Architecture Adventures in the Northern Neck Part Two by Alice French
This is the second post in a series about architecture of the Northern Neck. Today we kick off in Northumberland County making our way through the region over two days to Lancaster County. Alice’s first post in this series tracked the first two days from Westmoreland County to Richmond County and may be found here.
The Northern Neck is dotted with historic houses across its landscape and with modern gems, as well. A few historic structures date as far back as the 17th century, and many designs still stand from the colonial era. Numerous 19th century to early 20th century homes have been converted into bed and breakfasts providing you a great opportunity to enjoy this period of architecture with a fine meal and lodging, too. I can’t cover everything in this guide, but along these roads are also numerous historic churches, schools and wineries which I will have to save for another time. This is an ambitious touring list, so you may have to come back again to see it all!
Days Three and Four
Northumberland County to Lancaster County
Day Three
Refreshed after a good rest and some delicious food in Montross and Warsaw, it’s time to head to Reedville and experience a different sort of architecture at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum and learn how to build a boat or sign up to go for a sail! Another interesting side trip is over to Fleeton, VA located where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The town was established due to the Menhaden fishing industry here and the streets are lined with 19th -20th century homes. Meander over to Fleeton Beach, walk in the sand and dip your toes at the confluence of the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers looking across the Chesapeake Bay. To complete the loop, you will have to back-track a little into Reedville again and turn left on Route 200 towards Kilmarnock. Take another side road down Route 607 to Ditchley, former home of the Jessie Ball DuPont family and is now a B&B, , and farm. This historic site was was originally acquired in 1639 and a house built around 1688 by Hancock Lee and Mary Constable. Stay at Ditchley or check one of the other historic lodgings such as Flowering Fields B&B, Kilmarnock Inn, or The Hope & Glory.
Day Four
To continue experiencing the watermen’s life, keep heading on Route 200 towards Irvington to the Steamboat Era Museum. Again the striking architecture and restoration work here is steamboats. Other stops in this area include Historic Christ Church, c. 1735, and the Kilmarnock Museum. Heading back along Route 3. One more water-themed stop should include the Morattico Waterfront Museum.
In addition, I recommend participating in the Garden Club of Virginia’s annual garden tours to view some of the of the most delightful private homes in the region displaying their Spring time colors during Historic Garden Week in April of each year as well. Hope to meet you in the Northern Neck soon!
Alice French has been working with museums in the Northern Neck since 2007. Her work has centered around the historic, cultural and tourism community. Now at the Menokin Foundation as the Director of Education and Programs, she develops and creates programs for 4th grade through lifelong learners about the historical, architectural and environmental attributes of this 500 acre conservation classroom.