Virginia House, Richmond

Virginia House, nestled in the Windsor Farms neighborhood of Richmond, is an example of Tudor architecture with a rich historical background. Overlooking the scenic James River, this manor house was originally constructed using materials from the 16th-century Priory House in Warwickshire, England. These materials were shipped to the United States and reassembled into what was completed just months before the stock market crash of 1929.

The house was a collaborative creation by Alexander and Virginia Weddell, who incorporated not only materials from the Priory House but also from other old English manor houses. Their design managed to blend traditional Tudor elements with modern amenities of the era, including ten baths and central heating, ensuring comfort without compromising the historic aesthetic.

The interior of Virginia House reflects Mrs. Weddell's keen eye for style, featuring a collection of English and Spanish antiques, oriental carpets, silk draperies, and an array of fine silver and china. The design extends to nearly eight acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and grounds, designed by the renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette, offering a picturesque setting throughout the year.

Today, Virginia House functions as a house museum managed by the Virginia Historical Society, which is also the parent organization of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The property, which remains largely as it was in the 1940s during the Weddells' residency, provides a tangible link to the past, showcasing the fusion of English architectural heritage with American history. Situated immediately to the west of Virginia House is Agecroft Hall, further enriching the historical landscape of the area.