Friday, May 2, 2025 • 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
This year’s tour highlights Middlesex County’s rich history and beautiful gardens at homes along the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers. Focusing on the relationship between land and river, the tour emphasizes the region’s natural beauty and historical significance, and gives visitors a glimpse at the waterfront living experience. Six properties, spanning four centuries, offer formal and informal gardens, antiques, fine art and magnificent views for visitors to enjoy.
SANS SOUCI
630 Bland Point Rd., Deltaville
Upon retiring, the owners of San Souci sought a perfect spot to nurture their love for history and sailing, and found it at this charming 1840 farmhouse in Deltaville. With original pine flooring, a deep-water dock, and breathtaking views of Moore’s Creek and the Piankatank River, the home was modernized in 2000 with new wings and a loggia. Inside, cherished antiques, including an original McGee stove, adorn the updated kitchen and other rooms. Original art reflects their passions for travel, boating, and nature, while beautiful gardens and a pool enhance the picturesque setting. Jane and Gordon Cutler, owners.
FALLING TIDE
119 Falling Tide Rd., Deltaville
Built in 2020, this stunning two-story home embodies river living. Nestled on a three-acre point in Deltaville, it boasts water on three sides. The owners have transformed the property into a modern retreat, enhanced with a dock, landscaped gardens, and unobstructed river views. Inside the home, the grand kitchen features leathered granite countertops and multiple prep areas, perfect for entertaining. Light-filled spaces showcase art and antiques collected during their travels, while reclaimed pine from Georgia adorns the mantle. A pool at the water’s edge and beautiful gardens add tranquility to this unique riverside haven. Floyd Chapman and Eric Lott, owners
REGENT COTTAGE
3200 Regent Rd., Topping
Built in 1999 as a weekend retreat, Regent Cottage captures the charm and tranquility of river life. This nautical Craftsman-style home overlooks Locklies Creek and the Rappahannock River, near the historic Regent Store and Post Office (c. 1894). Inside, a welcoming entrance leads to a modern living area adorned with beadboard accents and river-themed art. The spacious kitchen, designed for entertaining, opens to a lovely screened porch. Cozy bedrooms and nooks invite relaxation. Surrounding the pool are vibrant beds of flowering shrubs, including St. John’s wort and hydrangeas, with a uniquely designed garden shed nestled among mature deodar cedars. Milly and Jim Wassum, owners
THE CORNER
42 Mill Creek Rd., Wake
This charming Dutch Colonial home, built by the owner’s family in 1978, features an oysterman’s watch house overlooking lush gardens and tranquil outdoor spaces. The expansive lot boasts diverse plantings, including boxwoods, Japanese maples, and endless summer hydrangeas, complemented by soothing water features. A stunning conservatory designed by Robert Ketner includes a dual-facing fireplace and cozy seating areas adorned with plush fabrics. The adjoining chef’s kitchen, with polished wood countertops reflecting the family’s tugboat heritage, invites family and friends to gather. This home exudes warmth and hospitality, perfect for entertaining loved ones.
Helen Ward, owner.
CUPALOW
1273 North End Rd., Deltaville
After living in Belgium, France, Germany, and Australia, the owners of Cupalow sought a home in eastern Virginia for their post-military retirement. They discovered this four-acre property in Deltaville, perfect for their love of gardening and history. Built in 1867, Cupalow once served as a school and boarding house near Old North End Wharf. The home features rough-sawed lumber, large porches, and elegant plaster moldings. The home is filled with authentic antiques and artworks bought by the couple while living abroad. A number of the portraits that adorn the walls were painted by one of the homeowners, who is an accomplished artist. Outside, vibrant gardens with peonies and foxgloves, along with chickens and a pool, create a serene retreat. Michelle and Bill Puttmann, owners.
PROVIDENCE GARDENS AND DOCK
Two Bland Point Dr., Deltaville
Willow oaks line the walkway to Providence, a home built in 1760 and beautifully restored by its current owners. Nestled on 15 acres along the Piankatank River, the property features meticulously landscaped gardens filled with boxwoods, camellias, hydrangeas, and native plants like Lenten roses and wild orchids. Unique plants such as bear’s breeches also thrive here. Visitors can stroll through the gardens to the dock, where they will find The Luna, a working replica of an eighteenth-century coastal trading sloop. Experience life aboard this historic vessel and learn about sailing, navigating, and trading on Virginia’s waterways. Only the gardens and dock will be open for the tour. Cean and Bill Cawthorn, owners
TOUR INFORMATION
- Tickets: $40 pp online in advance at VaGardenWeek.org. Online tickets can be purchased the day of the tour. (Internet access may be spotty; be prepared to show a printed or mobile version of your online ticket to receive a wristband.) Tickets also sold at all locations on the day of the tour for $50 pp, check or cash only. Visitors can begin their tour at any of the properties.
- Lunch: Pre-paid box lunches catered by Delta Pie are available for 20 dollars from 10:00am-1:00pm at Lower United Methodist Church, 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield. Payment can be made by mailing your check to LUMC by April 5 to PO Box 98, Hartfield, VA 23071 or by online payment made at www.lowerumc.org by April 15.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Lower United Methodist Church, Middlesex Museum, James Mill Scottish Factor Store Museum, Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park, Christ Church Historic Cemetery and The Chesapeake Croquet Club.