Vine Forest
In 1812, Houston expanded the house with substantial Colonial Revival additions, adding a two-story center hall with a full arched ceiling, reminiscent of the nearby Natural Bridge. Surviving the ravages of the American Civil War, the house stood virtually unchanged over the following century.
In 1916, the property was purchased by Ohio architect Curtis Walton and his aunt Lilly who transformed the original federal style structure into an English country manor reminiscent of Lilly's British ancestry. The two-story center hall remained, however the original arched ceiling was removed and replaced with stunning oak woodwork and arches salvaged from an English estate. Two-story frame wings and a two-story rear verandah were also added.
In addition, the Walton's built three Greek revival cottages on the property. The largest, Vine Cottage, served as a temporary home as the Manor House was being renovated.
Vine Forest was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
- ^ Dianne Pierce (n.d.). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Vine Forest" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo