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lighting. A large porch was enclosed in the 1920s and is now flooded with light; the original columns and brick work are still visible.
Upstairs are a library and three large guest bedrooms, used extensively while the house hosted retreat groups. Furniture from the Chapman family, more paintings by Wagner and Gignoux and a cedar chest made by Tbm von Fange, a Rappahannock craftsman, make each room unique and interesting. Also unique is one bedroom for the daughter of the house, which was only accessible through her parents’ room. Embroidery pieces, and a knitting sampler of 30 different patterns, made by Renata Chapman’s great grandmother, are on display.
Like other estates, the main house is served by many outbuildings. The summer kitchen features a huge fireplace with original metal cranes for hanging pots. Outside the large oven shares the wonderful old chimney, which probably dates from the original house in the 1740s. A stone path leads from the summer kitchen to the house. This was called the “whistle walk,” because the young people carrying the food from the kitchen to the dining room had to whistle as they walked, proving they weren’t eating any food as they carried it.
There is also an old smokehouse with the original board for hanging the hams and other meats, and a gazebo with the original bell for calling the hands. The old milk house foundation is now a flower bed.
Renate Chapman has a large garden which grows many of the flowers which are dried and used for the flower arrangements.
This old house is truly a piece of Rappahannock history. Walking around the gardens shaded by old trees and enclosed by stone walls, or walking the old floors and sitting near the fireplaces, allows guests to feel part of this long history.
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