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2026 Historic Garden Week

Gracious Living

THE GARDEN CLUB OF THE NORTHER NECK

KILMARNOCK • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026  • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Experience the natural beauty of Virginia’s Northern Neck. This year’s tour highlights six distinctive properties near Kilmarnock. Five waterfront homes along Indian Creek, just off the Chesapeake Bay, showcase scenic views, inspired architecture, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. The Manor House at Historic Ditchley offers a remarkable glimpse into the region’s colonial past and historic landscape. Together, the properties reflect the area’s deep connection to land, water, and enduring traditions of coastal living. Bald eagles, ospreys, and herons are often seen along the shoreline. Located within a designated National Heritage Area, tickets include shuttle transportation for convenient access between properties. Just minutes away, the town of Kilmarnock offers dining, shopping, and relaxed coastal charm.

Founded in the mid-1600s by Colonel Richard Lee, Ditchley features a beautiful Georgian manor house built in 1752 by Kendall Lee. The estate later belonged to Colonel James Ball Jr. and remained in the Ball family until after the Civil War. Over time, the house evolved through thoughtful additions, including an 1840 south wing and a 1932 north wing by Alfred and Jessie Ball duPont, who also introduced modern amenities and the signature herringbone brick drive. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, the 162-acre property includes orchards, pastures, woodlands, shoreline, historic boxwoods, flower beds, and a large kitchen garden that reflects the estate’s long agricultural heritage. The current owners have received the John Paul Hanbury Award for historic restoration and placed the property under conservation easement, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Cathy Calhoun and Paul Grosklags, owners.

HERON COVE

Tucked along a quiet cove of Indian Creek, this 1985 residence is a serene coastal retreat where architecture and landscape exist in graceful harmony. Set on two-and-a-half acres, the property is framed by mature magnolias, crepe myrtles, and towering pines that lend both beauty and privacy. Inside, a round foyer and dramatic catwalk introduce a home rich in architectural detail, complemented by three inviting porches that encourage outdoor living. The floor plan offers a first-floor primary suite and a secluded in-law suite. A whimsical hallway “Cabinet of Curiosities,” displaying shells and natural treasures, reflects the homeowners’ deep connection to the coastal landscape. Outdoors, beyond a terraced pool lies the “Field of Dreams,” a lush garden layered with magnolias, lilies, hostas, and seasonal blooms. Rhonda and Chris Beale, owners

FIVE LITTLE INDIANS

Located across the creek from Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club, this coastal retreat is defined by its full-length porch and signature eyebrow window. French doors open to tranquil water views, where herons and ospreys glide by, and dolphins make the occasional appearance. Inside, tall ceilings and an open layout create an inviting space for gathering with family and friends. Built in 2013, the home is named for Indian Creek and the five cousins who spent their summers crabbing off the dock, boating to Cedars Beach—locally known as “Pirate Island”—and enjoying the Kilmarnock Carnival. Mature oaks provide dappled shade for hydrangeas and family gardens, while the porch remains the heart of daily life, from sunrise coffee to sunset suppers. Pam and Tom Roberts, Susan Stone, owners.

OFF THE MENU

Situated on two-and-a-half acres between Indian and Henry’s Creeks, this property features a Nantucket-style shingled main house built in 2004, along with a guest house added above the two-car garage in 2009. A winding, tree-lined driveway leads to gardens abundant with wisteria, jasmine, camellias, peonies, roses, daylilies, and more. The exterior is distinguished by gabled, shed, and eyebrow dormers that accent the second story, while a Southern-style wraparound porch leads to a bluestone patio overlooking the pool, beach, and private dock. Inside, the main house showcases extensive millwork, including coffered, wood-clad, and sloped ceilings, shiplap walls, and reclaimed heart pine flooring. The décor is thoughtfully curated with a collection of antiques, a 1855 Chesapeake Bay map, and a painting of the Miss Ann—the 1926 fantail yacht once owned by the Tides Inn in Irvington. 

Pamela and Michael Grady, owners

TODD’S POINTE OF VIEW

This reimagined Craftsman-style home within the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club community seamlessly blends timeless riverfront character with modern elegance. Expansive water views are framed by ornamental grasses and Hollywood junipers, creating a serene, natural backdrop. A travertine-edged pool surrounded by lush plantings evokes a refined, resort-like atmosphere. Indoors, a soft coastal palette and river-inspired details echo the home’s tranquil setting. A covered second-story porch offers an inviting perch for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or sunset cocktails, that perfectly captures the relaxed sophistication of waterfront living.  Carrie and Monte Todd, owners  

RIVER DAYZ

Built in 2001, this authentic Tidewater-style home features simple lines, a distinctive green metal roof, and wide porches that embrace coastal life. A two-year renovation completed in 2025 introduced a striking great room with floor-to-ceiling windows and two dramatic porches overlooking a swimming pool and Indian Creek.  The thoughtfully designed landscape includes hollies, dianthus, roses, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, and a weeping cutleaf maple. Named for the owners’ goldendoodles - River and Daisy - River Dayz is a cheerful expression of gracious waterfront living. Beth and Sheldon Groner, owners  

TOUR INFORMATION: 

Tour Headquarters and Check-in: Ditchley Cider Works, 1571 Ditchley Road, Kilmarnock. Wristbands will be issued to all ticket holders during check-in.

Tickets: $50 pp in advance online at https://gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tickets. On day of tour, $60 pp at Headquarters and online. Children ages 5-17, $15 pp, online only. Under 5 free, accompanied by an adult.

Parking and Shuttle Information: Parking available ONLY at Tour Headquarters (see above). All other tour properties are accessible only via the shuttle, which will run continuously.

Tour properties require walking and have uneven ground. Walking shoes are highly recommended. This tour is not appropriate for visitors with accessibility issues. Curbside drop-off and wheelchair access are not available.

Lunch: $15 and $18 pp by prepaid reservation. Place order by April 15, ditchleyciderworks.com. Pick up at Tour Headquarters (see above) from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

  • Historic Christ Church
  • The Tides Inn Shoreline Restoration Project
  • Stratford Hall Historic Preserve
  • Menokin 
  • Hunton-Lunsford History Center at Historic
  •  Morattico Baptist Church

THE GARDEN CLUB OF GLOUCESTER & MATHEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026  •   10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Uniquely positioned between the Chesapeake Bay and numerous important waterways, Gloucester and the surrounding area have long played a part in the growth of our nation including Captain John Smith’s exploration and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.  Discover George Washington’s ancestral ties to the area by visiting Warner Hall, first built in 1642 by Augustine Warner, his great-great-grandfather. Explore three more waterfront properties, both historic and modern, and enjoy gardens that blend beautifully with their natural surroundings.

COLRAINE

Shuttle from Warner Hall, 4750 Warner Hall Road, Gloucester 

This classic, white-framed home was built in 1890 by Pennsylvania Dutch carpenters, using widely sourced materials delivered by barge from the Chesapeake. Originally constructed for a new bride, the property now spans 27 acres and includes the main house with sweeping views of Wilson Creek, along with three additional houses, two garages, a three-hole golf course, a pool, and two boat docks. A tree-lined driveway leads up to the primary residence. The gardens feature a variety of spring bulbs, roses, irises, hydrangeas, and Japanese maples, among many other trees that enhance the landscape. The formal living room boasts 12-foot ceilings, a dramatic staircase, and eight original stained-glass panels believed to be Tiffany. From the school of Sir Joshua Reynolds a striking portrait of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, adorns the first landing of the staircase. Decorative elements in the dining room include an original Audubon print of Bufflehead ducks and a large needlepoint portrait depicting a scene from Romeo and Juliet, stitched by Mr. Hatten’s great-great-grandmother. A completely redesigned kitchen, pantry, family room, and a golf-themed half bath complete the downstairs. A blend of nineteenth century furnishings, family heirlooms, and contemporary pieces creates a stylish yet comfortable home. Pam and Bobby Hatten, owners

THE COVENANT

Shuttle from Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 2243 Buckley Hall Rd., Cobbs Creek

When designing their forever home, he wanted a country setting, and she preferred water. Visitors will be delighted to see this custom-built residence that captures both elements. The drive up to the home is surrounded by lush farmland and tall trees, and the house is positioned on a wide stretch of the Piankatank River. Completed in 1999, the home features design elements influenced by many Southern properties the owners admired over the years. The gracious front porch offers views of a broad bank of azaleas and mature trees, while the spacious brick patio at the back provides vistas of the Piankatank river. The home includes several unique items collected by the owners over the years, including many oil paintings created by the owner’s sister. The large backyard is landscaped to highlight the natural surroundings. Also open for touring is a guest suite above the garage, offering a raised view of the river, yard, and gardens. Reflecting a passion for gardening, the property features a custom garden house and herb garden enclosed by a white picket fence and a decorative ball and chain gate inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. Numerous custom birdhouses built by the owner are scattered around the property. Pam and Skip Driggs, owners

OYSTER POINT

Shuttle from Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 2243 Buckley Hall Rd., Cobbs Creek

Located on a point of land between Dancer’s Creek and the Piankatank River, this home’s interior and exterior reflect the owners’ love of the sporting life. Built in 1988, it recently underwent a major renovation to offer expansive water views and showcase the owners’ unique collections. The great room, with its soaring beamed ceiling and large stone fireplace, acts as the heart of the home and is decorated with shorebird and oyster-shell wall hangings. The master suite features a fireplace and a sitting area with a large bay window overlooking the Piankatank River. The adjoining primary bath offers a peaceful retreat with stunning water views. The finishes complement the outdoor surroundings, including the wallcovering in one of the first-floor half baths, which was custom-made from nautical charts. A deck runs along the entire back of the home, offering an ideal spot to watch the many eagles, osprey, and herons fishing in the surrounding waters. From the deck, visitors might also see the oyster floats the owners use to harvest their water bounty. The “Duck Room” on the lower level is a sportsman’s paradise, featuring custom display cases and cabinetry that house an extensive collection of duck hunting paraphernalia, including antiques and items that the owner still uses. There are decoys, taxidermy, duck calls, and more.  This room which gives both hunting lodge and man cave vibes is not to be missed.

WARNER HALL

4750 Warner Hall Road, Gloucester

Warner Hall is a historic waterfront estate set on 38 acres along the bucolic Severn River. In 1642, Augustine Warner laid the foundation for what would become one of the most significant estates in Colonial Virginia. As part of a British Crown land grant, he secured the land by bringing twelve settlers across the Atlantic to Jamestown. His descendants would go on to shape American and English history, with a lineage that includes his great-great-grandson George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Meriwether Lewis, and Queen Elizabeth II. The estate is a living chapter of American heritage, and extensive archeological research and excavation have been undertaken over the years to understand the property’s rich history. Warner’s original home was damaged during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 with a large new home and two dependencies built between 1725 and 1754.  The main house subsequently burned around 1850 with the owners moving to the dependencies. The current Colonial Revival home was built between 1904-1905. Warner Hall’s transformation into an elegant inn was guided by a passion for historic preservation with the expertise of Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources, architects, and conservation specialists. Restored with thoughtful reverence, original floor plans, moldings, and architectural details were preserved. It is recognized on the Virginia Landmarks Register, the National Register of Historic Places, and is a National Historic Landmark.  The Blue Water Group, Owner 

TOUR INFORMATION:

Details & Info: www.vagardenweek.org/tours/gloucester/; Facebook - Historic Garden Week in Gloucester VA; Instagram - @historicgardenweekgloucester; 

Email -gloucester@vagardenweek.org. 

Ticket Information: $50 pp in advance and $60 on tour day at VAGardenWeek.org; all tickets available online only.

Lunch: Local restaurants on Historic Main Street, Gloucester; box lunches available for pre-order and pre-payment, $18 by April 14 - Contact Nuttall’s Store at nuttallstore@gmail.com or (804) 693-3067 - Lunches will be available for pick-up at Ware Episcopal Church and enjoyed on site, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Hwy, Gloucester.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

• Musical performance at historic Ware Episcopal Church from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

• A plein air artist will be working at Oyster Point

• An arborist from Bartlett Tree Experts will be at The Covenant from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM - free tree seedlings will be distributed

• Complimentary refreshments from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• Master Gardener tours in the gardens at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, 7900 Daffodil Lane, Gloucester.  

www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com

PLACES OF INTEREST

THE GARDEN CLUB OF THE MIDDLE PENINSULA

King and Queen County – Bruington Historic District

Friday, APRIL 24, 2026  • 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

This immersive tour invites visitors to explore beautifully preserved 19th-century homes and historic churches that witnessed America’s most pivotal moments. Featuring elegant Antebellum, Greek Revival, and Federal-style architecture rich with original details. Six remarkable properties offer visitors a rare and moving tribute to the lives, struggles, and triumphs that shaped a community and a nation. The Bruington Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

THE VINEYARD

(4193 The Trail, Bruington) Nestled in Virginia’s countryside, The Vineyard is a beautifully preserved Federal-style home circa 1816. This elegant two-story dwelling exudes early 19th-century Tidewater grace with its classic center-passage plan, three-bay façade, and gable roof. Framed by mature boxwoods and gardens originally planted by the owner’s mother, it offers a timeless glimpse into post-Revolutionary life. Inside, family heirlooms occupy spacious, light-filled rooms. Thoughtful updates honor heritage while adding comfort, including a kitchen island with a live-edge walnut countertop from a historic tree. A screened porch connects the home to its grounds. Pauline and Ricky Gwathmey, owners

ERIN

(156 Norwood Rd., Bruington) Tucked at the crossroads of two country roads, Erin is a rare example of mid-19th century brick architecture in this area. Built circa 1857, its tall form with English basement commands attention. Local lore says the house was angled to favor neither road, as the owner’s wife couldn’t decide between them. From 1880 to the 1960s, Erin served as Bruington Baptist Church’s parsonage. Today, Greek Revival details and side-passage plan provide the foundation, while interiors reflect the owners’ aesthetic-balancing history with playful sensibility. Original built-ins line the hall, and a charming Versailles-inspired “Hall of Mirrors”  stairwell adds whimsy. Surrounded by fields and woods, Erin offers a peaceful retreat. Sara and Thomas Ball, owners

CLOVERLY

(5328 The Trail, Bruington) Set in the Bruington Historic District, Cloverly is the last large antebellum home built in the area, with construction beginning before the Civil War. The war halted completion, leaving clues like primed but unpainted doors and a flat roof that remained for 120 years. Built by Dr. Thomas Henley, it originally included his dental office. Later, a judge moved a nearby schoolhouse onto the property for his office. Today, Cloverly stands beautifully reimagined with a side-gable roof and additions that blend with its historic form. Inside, a dramatic 30-foot transverse hallway leads to inviting rooms—including a cozy den, restored dining room with fireplace, and stylish mudroom. Rebecca and Lewis Ball, owners

MARLBOROUGH

(1070 Marlborough Rd., Bruington. Enter via Pea Ridge Road ONLY) Approaching Marlborough along a scenic drive through farmland, visitors encounter a striking Greek Revival home. With four soaring two-story columns and gracious porch, Marlborough is both regal and welcoming. Built circa 1835 as a modest Dutch Colonial with English basement, it was dramatically transformed in the 1850s as Joseph and Priscilla Ryland’s family grew to thirteen children. Nearly doubled in size, a Greek Revival addition created today’s impressive structure. Inside, original wood floors, millwork, and exposed-brick walls remain. Thoughtfully updated interiors reflect 19th-century elegance with family heirlooms and period furnishings. Now an elegant equestrian farm, Marlborough features a two-story barn with stables, paddocks, and riding ring. Allison Stoneham, owner

BRUINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH

(4784 The Trail, Bruington) At the heart of Bruington stands Bruington Baptist Church—a treasured landmark with deep spiritual and architectural roots.  Dating to 1790, 150 members returned to the site of the 1772 arrest of two ministers to establish a new church. Their determination laid the foundation for a congregation that would flourish for generations.  By 1820, growth prompted construction of a brick sanctuary and membership reached 440 by 1831. Today’s building, erected in 1851, showcases Greek Revival elements including embellished cornice, dentiled pediment, and scrolled brackets. Bruington is the “mother church” to several congregations, including two African American Baptist churches—Bethlehem and New Mt. Zion—founded by formerly enslaved members after the Civil War. In 1961, the Southern Baptist Convention honored Bruington as one of 43 historic churches, out of 30,000, featured in its Historical Churches Date Book. 

BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

(4389 The Trail, Bruington) Bethlehem Baptist Church was founded in 1871 by African American members who separated from Bruington Baptist Church. Seeking self-governance, spiritual freedom, and mutual support, they created a community cornerstone. The congregation first met in a simple meeting house on land donated by Samuel P. Ryland, a Bruington Baptist deacon. Though smaller than its mother church, Bethlehem reflects its founders’ determination during challenging times for African American communities in rural Virginia. Distinctive architecture welcomes visitors: double front entrance, Gothic-arched windows, and tin roof tiles atop its spire. Today, Bethlehem Baptist Church remains a beloved part of Bruington’s heritage. 

TOUR INFORMATION:

Tickets: $45 pp online in advance at GCVirginia.org. $55 pp day of tickets online or at Bruington Baptist Church, cash or check only. $15 pp children’s ticket, ages 5 to 17, online only at GCVirginia.org. Visitors can begin their tour at any of the properties.

Lunch: $20 pp homemade box lunches, payment received by April 18. Online payment at www.gardenclubofthemiddlepeninsula.com or mail check to New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 944 Pea Ridge Rd., Bruington, VA 23023. Pick up at King & Queen Library, 396 Newtown Rd., St. Stephens Church, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Seating available.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES 

“A Learning Garden Enriches” – Talks at 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM by Jay Richardson Grebe, Executive Director, Just Harvest at King & Queen Library, 396 Newtown Rd., St. Stephens Church. 

“Gospel Sing” - 11:00 A.M. & 1:00 P.M. Rev. Cora Harvey Armstrong, one of Virginia’s most sought after and King & Queen’s own Gospel recording artist, sings, Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4389 The Trail, Bruington.

“Developing an Historic District” – At 2:00 PM Dr. A. W. Lewis shares his multi-year experience with gaining recognition for the Bruington Historic District at Bruington Baptist Church, 4784 The Trail, Bruington.

ADDITIONAL SITES OF INTEREST

  • The Learning Garden at King & Queen Library
  • New Mt. Zion Baptist Church & J.C. Graves Museum
  • King and Queen Courthouse Tavern Museum
  •  Mattaponi Baptist Church.