" The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances". - Martha Washington

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Plantation tour in King George Va.

A beautiful plantation Steve and I toured several weeks ago was  
Belle Grove Plantation.  Nelly Conway Madison's family home which no longer stands   is where she gave birth to our fourth President of the United States and Father of our Constitution ,  James Madison on March 16, 1751.
The home  built in 1790 and sits over a part of the old foundation of Nelly Conway's family home. 
Today is a Bed and Breakfast, It's Innkeepers - Brett and Michelle Darnell.  
I didn't take a picture full view of the carriage side of the home, wished I had  .
 You can take a look at the Belle Grove plantation website and  blog where you can see a better shot of the carriage side entrance of the home. Much information to be had here.

http://virginiaplantation.wordpress.com/year-of-the-virginia-historic-homes/belle-grove-plantation-at-port-conway/

http://www.bellegroveplantation.com/belle-grove-blog


We were met by Innkeeper Michelle a very gracious lady and so much information she shared with us about James Madison,  Belle Grove and  of the owners through the years.








just inside the front entrance.

Very welcoming foyer
Had to get a picture of the ceiling
We were invited to have a seat in this bright and cheery room on sofas that were used in filming Lincoln movie.  Decorated beautifully,  gold, red and blue, so pretty.

 
 
 
 
withdrawing room teacups and saucers
 
 drapes hung so as not to hide the woodwork we were told by Michelle.
 
dining room
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men's withdrawing room
 
 
 
The bare spot in the grass is where a fountain used to be.
 
 
 
 
 
Looking down after ascending the stairs for the tour upstairs
 
 
upper level
 
 
Conway Suite
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
balcony from room
 
 
 
 
Turner Suite 
 
 
 
 
French chairs
 
 
Madison Suite 
 
 
 
 
 
Hipkins - Bernard Junior Suite
 
  
 
A picture of  Francis Hipkins,  a  bride at 14 years of age to William Bernard

 
 
The picture above the mantle in this room is reminescent of the Emanual Church seen coming into Belle Grove
 
 
 
 curved door
 
 
 
3 buildings to be restored are Summer kitchen,  Ice house and Smoke house
 
 6 over 9 pane window
 
 
 
River view side over looking Rappahannock to a place we will get lunch - River Haven
 
 
 
view from restaurant
 
to a peek of Belle Grove beyond the trees
 
 
Steve's Bratwurst
 
Mine - seared Romaine lettude with topping of bacon, tomato, croutons and cheese with ranch dressing
Nice way to end a pleasant trip,  now off for home with Steve driving and me napping.
 
 

5 comments:

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Betsy. I have read about Belle Grove before. Probably in Victoria magazine. What a beautiful place. You have so many historic places close by to visit. Love that red room and would love to have that blue plaid gown! They certainly didn't skimp on the food they served. Looks like you had a wonderful time and saw some very beautiful sights..Happy Sunday..Judy

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Hi Betsy,
Beautiful place, but what's a plantation home with out all the wonderful historic wallpaper? Sounds, and looks, like you had a great time. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Have a great week,
Gina

Elizabeth Edwards said...

wow, so many gorgeous views. such a plantation home. i wish to see it in person. too lovely!! i really enjoyed this post, Betsy. have a great week. ( :

DeniseinVA said...

Thanks so much Betsy, I have never heard of Bell Grove before. Your photos are fantastic! Great post, it's on our bucket list now.

Linda said...

Wow, these are lovely shots! We have a Belle Grove out here in the Shenandoah Valley too, and it also has a connection to the Madison family. I suppose the family favored that name.