The greater Hampton Roads region is offering rare tours of mansions and stately gardens during Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, which is back Saturday through May 3.
The springtime tradition, organized by Garden Club of Virginia members, raises money to restore and preserve historic public gardens and support a historic-landscape research fellowship program that has documented more than 30 significant Virginia sites. The tours appeal to garden lovers, history buffs and curious neighbors.
Every year, the tour showcases different properties. This year, the week features 29 tours and more than 120 private homes across Virginia. More than 1,000 floral arrangements adorn the houses.
Here, taken from the guidebook, is a list of stops in Hampton Roads. Local garden clubs also provided information. The guidebook, available at vagardenweek.org/guidebook, has suggested itineraries and other historic sites to visit. Visit the online schedule for information about the two-day Historic Berkeley, Shirley & Westover tour Sunday and Monday,and the Petersburg tour on Tuesday.
Dates and ticket prices for each tour vary. We’ve included prices for advance tickets; tickets bought on the tour day will be $10 more. Some tours require advance purchase. Tickets can be purchased at vagardenweek.org.
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Franklin
Saturday, April 26. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, $35. Tour headquarters is High Street United Methodist Church, 31164 Camp Parkway in Courtland. This tour of five homes on one of Franklin’s main thoroughfares, Clay Street, shows stately mansions, small cottages and architectural variety.
Woods Hill, 1501 Clay St. This historic 17-acre estate represents a collaboration between landscape designer Charles Gillette and architect Alan McCullough. Its history dates to a small gas station and a log cabin restaurant known as The Shack. It features old English bond brickwork and overlooks a newly created and landscaped pond. The library and foyer were crafted from reclaimed church pews, and Carter’s Grove inspired a hallway arch. Azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and camellias bloom outside.
1404 Clay St. A yellow ranch, built in 1974 by Smiley Atkinson, features trompe l’oeil murals inside. The landscaping design has grown to include evergreen shrubs and trees, including magnolias, pines, crape myrtles, wax myrtles, hollies, euonymus, six varieties of boxwoods, and topiaries.
1009 Clay St. This Colonial home, built in 1946 for Caroline “Carrie” Savage Camp, widow of James L. Camp Sr., a founder of Camp Manufacturing, reflects its rich history. While an additional wing and front porch were added in 1954, the home retains many original features. It has a large den with cypress paneling and a wet bar hidden behind double doors that reveal a bourbon collection. When they purchased the home in 2022, the owners replaced overgrown foliage with fresh jasmine, hydrangeas, camellias, roses and willows.
722 Clay St. This home features custom craftsmanship, stained-glass windows and a restored staircase. The backyard features an owner-built pirate ship connected to a pre-existing playhouse, with repurposed shingles from Great Fork Church in Whaleyville.
The Elms, 717 Clay St. This grand Victorian built in 1897 by Paul D. Camp, a founder of Camp Manufacturing, is known for its architectural woodwork, exquisite collections and annual rooftop Santa display. Notable features include woodwork made from rare North Carolina shortleaf curly pine. A collection of Dorothy Doughty porcelain birds and a hunt scene painting add to the decor. The estate, which houses philanthropic foundations, is set on 7 acres of gardens and shaded by old trees.
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Gloucester-Mathews
Saturday, April 26. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, $50. This tour gives access to three waterfront properties and the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester. Historic Gloucester Village and Main Street includes sculptures and murals. The Edge Hill House and Woodville Rosenwald School will be open with docents. Parking available at the museum, 6894 Main St., on-site at Holly Knoll and on Hickston Lane.
Holly Knoll, 3201 Leadership Drive. Also known as The Moton Center, the Georgian-style home on the York River was built in 1935 as the retirement home for Robert Moton, the second president of the Tuskegee Institute. Following his death, Moton’s son-in-law continued the work of welcoming civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and John L. Lewis. The home, a National Historic Landmark, now operates as the Gloucester Institute.
Blythelea, Hickston Lane. With a name that means “pleasant meadow,” Blythelea sits on a peninsula between Toddsbury and Elmington creeks facing the North River. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was part of the Toddsbury and then the Exchange estates. The cinder block home was constructed in 1947, but earlier structures included the farrier shop for Exchange. The entry hall is wallpapered in blue chinoiserie. Arched openings lead to both ends of the house. River views are maximized with a four-season sunroom. Mature trees, landscaping and lawns surround the home, with gardens including spring blooming azaleas, camellias and peonies. Daffodils, including cultivars registered in the 1900s, from the property’s time as a daffodil farm, remain. Open for the first time.
Exchange, Hickston Lane. Exchange, on the North River, is an 18th century house built by the Buckner family on land deeded to Thomas Gates in 1682. The two-story house retains its original staircase, beaded clapboard exterior, bricked gable ends laid in Flemish bond, pegged construction, a Welsh slate roof and 11-foot-high ceilings. Outside, there are thousands of daffodils with more than 400 varieties, many of them historic, along with two outbuildings, both among the earliest structures on the property.
The Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester, 6894 Main St. See the newest exhibit, “Everyday People: Through Freedom’s Lens,” rare photographs by Black documentarian and local leader Freedom B. Goode, to explore the history of civil rights in rural Virginia.
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Williamsburg
Tuesday, April 29. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets, $50. This walking tour includes 13 sites, including properties rarely open to the public. Check in at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, or the Lightfoot House, 114 E. Francis St. Free parking in the church lot. Ticket includes Colonial Williamsburg bus service. The Lightfoot Tenement, Moody House, Orlando Jones and Catherine Orr gardens will be staffed with horticulture experts from Colonial Williamsburg.
The Lightfoot House, 114 E. Francis St. A guesthouse for dignitaries and heads of state for over 50 years, the two-story home features brick laid in Flemish bond, a wrought iron balcony and a front fence showing Chinese influence.
Williamsburg Historic Garden Week tour is coming: What to know
The Bracken Tenement, 206 E. Francis St. One of the Colonial capital’s 89 original buildings, its depiction on what’s called the Frenchman’s Map of 1782 suggests that it was built before the Revolution, likely between 1760 and 1770. Today, it is a guesthouse for the Williamsburg Inn.
The Moody House, 312 E. Francis St. The house, built in 1750, was reconstructed around 1940 for use by the Williamsburg Inn. The living and dining room mantels are original. The house is now one of Colonial Williamsburg’s VIP rental homes.
200 Indian Springs Road (garden only). Inspired by trips to Paris, the owners developed a charming “potager” garden to harvest seeds, herbs and vegetables. The owners and Libbey Oliver, a member of the Williamsburg Garden Club who is a floral expert, will be there to chat and answer questions.
312 Indian Springs Road. Completely remodeled in 2019, the home has large windows from the gourmet kitchen that enable birdwatching in mature trees bordering Indian Spring Creek. The garden features espaliered fruit trees and plants.
The Belle Farm House, 316 Indian Springs Road. Built in 1775, the Belle Farm House was relocated to Williamsburg in 1928 from Gloucester County. The meticulously restored home was rebuilt in its current location in 1952 and features period-appropriate millwork in historically inspired colors. A recent addition features a chef’s kitchen, family room and patio, with an outdoor fireplace and fire pit.
703 Powell. This transitional-style home showcases the owner’s design background and love of the Lowcountry with a large oyster chandelier in the dining room and oyster plates on display throughout. The study features a vintage map of the original 13 Colonies. The sunroom overlooks a lush backyard with beds of hydrangeas, lilies and hellebores.
207 Burns Lane (garden only). This woodland garden, along almost 2 acres bordering Indian Spring, features bridges, winding paths, over 130 boxwoods, countless hellebores and over 17 varieties of tree species. Take a seat on one of the many viewing platforms.
700 Goodwin St. Originally the Raleigh Tavern kitchen, this home was moved to Burns Lane in 1949. The interior design features midcentury modern furnishings. A serene garden with sculptures, seating and outdoor dining is anchored by four majestic oaks propagated from Colonial Williamsburg’s famous Compton Oak.
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Virginia Beach
Wednesday, April 30. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, $50 or $80 combo ticket for Virginia Beach and Norfolk tours. The tour features the popular North End neighborhood with scenic views of Crystal Lake. One-stop shuttle bus picks up at Princess Anne Country Club, 3800 Pacific Ave., which also hosts a garden market with over 100 vendors.
The McIntosh Home, 419 52nd St. This entertainer’s home features spacious, light-filled rooms and outside tiki bar.
The Miller Garden and Cottage, 420 52nd St. A meticulously manicured garden with sculptures and small wooden bridge borders Crystal Lake. The hand-painted Italian tile in the kitchen gives the cottage a European feel.
The Demaris Garden, 500 55th St. The drop-off and pickup site for the trolley. Visitors can relax on benches and chairs on the circular drive while they wait. Bartlett Tree representatives will be there to share information about gardening.
The Frazier/Worrell Home, 503 55th St. Beautifully arranged tile is the focal point of this remodeled brick rambler. Features original artwork by the homeowner and local artists, and an outdoors kitchen, fireplace and shaded patio with water views.
The Stillman Garden, 600 55th St. A stately live oak and a whimsical weeping willow anchor this waterfront garden with potted flowers throughout.
The Rush Home, 5307 Lakeside Ave. Find unique antiques in this modern-day farmhouse with an eye-catching mural in the dining room, and 1700s French buhr millstones along the front walkway.
The Mamoudis Garden, 5400 Lakeside Ave. Brick walkways are lined with white roses and hydrangeas in this picturesque space.
The McIntyre Home, 509 Wilder Road. White oak floors run throughout the spacious home, a 1970s structure that was rebuilt in 2021.
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Hampton-Newport News
Wednesday, April 30. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, $45. This tour features homes in the Historic Little England community and the Merrimac Shores neighborhood of Hampton. Tour headquarters is Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, 4205 Victoria Blvd. Ticket includes entrance to the newly restored 1920-built carousel on the downtown Hampton waterfront. St. John’s Episcopal Church, established in 1610, is offering free tours.
4020 Chesapeake Ave. The current owners of this home, which was built in 1954, have evoked a French manor-house style by whitewashing the original red brick facade. A large magnolia tree provides shade for the expansive deck and pergola. During low tide, visitors can stroll along the beachfront, watch dolphins play in the water and pelicans fish for dinner.
4000 Chesapeake Ave. Majestic live oaks enhance the entrance of this circa 1953 home, which offers 180-degree water views, outdoor decking and a gazebo. Renovations and additions have preserved its French style, complete with mansard roof.
3802 Chesapeake Ave. A remodel opened the floor plan of this mid-1960s home to exploit the water views with reworked porches and a covered veranda. Interiors are casual with French and Asian accents. Art includes Qing dynastysilk scroll painting and contemporary French and American works. The pool features Italian travertine tiles and a William Turner sculpture of diving pelicans.
73 Columbia Ave. “Sally,” a life-size horse sculpture, welcomes visitors to this bright blue river house, which began as a small cottage in 1961 on the original Darling Estate at the edge of the Hampton River. Today, this sprawling rancher with outdoor kitchen, detached garage and studio occupies 2 acres along Sunset Creek. The setting includes a gazebo, abundant perennials, linden trees and a pecan tree planted before 1900.
110 Linden Ave. The restored and enhanced American Foursquare home was originally built in 1919. The decor combines Asian, postmodern, contemporary and French influences with decorative pieces, furniture and fine china. The rear deck overlooks Salters Creek and a landscaped English garden. A marble statue of Aphrodite stands amid original white cedar columns, blooming trees and azaleas.
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Norfolk
Thursday, May 1. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, $45 or $80 combo ticket for Virginia Beach and Norfolk tours. Buy tickets at Lakewood Park, 1612 Willow Wood Drive, which is also hosting food trucks. This tour of the Lakewood neighborhood shows waterfront views, wetlands wildlife and trees with architecture ranging from 1930s Colonial Revivals to 1950s ranch houses.
5529 Lakewood Drive. Built in 1951, this home sits on 1.5 acres of waterfront. The secret garden features one of Norfolk’s oldest maple trees.
1307 Pamela Place. The 1959 brick Colonial features a renovated modern kitchen, and the owners incorporate sustainable gardening practices with raised beds, hydroponic gardens, compost stalls and permeable pavers on the driveway.
5730 Shenandoah Ave. Built in 1963, this traditional ranch home was renovated in 2017. It features an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century paintings, and its landscaping includes several garden rooms.
5722 Shenandoah Ave. The 1963 classic rancher with original dock house has been renovated with an outdoor entertaining area.
5714 Shenandoah Ave. The Georgian-style brick home features a pollinator bed in the front yard containing coneflowers, monarda and more, as well as a sunroom and an in-law suite.
5614 Shenandoah Ave. (garden only). The “Green House” exemplifies sustainable and environmentally conscious living, including a green roof and solar panels.
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Middle Peninsula: Middlesex
Friday, May 2. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, $40. This is a self-driving tour, with on-site parking, of six properties and gardens along the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers. Tour headquarters is Lower United Methodist Church, 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield.
Regent Cottage, 3200 Regent Road, Topping. Built in 1999, the nautical Craftsman-style home overlooks Locklies Creek and the Rappahannock River. Surrounding the pool and home are beds of flowering shrubs and perennials. St. John’s wort, abelia, hydrangeas and lenten roses surround the property.
The Corner, 42 Mill Creek Road, Wake. The Dutch Colonial house built in 1978 is surrounded by extensive gardens. An oysterman’s watch house on the property once presided over oyster beds at Stingray Point. A large conservatory, an addition designed by Robert Ketner, offers seating upholstered in plush navy velvets and floral patterns.
Cupalow, 1273 North End Road, Deltaville. This home, on 4 acres near the end of Old North End Wharf, was built in 1867. It is constructed of rough sawed lumber lapped with large timbers and has two spacious porches.
Providence, Two Bland Point Drive, Deltaville (gardens/dock only). Willow oaks line the driveway and walkway to the restored and expanded home, which was built in 1760. Massive gardens lead down to the dock. Visitors can board The Luna, a working replica of an 18th century coastal trading sloop.
Falling Tides, 119 Falling Tide Road, Deltaville. This two-story coastal home, with a pool at the water’s edge, retains river views throughout. Built in 2020, it is clad in seaside shingles.
Sans Souci, 630 Bland Point Road, Deltaville. The two-story farmhouse, built in 1840, showcases antiques and retains its original pine plank flooring. Two wings and a loggia were added in 2000.
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Eastern Shore
Saturday, May 3. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets, $40. This is a driving tour with parking available at all properties. Visitors can learn about coastal marine science and tour beautiful gardens and historic farms in Accomack County.
Oakwood Farm, 24105 Oakwood Drive, Onancock. Oakwood Farm, on the north side of Onancock Creek, occupies 22 acres with a large number of mature trees, especially magnolias. The land was originally part of a patent for 400 acres awarded to John Nicholls in 1655. The 1950s house was designed to resemble late 18th and early 19th century Eastern Shore structures and includes a collection of historic maps. The site includes a smokehouse, storage house and guest house, all of 18th century construction and moved from other locations, in addition to a stable and another guest house. Gardens include an herb and cutting garden, a formal perennial garden and seasonal vegetable garden.
Vaux Hall, 16165 Vaux Hall Lane, Melfa. The manor house was built circa 1710 in the style of Williamsburg homes for John and Agnes Revell on land that John’s grandfather Randall Revell patented in 1652. The Georgian-style home was built with bricks laid in the Flemish bond pattern and remains one of the oldest two-story homes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The 513-acre grounds on the Whitsapenny Cove of Pungoteague Creek include restored and new guest cottages, an event pavilion, mature trees and pristine lawns.
Chatham Flower Farm, 31094 Boggs Road, Painter. Chatham Flower Farm is a working flower farm on 3½ acres with a two-story barn, built in 1802, central to its operations. Originally owned by Rowland Savage, the larger farm known as Chatham was bequeathed to Frances Savage and her husband Salathiel Milby, and remained in the Milby family for generations. The oldest part of the traditional Eastern Shore-style home dates to circa 1690, with the newest section added in 1820.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 40 Atlantic Ave., Wachapreague. VIMS, part of William & Mary, established the Eastern Shore Lab in 1941 in the seaside town for aquaculture, fisheries and marine science research. Visitors can view displays focused on “marine gardens,” the lab’s history and current efforts. The tour will include flower arrangements to complement the marine science education.
Harbor Point Station, 20252 Harbor Point Road, Quinby. Overlooking Quinby Harbor, Harbor Point Station’s design is based on the Parramore Island Life Saving Station that once stood five miles east. The conservation easement-compliant guest cottage was built in 2005. Leisure amenities include a pickleball court, fishing pond and fire pit.
Eyre Hall, 3215 Eyre Hall Drive, Cheriton. The National Historic Landmark, preserved through eight generations of the same family, offers a rare picture of Colonial plantation life with views over Cherrystone Creek. The gambrel-roofed manor was completed in 1758 by Littleton Eyre, with an eastern wing and grand rear garden added later. The garden’s crape myrtles tower above parterres enclosed by boxwood and set off by colorful mixed borders.
