We just returned from an enjoyable week with our oldest son. He recently became a homeowner and this mom loaded up the car with her sewing machine and necessary gadgets and headed to Virginia. During our visit, I made window treatments for 21 windows! That's a mother's love for you!
Of course, games of Canasta, antique shopping, and site seeing also filled our days and nights. One of my favorite towns is Port Royal, Virginia. After dinner one night, we headed out the door and decided to walk off some of our calories in Port Royal's historic square. It was a lovely evening with gentle breezes and low humidity. Love low humidity! I snapped a few pictures with my cellphone. Established in the mid-17th century, Port Royal is a small, river town steeped in history. Situated on the Rappahannock River, it was developed primarily as a site to export tobacco, the cash crop of Virginia.
The Holloway House is in need of lots of love and attention. It was built in 1775 and owned by John Hipkins, a prosperous merchant in town. Wouldn't you love to get your hands on this house? The work would be enormous, but the reward of saving a home like this would be plentiful. My guys posed for me!
Around the corner is an example of a nicely restored home. This one was built in 1850. The above ground power lines detract from the natural beauty of the home. It would be wonderful if the town could bury the lines.
Of course, games of Canasta, antique shopping, and site seeing also filled our days and nights. One of my favorite towns is Port Royal, Virginia. After dinner one night, we headed out the door and decided to walk off some of our calories in Port Royal's historic square. It was a lovely evening with gentle breezes and low humidity. Love low humidity! I snapped a few pictures with my cellphone. Established in the mid-17th century, Port Royal is a small, river town steeped in history. Situated on the Rappahannock River, it was developed primarily as a site to export tobacco, the cash crop of Virginia.
The Holloway House is in need of lots of love and attention. It was built in 1775 and owned by John Hipkins, a prosperous merchant in town. Wouldn't you love to get your hands on this house? The work would be enormous, but the reward of saving a home like this would be plentiful. My guys posed for me!
Next is a home built in 1755. The owner, William Fox, secured the appropriate documents to operate a tavern from his home. According to expense ledgers, George Washington spent the night in the taverns accommodations on three occasions. How cool is that? My photo did not turn out well so I am borrowing this one from the Historic Port Royal website.
Just like the tavern, the house below built in 1865, is full of history. One fateful night, John Wilkes Booth and four other men rode up on horseback, knocked on the door of the Peyton House and asked the mistress of the home, Sarah Peyton, if she would give them refuge. She refused and the group traveled 3 miles down the road to the Garrett farm where John Wilkes Booth was eventually killed.
Riverview, a home built in 1846, sits on the banks of the Rappahannock River. It is a beautiful home and is one of the largest homes in Port Royal. Crepe myrtles line the walk up to the house.
Townfield was built between 1745-1750 and enlarged in 1790 and again in 1837. It's a well maintained home and simply beautiful!
Love the colors of this home! Cats are everywhere in this town. These two didn't mind me snapping a picture. Notice how the front of the house bows inwards.
This structure built in 1750 is labeled with a tavern sign, but was the town's print shop. It is built as a shop and not a home. Early enterprise at work!
Isn't this a cute home? It was built in 1775 and is obviously well loved and cared for.
We ended our walk at one of the newer homes in the area, just a young 109 years old! It is also a home our son considered when he was house hunting. When he found a house he was interested in, I would anxiously ask what year was the house built...1700's, 1800's, 1900's, 2000's?!!! I adore old houses, but I know they are a lot of work. This house was built in 1906 and has been in the same family for many generations. He eventually decided against the home and a young couple ended up as the owners. I am sure they will be happy there for many, many years!
Next time you find yourself in Virginia, stop by this historic town, park your car, and set out on your own walk to remember!
Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
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Great tour of Port Royal, Va! My husband and I just returned from a short trip through Virginia, up to Harpers Ferry, WV. {Will be posting our trip next week.} We stopped at most every little town along our way. I enjoyed the rich heritage and history, and all the downtowns still in operation! We missed Port Royal, but it looks like a lovely place as well! ~Rhonda
ReplyDeleteIt is Rhonda. You will have to catch it on your next trip to Virginia. Looking forward to your Harper's Ferry post! That's a great area as well. A friend of mine restored a home in a small town near Harper's Ferry. She said she it ruined her marriage, but saved an old house! I hate having our oldest son so far away from us, but he lives in such a beautiful area of the country. For a history lover like me, it is heaven! Have a great weekend!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
You must not only be a great mother but a super seamstress...that's a lot of windows!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and a I took a long trip from D.C. through Virginia down to Asheville, where we own a condo. I have never seen a more beautiful state than Virginia and I sincerely mean that. Gorgeous!!
Jane x
Thanks for the sweet compliment, Jane! I am so thankful my mom taught me how to sew. My husband and I considered stopping in Asheville to see Biltmore, but ended up taking a different route. Asheville looks like a beautiful area as well. I bet you enjoy your time there. Enjoy your weekend!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
Hello Lynda, I was unable to view any of your pictures, there is a box where the pics should be. Don't know if this just happened to me or to others also. Tried several of your posts, text but no pictures. Just thought you would like to know. Mickie
ReplyDeletep.s. sounds very interesting!
Thanks Mickie! I am not sure what is going on. Hopefully, I have it corrected soon!
DeleteIt's fixed Mickie! Stop back by to actually see the historic homes of Port Royal, VA!!
DeleteLovely historic old homes!! Years ago, we wanted to buy an old Victorian, but was never able to do so. Now keeping up with our modern ranch is almost more than we can handle!!
ReplyDeleteLovely historic old homes!! Years ago, we wanted to buy an old Victorian, but was never able to do so. Now keeping up with our modern ranch is almost more than we can handle!!
ReplyDelete