Historic Garden Week 2026
April 24, 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Middle Peninsula, King & Queen County
Echoes of the Past In King and Queen County: Where Architecture Whispers History, and Heritage Lives On
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Step back in time and experience the heart of Southern history nestled in King & Queen County’s picturesque Bruington Historic District. This immersive tour invites you to explore beautifully preserved, thoughtfully updated 19th-century homes and historic churches that witnessed America’s most pivotal moments. Marvel at elegant Antebellum, Greek Revival, and Federal-style architecture, rich with original details and stories etched in every corner. Stand in Bruington Baptist Church—one of Virginia’s oldest—and Bethlehem Baptist Church, founded by formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom and faith. Experience a rare and moving tribute to the lives, struggles, and triumphs that shaped a community - and a nation.
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Lunch on Historic Garden Week Tour Day
Order a $20 homemade box lunch for the 2026 Historic Garden Week Tour in the Middle Peninsula on Friday, April 24, by check or credit card. Each box lunch includes a sandwich (choose chicken salad or club at pickup), beverage, chips, macaroni salad, apple and pound cake. Lunches may be picked up on Friday, April 24th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the King and Queen County Library, 396 Newtown Rd., St. Stephens Church, VA 23148. Seating will be available. Payment must be received by April 18th.
Mail check to New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 944 Pea Ridge Rd., Bruington, VA 23023 or use link below for credit card ($.50 processing fee added).
Mail check to New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 944 Pea Ridge Rd., Bruington, VA 23023 or use link below for credit card ($.50 processing fee added).
The Vineyard - 1816
A Federal Style Treasure
4193 The Trail, Bruington
Nestled in the heart of the Virginia countryside, The Vineyard is a beautifully preserved Federal-style home dating to c 1816. This elegant two-story frame dwelling exudes the grace and serenity of early 19th-century Tidewater Virginia. With its classic center-passage plan, three-bay façade, and traditional gable roof, the home reflects the refined symmetry and detail characteristic of the Federal period. Set atop a sturdy brick foundation and framed by mature boxwoods and lovingly maintained gardens—originally planted by the owner’s mother—The Vineyard offers a timeless glimpse into post-Revolutionary life. Inside, family heirlooms and carefully selected period pieces find their place within spacious, light-filled rooms. Thoughtful updates honor the home’s heritage while adding modern comfort: the kitchen island, for example, features a striking live-edge walnut countertop—crafted from a historic tree once standing on a nearby family farm, a gift from the owner’s father’s twin brother. A recently added screened porch seamlessly connects the home to its surrounding grounds and original outbuildings, blending old and new in perfect harmony. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a lover of Virginia history, The Vineyard offers a rare and intimate look at a cherished legacy preserved through generations.
Pauline and Ricky Gwathmey, owners
Nestled in the heart of the Virginia countryside, The Vineyard is a beautifully preserved Federal-style home dating to c 1816. This elegant two-story frame dwelling exudes the grace and serenity of early 19th-century Tidewater Virginia. With its classic center-passage plan, three-bay façade, and traditional gable roof, the home reflects the refined symmetry and detail characteristic of the Federal period. Set atop a sturdy brick foundation and framed by mature boxwoods and lovingly maintained gardens—originally planted by the owner’s mother—The Vineyard offers a timeless glimpse into post-Revolutionary life. Inside, family heirlooms and carefully selected period pieces find their place within spacious, light-filled rooms. Thoughtful updates honor the home’s heritage while adding modern comfort: the kitchen island, for example, features a striking live-edge walnut countertop—crafted from a historic tree once standing on a nearby family farm, a gift from the owner’s father’s twin brother. A recently added screened porch seamlessly connects the home to its surrounding grounds and original outbuildings, blending old and new in perfect harmony. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a lover of Virginia history, The Vineyard offers a rare and intimate look at a cherished legacy preserved through generations.
Pauline and Ricky Gwathmey, owners
Erin - c. 1857
A Brick Beauty with a Storied Past
156 Norwood Road, Bruington
Tucked at the crossroads of two quiet country roads, Erin is a rare and striking example of mid-19th century brick architecture in this part of rural Virginia. Built c 1857, its tall, square form and high two-story build with English basement give it a commanding presence—mirroring that of historic Bruington Church just across the road. Erin’s early history remains somewhat mysterious, adding to its charm. According to local lore, the house was uniquely angled to favor neither road, due to the original owner’s wife, who couldn’t decide which view she preferred. Another tale suggests the staircase faces the back door intentionally—to prevent gentlemen callers from glimpsing a daughter’s ankles as she descended. From 1880 to the 1960s, Erin served as the parsonage for Bruington Church, further weaving it into the community’s spiritual and architectural fabric. Today, Erin blends historic elegance with modern creativity. Greek Revival details and a side-passage plan provide the foundation, while the interiors reflect the owners’ carefully curated aesthetic- balancing history with playful, global sensibility. Original built-ins line the main hall, and a charming nod to the Palace of Versailles transforms the stairwell into its own “Hall of Mirrors.” In the dining room, a custom-made table rests on legs uniquely crafted from the base of a beloved tree. Surrounded by fields and woods, Erin offers a peaceful retreat where history and imagination beautifully converge.
Sara and Thomas Ball, owners
Tucked at the crossroads of two quiet country roads, Erin is a rare and striking example of mid-19th century brick architecture in this part of rural Virginia. Built c 1857, its tall, square form and high two-story build with English basement give it a commanding presence—mirroring that of historic Bruington Church just across the road. Erin’s early history remains somewhat mysterious, adding to its charm. According to local lore, the house was uniquely angled to favor neither road, due to the original owner’s wife, who couldn’t decide which view she preferred. Another tale suggests the staircase faces the back door intentionally—to prevent gentlemen callers from glimpsing a daughter’s ankles as she descended. From 1880 to the 1960s, Erin served as the parsonage for Bruington Church, further weaving it into the community’s spiritual and architectural fabric. Today, Erin blends historic elegance with modern creativity. Greek Revival details and a side-passage plan provide the foundation, while the interiors reflect the owners’ carefully curated aesthetic- balancing history with playful, global sensibility. Original built-ins line the main hall, and a charming nod to the Palace of Versailles transforms the stairwell into its own “Hall of Mirrors.” In the dining room, a custom-made table rests on legs uniquely crafted from the base of a beloved tree. Surrounded by fields and woods, Erin offers a peaceful retreat where history and imagination beautifully converge.
Sara and Thomas Ball, owners
Cloverly - late 1850s
Layers of the Past
5328 The Trail, Bruington
Set in the heart of Virginia’s rural Bruington Historic District, Cloverly is the last large antebellum home built in the area, with construction beginning just before the Civil War. Originally planned as a stately, five-bay, two-story frame house, the war halted its full completion—leaving subtle clues to its interrupted past: doors that were primed but never faux-grained, an upstairs porch never added, and a flat roof that remained for over 120 years. Built by Dr. Thomas Henley, Cloverly originally included his dental office with a separate exterior entrance. Later, a local judge made the home his residence and moved a nearby schoolhouse from Erin onto the property for use as his office—adding a new chapter to the property’s layered history. Today, Cloverly stands beautifully reimagined. A traditional side-gable roof now replaces the original flat one, and tasteful second-story additions blend seamlessly with the home’s historic form. Custom windows echo the 19th-century design while bathing the interior in natural light. Inside, a dramatic 30-foot transverse hallway leads to warm, inviting rooms—including a cozy den, a restored dining room with wood-burning fireplace and a stylish mudroom with floor-to-ceiling wood “lockers.” Cloverly is a timeless retreat—where craftsmanship, resilience, and renewal shine in every thoughtful detail.
Rebecca and Lewis Ball, owners
Set in the heart of Virginia’s rural Bruington Historic District, Cloverly is the last large antebellum home built in the area, with construction beginning just before the Civil War. Originally planned as a stately, five-bay, two-story frame house, the war halted its full completion—leaving subtle clues to its interrupted past: doors that were primed but never faux-grained, an upstairs porch never added, and a flat roof that remained for over 120 years. Built by Dr. Thomas Henley, Cloverly originally included his dental office with a separate exterior entrance. Later, a local judge made the home his residence and moved a nearby schoolhouse from Erin onto the property for use as his office—adding a new chapter to the property’s layered history. Today, Cloverly stands beautifully reimagined. A traditional side-gable roof now replaces the original flat one, and tasteful second-story additions blend seamlessly with the home’s historic form. Custom windows echo the 19th-century design while bathing the interior in natural light. Inside, a dramatic 30-foot transverse hallway leads to warm, inviting rooms—including a cozy den, a restored dining room with wood-burning fireplace and a stylish mudroom with floor-to-ceiling wood “lockers.” Cloverly is a timeless retreat—where craftsmanship, resilience, and renewal shine in every thoughtful detail.
Rebecca and Lewis Ball, owners
Marlborough - c. 1835
A Grand Greek Revival Legacy
1070 Marlborough Road, Bruington. Enter via Pea Ridge Road ONLY.
Approaching Marlborough along a long, scenic drive bordered by Virginia farmland, you’re greeted by the striking silhouette of a grand white Greek Revival home. With its four soaring two-story columns and gracious open porch, Marlborough stands as both regal and welcoming. Built c 1835, the home began as a modest one room deep, wood-framed Dutch Colonial with an English basement. Its transformation began in the 1850s. Original owners Joseph and Priscilla Ryland, newlyweds at the time, eventually welcomed thirteen children—seven sons and six daughters—prompting a dramatic expansion. Nearly doubled in size, a Greek Revival front addition complete with a decorative lunette on the front façade shaped the impressive structure seen today. Now operating as an elegant equestrian farm, Marlborough features a two-story barn with stables, paddocks, and a riding ring—blending historic character with pastoral charm. Inside, the home retains original wood floors and millwork, as well as original exposed-brick walls. Replications of the original brick floors respect the history of the finished English basement, spanning the lower level of the three-story structure. Thoughtfully updated with modern amenities, the interiors reflect 19th-century elegance, beautifully styled by the current owner using family heirlooms and period furnishings. Marlborough offers a living glimpse into Virginia’s rural heritage—where legacy, beauty, and history meet.
Allison Stoneham, owner
Approaching Marlborough along a long, scenic drive bordered by Virginia farmland, you’re greeted by the striking silhouette of a grand white Greek Revival home. With its four soaring two-story columns and gracious open porch, Marlborough stands as both regal and welcoming. Built c 1835, the home began as a modest one room deep, wood-framed Dutch Colonial with an English basement. Its transformation began in the 1850s. Original owners Joseph and Priscilla Ryland, newlyweds at the time, eventually welcomed thirteen children—seven sons and six daughters—prompting a dramatic expansion. Nearly doubled in size, a Greek Revival front addition complete with a decorative lunette on the front façade shaped the impressive structure seen today. Now operating as an elegant equestrian farm, Marlborough features a two-story barn with stables, paddocks, and a riding ring—blending historic character with pastoral charm. Inside, the home retains original wood floors and millwork, as well as original exposed-brick walls. Replications of the original brick floors respect the history of the finished English basement, spanning the lower level of the three-story structure. Thoughtfully updated with modern amenities, the interiors reflect 19th-century elegance, beautifully styled by the current owner using family heirlooms and period furnishings. Marlborough offers a living glimpse into Virginia’s rural heritage—where legacy, beauty, and history meet.
Allison Stoneham, owner
Bruington Baptist Church - 1790
A Pillar of Faith, Heritage, and Community
4784 The Trail, Bruington
At the heart of the Bruington community and its namesake historic district stands Bruington Baptist Church—a treasured landmark with deep spiritual, cultural, and architectural roots. The church’s origins date back to 1790, when 150 members of a Baptist congregation in nearby Essex County returned to the site of the 1772 arrest of two ministers—jailed for preaching in Bruington—to establish a new church. Their determination laid the foundation for a congregation that would flourish for generations. By 1820, the church had outgrown its original frame building, prompting construction of a stately brick sanctuary. Membership reached 440 by 1831. As time wore on, the structure was deconstructed in 1850 and replaced in 1851 by the brick church that still stands today. This enduring building showcases classic Greek Revival elements, including an embellished cornice, dentiled pediment, and scrolled brackets—hallmarks of 19th-century craftsmanship. A 1953 Fellowship Hall addition complements the historic architecture. Bruington is also the “mother church” to several congregations, including two African American Baptist churches—Bethlehem and New Mt. Zion—founded by formerly enslaved members after the Civil War and both open for this tour. In 1961, the Southern Baptist Convention honored Bruington as one of just 43 historic churches, out of over 30,000, featured in its Historical Churches Date Book. Come explore this living testament to faith and resilience.
At the heart of the Bruington community and its namesake historic district stands Bruington Baptist Church—a treasured landmark with deep spiritual, cultural, and architectural roots. The church’s origins date back to 1790, when 150 members of a Baptist congregation in nearby Essex County returned to the site of the 1772 arrest of two ministers—jailed for preaching in Bruington—to establish a new church. Their determination laid the foundation for a congregation that would flourish for generations. By 1820, the church had outgrown its original frame building, prompting construction of a stately brick sanctuary. Membership reached 440 by 1831. As time wore on, the structure was deconstructed in 1850 and replaced in 1851 by the brick church that still stands today. This enduring building showcases classic Greek Revival elements, including an embellished cornice, dentiled pediment, and scrolled brackets—hallmarks of 19th-century craftsmanship. A 1953 Fellowship Hall addition complements the historic architecture. Bruington is also the “mother church” to several congregations, including two African American Baptist churches—Bethlehem and New Mt. Zion—founded by formerly enslaved members after the Civil War and both open for this tour. In 1961, the Southern Baptist Convention honored Bruington as one of just 43 historic churches, out of over 30,000, featured in its Historical Churches Date Book. Come explore this living testament to faith and resilience.
Bethlehem Baptist Church - 1871
A Testament to Faith, Freedom and Community
4389 The Trail, Bruington
Quaint in appearance but rich in history and spirit, Bethlehem Baptist Church was founded in 1871 by African American members who separated from nearby Bruington Baptist Church. Seeking self-governance, spiritual freedom, and mutual support, they created not just a house of worship but a cornerstone of the community. Like many churches established during Reconstruction, Bethlehem became a vital institution where faith, identity, and resilience thrived. The congregation first met in a simple meeting house built on land donated by Samuel P. Ryland, a deacon of Bruington Baptist Church. The building evolved over time. While some local records cite an 1895 construction date, a cornerstone on the current structure reads “rebuilt 1920,” suggesting it is the third version in the church’s history. Though smaller than its mother church, Bethlehem reflects the determination and resourcefulness of its founders during a time of profound challenges for African American communities in rural Virginia. Visitors are welcomed by its distinctive architecture: a double front entrance, Gothic-arched windows, and tin roof tiles topping its spire. Inside, additions like Sunday School rooms speak to a once-large, vibrant membership. Today, Bethlehem Baptist Church remains a beloved part of the Bruington Historic District. Visitors can meet congregants and hear firsthand stories of its enduring legacy.
Quaint in appearance but rich in history and spirit, Bethlehem Baptist Church was founded in 1871 by African American members who separated from nearby Bruington Baptist Church. Seeking self-governance, spiritual freedom, and mutual support, they created not just a house of worship but a cornerstone of the community. Like many churches established during Reconstruction, Bethlehem became a vital institution where faith, identity, and resilience thrived. The congregation first met in a simple meeting house built on land donated by Samuel P. Ryland, a deacon of Bruington Baptist Church. The building evolved over time. While some local records cite an 1895 construction date, a cornerstone on the current structure reads “rebuilt 1920,” suggesting it is the third version in the church’s history. Though smaller than its mother church, Bethlehem reflects the determination and resourcefulness of its founders during a time of profound challenges for African American communities in rural Virginia. Visitors are welcomed by its distinctive architecture: a double front entrance, Gothic-arched windows, and tin roof tiles topping its spire. Inside, additions like Sunday School rooms speak to a once-large, vibrant membership. Today, Bethlehem Baptist Church remains a beloved part of the Bruington Historic District. Visitors can meet congregants and hear firsthand stories of its enduring legacy.
To view past historic garden week house tours, click on the links below.
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