There is something about historic Tappahannock, the seat of Essex County, Virginia that has drawn people into its folds since the early 1600s. Perhaps it is the beauty of the Rappahannock River, while for others, it is the small-town feel that is steeped in some of our nation’s richest history.
No matter the reason, the quaint town has stolen the hearts of countless people throughout the years. Neighbors help each other in times of need and share in times of abundance. It is a unique village where history has melded with current technology to become a shining star in the region.
That brilliance is, in part, what drew Jane and Brad Barnes to the area, but it was the beauty and possibility they saw in one particular house that stole their hearts. The move has guided them to becoming another amazing family who not only call the village home but have also dedicated themselves to immersing themselves in the community - from joining the local master gardeners group, to walking the town and patronizing locally owned businesses. The Barnes have found happiness alongside the beauty of the river and are humbled by the open hearts of the people.
Their journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, where they lived for 35 years before retiring to Southport, North Carolina to “get away from the hustle and bustle,” Brad explained, adding that their stay was shortened as even that town quickly became overpopulated.
His lovely and gracious wife, Jane, happened to have family in King William County, and it was during the height of the pandemic that they made the decision to move to be near family in the area and were introduced to Tappahannock and the Thistle House on South Water Lane.
Built circa 1927, the home was built on land once owned by the Dr. Thomas C. Gordon family who sold it to Captain William Alfred Wright and his wife, Charlotte Barnes, who possibly named it Racefield and operated a popular harness-horse racing business on this plat of land just outside the town. Thomas G. Jones, was the first owner of the house. It has been the residence of local families including the Macks, Mullaheys, Woods and Gilchrests. Most recently it served as the alumni house for St. Margaret’s School, which sits across the street. The house got its name from the St. Margaret’s yearbook, The Thistle.
At first blush, the Barnes were introduced to the house, which at the time was approximately 1,900 square feet, with ten foot ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplaces and comfortable bedrooms. What they saw was the potential that was within and outside its bones. Today, the home is a testament to their resolve to incorporate gorgeous design ideas, updated plumbing, electric, and more functional spaces while still retaining the historic feel of the home.
The changes are clear entering the house, with a new, custom front door opening into the foyer and an expanded dining room on the right side of the entry. The Barnes, who have a loving, long-term marriage, still maintain a bit of the newlywed glow as Jane praises her husband for his support and help with all the ideas for the house and her love of decorating.
The original dining room would not allow for the size of her cherished table, so the room was opened up and lengthened. Despite the change, the exquisite custom floor woodwork and walls allow barely a trace of proof of the expansion. The couple also added a first floor master bedroom on the parlor side, as well as what Jane has dubbed her Keeping Room, which in colonial times was located near the kitchen so the women could read and stitch clothes while tending the cooking fire.
Accessible through the foyer and through what used to be the rear door of the home, Jane has created a welcoming sitting and reading chamber that opens out to the new rear porch, which is fit for both quiet evenings and pleasant company.
While the house had an older infrastructure that the Barnes wanted to enhance, they made it their mission to keep as much of the original house as possible. The sheathing of the roof, siding of the house and other large-ticket items were all retained. They also found incredible ways to take fixtures and windows and repurpose them into something new and beautiful. Two of the upstairs windows were actually once part of a single window that they split up. That theme is abundant in the house as they kept old doors to use for closets, and they kept the original rear siding of the house- now inside the new section - and complimented that by mirroring the look with woodwork in the opposing bedroom’s rear wall.
Easily the biggest change was the addition of a galley kitchen, converted from where the old side porch used to stand. The custom woodwork, high ceilings and absolutely perfect embellishments give it an amazing “river life” flair and creates an unparalleled space to enjoy cooking whilst chatting with friends, perhaps sitting at the cozy table towards the rear of the room. The natural light and space are essential to the feeling of airiness that would have been similarly felt on the porch it replaced.
From uncovering an old woodstove fireplace, to creating a hidden bathroom, as the work progressed the house held many surprises for the couple. In fact, something that could have been a nightmare ended as the opposite after a leak destroyed the ceiling in the hall above the stairs.
“When we took down the plaster, what we uncovered… it was like a gift,” Jane exclaims with sparkling eyes. Once the plaster was gone, beautiful wood original to the house was uncovered, and it is an amazing accent to the central ceiling upstairs.
During their remodel journey, the Barnes were delighted by some unique finds, including an old horseshoe that could date back to the original owner who ran the harness racing track, a secret tiny staircase to the attic, and a note between two unknown lovebirds.
“There was a letter in the walls between an unknown girl and boy,” Jane explains. “It was a love letter, and at one point the writer related to their heartmate that “I will meet you in your dreams.”
Also most of the original plants and trees were preserved during the restoration.
Brad explained, “there are flowers everywhere, and we want to continue to keep them.”
One of the most noticeable items on the property is the old willow oak tree, which is the third oldest of its kind in Tappahannock. Jane, who is a certified Master Gardener, was pleasantly surprised by how much connection people in town have to the tree. They have even had guests from out of town pop by to look at the tree with fond memories of swinging on it as a child.
For the Barnes, the home has become a work of love and a testament to their deep bond. It is inviting and perfectly tasteful in decor while remaining understated. Jane, who has been collecting antique furnishings, paintings and accouterments for 50 years has created a stunning palette, and it is highlighted in every room. It is no surprise, therefore, that they have named the house “Miss Thistle,” as she has now become such an integral part of their lives.
“After living in metro areas, we don’t live by miles, we live by time.” Brad said. “Here, we can walk to the church, post office, tavern, wine shop, and it takes five minutes instead of an hour to get to the grocery store.”
Truly, “Miss Thistle” and her current owners are quickly becoming part of the tapestry that makes up beautiful and historic Tappahannock.