe everyone should experience if they ever find themselves in Oxford, Mississippi.
Ray and Kathryn Hill are what I call “the lucky ones” who have lived in this quaint area since 2006. Their story began in the late ’90s when they met at Ole Miss Law School. Kathryn, the oldest of four children, was raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, deep in the Delta. She attended Ole Miss for her undergraduate studies before pursuing her law degree. Ray, originally from Starkville, Mississippi, found his way to “God’s country” to attend the University of Mississippi Law School.
After graduating, Kathryn wanted to stay close to her family, and Oxford, with its charm and close-knit community, was the perfect fit. Both she and Ray joined local law firms in Oxford, moving through different neighborhoods as their careers and family grew. They dreamed of building their perfect home in the Grand Oaks neighborhood, and Kathryn had meticulously planned every detail with the help of a Memphis-based architect. However, a mix-up during the design process meant that the house they had been working on was designed for the wrong lot, forcing them to start over. LUCKY MIX UP!
At that time, Ray was training for a marathon, and his running routes took him through the streets surrounding the Square—an area not yet designated as a historic district. On one of his runs, he came across a house built in the early 1900s at 512 North 14th Street. The moment he saw it, he knew it was where they were meant to be. Thus began their journey in this now historic neighborhood, a place that had long attracted artists, writers, musicians, and people who, like them, appreciated culture and history. Kathryn, a musician herself, had affectionately called the area “Little Bohemia” during her college days, long before the real estate boom made it one of the most sought-after places to live in Mississippi and the South. When they closed on the house, Kathryn knew it was where she and her family were meant to be. “The neighbors are like family,” she says, capturing the essence of this tight-knit community.
When Ray and Kathryn purchased the house, it needed significant rehabilitation. The previous owner, Andree Walker, had been the sole caretaker from 1988-2006. A master gardener, she had cultivated a garden that drew admirers from all around. Kathryn said they still have plants that grow and are interesting throughout the yard. Ray and Kathryn took the home down to the studs, with Kathryn recalling how you could see the backyard from the front door during the renovation process. The house was not well insulated, so they brought it up to modern standards, all while preserving its historic integrity. For example, they replaced the roof but kept the original flooring, ensuring that the home’s history was not lost in the process. The bathrooms still have the original clawfoot tubs but modernized to today’s standards.
Ray and Kathryn have a deep love for New Orleans, Louisiana, and its architecture. While on a work trip to the Big Easy, Ray took countless photos and did extensive research, drawing inspiration for their home renovation from the city’s iconic designs. They also relied heavily on Sherry Pace’s book, Victorian Houses of Mississippi, as a guide throughout the process.
Although they replaced the windows during the renovation, they kept the original windows, transoms, and doors in storage, intending to use them in future projects. These precious pieces are safely stored in a detached garage on the property, waiting for the next owner to continue the home’s legacy. The lot is generous, offering plenty of space for future expansions, such as a pool or an addition to the main house—plans that Ray and Kathryn had envisioned but never realized due to the demands of raising their two sons. Jack Hill is now a sophomore at Davidson College, his father’s alma mater in North Carolina, and Max Hill is finishing his senior year at Oxford High School. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, Ray and Kathryn are ready to pass this piece of history on to new owners. “I want the next family to love this house as much as we have,” Kathryn says, a sentiment that reflects the deep connection they have to the home and the neighborhood. She said, “this will always be home for me.”
One significant part of the property is a large Sycamore tree in the front corner of the property, marked by the city as a “Historic Specimen Tree.” It’s said to be the tallest Sycamore in Oxford, and nothing can be done in or around the tree without the city’s permission. This tree adds a unique character to the property, making it even more special.
The streets near the Oxford Square offer a lifestyle. It is a place where history, culture, and community come together in a way that is rare to find; a place where the past and present coexist beautifully. With easy access to the Ole Miss campus, local shops, and the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Oxford, life here is both peaceful and invigorating. This home on North 14th Street is unique and is a part of this historic and welcoming community. With its blend of original features and modern updates, it’s a place to comfortably appreciate the beauty of its past.
