Gorgeous Manors and Grand Gardens Itinerary

A variety of styles can be observed year-round in the Richmond Region’s beautifully preserved homes and gardens.

• Agecroft Hall - This 15th-century English Tudor-style home was rebuilt in Richmond in 1925. The grounds and gardens reflect the beautiful style of England’s Tudor and early Stuart periods. Allow two hours.
• White House of the Confederacy - Tour the restored White House of the Confederacy, the Civil War residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family. Allow one hour.
• James River Plantations - A short drive from the Richmond Region are eight beautiful plantation homes. Belle Air, Berkeley, Edgewood, North Bend, Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation, Shirley, Sherwood Forest and Westover (grounds only) are open to the public, some regularly and some by appointment. Allow 90 minutes each.
• Wilton House - This 18th-century home showcases the fine silver, porcelain, textiles and furniture in the Georgian-style plantation mansion. The parlor is considered to be one of the 100 most beautiful rooms in America. Allow one hour.
• Tuckahoe Plantation - The boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson, Tuckahoe Plantation represents important architectural elements of the early Georgian period. Allow 90 minutes.
• Wickham House/Valentine Richmond History Center - An incredible example of 19th-century Federal architecture, Wickham House displays some of the nation’s finest interior decorative painting. Guided tours are offered of the home’s first and second floors, and self-guided tours can be taken of the basement slave quarters. Allow one hour.
• John Marshall House - Built in 1790, the John Marshall House was home to the U.S. chief justice for 45 years and is an outstanding example of Federal architecture. Allow one hour.
• Maymont - This Victorian estate is surrounded by lush Italian and Japanese gardens. The house is furnished with rare antiques, silver, porcelain and tapestries. A tram tour of the grounds can be arranged. Allow two hours.
• Virginia House - This 12th-century house was transported from England to Richmond in 1925, redesigned and rebuilt with gardens by Charles Gillette. It is decorated with English and Spanish antiques, silk draperies, exquisite carpets, and fine silver and china. Allow one to two hours.
• Magnolia Grange - Magnolia Grange is an 1822 plantation house noted for its distinctive architecture. It contains elaborate ceiling medallions; sophisticated carvings on mantels, doorways and window frames; scenic wallpaper; period carpeting; and authentic furnishings. Allow one hour.
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - The 40-acre garden includes one of the largest and most diverse perennial gardens on the East Coast. The conservatory, which allows year-round garden exploration, houses exotic and unusual plants. Built in 1884, the Bloemendaal House (whose name means “valley of flowers”) boasts an elegant Victorian garden. Group dining options are available. Allow one to two hours.
• Eppington Plantation - Eppington is the 17th-century Georgian plantation home of Frances Eppes VI, brother-in-law of Thomas Jefferson (a frequent visitor to the plantation). By appointment only. Allow one hour.
• Executive Mansion - Tour the oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the country. Enjoy gorgeous gardens maintained by the Garden Club of Virginia. By appointment only. Allow one hour.
• Annual Garden Festivals - Maymont Flower & Garden Show - February; Historic Garden Week - April; A Million Blooms - April-June