Take a step back in time with The Everyday Home as I take you on a tour of Colonial Williamsburg.
Wanted: woman who enjoys traveling and especially historical landmarks and sites. Must love to take lots of pics! 🙂
Ok, that wasn’t the want ad I answered when I met my hubby, but it could have been. We are two history buffs to the extreme.
Last week, The Hubbs and I went to Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown to celebrate our 21st Anniversary.
But, because I took over 300 pictures (what????) –
I decided I better thin them out to around 100.
haha. Just kidding. There’s only 98. 🙂
House after house after house…
For a history buff and a picture taking buff… it is
a veritable buffet of landscapes and architectural beauty.
I was fascinated with all the details…such as the hand-forged ironwork and moss-covered shingle shake roofs.
I wanted to bring it all home with me and apply it to our own house.
With over 178 acres to roam, and almost 200 homes (not all are open to the public) – you cannot help but get drawn into the past and this world that existed over 300 years ago.
The largest of the structures is The Governor’s Palace.
Who is that handsome man standing out front? Is it the Governor? 🙂
Obviously, this home was as opulent as one would expect of a Governor’s home, who at the time happened to be a Scottish Lord.
I was amazed at the number of historians and staff, many of whom actually lived on-site in some of the homes which were not open to the public.
For example, there is a whole staff that studies nothing but paint….
…. and another team who studies nothing but fabrics and wallpapers. Many of the prints you
see have been painstakingly researched and recreated thru tiny snippets of salvaged samples.
And if the architectural and design details aren’t enough, you are enveloped by the history and the fact that in this very place, the fight for America and a free country took place on the very grounds you were walking.
The guides who lead you thru the homes are full of knowledge and stories and are quite the characters. They made the whole experience that much more enjoyable.
For example, I did not know that the word “o’clock” derived from (for example) “two on the clock.” They were quite entertaining and all stayed within character throughout the tours.
The gardens of the Palace were equally beautiful… plus they offered some much-needed shade and a chance to catch our breath and hydrate on this very warm day.
After a tour of The Capital Building, we walked down Main Street and did a bit of shopping and enjoyed a lemonade. It was easy to imagine men and women and children milling about the shops and sidewalks, with horses and carriages filling the bustling streets – carrying on trade and living the day to day life in this Colonial town.
After making our way around town, we came upon a home which was set quite a bit off the street. It wasn’t a super imposing home, but you could tell it encompassed a large amount of land, and in its own way – it definitely stood out amongst the others.
Bassett Hall. One of the original 1700’s structures that remains intact.
You were greeted by a long drive that was surrounded by magnificent oaks and pastures…
– and these beauties.
I found this home and estate fascinating. We stayed here longer than any other structure. We learned all about Colonial Williamsburg, and how in the 20’s and 30’s – this once proud and magnificent historical town had fallen into disrepair and was basically, nothing more than a shanty town.
Then, along came the Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, who along with his wife and $68 million dollars – salvaged, rebuilt and created what is now known as Colonial Williamsburg.
Bassett Hall is the home that Mr. and Mrs. Rockefeller lived in during the Spring and Fall months during the renovation and afterwards. David, their eldest son, is said to say that Bassett Hall was actually his parent’s favorite home of all their quite elegant and posh homes that they owned. Once you walk upon the grounds of Bassett Hall… you understand.
Quiet. Solitude. Peaceful. Timeless.
The guide said that 90% of the home is in its original state when Mrs. Rockefeller passed away, and the home was gifted to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
It was a family home, and Mrs. Rockefeller filled it with cherished family antiques and lots of folk-art which she loved to collect.
The most formal room of the home, naturally, is the Dining Room. You can see that the table is set with her favorite china and monogrammed “R” napkins.
But, me being a major foodie – you know I was completed fascinated with the Kitchen. I could have moved right in and been very happy preparing meals in this 1930’s kitchen.
I adored this Butler’s Pantry filled to the brim with a dainty patterned china, which the guide said was their “everyday” set. 🙂
But, the sink…. oh my!
And just look at the stove…
I was fascinated at the authentic details…
The estate originally had almost 1000 acres, and amazingly almost 600 acres still remain.
At the end of an extremely fascinating day of history… we ended up at Merchant Square which is located just outside of Colonial Williamsburg.
Merchant Square consists of quaint shops and restaurants and sidewalk cafes, and they are celebrating their 85th Anniversary.
While certainly not at old as the original town, it has its own charm – and as dusk settled in and a storm rolled into town… the glow of outdoor lamps and shop lights flooded the streets, creating an almost magical setting.
The perfect place to toast 21 incredible years with the love of my life!
Thank for you coming along with me on this tour of Colonial Williamsburg. I highly encourage you to visit this site if you ever get the opportunity. You will not be disappointed in the least.
Have a blessed week! xxoo, Barb
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Join me tomorrow for Tasty Tuesday. I am going to be fixing up a pan of yummy Homemade Cream Corn. mmmm……
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The Dedicated House -Make It Pretty Monday
That is so well written – truly.
We went to CW a few years back and can’t wait to go again one day.
Happy Anniversary- always so n ice to see couples staying married – so sad it isn’t the norm anymore.
Blessings to you both, and to your marriage!
View CommentWhat a wonderful trip you had & tour you gave us! I haven’t been to Colonial Williamsburg since high school, but I feel as though I was just there.
View CommentCongratulations on 21 years…we just celebrated 20 in October, so right behind you!
Kelly 🙂
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. How wonderful that you and hubby share a love of history. There is nothing like that area for history, beauty and charm. I am jealous. I didn’t count QUITE 98 pictures, though!;>) xo Diana
View CommentWhat a great tour. I would LOVE to see it in person. So glad y’all got to get away and enjoy each other on your wedding anniversary. Y’all make a good looking couple.
The creamed corn sounds yummy..can’t wait for the recipe!
View CommentBarb, thanks for reminding me that I really want to go back to Williamsburg for the 4th time. I love it. Our home exterior is painted with Williamsburg colors. Love the historic feel of the events. The first time we went was Mother’s Day weekend a few years ago and it was too hot to enjoy. Now we prefer to go in the fall. Glad you have a unique place to celebrate your anniversary.
Congratulations,
View CommentHelen
Loved all the pictures, especially of you two. Happy Anniversary!!!!! Looks like so much fun and I would love all the history too. Hugs, Marty
View CommentWhat a great place to visit to celebrate your anniversary. I live in VA and never get tired of visiting Williamsburg.
View CommentHappy Anniversary! What a great place to spend a romantic, thrown-back-in-time vacation!!! I love Williamsburg! Bobby and I honeymooned there and go almost every year!!!
View CommentYour images make me want to get in the car and head south right now!!!!
Looks like you soaked in all the beauty there!!!!
Happy Anniversary…sounds like you had a great time! Williamsburg is a fascinating place…I’m like to go back sometime! 😉
View CommentBarb I love the picture of you and your honey, great picture of both of you. Oh how I want to go back, you did a fabulous job showing us Williamsburg. The Rockefeller kitchen cupboards reminded me of my color in the kitchen, and oh how I want that sink and stove. I am a throw back of the 1930s I guess. Loved my guided tour with you,
View Commentxoxo Kathysue
Looks like a lot of fun, Barb! I’ve never toured there, just visited. I would love to go if I could get my homebody family away from the beach!
View CommentBarb, what a wonderful trip, that palace I unbelievable and the gardens amazing. I have several family members that go there year after year for vacation and they never tire of what it has to offer. They are also huge history buffs!
Cynthia
View CommentI don’t think I’ve ever been to Williamsburg — or if I have, it was very long ago when I was a kid, and I didn’t appreciate it.
Putting it on my list now after reading your post.
So glad you and Bill had such fun celebrating your anniversary. Glad that cloud didn’t follow you to Williamsburg. 🙂
View CommentThis is one of my fav places to visit……so glad you discovered Basset Hall, another favorite!!! How well I remember the butler’s pantry and the kitchen. She single handed saved and restored American Folk Art…..did you see her museum??? Love all the history and the theorem paintings…….
View CommentThank you so much for the tour. Colonial Williamsburg is one of my all-time favorite places to visit.
View CommentIt’s been few years since I visited the CW. Just looking at your pictures, I want to go back again and I just might do that this summer. Thank you for the great photos….. :))
View CommentMy favorite kiynd of tour…historic colonial homes!!! Beautiful furnishings and architecture. I am like you, would love to bring all those charming touches home to my house…
View CommentThanks sooo much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY, you’re being featured!
Blessings,
Cindy
I didn’t get to visit last week but just wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed YOUR vacation. Colonial Williamsburg is always a place I have wanted to visit and hopefully, I will some day. Your photos were all so beautiful and really gave a sense of actually being there. What a beautiful place. Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby..Happy Weekend..Judy
View CommentColonial Williamsburg up close and personal! I had a wonderful time taking the tour with you:) Love those beautiful homes and the pictures look amazing 🙂 Thanks for taking us through the pages of history and Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Happy Week!~Poppy
View CommentGreat post Barbara! I don’t think I’ve ever been to Bassett Hall (I don’t remember, I surely could have as a child! 😉 ) and now must go. Sad for someone who lives only 20 minutes from Williamsburg! lol Isn’t that always the way?
Happy Anniversary to you both.
I loved this post and have picked it as one of my favorites from last week’s Project Inspire{d} party.
View CommentHave a great week!
Nancy
LOL, I know the feeling. I live about 30 mis from Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC and have never been either. Why is that? That’s gonna change this year as I am taking my Mama for the Fall Festival. Thanks for the shout out!
View CommentI loved this tour! Just beautiful. You are one of the features today at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a feature button for your blog. Here is the link to this week’s party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-57.html Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
View CommentHi ~Barb~
View CommentI’m new to your posts and truly enjoyed the visit! I would love to make a trip to Colonial Williamsburg during the fall or around the Christmas season, ans this fall is our 30th anniversary so that would make a wonderful get away !
Thanks for sharing !!
Paula
Indiana
Paula,
View CommentI want to go back at Christmastime. I hear the homes are decorated with Colonial designs and it is spectacular. Happy early 30th! 🙂
I also just visited Williamsburg in June. Isn’t it jut lovely. We usually stay at Wlliamsburg Iinn or Boxwood Inn bed and breakfast. Happy Belated anniversary.
View CommentI LOVE Colonial Williamsburg! When we visited several years ago, it poured rain the whole time we were there (two days), but we still had fun. You should have see the women in costume holding up their skirts to keep them out of the mud.
View CommentWe stayed in one of the buildings on Duke of Gloucester Street,…and felt we were living in the 1700s. 🙂
I really enjoyed your photos. Thanks.
Hi Barb,
I just read your blog about CW from the Hometalk blogs that I receive via email. I really enjoyed reading about it and seeing the pictures as I’m a big fan of history from the past and I grew up in Pennsylvania. I would love to do the same tour as you did and I would probably take 300 pictures! 🙂
Thanks!
View CommentSandi