Burlington History:
In a setting on Historic Route 5 surrounded by such grand southern plantations as Sherwood Forest, Berkeley, and Westover, Burlington Plantation is an example of a simple farmhouse of the era. The east wing of Burlington farmhouse dates back to 1770 and a west wing was added in 1840 with the kind help of the neighbor at Sherwood Forest, President John Tyler. It then went on to become home to John Mumford Gregory, who served as governor of Virginia in the mid 1800's. Many owners and interesting stories later, the current owners purchased the farm in 2002 with the intention of returning it to is former glory.
Burlington Now:
The original house has four rooms (each with fireplaces) and an upper and lower passage. Discreetly hidden electricity, heat and air conditioning, provide the visitors with a real 18th century living experience. A glass hyphen connects the old house to the farmhouse addition which contains all of the amenities of modern life. Having been open for public viewing, the house and the farm have been very well received as an authentic restoration. The actual restoration took place over the past 4 years and was conducted under the guidance of the historic architects, archaeologists and resource folks of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The farmhouse area is surrounded by farmland where wheat, soy and corn grow throughout the year. The landscape that immediately surrounds the farmhouse contains the newly planted orchards, vineyard, kitchen garden, and various flower gardens that are composed of specimens that would have been present in colonial times.
The Dependencies:
There are many points of interest on this property. The oldest building is a smoke house which date back to 1740; it has been carefully restored and still has the aroma of the salted pork that hung in it 200 years ago. The ice house is a circular brick subterranean structure extending down 15 feet. Historic documents note that ice that was stored in this ice house lasted through late fall each year...it is a marvel. Above the ice house sits what now is a potting shed, but once served as a Doctor's office many years ago. The barn is a reproduction of an 18th century structure, and the pump house, also a historic recreation, contains the pump that delivers fresh and delicious well water to the farmhouse.
Other Activities:
historic tours of Virginia's finest plantations
