As home of the first English settlement of the “New World”, it’s pretty much impossible to not be enmeshed in North America’s history if you live in Virginia. Virginia’s prominent early architecture remains universally celebrated from classic Williamsburg to Jefferson’s Palladian influence at the University of Virginia and the many stately homes he influenced in Virginia’s Piedmont.
We often see properties listed for sale that say “historic” and they may well be quite old. Aficionados will be disappointed when they see new windows, carpeted floors and old plaster replaced with dry wall. Tell tale qualities that proudly display original materials and craftsmanship would include original heart pine flooring and mantels, hand blown glass windows and fine joinery. Some truly remarkable examples might still have original paint and hardware.
Acquiring and living in an historic home comes with some compromises: like single pane windows, and working with plaster walls – often over solid brick partitions. But there is an appeal to walking over those worn thresholds and admiring the craftsmanship employed before power tools were available.
One truly remarkable example is currently on the market through Charlottesville Country Properties. Rosedale is reported to be c.1780 and is in nearly original condition. It is offered on 196 acres and includes a guest cottage, in ground swimming pool and several attractive outbuildings.
