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Greenville's Ramsay White Building: From Demolition Risk to Netflix Star

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 1:14 GMT by The Greenville News

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Historic West End Home Gets a Second Life – and a Spot on "Christmas Chronicle"

A stately Victorian home in Greenville’s West End neighborhood, once facing potential demolition, has been lovingly restored and gained unexpected fame as a filming location for the Netflix Christmas film, “Christmas Chronicles 2.” The house, known as the Ramsay White Building, has transitioned from a dilapidated landmark to a vibrant community space and a piece of cinematic history, thanks to the dedication of a local couple, Scott and Pam Phillips.

Originally built in 1892 by prominent Greenville businessman William T. Ramsay, the house served as a family residence for generations. Over time, however, it fell into disrepair. By the early 2000s, it was vacant and deteriorating, becoming a frequent target of vandalism. Multiple attempts to find a suitable buyer who would restore the property failed. The structure was even considered for demolition in 2018, a fate Scott Phillips, a local architect, was determined to prevent.

Phillips, recognizing the building's historical significance and architectural beauty, purchased the property with his wife, Pam, in 2019. Their vision wasn’t to simply restore it to its former glory as a private residence, but to repurpose it as a versatile event space that would contribute to the revitalization of the West End. The undertaking was massive, requiring a complete overhaul while adhering to strict historical preservation guidelines.

The Phillips faced significant challenges. The house required extensive structural repairs, including foundation work, roof replacement, and restoration of intricate woodwork. They meticulously researched original materials and architectural details, striving to maintain the building’s authenticity. They worked with local artisans and craftspeople, including plaster restoration specialist Michael Gatter, who played a key role in reviving the ornate plasterwork ceilings. The article highlights Gatter’s expertise in restoring these delicate features, noting the painstaking process of repairing cracks and recreating missing sections.

Beyond the physical restoration, the Phillips also focused on bringing the home’s history to life. They uncovered old photographs and documents, piecing together the stories of the families who had lived there. This research informed their design choices, helping them create an atmosphere that felt both historically accurate and welcoming.

The turning point, and the source of its unexpected fame, came in late 2020 when location scouts for “Christmas Chronicles 2” discovered the Ramsay White Building. The film's director, Chris Columbus, specifically envisioned a Victorian mansion as the home of Santa Claus’s mischievous elf, Belsnickel. The house's grandeur and authentic Victorian details perfectly matched his vision.

The Phillips embraced the opportunity, allowing the film crew to transform parts of the house into a festive Christmas wonderland. While filming brought a flurry of activity and a temporary change to the interior, the Phillips ensured that the house’s historical integrity was maintained. The article notes the fun experience of watching scenes filmed and the unique details added for the movie.

Following the film shoot, the Ramsay White Building officially opened as an event space in the spring of 2023. It now hosts a variety of gatherings, from weddings and corporate events to community workshops and private parties. The house’s transformation has breathed new life into the surrounding West End neighborhood, attracting foot traffic and stimulating economic growth. The article emphasizes the positive ripple effect this restoration has had on the community.

Furthermore, the “Christmas Chronicles 2” connection continues to draw visitors, with fans of the film coming to Greenville to catch a glimpse of the iconic location. The Phillips have leaned into this aspect, offering tours and embracing the opportunity to share the house’s history with a wider audience. They've even created a "Christmas Chronicles" themed package for events.

The story of the Ramsay White Building is a powerful example of how historic preservation can benefit a community. It demonstrates that with vision, dedication, and a commitment to authenticity, even the most dilapidated structures can be revitalized and transformed into vibrant spaces that enrich the lives of those around them. The Phillips’ project has not only saved a piece of Greenville’s history but also created a lasting legacy for future generations—and given the house a surprising second act on the silver screen.