The Valmont House on Briarwood Terrace

The Valmont family arrived at Briarwood Terrace in 1908 after Henri Valmont purchased the mansion following his success in international wine distribution. The residence became home to Henri, his wife Louise, their two children, and Henri’s father who remained involved in family finances. Three generations lived there during the estate’s strongest years.

The family income came from importing wine, operating storage warehouses, and managing commercial property holdings, which funded the upkeep of the limestone facade, marble interiors, and formal rooms before economic difficulties changed their situation.

The first warning sign appeared in 1930 when Valmont Imports lost several major contracts and accumulated unpaid warehouse expenses after the economic downturn. Henri reduced household spending by closing the upper guest suites, dismissing domestic workers, and delaying repairs to the slate roof, copper cresting, and damaged marble balconies. By 1934, business debts, mortgage payments, and declining investments placed the family under severe financial pressure. After Henri became seriously ill in 1935, disagreements among his children over inheritance prevented a timely sale or restructuring of the estate.

The Valmont House was abandoned in 1938 after foreclosure proceedings ended the family’s ownership and remaining assets were sold to cover unpaid debts. Louise moved to live with relatives, while the children relocated and never returned to restore the mansion. No restoration occurred, and later owners abandoned preservation plans because of the expense of repairing the structure. Historical records document continued deterioration of the limestone walls, slate roof, and interior rooms. The Chateauesque and Beaux-Arts mansion remains empty on Briarwood Terrace, slowly declining while its future remains unresolved.