Historic Garden Week 2025
Middlesex County
Friday, May 2, 2025
Photos of Floral Arrangements on Tour Day
FEATURING HOMES THAT HISTORIANS AND AVID
GARDENERS ALIKE WILL ENJOY
Nestled against the Chesapeake Bay, the Middle Peninsula is located between the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers and offers sweeping views along its 150-mile coastline. This tour, located in the peninsula’s Middlesex County, features homes that both avid gardeners and historians will enjoy. Showcased properties include an 1867 farmhouse surrounded by well-loved gardens and an 1840 home filled with antiques. Another was completed in 1760 and includes extensive gardens as well as a replica of an 18th-century trading sloop docked there. The tour ticket includes three other nearby properties that architecturally blend land and sea for a total of six sites.
Sans Souci
630 Bland Point Road, Deltaville
Upon retirement, the owners sought a property to support their love of history and sailing. In Deltaville, they found both. Sans Souci is a two-story farmhouse built in 1840 that retains its original pine plank flooring. Updated for modern living in 2000, two wings and a loggia were added, connecting the original structure with the outside of the home. The interior showcases antiques revered and handed down for generations. An original McGee stove occupies a cubby in the updated kitchen, along with antique cupboards, tables, and sideboards in almost every room. Original art, including commissioned family portraits and art collected from travels, showcases the owners’ additional interests in travel and nature. A bronze sculpture titled “I Shot an Angel by Mistake” by Tim Holmes, in the living room is complemented by a Moroccan rug. Visitors will appreciate paintings by Plein Air artists who have captured the serene beauty of the home, which is surrounded by gardens filled with native plants, fruit trees, and magnolias. There is a pool and views of both Moore’s Creek and the Piankatank River.
Jane and Gordon Cutler, owners
Upon retirement, the owners sought a property to support their love of history and sailing. In Deltaville, they found both. Sans Souci is a two-story farmhouse built in 1840 that retains its original pine plank flooring. Updated for modern living in 2000, two wings and a loggia were added, connecting the original structure with the outside of the home. The interior showcases antiques revered and handed down for generations. An original McGee stove occupies a cubby in the updated kitchen, along with antique cupboards, tables, and sideboards in almost every room. Original art, including commissioned family portraits and art collected from travels, showcases the owners’ additional interests in travel and nature. A bronze sculpture titled “I Shot an Angel by Mistake” by Tim Holmes, in the living room is complemented by a Moroccan rug. Visitors will appreciate paintings by Plein Air artists who have captured the serene beauty of the home, which is surrounded by gardens filled with native plants, fruit trees, and magnolias. There is a pool and views of both Moore’s Creek and the Piankatank River.
Jane and Gordon Cutler, owners
Falling Tide
119 Falling Tide Road, Deltaville
Built in 2020, this home is an ode to life on the river. The south-facing point with blue-green water on three sides spoke to the owners when they first stepped onto the property. They had to first shore up the water’s edge with rip-rap, which opened the view. They visualized and ultimately built a home for modern living—one that was oriented to permit water views from
every room in the home. The heart of the home is a chef’s kitchen with leathered stone countertops, multiple prep areas, and extensive storage, enabling many to cook while enjoying the river views. A large dining room with handcrafted chairs flows from the kitchen area. Art and antiques, purchased on trips, decorate the home. After moving in, the owners took their time to restore an older, overgrown garden to reveal its natural beauty of azaleas,
hydrangeas, crepe myrtles, and cedars while also creating stepped pathways through the garden to private sitting areas, each having its own special view of the Piankatank. Raised garden beds grow asparagus, lettuce, fennel, and other herbs and vegetables. An in-ground pool between the home and the water’s edge completed their vision for a retirement home on the river.
Floyd Chapman and Eric Lott, owners
Built in 2020, this home is an ode to life on the river. The south-facing point with blue-green water on three sides spoke to the owners when they first stepped onto the property. They had to first shore up the water’s edge with rip-rap, which opened the view. They visualized and ultimately built a home for modern living—one that was oriented to permit water views from
every room in the home. The heart of the home is a chef’s kitchen with leathered stone countertops, multiple prep areas, and extensive storage, enabling many to cook while enjoying the river views. A large dining room with handcrafted chairs flows from the kitchen area. Art and antiques, purchased on trips, decorate the home. After moving in, the owners took their time to restore an older, overgrown garden to reveal its natural beauty of azaleas,
hydrangeas, crepe myrtles, and cedars while also creating stepped pathways through the garden to private sitting areas, each having its own special view of the Piankatank. Raised garden beds grow asparagus, lettuce, fennel, and other herbs and vegetables. An in-ground pool between the home and the water’s edge completed their vision for a retirement home on the river.
Floyd Chapman and Eric Lott, owners
Regent Cottage
3200 Regent Road, Topping
Built in 1999 as the owners’ weekend retreat, Regent Cottage is a nautical Craftsman-style home on a hill overlooking Locklies Creek and the Rappahannock River. Nearby is the Regent Store and c. 1894 post office, which initially accepted goods from the steamboats that came to Mill Creek Wharf. A wide entrance with a modern and comfortable living area welcomes visitors. A nautical theme is reinforced with beadboard accents, paintings reminiscent of river life, and a sailboat model perched high on a shelf just below the vaulted ceilings. Favorite spaces include the kitchen, designed for entertaining, and a large dining area that opens to the screened porch. Surrounding the pool and home are beds of flowering shrubs and perennials. St John’s Wort, abelia, hydrangeas, and Lenten roses all thrive and surround the property. A unique garden shed designed with the house in mind sits amid the colorful natural surroundings,
including several mature Deodar Cedars.
Milly and Jim Wassum, owners
Built in 1999 as the owners’ weekend retreat, Regent Cottage is a nautical Craftsman-style home on a hill overlooking Locklies Creek and the Rappahannock River. Nearby is the Regent Store and c. 1894 post office, which initially accepted goods from the steamboats that came to Mill Creek Wharf. A wide entrance with a modern and comfortable living area welcomes visitors. A nautical theme is reinforced with beadboard accents, paintings reminiscent of river life, and a sailboat model perched high on a shelf just below the vaulted ceilings. Favorite spaces include the kitchen, designed for entertaining, and a large dining area that opens to the screened porch. Surrounding the pool and home are beds of flowering shrubs and perennials. St John’s Wort, abelia, hydrangeas, and Lenten roses all thrive and surround the property. A unique garden shed designed with the house in mind sits amid the colorful natural surroundings,
including several mature Deodar Cedars.
Milly and Jim Wassum, owners
The Corner
42 Mill Creek Road, Wake
An oysterman’s watch house that once reigned over local oyster beds at Stingray Point now overlooks a dramatic outdoor space surrounding this Dutch Colonial home built by the owner’s family in 1978. The expansive lot includes multiple outdoor venues. Given the owner’s love of gardens, it is not surprising that gardens can be seen from each vantage point in the home. These areas contain an array of both sun and shade plantings, including boxwoods, Japanese maples, fatsia, loropetalum, and Endless Summer hydrangeas. These are
accompanied by water features which provide a tranquil sound to this garden and pool space. An addition to the back portion of the home is a large conservatory with a stunning fireplace that faces both inward and outward toward the gardens. Inside the conservatory, designed by Robert Ketner, are nooks with comfortable seating upholstered in plush navy velvets and floral patterns. Mementos and various paintings reference the owner’s history of working
on the river. The adjoining chef’s kitchen provides space for family and friends to help with meal preparation. Polished wood countertops allude to the family’s tugboat business and their love of all things nautical.
Helen Ward, owner
An oysterman’s watch house that once reigned over local oyster beds at Stingray Point now overlooks a dramatic outdoor space surrounding this Dutch Colonial home built by the owner’s family in 1978. The expansive lot includes multiple outdoor venues. Given the owner’s love of gardens, it is not surprising that gardens can be seen from each vantage point in the home. These areas contain an array of both sun and shade plantings, including boxwoods, Japanese maples, fatsia, loropetalum, and Endless Summer hydrangeas. These are
accompanied by water features which provide a tranquil sound to this garden and pool space. An addition to the back portion of the home is a large conservatory with a stunning fireplace that faces both inward and outward toward the gardens. Inside the conservatory, designed by Robert Ketner, are nooks with comfortable seating upholstered in plush navy velvets and floral patterns. Mementos and various paintings reference the owner’s history of working
on the river. The adjoining chef’s kitchen provides space for family and friends to help with meal preparation. Polished wood countertops allude to the family’s tugboat business and their love of all things nautical.
Helen Ward, owner
Cupalow
1273 North End Road, Deltaville
After living in Belgium, France, Germany, and Australia, the current owners of Cupalow faced the daunting task of deciding where to call home after retiring from the military. Deciding on the eastern region of Virginia, the homeowners found Middlesex County. This four-acre home is located near the end of Old North End Wharf and occupies a high vantage point over the river, perfect for their love of gardening, historical homes, and rural life. Built in 1867, Cupalow occasionally served as a school and boarding house for travelers arriving at the pier. Featuring two spacious porches, it is constructed of rough sawed lumber lapped with large timbers. Cornice and base moldings are set into plaster walls. The ceilings are tongue and groove beadboard with center ornamentation. The home is filled with antiques bought by the couple while living abroad; many were purchased at the Waterloo Market outside of Brussels. The art in many rooms represents the numerous places the couple has lived. A number of the portraits that adorn the walls were painted by one of the homeowners, who is an accomplished artist. Outside, the gardens brim with peonies, climbing roses, hostas, hellebores and foxgloves offer views from every window. Chickens and beehives share the vast yard, which also has a pool for hot summer days.
Michelle and Bill Puttmann, owners
After living in Belgium, France, Germany, and Australia, the current owners of Cupalow faced the daunting task of deciding where to call home after retiring from the military. Deciding on the eastern region of Virginia, the homeowners found Middlesex County. This four-acre home is located near the end of Old North End Wharf and occupies a high vantage point over the river, perfect for their love of gardening, historical homes, and rural life. Built in 1867, Cupalow occasionally served as a school and boarding house for travelers arriving at the pier. Featuring two spacious porches, it is constructed of rough sawed lumber lapped with large timbers. Cornice and base moldings are set into plaster walls. The ceilings are tongue and groove beadboard with center ornamentation. The home is filled with antiques bought by the couple while living abroad; many were purchased at the Waterloo Market outside of Brussels. The art in many rooms represents the numerous places the couple has lived. A number of the portraits that adorn the walls were painted by one of the homeowners, who is an accomplished artist. Outside, the gardens brim with peonies, climbing roses, hostas, hellebores and foxgloves offer views from every window. Chickens and beehives share the vast yard, which also has a pool for hot summer days.
Michelle and Bill Puttmann, owners
Providence
Two Bland Point Road, Deltaville
(Gardens and Dock Only)
Willow oaks line the driveway and walkway to Providence, a home built in 1760 that was restored and expanded by the current owners. The house is located on the Piankatank River and sits on 15 acres of groomed woodlands and open fields. Over the last twenty-plus years, the current homeowners have painstakingly added gardens that embrace both sun and shade. Boxwoods, camellias, hydrangea, magnolia, and fringe trees can be found along with many hellebores, ground orchids and other native plants, including Bear’s Breeches. Visitors will enjoy a stroll through the gardens, leading down to the dock and an opportunity to learn about sailing, navigating, and trading on Virginia waterways. At the end is The Luna, a working replica of an 18th-century coastal trading sloop.
Cean and Bill Cawthorn, Owners
(Gardens and Dock Only)
Willow oaks line the driveway and walkway to Providence, a home built in 1760 that was restored and expanded by the current owners. The house is located on the Piankatank River and sits on 15 acres of groomed woodlands and open fields. Over the last twenty-plus years, the current homeowners have painstakingly added gardens that embrace both sun and shade. Boxwoods, camellias, hydrangea, magnolia, and fringe trees can be found along with many hellebores, ground orchids and other native plants, including Bear’s Breeches. Visitors will enjoy a stroll through the gardens, leading down to the dock and an opportunity to learn about sailing, navigating, and trading on Virginia waterways. At the end is The Luna, a working replica of an 18th-century coastal trading sloop.
Cean and Bill Cawthorn, Owners
Lower United Methodist Church
120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield
Began its life in 1650 as the Lower Chapel for the Protestant Episcopal Church of England as a wooden structure. The Chapel was replaced by the current brick sanctuary in 1717. It retains many colonial features, such as its original hipped roof. The original bricks, which were kilned on the property, weigh about eight pounds each and are laid in an English bond pattern. The walls are about 27 inches thick. The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. It is one of a few surviving colonial churches. Tours available.
Began its life in 1650 as the Lower Chapel for the Protestant Episcopal Church of England as a wooden structure. The Chapel was replaced by the current brick sanctuary in 1717. It retains many colonial features, such as its original hipped roof. The original bricks, which were kilned on the property, weigh about eight pounds each and are laid in an English bond pattern. The walls are about 27 inches thick. The church survived the Revolutionary War despite being abandoned by the parish. It is one of a few surviving colonial churches. Tours available.
To view past historic garden week house tours, click on the links below.
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