2020 Historic Garden Week

GARDEN CLUB OF THE NORTHERN NECK UPPER LANCASTER COUNTY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Lancaster County, the “lower neck” or southernmost region of the Northern Neck, is a land of rivers, creeks and coves that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. This driving tour leads visitors through the back roads of upper Lancaster County and features a private home at the confluence of the eastern and western branches of the Corrotoman River; properties located in Belle Isle State Park, including the first floor of the Belle Isle Manor House; as well as St. Mary’s Whitechapel, Bewdley and Epping Forest; each with historical significance to the area.

NEW KONERDING RESIDENCE (9 Yankee Point Road, Lancaster) — Overlooking the Corrotoman River at the confluence of the western and eastern branches, this three-acre property enjoys stunning views due to its raised elevation. The threestory home, built in the low country style, is surrounded with porches. Inside, period antiques complement elegant window treatments and upholstered furniture. Drs. Karsten and Hazle Konerding, owners

BELLE ISLE STATE PARK, BEL AIR, AND BELLE ISLE MANOR HOUSE (1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster) The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation purchased approximately 675 acres of land to be used as a state park from the Gruis family in 1992 and created Belle Isle State Park the following year. The 1770s Belle Isle Manor House and surrounding 90 acres was purchased from the Gruis family in 2015 and is now also part of the park.

BEL AIR Built in 1940 by John G. Pollard, Jr., and his wife, Peggy, this colonial style house was designed by Thomas T. Waterman. An expert in his field, Waterman served as the director of the Historic American Building Survey and consulted on the

The House & Home Magazine restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Bel Air was built by local craftsman Bayse Haynie, using cypress trees harvested from Belle Isle Farm.

BELLE ISLE MANOR HOUSE This excellent example of a small but formal Tidewater plantation was built for Thomas Bertrand Griffin following his marriage to Judith Burwell of Carter’s Grove in 1766. Onestory wings were added around 1790 by Rawleigh Downman, whose family ran a thriving plantation for nearly 100 years. In 1939, Suzanne Pollard Boatwright and her husband, Herbert Lee Boatwright, embarked on a restoration of the house. The property was purchased by Edward and Rosemary Gruis in 1980 and was incorporated into Belle Isle State Park in 2015. It is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark.

BELLE ISLE MANOR HOUSE

EPPING FOREST

EPPING FOREST (677 Morattico Road (Rt.622), Lancaster) Mary Ball Washington (1708-1789), mother of George Washington, was born and spent her early childhood at Epping Forest. Her father, Colonel Joseph Ball, purchased this plantation, sometimes referred to as Forest Plantation or the Forest Quarter, in 1677 and built a residence soon after. When he was widowed, he married Mary Johnson. Colonel Ball died in 1711, and Mary’s mother managed her dower interest in this farm until her death in 1721. In 1731, Mary Ball married Augustine Washington of Westmoreland County. George was the first child from this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kincheloe, owners

BEWDLEY (1429 Bewdley Road, Lancaster) The first house, built by Major Kendall Ball, a cousin of Mary Ball Washington, was purported to be the only house in the United States with one set of dormer windows above another in the early 1700s. A century later, the first steamboats docked at its pier. Unfortunately, this structure, located adjacent to the Rappahannock River, burned in 1917. It was rebuilt about ten years later by the late Matt P. Will of Richmond. The families of the late Mr. and Mrs. Matt P. Will, owners

BEWDLEY

ST. MARY’S WHITECHAPEL (5940 White Chapel Road, Lancaster) Founded in 1669, this is one of the oldest churches in Virginia. Last year marked the 350th anniversary of its founding. The graveyard surrounding the church is one of the most picturesque graveyards in the Northern Neck. Situated on the westward-facing slope of a wooded hill, the graveyard contains over 750 graves that date back well over 300 years. The oldest marked grave is that of “John Stretchley, Gentleman,” who died in 1698. H

Advance Tickets: $30 pp. at vagardenweek.org. Available locally at The Dandelion in Irvington, Lancaster Virginia Historical Society in Lancaster, Mosaic in Callao, Dreams Fashions in Burgess, Colonial Collectibles in Warsaw, and The Art of Coffee in Montross.

Day of Tour Tickets: $40 pp. Available on tour day at Tour Headquarters (The Visitor Center at Belle Isle State Park), St. Mary’s Whitechapel and the Konerding residence.

Lunch: $15 Box Lunches are available by pre-order only before April 15 and will be available at Tour Headquarters between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on tour day. Prepared by Old Farm Truck. Order with Carol Hughes at weedarnock@yahoo.com.

Bus and Tour Group Information: Dana Smith, (804) 438-6559, dysmith@va.metrocast.net.

GARDEN CLUB OF THE MIDDLE PENINSULA ENJOY A DAY OF BEAUTY AND HISTORY

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Quaint, historic towns and picturesque countryside along the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers are the hallmarks of Middlesex County, which is a perfect day trip from Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. This tour showcases the diverse architecture of the county, ranging from a colonial-period homestead to a modern house influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s theories and principles.

SOUTHERN SIGHS INN (35 Wares Bridge Road, Church View) Built in 1913 by local businessman and farmer George Northam, this expansive Victorian home is constructed of cypress lumber harvested from the nearby Dragon Run swamp. The house has an interesting history that includes a period when it was converted from a family residence to a Boys Home financed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The Hartzell family purchased the house in the 1990s and transformed it into the Dragon Run Inn that operated for 25 years. The current owners bought the house in 2017 and undertook extensive renovations. Now known as Southern Sighs Inn, the bed and breakfast melds European style with Southern design and each room has a different theme based on the owners’ travels. Mary Lynn Landgraf and William A. Budd, owners

THE JONES HOUSE

THE JONES HOUSE (564 General Puller Highway, Saluda) This circa-1910 home, built by the local sheriff, sits atop a knoll in the heart of Saluda. The Colonial Revival house was expanded by the second owner, a physician, to accommodate his medical offices. Renovated in 1984 by the current owners, the Jones House is filled with

unique local pieces such as the kitchen’s butcher block that came out of the 1930s Saluda Market and a child’s rocking boat in the library made to look like a row skiff. The home is open and airy, boasting a grand front foyer with a staircase and a master bedroom wing created from the former doctor’s office. Marcia and Curtis Jones, owners

LEAFWOOD (820 Gloucester Road, Saluda) Dating from 1781, Leafwood originally served as the Clarke’s Neck plantation overseer’s house. The Marston family acquired the home in 1856 and at the turn of the twentieth century, it was bought by John Saunders, Attorney General of Virginia from 1918 to 1934. The house remained in his family until 2005 and was purchased by the current owners in 2017. A circular boxwood garden greets visitors and azaleas, daffodils, iris, dogwood and 150-yearold oaks can be seen across the landscape. Several original outbuildings remain on the property, including a smokehouse and a tobacco barn. An outdoor marketplace of vendors selling jewelry, plants, art, stationery and coastal collectibles will be behind Leafwood on the tour day. Angeline and Grady Frame, owners

THE SWINEHART HOUSE

ARCHITECTURE OF THE COUNTY, RANGING

FROM A COLONIAL-PERIOD HOMESTEAD TO

A MODERN HOUSE INFLUENCED BY FRANK

LLOYD WRIGHT’S THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES.

THE SWINEHART HOUSE (798 Deerchase Road, Saluda) The house was built in 2000 from plans created by architect John Rattenbury, who won LIFE magazine’s 1997 Dream Home contest for the design. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired plans, made available by LIFE magazine for purchase, stands as an example of Wright and Rattenbury’s goals to blend outdoor and indoor living spaces through architectural design. Maximizing natural light and vistas are important to the overall aesthetic, and careful attention is given to integrating roof lines with the outdoor landscape. Porches extend the living areas, further showcasing the extensive native gardens surrounding the structure. The house has views of the Piankatank River, and a creek meanders through the property. Kathy and Len Swinehart, owners

Along your drive, visit other points of interest including: the Deltaville Maritime Museum; the Urbanna Museum in the 1766 James Mill Scottish Factor Store; and Christ Church Parish graveyard, burial place of Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. H

Tour Headquarters: Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society, 777 General Puller Highway, Saluda, VA.

Advance Tickets: $30 pp. at www.vagardenweek.org. Available by mail before April 17 — check payable to GCMP along with a self-addressed, stamped (2 stamps) legal-sized envelope to Kelly Gwathmey, 6357 W. River Rd., Aylett, VA, 23009.

Day of Tour Tickets: $35 pp. Tickets available at headquarters or at Southern Sighs Inn. For more information on tickets, call Kelly Gwathmey at (804) 240-6809.

THE GARDEN CLUB OF GLOUCESTER HISTORIC GLOUCESTER HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 10:00AM TO 5:00PM

Quaint, historic, coastal. Mathews was voted one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” as a result of its historic downtown that offers shopping, dining, art galleries and charming B&Bs. Reflecting the maritime heritage of this Chesapeake Bay community, all of the homes and gardens on tour are situated on the pristine waters of the East River. Tour four historic homes and three adjacent cottages located in close proximity to each other and to downtown. Included are an elegant home surrounded by expansive gardens built by a shellfish tycoon, and a craftsman-style home built by a sea captain. Come for a taste of authentic coastal living.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HEADQUARTERS (320 Williams Wharf Rd., Mathews) Kingston Parish was established around 1652 as one of the four Anglican parishes of Gloucester County, which then included what is now Mathews. Of special architectural interest is a unique parquet ceiling accented with carved acorns and an unusual converted oil chandelier.

PALACE GREEN (596 Main St., Mathews) Palace Green sits well back from Main Street in Mathews behind a sweeping lawn dappled by the shade of mature trees. The exact age of this stately home is unclear but the lunette window high under the roof peak matches several

RIVERLAWN (Accessed via shuttle from lot across from headquarters) Riverlawn is a classic white frame home standing on the banks of the East River. It was built in 1874 and has undergone an impressive rehabilitation starting in 2012. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. A lovely side porch takes in sweeping views of the river. The extensive art collection focuses on water-related and rural themes. Riverlawn encompasses an additional waterfront home, “The Cottage,” which will also be open for touring and is jointly owned by the Reids and Martha and Lee Chapman. Carter and Joe Reid, owners. (Open for the first time.)

SAMARKAND (341 Samarkand Lane, Mathews) Samarkand embraces 26 bucolic acres on Woodas Creek, an estuary of the East River. Visitors will find beauty everywhere on this estate, from the winding allée of crepe myrtles that frame the driveway to the mature gardens. Samarkand is a

RIVERLAWN

others elsewhere in Mathews which can be reliably dated circa 1835. Palace Green has an extensive collection of family antiques and a captivating art collection. The charming waterfront guest cottage will also be open. Elsa and Paul Verbyla, owners

three-story Federal-style home built in 1927. The classically elegant interior of Samarkand with its marble foyer, raisedpanel wainscoting, and coffered ceilings is the perfect backdrop for an eclectic art collection, including works by local and international artists. (Open for the first time.) Karen Tiller and Mark Polivka, owners

WESTON HALL (Accessed via shuttle from lot across from headquarters) Weston Hall enjoys magnificent views of the East River and beyond to the Mobjack Bay. Massive trees grace the sweeping lawn. Weston Hall was built by Capt. Clarence Kirwan, between 1900-1919. Built to resemble the layout of a ship, the sturdy-looking Arts and Crafts-style exterior belies the light and airy feeling of the rooms within. Large light-filled rooms with high ceilings provide an open and sunny ambiance. The recently renovated guest house will also be open. Cindy and Bill Barnett, owners H

All details available at www.vagardenweek.org/main/tours.

Headquarters: Christ Episcopal Church. Tours of the church, tickets, and local brochure with map available on tour day.

Lunch: Pre-ordered box lunches from Nuttall Country Store will be available for pick-up at Williams Wharf Landing as well as à la carte offerings from the VA Blue Crab food truck. Shore Bites available at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs.

Advance Tickets: $35 pp. Available at www.vagardenweek.org. Tickets also available locally until Wednesday, April 15, at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Little England Mercantile, Mathews Visitor Center, and Up South by check or cash only.

Day-of-tour tickets: $45 pp. Tickets available on tour day at headquarters and Samarkand by credit card, cash or check. Not available at other houses.

Parking: Available at the shuttle lot, Palace Green and Samarkand. Riverlawn, Weston Hall and Williams Wharf Landing accessible only by shuttles. Shuttles will pick up and drop off at the shuttle lot located across from headquarters at 320 Williams Wharf Rd.

Special Activities: The Master Gardeners will be available for guided tours of the gardens at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, located at 7900 Daffodil Lane, Gloucester. (804) 693-3966.

Boat tours out of Williams Wharf Landing with commentary on history and oyster production are available. Tours are one hour in length and must be booked by calling (804) 815-6132 or emailing trey@shuckkum.com.

WESTON HALL

THE WILLIAMSBURG GARDEN CLUB THE WILLIAMSBURG HOME AND GARDEN TOUR

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 10:00AM TO 5:00PM

To help celebrate the Garden Club of Virginia’s 100-year anniversary, the Williamsburg Garden Club tour features six distinct properties, gardens, and a mini-symposium featuring flower arranging the old-fashioned way while still creating environmentally friend ly arrangements. Three Colonial Williamsburg properties, rarely open to the public, are featured along with three breathtaking homes in Queens Lake and several garden tours — which all make for a fun and memorable day.

QUEENS LAKE TOUR HAWTREE LANDING (201 Prince Charles Road) This Colonial French-style home, with 18 acres of marsh and high ground, was built in 1959 for history writer Burke Davis. His writing studio overlooked Queens Creek just beyond an oyster shell midden. The gray and white colors of oyster shells inspire the home’s finishes. Dawn and Rock Mullenax, owners

HAWTREE POINT (103 Prince Charles Road) A short walk through wooded gardens and stone drives reveals a brick-enclosed courtyard. Interior illumination is enhanced through skylights and glass pediments. In a home where the view is a form of art, soaring ceilings reveal beautiful paintings and sconces. Judy and Gordon Angles, owners

(233 East Queens Lake Drive) The constraints of a peninsula lot with nearly 360-degree views of Queen’s Creek, Queen’s Lake and the York River inspired this home for aging-in-place. To fit the lot size and increase viewing opportunities, the home’s building corners are angled and fitted with glass. Betty and Luther Blair, owners

EAST QUEENS LAKE DRIVE

HAWTREE POINT

MINI-SYMPOSIUM WITH GARDEN AND FLORAL Queens Lake Clubhouse From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., please join Libbey Oliver and other garden and floral design experts for a series of mini-symposiums. Learn via ongoing demonstrations why flower arranging the old-fashioned way using frogs, branches and appropriate vases can create environmentally friendly arrangements. Refreshments will also be part of this educational tour stop.

LUDWELL-PARADISE

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TOUR

BASSETT HALL (522 East Francis Street) This was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller. Bequeathed to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1979, this gift included 584 acres of woodlands and gardens.

LUDWELL-PARADISE HOUSE (207 East Duke of Gloucester Street) Built circa 1755 by Phillip Ludwell III, this home remained in the Ludwell Family until 1926. This was the first property purchased by Mr. Rockefeller and the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin to be restored in Williamsburg.

PALMER HOUSE (430 East Duke of Gloucester Street) The Palmer House is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s original 88 eighteenthcentury buildings. Last year, the Palmer House was used as a home-away-fromhome for the Designer-in-Residence Program, initiated by the Williamsburg product licensing department. The floral arrangements throughout the house are provided by the Colonial Williamsburg Floral Studio, especially for this tour.

ESCORTED WALKING TOURS OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG GARDENS (Starting at Ludwell-Paradise House) From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy escorted walking tours of the gardens and learn how to transport eighteenth century landscape details and heirloom plants into your own garden. Along the way, a variety of trees in Colonial Williamsburg’s arboretum collection will be highlighted.

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS-BRUTON PARISH CHURCH AND GROUNDS (201 West Duke of Gloucester Street) Historic Garden Week proceeds have assisted with the courtyard restorations.

PALMER HOUSE

MATTEY’S GARDEN (301 Scotland Street) This children’s garden was a gift from the Williamsburg Garden Club to the City of Williamsburg and is maintained by master gardener volunteers.

TOUR INFORMATION:

Complimentary Parking: Regional Visitor Center, HGW ticket-holders may board buses on the lower level; also, parking is available at Queens Lake Clubhouse (234 East Queens Drive). HGW ticket-holders must board shuttles to travel to homes. No parking at tour homes.

Advance Tickets: $40 pp. Purchase online at www.vagardenweek.org,or contact Cathy Adams at cbtbka@cox.net or 757.220.2486.

Locally: Starting March 1, 2020 at Seasons of Williamsburg and Wild Birds Unlimited (check and cash only) until

ADAMS GARDEN (Corner of North Boundary and Richmond Rd) The Williamsburg Garden Club donated restoration funds and supports the garden, which is maintained by the College of William and Mary. H

April 20. Also, at Regional Visitor Center on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (credit cards, checks and cash accepted)

Day of the tour: April 21, 2020 — $50 pp at the Regional Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; at the LudwellParadise House and at the Queens Lake Clubhouse from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two- and Three-Day Combo Ticket Savings: Includes Hampton-Newport News and Norfolk tours at www.vagardenweek.org.

Lunch: $20. Order before April 15 and enjoy a box lunch at the Williamsburg Inn’s social terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Cathy Adams at cbtbka@cox.net or at 757.220.2486.