~ strolling through history

Tags

Central Virginia, garden, historic homes in Virginia, Montpelier, Orange county, Virginia, virginia countryside

Surrounded by central Virginia’s unceasing beauty and history, yesterday’s outing is worth sharing.

from Montpelier’s front porch, one feels as though she could take flight. This same view has inspired visitors since the early 18th century.

During unsettling times, strolling amongst history strengthens, grounds, and renews one’s spirit. The month of December, many historic homes in central Virginia open their doors to the public in celebration of the season.

simple ornamentation prevails during the Christmas season at Montpelier

Yesterday I returned to Montpelier, the former home of James and Dolley Madison (James was our third US president, a leader in our first congress, who introduced the Bill of Rights, helping shape the new government.)

The home is sited perfectly with uplifting views from every window.  Merely thirty miles from my home, Montpelier transports every visitor to times when our forefathers worked the land, created our nation, and and left a profound legacy.

the front of the historic home whose land was originally acquired by James’ grandfather in 1723

the back lawn of Montpelier

the south end of the main house; it’s elegant simplicity speaks volumes

an exterior detail with copper gutters and handsome brick wall

off in the distance, a glimpse of Mr. Madison’s temple…formerly used as an icehouse

following recent, arduous archaeological digs in the South Yard, slaves quarters and other dependencies are being recreated near the main house.

I could not resist capturing how the sun played with this timber frame structure; a “duplex” that shares a central chimney.

the nearby walled garden invites the visitor to ponder and stroll, as perhaps President Madison once did

the narrow gravel path is embraced by tightly shorn boxwood hedges

Dawn cedar, Metasequoia sheds for the upcoming dormant season.

one of a pair of magnificent marble lions added to the terraced gardens during William and Annie duPont’s ownership of Montpelier c. 1901

inside the walled gardens, the season brings on a graceful dormancy where quiet prevails

Montpelier was also the home to generations of enslaved families who toiled to ensure that the house ran smoothly and the hundreds of acres remained profitable. As many as 110 slaves worked at Montpelier at any given time. We must not forget the profound sacrifices these families made during the shaping of the United States of America.

To learn much more please visit Montpelier’s web site at www.montpelier.org

As I prepare for my dormant season, I reflect on a productive year, and wish for a safe and warm holiday season to all my readers. As always, I look forward to your comments.

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

 

 

Albemarle County ~ steeped in history

Tags

Albemarle County, Central Virginia, historic properties, Keswick Hall, Keswick Hunt Club, Michie Tavern, play tourist in your own town

Heading in just about any direction from Swallowtail Cottage, history abounds. Yesterday, with camera in hand, I headed out to an estate sale, east of town. There a grand home awaited my lens. I must confess, I am a house hound, and take every opportunity to peruse private residences in and around Albemarle County, Virginia.

long boxwood lined drive leading to the early 18th century house ~ Glenmore

this garden ornament is rarely seen in modern themes

Glenmore ~ an elegant early 18th century home. Most of its former land is now an up-scale subdivision

chores left undone at Glenmore

rear of house

a bit wobbly, yet effective winter grid

Just down the road, the Keswick Hunt Club ~ where my sister held her wedding reception in 1967. A mecca for horsemen where many a wild party was held here over the century and some marriages went astray. Elizabeth Taylor starred in Giant, filmed in part down the hill.

low key facade at the Hunt Club, yet quite the local draw for huntsmen and their women

Keswick Hall ~ formerly Keswick Country Club, where I swam as a child. This place has changed hands many times always with dicey drama, including Laura Ashley’s purchase during her hay day.

another well cared for property in Albemarle County, Virginia. Originally built in the Greek Revival style and run as a tavern following the Civil War, this house served travelers as La Fourche Tavern, a name which remains today.

no marks on these headstones, yet I was drawn to them on this grey winter day

notice atop this barren tree at the golf course, a lone mockingbird marks her territory against the winter sky

this silhouette reminds me of Mary Mockingbird, who resides at Swallowtail Cottage nearing eight years

farther down the road, Michie Tavern rests after being moved across the county

Michie Tavern was built as a residence between 1772 and 1773. It stands as an example of the historic preservation movement in the 1920s. It is also the only tavern in Albemarle County to have an exterior taproom and represents the vernacular form associated with taverns in early Albemarle County.

unique exterior taproom

have a pint…

circa 1797, the Meadow Run Grist Mill rests nearby following relocation and restoration

the water wheel is still in motion

Jen offered tales of personal encounters with entities in the tavern…hmmm

notice the ancient chestnut boards in this reconstructed building on Michie Tavern grounds

the real deal for sale in the Metal Smith shop

interior shot in the Tavern

many a meal was produced at this hearth in the Keeping Hall

Keeping Hall mantle dressed for Yuletide

detail of mantel decor in Keeping Hall

dough box ready for Yuletide

the upper ballroom at Michie Tavern

bed chamber

outside “The Necessary” offers various sizes, including one for small bottoms

a hilarious note for 18th century guests…

is that a cob up your butt? Ouch, ouch, ouch. Where is the Quilted Northern when you need it?

could not resist posting this provenance

perched on a high hillside, Michie Tavern has multiple roof lines

and many steps traversing the hillside

illuminated stairs during Yuletide

is this a ghost?

just next door, atop Carter’s Mountain a two-hundred acre orchard draws miles of traffic each year. This day I was one of two visitors, amen.

end of this day with a glimpse of Charlottesville below

Although I have resided in Albemarle County on-and-off for over thirty years, playing tourist for an afternoon never fails to produce fine visual, architectural, and flavorful memories. http://www.michietavern.com

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved