Seeing as how the United States was developed long after the days when castles were the architecture of choice, we don’t have too many of them. At least, not in comparison to our European friends. There’s one incredible castle in Virginia that you’d swear was ripped right from the pages of Harry Potter. The Virginia House is one of the most stunning buildings you’ll ever come across, and the history behind it may surprise you!
Overlooking the beautiful James River, you’ll find the Virginia House in Richmond, Virginia.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture/Facebook The manor-style house was actually constructed from materials from a manor that was located in England. Owners Alexander and Virginia Weddell purchased the property in 1925 at a demolition sale with the intention of having the materials brought over to America and used to build the home you see today.
Today Virginia House is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society.
Wikimedia
It’s available for facility rentals and special events, but they do also open the doors for an open house every so often.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture/Facebook
Take advantage of these open houses, because that’s when you’ll get the opportunity to step inside.
Ashley Towles/Google Local The second-floor library will bring out your inner Hermione, that’s for sure. The Weddells designed everything in the house with great thought and planning ahead of time, and Alexander Weddell even had a secret passageway constructed behind the library paneling! His own little room for requirement!
Elegant oak furnishings and elaborate rooms will have you feeling like you’ve been transported straight to Hogwarts.
Ronda Bernstein/Google Local
If you thought the inside was dreamy, just wait until you see the outside.
Rhoda Bernstein/Google Local There may not be any Quiddich games going on, but a wizard can dream, right?
Carefully landscaped gardens pepper the property with eight acres of scenic gardens, including nearly 1,000 different plants.
Kathy Duncan/Google Local The gardens transform every season. In the spring, the wisteria in particular is a welcome sight.
Learn more about the Virginia House at the Virginia Historical Society’s website. Don’t forget to give them a follow on Facebook, too, so you can stay up to date on the next event at the Virginia House, including the next open house. While you’re in Richmond, be sure to get yourself a sweet treat at this sinfully delicious bakery in Virginia. They may not serve butterbeer, but they do have all sorts of yummy desserts!
Virginia Museum of History and Culture/Facebook
The manor-style house was actually constructed from materials from a manor that was located in England. Owners Alexander and Virginia Weddell purchased the property in 1925 at a demolition sale with the intention of having the materials brought over to America and used to build the home you see today.
Wikimedia
Ashley Towles/Google Local
The second-floor library will bring out your inner Hermione, that’s for sure. The Weddells designed everything in the house with great thought and planning ahead of time, and Alexander Weddell even had a secret passageway constructed behind the library paneling! His own little room for requirement!
Ronda Bernstein/Google Local
Rhoda Bernstein/Google Local
There may not be any Quiddich games going on, but a wizard can dream, right?
Kathy Duncan/Google Local
The gardens transform every season. In the spring, the wisteria in particular is a welcome sight.
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Address: Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, VA 23221, USA
