Category Archives: Historical Articles – People, Places and Things. . .

Mount Pleasant Farm – Ancestral Lands of the Lees of Stratford Hall – Offered for Purchase in Westmoreland County, Virginia

0 MOUNT PLEASANT, HAGUE, VA 22488 (srmfre.com)

Originally known as Mount Pleasant, this breathtaking 426.15 acre parcel was at one time the home of Thomas Lee whose home Mount Pleasant burned in 1729. Since that time, a portion of this property has been known as “Burnt House Field”. Located here is also the burial ground of Thomas Lee, the builder of Stratford Hall, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, both signers of the Declaration of Independence. (The cemetery is owned and maintained by The Society of the Lees of Virginia and is not included in this sale).

This pristine property is without equal in its panoramic and bucolic beauty and the vast opportunity it presents. Partially fenced, w/ 2+ ponds, it possesses a total of 6500′ (+/-) of frontage on Lee Creek and Lower Machodoc Creek off of the Potomac River. Lower Machodoc Creek flows into the Potomac River nearby at Drum Bay. 188+/- acres of open land is used as pasture and crop land. An additional 137+/-ac is part of a nutrient bank which protects the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watershed. Known by locals as “the little hatchery”, waterfowl, upland bird species and native wildlife is abundant. This property is a scenic and historic treasure which adjoins, Mount Pleasant circa 1886, in another listing, which is also offered for purchase. The two together would make the ideal luxury compound with waterfrontage on Machodoc Creek.

The offering of this historic farm, with a provenance that transcends the ages, is the buying opportunity of a lifetime. Wonderful opportunities for fine dining, social networking, award winning wineries, boating, fishing, kayaking, shopping, boutiques, museums, farmers markets, art galleries, caterers, medical facilities, fabulous restaurants and more. Marinas nearby. Convenient to Fredericksburg, Washington DC, Richmond, and Williamsburg. It is an absolute treasure and a must see.

Burnt House Field the burial ground of the Lees of Virginia.

Every year on the fourth of July a commemorative ceremony is held to honor the only two brothers to sign the declaration of independence. The Leedstown Resolves a pivotal event in the history of this region and the United States took place nearby. The Sons of Liberty was formed at Leedstown, Virginia six years before the Boston Tea Party. One of the first meeting places other than at Leedstown, also in Westmoreland County, was at the 1710 Tavern in Tappahannock, which was known in ages past as Emerson’s Ordinary.

Additional information on the Leedstown Resolves can be found at the Link below: Information on the Leedstown Resolves and Richard Henry Lee

Stratford Hall – Home of Thomas Lee after the Mount Pleasant burned. https://www.stratfordhall.org/

Burial Ground at Mount Pleasant is owned by The Society of the Lees of Virginia. It is not for sale. With that said, additional information about those buried here and their legacy can be found at the site below: https://thesocietyoftheleesofva.org/index.php/the-lees-of-virginia/lee-burial-sites

New Listing – Indian Banks, Circa 1699 & 1728 – At the Confluence of Morattico Creek and the Rappahannock river…

Indian Banks – Circa 1699 https://www.karinandrewsestates.com/ListingDetails/2494-Simonson-RD-Richmond-County-VA-22460/10256246/

Standing the test of time, Indian Banks circa 1699 and 1728 has witnessed over 300 years of lives lived, lost and the founding of our nation.  An icon on Virginia’s Northern Neck, Indian Banks is situated near the confluence of Lancaster and Morattico Creeks near the site of one of the Indian villages shown on Captain John Smith’s 1609 map of Virginia.  In August 1608, Captain John Smith was entertained by the Moraughtacund Indians at their principal village on the Northern Neck near present day Indian Banks.  Indian Bank’s site was patented in 1652 by Thomas Glasscock, who received 600 acres of land on Morattico Creek in return for the surrender of a grant of 200 acres on Piankatank River, which he had received upon his emigration to America in 1643. Records of the Indian Banks house run back to 1728, when Captain William Glasscock married Ester Ball (A cousin of George Washington on his Mother’s side) and took up residence there. One of the bricks bears the inscribed initials “G.W.” with a Masonic Symbol.  This truly captivating Manor House is distinctly English in its Architecture; featuring Jacobean, Georgian and Queen-Ann elements.  A rare Scrolled Soffit / Jack Arch above the Main Entrance is one of only two known examples in Virginia.

Contact Karin Andrews to arrange your showing of this spectacularly rare offering on Virginia’s serene and magnificent Northern Neck.

Beautifully Manicured Gardens, Mature Boxwood, Towering Ancient Trees & Endless Rappahannock River views abound, with deep protected water-frontage on Morattico Creek.  Other Amenities include a Pier, Dock, Stables, Guest Cottage, 2 Car Garage with Bonus Room above and Workshop, Outdoor Kitchen, Screened Porch, various Barns & a deep drilled well. Indian Banks has been featured on the renowned and prestigious Historic Garden Week in Virginia Tour and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register – a designation which is honorary.  Convenient to Washington DC, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg & Newport News. 18 Minutes to Kilmarnock & Warsaw. Historic Sites, Wineries, World Class Resorts, Fine Dining, Farmers Markets & a full-service Marina are all nearby. Beautiful Chimneys with 7 Fireplaces. Numerous outbuildings at Indian Banks include a turn-of-the-century livestock and hay barn, an early nineteenth-century building which was most recently a granary, a late nineteenth-century stable and carriage shed, poultry houses, and two or three small but well-built sheds. There is also a more recent two-car Garage with workshop and apartment above as well as a guest cottage. The ancient towering trees, boxwood alee’ and gardens surrounding the manor house are magnificent.  The waterfrontage and views of Morattico Creek and the Rappahannock River are absolutely breathtaking.

“Homes with Colonial Construction still intact raises question about why Modern Houses don’t last”

This article is a repost of an article that ran in the Richmond Times Dispatch, following Historic Garden Week in Virginia tour this past weekend.  Both of the historic homes mentioned by the article’s writer are familiar to me.  One near Newtown (Walton’s Academy) belongs to my husband’s cousins who live there and the other I know well, as I have written about Heathsville, Virginia and have done a great deal of research on the area.

http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/homes-with-colonial-construction-still-intact-raises-question-about-why/article_4fd986fa-c717-5afe-94a5-3309b6bad50f.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share

Homes like the ones I have listed and sold, that were built during the colonial era in Virgina  (or shortly thereafter) have architectural features like center halls, English basements and more that are typical of these homes.  Their brick work is often a work of art in its own right and for the most part has stood the test of time, where as a home built today will probably not fare well in 40 years and will most likely have long since disappeared in 200 years.  Not so the true Historic Treasures in our midst!  They are so worthy of our admiration and our stewardship.

As I specialize in the rare and unique Historic, Waterfront, Equestrian, Farm and Estate Properties throughout Virginia, please give me a call if we can assist you with your real estate needs, whether buying or selling.

We artfully, dynamically and diligently represent both buyers and sellers of these fine and distinctive properties throughout the major estate regions of Virginia…Our office is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.  With that said…we do travel often.

 

Gloucester Daffodil Festival April 1 & 2, 2017

Join us in Gloucester this weekend for the Daffodil Festival.  Below are links to two articles I have written on Gloucester County, Virginia.  One is of the Daffodils of Gloucester and the other is the History of Gloucester County, Virginia from Pocohontas, to the battle of the hook, to T.C.Walker to Augustine Washington thru to the present day.  It is part of the Gloucester County Visitors Guide and was first published in The House and Home Magazine.

The_Daffodils_of_Gloucester from House and Home

http://www.thehouseandhomemagazine.com/Articles/MarchApril2011/GloucesterCountyVirginia/tabid/409/Default.aspx

Historic Mahockney Circa 1670, 1820 & 1910 – Tappahannock, Virginia – Offered For Purchaser at $850,000.

Mahockney Circa 1670 & 1820 with later additions in 1910, is a rare & beautifully sited Manor house, on 48+ acres, surrounded by lush fields in cultivation & pastoral views in every direction. The five-bay, two-story manor house features high ceilings, arched doorways, original moldings & built-ins, heart pine flooring, a lovely center hall, elegant staircase, 5 fireplaces, massive exterior chimneys, a First Floor Bedroom, Formal Dining Room, Farmhouse Kitchen, Parlor & much more. The 2nd Floor features 2 spacious bedrooms & a large full bath. The basement features a brick herringbone floor w/ wine cellar. Additional property features include a pristine 7 acre stocked pond, wildlife in abundance, ancient towering trees, gardens, brick walkways, patios, a fenced herb garden, detached garage which can easily be converted into a horse barn, gated entrance, walking or riding trails, out buildings & a decorative water fountain, to the rear of the manor house. Mahockney has an astounding provenance and has been home to some of the most prominent figures in our nation’s history.  

At one time Mahockney served as an Ordinary.  George Washington Stayed here three times and served in the House of Burgesses later with William Roane when he lived here – Also Richard Henry Lee visited Roane here “many times” during the early days of the Revolution, according to a memoir written by his son Spencer Roane. And Spencer Roane went on to marry Patrick Henry’s daughter and knew him well while he was still living here .  “George Washington and Richard Henry Lee were well-known visitors, along with other leading Virginia patriots”

If American and Virginia History is your cup of tea and you are a qualified buyer, please give me a call today to arrange your showing of Mahockney. . .still warmly welcoming visitors and friends for over 300 years!

Contact me, Karin Andrews via email at [email protected] or by phone at 804-445-5500. 

   
 Aerial, Mahockney Farm and the Rappahannock. Manor house lower left

- History - 1680 map with Rasson Thomalin house - History - 1721 Deed mention of Mahockney - History - William Roane Patriot

W. L. Crutchfield, wife, five children
W. L. Crutchfield, wife, five children

Aerial, Mahockney Plantation Autumn front porch Blue garden art First snow at Mahockney Front lawn Front porch gourds in autumn Garden colors Gardens Gate

The small herb garden at Mahockney. Crushed clamshells and brick.
The small herb garden at Mahockney. Crushed clamshells and brick.

Mahockney attic detail
Mahockney attic detail

2012 Renovation Basement Wine Cellar after photo
2012 Renovation Basement Wine Cellar after photo

2012 Renovation Root Cellar after photo - bog iron under English bond brick
2012 Renovation Root Cellar after photo – bog iron under English bond brick

Interior - Music Room, Mahockney Interior - Pie-shaped stairs

Sub-floor pit, excavated; Mahockney South Basement
Sub-floor pit, excavated; Mahockney South Basement

Mahockney grounds Mahockney on an autumn morning Night lighting Pond deck, pier Pond flowered banks Pond gardens Pond geese

Skye Pond at Mahockney, autumn 2012
Skye Pond at Mahockney, autumn 2012

Pond reflections Pond sunset Porch, Dining Room Rose bushes Summer gardens Summer morning Underwood Trail bridge Underwood Trail flowering path IMG_2613 IMG_2711 End of Center hall to Dining Kitchen and Porch Music Room Left IMG_2616 IMG_2681 IMG_2667 IMG_2951 IMG_2961 IMG_2607 IMG_2694 IMG_2790 IMG_2792 IMG_2860 IMG_2870

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The name for Mahockney probably came from the Indian name "Mahawg" which means "gourd." The original home's builder, Robert Tomlin, traded extensively with local Indians. (Dave Ellis / The Free Lance-Star)
The name for Mahockney probably came from the Indian name “Mahawg” which means “gourd.” The original home’s builder, Robert Tomlin, traded extensively with local Indians. (Dave Ellis / The Free Lance-Star)

 

In Virginia Living – the premier lifestyle magazine pertaining to all things Virginia. . .

My past life as an accomplished muralist, gilder and decorative artist whose work is featured in many of the great homes in Virginia came together with my work as an equally accomplished Realtor, licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia!  This article featured in the October 2015 Issue of VIRGINIA LIVING  magazine mentions me by name and my contribution to Ben Lomond.  I represented the Sellers in this transaction but have become great friends with Craig and Zorine Shirley, the present and future owners of Ben Lomond – Circa 1730.  Enjoy the article about an amazing Historic Icon and equally iconic family!

HOME_BenLomond_OCT15 VA Living

A Must See this Summer!

Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime as L’Hermione – the ship that brought Lafayette to Yorktown, essentially paving the way for the American Independence, comes to a Port near you!  She has been described as the Statue of Liberty of the Sea.  Go to the link below to find out where she will be next!

I went with my husband and daughter, to Yorktown – it was truly a highlight of our lives to see such a magnificent ship, re-created in every detail, using 18th century methods, tools, etc.  I was so excited to see the myriad of families, school groups and people from every walk of life experiencing History in a real and tangible way.   Don’t miss her!  If you are on the East Coast and have not had the opportunity to see this magnificent replica, view her schedule and find out all about her online at http://www.hermione2015.com.

Wilton – a Priceless Architectural Treasure – Restored and Lived In.

Wilton – A restored and Well Loved Home in the Chesapeake Bay Region of Virginia. Article from the Washington Post.

Wilton is a wonderful treasure that I  have been fortunate to visit at various times and during its recent restoration and “renewal”.   There are few homes to rival the simple beauty, purity of design and the authenticity of Wilton – so beautifully sited and restored – without ruining the intent of the original builders.  Last Summer, I was invited to come see Wilton and was given permission by the owner – Stephen Foster to take photos.  He was so gracious.

Chuck Rackley and his crew- who undertook the actual restoration work under the direction of others and I have had occasion to work together on  the care of Ben Lomond – Circa 1730 – in Essex County, which is currently under contract to close in October.

The article in the Washington Post (click link) is absolutely wonderful and worthy of sharing.  I hope it will inspire you to preserve our historic icons for future generations.