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| Front Façade - present day |
Westover Plantation
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Front Façade- Original
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| Front Entry "Westover Door" |
Westover Plantation was built in 1730 by William Byrd II. It was a family home and an expansive tobacco plantation. Set in colonial Virginia on the James river, it is a great example of the Colonial Georgian style architecture. With a symmetrical, understated facade, and adornment only on the entrance, this style was an example of America trying to find it’s own architectural persona. The entry features engaged, thin, corinthian columns, topped by a large cornice and curved pediment. Although it is a combination of styles,
the look was so unique it was coined the “Westover Entry”.
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| Elevations |
Along with the clean lines and brick façade, design aspects such as the dormers, a steeply pitched roof, and tall chimneys at both ends of the main structure, also lend themselves to the Georgian style. This building was originally a single structure, with an axial entry. Upon entry, one could enter the living quarters to the left or to the right, or simply go straight through and out to the back gardens. Another option upon entry was to reach the top level by way of an offset staircase, which was uncommon at the time. Over the life of the home, it’s structure has been modified due to damages from the war, and to meet the needs of the family. This includes the repair of the east wing, the addition of the west wing and hyphens to connect both wings to the house making it into one long building. Having the unusual layout makes this structure noteworthy, among other interesting features.
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| Plan cuts |
One thing that stands out about this house is a secret passageway located on the grounds in an unassuming structure. In the colonial era of America, threats were always eminent, be it from disease or attack from Native Americans. For this reason, a secret escape route was incorporated into the design, which is now know as the “Indian secret passage”. This route can be taken through the ice-house to the east of the house. There is a dry well inside that breaks off into to passageways at the bottom that lead to the river.
This home has a strong history, being a large plantation that produced Tobacco, a major commodity at the time, and also having survived the civil war. The Bryd family enslaved hundreds of Africans to work the plantation, and the grounds originally included quarters for slave, servants, and artisans. What this house is most known for, was it’s distinctive entry, which became a style in it’s own, the secret passageways, and the gardens. The grounds at Westover have flourishing formal gardens featuring a stunning rare iron clairvoyee, as well as wrought iron gates from the 18th century, that are still standing today.
Although the architectural elements of this home are noteable, I think the passageways and history of the home are the most interesting aspects. Another interesting fact is that there is a tomb stone, known to be the third oldest in American history, located on the site. It is said to be that of Captain William Perry, who died August 6, 1637. This home has been owned by the Byrd family for generations, and the history that has passed through the home is quite intriguing. Today, Westover Plantation is considered a historic landmark, and guest are able to visit the property and experience it for themselves.
Sources:
[4] https://www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.va0315.sheet/?sp=1&st=gallery
One thing that stands out about this house is a secret passageway located on the grounds in an unassuming structure. In the colonial era of America, threats were always eminent, be it from disease or attack from Native Americans. For this reason, a secret escape route was incorporated into the design, which is now know as the “Indian secret passage”. This route can be taken through the ice-house to the east of the house. There is a dry well inside that breaks off into to passageways at the bottom that lead to the river. 
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