WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Northern Neck, a gem steeped in both history and natural beauty, is picturesquely nestled between the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors to the area will encounter landscapes dotted with lush farmlands framed by stunning waterways where sightings of bald eagles, herons, and osprey are common. This tour on the Crab Point Peninsula, next to the Rappahannock River, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich historical heritage and distinctive architecture. Four breathtaking waterfront homes and one garden will be open for this walking/shuttle tour along Crab Point located just outside the charming village of White Stone.
CRAB POINT
With stunning sunrises over Carter Creek and sunsets over the Rappahannock River, Crab Point perfectly captures riverfront living. Originally called Francis Point, this seven-acre property was first developed in the 1800s by a Baltimore hat maker who built a Dutch Colonial-style house as a summer retreat. The original structure, featured in the 1968 Historic Garden Tour, eventually fell into disrepair and was replaced in 2018 by a Virginia coastal-style residence that captivates boats entering the creek. Crab Point’s gardens are vibrant year-round, reaching peak beauty in spring. Towering cedars, magnolias, and pecan trees provide a lush framework, while colorful blooms of viburnum, spirea, azaleas, forsythia, camellias, and roses add color to the landscape. The pool sits amidst a backdrop of pink phlox, Olivia roses, butterfly bushes, and grasses. Susan and Michael Tempest, owners
POP CASTLE
Pop Castle offers visitors an evocative journey with glimpses into early Virginia and the present in a setting of timeless elegance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia Historic Landmark, the home sits on twelve picturesque acres along the Rappahannock River. Built in 1855, the Greek Revival and Italianate residence reflects the grand architecture of prosperous Northern Neck farmers of the era. The property’s roots go back to a 1702 ferry stop. Its history includes a British raid during the War of 1812. Pop Castle also received damage from Civil War cannon fire. Today the home interior showcases an international collection of antiques and folk art. The surrounding gardens feature majestic magnolias, camellias, and ancient southern red oaks. Paths winding through the property invite views of the water and historic outbuildings original to the site. Virginia and Walid Ramadan, owners
FOXWOODS
(GARDENS ONLY)
As you approach this stunning ten-acre property, you are first welcomed by rows of trees, a manicured game lawn area, and a gatehouse surrounded by embankments of astilbe, butterfly bushes, and peonies. The property’s grounds are organized into four sections, starting with a shaded area featuring magnolias, ogon grass, and beds of daffodils. The woods to the left feature a scenic woodland trail that extends to the river. The main house, inspired by the Georgian architecture of Williamsburg, sits amongst boxwoods, butterfly bushes, fig trees, climbing hydrangeas, antique Italian urns, and a bronze fountain. To the right of the house, beds of camellias and daisies, boxwoods, gardenias, and irises guide the way to a riverfront patio whose stone steps lead to a dock and the river’s edge. Kian Kaz and Don Brown, owners
CAMP
This one-of-a-kind property offers a combination of privacy, luxury, and natural splendor all within a short distance of the Rappahannock river. Initially built in 1985 and fully renovated in 2022, the property boasts a seamless fusion of modern design and a tranquil setting with breathtaking river views. As you approach the residence, you pass through thirteen acres of pines, maples, and magnolias with splashes of color provided by azaleas and viburnums. The home, cantilevered over a serene pond which runs the length of the property, makes a truly unique architectural statement. Surrounding the home is a stunning combination of plantings: cannas, elephant ears, daylilies, Becky daisies, roses, yucca, rosemary, allium, daffodils, tulips, and much more. Adrianne and Tripp Bugg, owners
LE CHATEAU
This French Country style home was constructed in 1994 by the homebuilder for his French bride. The five-bedroom house also features the Rappahannock Room with a soaring mahogany cathedral ceiling. The ornate plaster moldings and four distinctive hand carved fireplaces were created by artisans brought from Europe by the original owner. The current owners recently embarked on a renovation to bring the house interiors up to date while retaining many of its original artisanal details. The six-acre property includes 252 feet of river waterfront accessed by a sycamore-lined driveway. The front yard’s sweetgum, pine, holly, and dogwood trees create a shady park-like setting. The waterfront side of the property features a wide lawn sloping gently to the water. Amy and John Harris, owners
- Tour Headquarters and Check-in: Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 269 James Wharf Road, White Stone. Wristbands will be issued to all ticket holders during check-in.
- Tickets: $50 pp in advance online at VAGardenWeek.org for timed entry: 10 am to 1 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. On day of tour, $60 at headquarters and online for timed entry.
- Restrooms: Tour headquarters (see above), Le Chateau, and Crab Point.
- Parking and Shuttle Information: Parking available ONLY at tour headquarters (see above). Shuttles will run continuously to all five properties from headquarters.
- Tour properties require walking and have uneven ground. Walking shoes are highly recommended. Curbside drop-off and wheelchair accessibility are not available.
- Lunch: Local restaurants in nearby towns of White Stone, Irvington, and Kilmarnock are ready to welcome you! Restaurant listings and menus will be posted at check-in.
- Refreshments: Complimentary at tour headquarters from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Special Activities: Bartlett Tree experts will be answering questions and giving away tree saplings at headquarters.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Historic Christ Church. 420 Christ Church Road, Irvington (4.5 miles from headquarters). The Garden Club of Virginia participated in the renovation of the church grounds. Entrance is free with wristbands.
The Tides Inn Shoreline Restoration Project. A 3.6-million-dollar restoration project features a shoreline trail along Carter Creek with an oyster reef and wetland grasses which provide habitat for aquatic life. Free.