Every December, some friends of mine and I host a fundraiser to benefit local charities, and this year we held the event at Rockwood Manor.
Built in 1876, the home, now turned Bed and Breakfast, is simply stunning. I’d loved to have spent hours taking photos, but as I was working the fundraiser, I didn’t have as much time as I’d have liked.
The history section of the website notes that “the home was designed by architect Burkholder and built by contractor Pettijohn, who were both from Lynchburg, Va. Oversized brick with decorative slag were made on-site. The house boasts sixty-five extra-large windows, some with Jefferson-style openings that rise into the twelve-foot ceiling; seventeen fireplaces on five chimneys; ornate plaster work; and medallions. Outside over the windows is wrought iron on a tin metal box framework”
The perfect porch for sitting and sipping.
Parquet floors, made of alternating walnut and ash, add even more warmth and beauty.
The floating staircase
The Dining Room
The ceiling of the Sitting Room
Glasses waiting to be filled
Perhaps an old smoke house? I wish I’d had time to find out!
One of many historic items to be seen on the property.
Hopefully I can return at some point and learn more about the history of this treasured home.
Thank goodness the family knew it’s value and sought to restore rather than sell.
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It reminds me of Keswick Hall!
Yes! Same great history!
I know what you mean about wanting to stay longer . . . Hope the fundraiser went well!
The fundraiser was a success! Women, anonymous giving, local charities …. cocktail party! Good combo, eh? 🙂
What a stunning property! I could sit for hours on that porch & reflect on life!
I so agree, Lynn!
Terrific photos, LB. You have a photographer’s eye. My wife and I just moved into a home we’ve been rehabbing since last summer. It certainly doesn’t look like Rockwood Manor, but it is incredibly satisfying to wake up under a roof where you labored and bled. Thanks for another great post.
You are fulfilling a dream, aren’t you? I’m always so impressed when people do the work themselves. So you’ll be spending your first holiday season in your “new” home! Wonderful!
What a beautiful place!! I loved the blue glass image and the card table in front of the window. If only these rooms and buildings could talk. And perhaps they do speak… and we don’t take time to listen. 🙂
I’m so glad that you liked the card table. It’s not the best image but that scene spoke to me as well. Just imagine the family members playing cards with that bucolic image in the background
Stunning! (The blue glass took my breath away!) These palatial old houses with attention to detail are such treasures – you are correct in giving kudos to the family for giving it new life! It is good to know there is such beauty in the world 🙂
Yes! and funny thing, Pauline. Just yesterday, by happenstance, I met one of the in-laws who lived there! It was neat to hear more stories.
Wonderful photos of a great place. Hope you got lots of money! cheers, Johanna
It was a successful fundraiser! And alot of fun, too
What a gorgeous old house! I’d love to spend a weekend there! It’s beautiful. Would be lovely to snug in front of a fire in the evening. Or go in the summer and sit on that porch!!
Oh me, too! Rockwood has become a place for weddings, and other special events, and the bedrooms are beautiful. An armoire in one room is as big as King sized bed. Incredible!
Your involvement in your community never ends. I love that about you. I hope you’re fundraiser was a great success.
I love touring old homes. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship are remarkable. If you make it out California (when you make it out to California) I will take you to the Ainsley House in Campbell and the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Kelly has also been to both.
Gorgeous photos, Laurie. Love that front porch!
Definitely WHEN 🙂
I’d love to see those places, Alys,
The fundraiser was a success!! Now to disseminate the money to the chosen recipients!
YES!!!
Congratulations on your fundraising success. You amaze me, Laurie.
Looks wonderful through your lens💕
Thank you, Seonaid!
That property looks like a work of art. Those floors are gorgeous!
That floor is one of my favorite parts! Imagine having the vision and making it a reality, too
That’s exactly it! It’s one thing to visualize it, but there is some excellent craftsmanship that went into making it happen!
Awesome place 🙂
Indeed!
These old houses are so wonderful and this one has that look and feel of the South–I can’t put my finger on it exactly but it doesn’t look like New England! I like the details you notice and make sure we see.
It’s funny that you mention it. I’m not the best wordsmith when describing works of art and architecture. The homes of the South and New England are distinctive in their own way, yet the both have that attention to detail and intricacies that make them wonderfully special.
The wood floors are amazing. The star is so intricate.
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What a beautiful place and I love all the little details you’ve captured. I could be very happy sitting in one of those rockers on the porch!
Amazing some of the details that were lovingly built into those old homes isn’t it? And you captured it beautifully. Interestingly the shot that calls to me the most is the blue glassware. Beautiful post.
Yes, thank goodness for someone to care for her. It’s got to be expensive. 1876? Wowie! They must have been rich folk. Seems like ya all have a lot of wide open spaced there. I see the view off the porch and at the previous post I read on the Inn at VT. How do you get any work done? I’d want to be somewhere beautiful and interesting all the time.
Bravo too my friend! Volunteering for a group with monies going to charity, that’s really kind and thoughtful. You’re a good neighbour! xoxox k
Back again because, well it’s just gorgeous. This time, I noticed the original owners name, ‘Francis’, same as Mr B’s middle name and both wives are named Sarah…hmmmmm. fun!
Laurie I do not know how you do so much and stay completely sane. I am impressed and humbled that you host this fundraiser with your friends every year. Thank you for all the work you constantly do for your community.
I am a total sucker for old buildings, and I feel the same as you for not having the time to poke around and take more photos and ask questions. This place is gorgeous (like Boomdee says) and I agree that it’s a good thing for us that the family kept it in good repair.